MS in Business Analytics
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Drive strategic decisions and innovation in businesses worldwide through the power of big data and the Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) at the George Washington University School of Business (GWSB). Acquire the skills to analyze complex data sets, develop data-driven strategies, and optimize business performance while gaining technical expertise in data visualization, predictive analytics skills, machine learning, big data, and IT project management.
Our STEM-designated comprehensive curriculum is designed to meet the rising demand for data professionals and culminates with a practicum project in which students work within a team of peers to apply their newly acquired expertise to real-world business challenges sponsored by our partner industry organizations.
Program Features
Full-time or Part-time
Pursue this degree at your own pace. Average completion time: 1.5 years (full-time) or 2 years (part-time). Entry semester: fall.
Work While Studying
Complete your degree requirements while maintaining a full-time job.
Stackable Certificates
Individual graduate certificates may be "stacked" in order to fulfill the course requirements for this master's degree program.
Combined Degree Options
This degree can be combined with a bachelor's degree through our 4+1 Program.
See Where Our Graduates Have Landed
GWSB’s extensive network of over 55,000 graduates spans 260+ organizations across the public and private sector and around the world. Our alumni regularly connect with current students and fellow alumni, attend events, mentor, and help GWSB evolve and expand. It’s this involvement by our graduates that truly contributes to the success of the school.
- Deloitte
- Ellucian
- Federal Reserve System
- Host Hotels & Resorts
- IBM
- Moody’s Analytics
- Navy Federal Credit Union
- Orlando Magic
- TIAA
"I enjoyed being part of a group project in a class where each member came from a different part of the world, with varied cultural and academic backgrounds. This not only enhances the learning process but also mirrors the global work environment many students will enter after graduation."
Dimple Modi
MS in Business Analytics '23
Explore This Program
Initiated in 2013, the GW School of Business master of science in business analytics program trains students to master real-world analytics and consulting skills for effective data-driven decision-making. Since its inception, the program has worked with leading analytics organizations (including IBM and Deloitte) to develop and continue to enhance a rigorous and balanced curriculum that encompasses the technical, quantitative, and qualitative skills for effectively developing, deploying, and communicating business analytics solutions.
The curriculum is a distinctive blend of analytics methods (descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive); applications (elective courses in analytics applied to a specific functional area or industry); soft skills (consulting, communication, and team dynamics); and technology (SAS tools, R, Python, SQL, no-SQL and other current and trending technologies). The culmination of the course of study is a practicum project in which students work with a team of peers to apply their newly acquired expertise to real-world business challenges sponsored by our partner industry organizations.
The program closely collaborates with its advisory group of leading analytics organizations (such as IBM, Deloitte, SAS, Accenture, MITRE, and Attain) on the development and overall growth of the program, assisting students with their practicum projects, and providing career development and networking opportunities.
Stackable Certificates
At the GW School of Business, you can combine certificates and courses to create a graduate degree program that's tailored to your vision.
Meet Your Team
Admissions Director
Faculty Director
Academic Advisor
Why GW