Master of Science in Business Analytics
Transform data into strategic action, influence decision-making and strengthen your organization’s efficiency with the knowledge, tools and techniques practiced and perfected in OU’s STEM-designated Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program. Through a program based on experiential learning, including corporate-sponsored projects, graduates of OU’s MSBA are prepared to meet the increasing demand for data-savvy professionals equipped to address business challenges across industries.
NEW FOR FALL 2023
100% Online MSBA Program
Students have the option of applying for the on-campus or 100% online MSBA program. Both programs offer the same high-quality curriculum and experienced faculty and allow students to complete online or on-campus courses. Applicants for the 100% online MSBA program will be assessed in-state resident tuition rates.
OU’s MS in Business Analytics is designed for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding and develop their skills in harnessing data to identify opportunities, respond to challenges, influence decision making and implement successful solutions.
Graduates of the program will be equipped to use data to solve business problems across industries and disciplines. Industries experiencing strong growth in the use of business analytics include financial services, retail, health services, accounting and auditing, transportation and logistics, entertainments, sports and travel.
Through the combination of the focused curriculum, experiential learning and expert-led courses, students will graduate with the skills to make data-driven decisions based on their business knowledge and ability to expertly utilize a variety of statistical and quantitative methods, computational tools and predictive models.
The program is structured around four modules:
- Preparatory and Foundation Courses – Required for students who lack an information systems and/or statistics background. Students with the necessary background will be waived from these courses. Credits from these courses do not count toward the degree.
- Core Courses – Provides analysis, design and implementation skills
- Elective Courses – Develops in-depth knowledge
- Capstone Project – Synthesizes and applies students’ knowledge to contemporary issues
Contact Us
Graduate Business Programs
(248) 370-3287
OUGradBusiness@oakland.edu
OU's Master of Science in Business Analytics 4+1 program will offer students an expedited way to earn both an undergraduate MIS degree specializing in business analytics and a master's degree in business analytics in a minimum of five years. Students in the 4+1 program can graduate with an MSBA degree by completing an additional 18 credits (six courses) instead of 30 credits (10 courses) beyond the undergraduate MIS major requirements.
Advantages of a 4+1 Program:
- Seamless start to graduate program
- Earn a graduate degree in less time
- Quick immersion into the industry or field
- Gain a competitive edge
Students accepted for the MSBA 4+1 program must have a minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Students apply to the MSBA 4+1 program by completing an application and GMAT waiver form during their junior year. Students offered deferred admission to the graduate program will remain classified as undergraduates until they have completed all undergraduate degree requirements.
Students are able to carry over 12 credits (four courses) from their undergraduate degree toward their Master of Science in Business Analytics degree. These courses must be 5000 level- and in order to register for those courses, you will need an override from Paul Trumbull in Graduate Business Programs.
In order to double count, all four 5000 level classes must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Degree Type: Master’s Degree
Academic Program and Location: Master of Science in Business Analytics – Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Program
MIS Major Requirements double counted for the 4+1 program
MIS 5060 - Software Program and Project Management - Don't register for MIS 4060
Note: MIS 4050 needs to be completed before you can take MIS 5060
MIS 5460 – Business Analytics and Modeling - Don't register for MIS 4460
MIS 5470 – Practical Computing for Data Analytics – Don’t’ register for MIS 4470
MIS 5560 – Introduction to Data Science - Don't register for MIS 4560
Admission to the MSBA program is selective and depends on several elements including scholarship and ability to communicate effectively. Applications are considered by the MIS Graduate Admissions Committee. In making admission recommendations, the committee considers the applicant’s undergraduate records, GMAT or GRE scores, responses to questions on the supplemental application and work experience.
The requirements for admission to the MSBA program include:
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited undergraduate institution
- The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE)*
Learn about our GMAT preparation courses offered at Oakland University.
*MSBA applicants may request to waive the GMAT/GRE requirement.
MSBA applicants may request to waive the GMAT/GRE requirement. To be eligible for the waiver, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Earned a master’s degree or higher with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0
- Has an acceptable score on the GRE, LSAT, or MCAT entrance exam
- Earned a bachelor’s degree with an overall GPA of at least 3.0 from an AACSB-accredited business school
- Earned a bachelor’s degree in any major with an overall GPA of at least 3.2 from a regionally accredited program
- Completed a business-related certification such as CPA, CFA, CFP or FRM
- Has at least 3 years of relevant professional work experience and an undergraduate overall GPA of at least 2.75
- Has completed at least 3 years of service in the US armed services
The GMAT/GRE waiver is integrated into the application, so if you believe you qualify, select this option.
The application process requires submission of the following:
- Apply now online from the Graduate School
- Curriculum Vitae or Resumé - uploaded after online application is submitted
- Two email addresses for individuals who will write your recommendations - added after online application is submitted
- Official transcripts from all previous colleges and universities attended sent to OU
- Official GMAT/GRE scores sent to OU*
International students who have not earned a baccalaureate degree from a U.S. college or university or at least 24 credits from a U.S school, will have additional application requirements:
- A transcript evaluation (for transcripts from a college or university outside of the United States)
- TOEFL Exam Scores (for non-native English speakers unless they have a baccalaureate degree from a U.S. college or university or at least 24 credits from a U.S. school)
Applications for Fall semester must be received by April 1.
Through a collaboration with SAS, a worldwide leader in analytics software, Oakland University business analytics students can earn a Tier 2 Academic Specialization in SAS Analytics as part of their degree program.
The specialization recognizes the ability to leverage leading SAS analytical tools for statistical analysis, data mining, forecasting, machine learning, text mining, and visual data analytics. Oakland students also can access SAS software, attend expert presentations and special webinars.
By earning the badge, students position themselves for careers in advanced analytics, multivariate analysis, business intelligence, criminal investigation, and predictive analytics in addition to gaining knowledge and skills to advance in their careers. The digital badge can be used on the recipient’s resume or CV, LinkedIn profile, website, social media or other career-related materials.
Students in the following programs can earn this digital badge as they complete the necessary requirements in courses that incorporate SAS specialization requirements:
- MS in Business Analytics
- MS in IT Management
- BS in Management Information Systems with Business Analytics specialization
- Business Analytics minor
Required courses (9 credits) to earn the SAS Analytics Specialization badge:
- MIS 4560/MIS 5560 Introduction to Data Science (3 credits)
- MIS 4600/MIS 5600 Deep Learning and Text Analytics (3 credits)
- QMM 4520/QMM 5520 Forecasting (3 credits)
Students must:
- demonstrate a clear understanding of the value of SAS Analytics specialization
- have at least one graded assignment with applied SAS usage per course
- at least nine credit hours of required courses that use SAS in each course at least 50 percent of the time
- complete a project using SAS
MSBA graduates are ready to apply business acumen to make data-driven decisions, proficiently utilizing statistical methods, computational tools and predictive models to excel in their careers.
12 MSBA Graduates from July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023
Employment
75% Employed at start of program
100% Employed before or within 4 months of graduation
75% Graduates with new employer, new title at existing employer or salary increase greater than 10%
Employment information is based on a 100% Knowledge Rate. Knowledge Rate is reliable and verifiable outcome information from survey responses, social media mining and departmental records for students who graduated with an MSBA degree from the School of Business Administration 2022-23.
Salary
$84,750 Average salary after completing the MSBA program
Salary average is based on a 41.7% Survey Response Rate from students who graduated with an MSBA degree from the School of Business Administration 2022-23.
Real-world Experience
By seamlessly weaving core courses, elective courses and a comprehensive capstone project into the curriculum, the MSBA program not only equips students with vital knowledge but also empowers them with practical experience. This real-world business engagement becomes a powerful career advantage for OU graduates.
Alumni Testimonial
The research pursuits of the School of Business faculty perfectly matched my area of interest. The courses offered were project-oriented, flexible, and aligned with the current industry demands. Ultimately, I am certain that the academic rigor and diverse culture at Oakland University will contribute significantly to my professional and personal growth.
Aswini Sivakumar, MSBA ’24
School of Business Administration
School of Business Administration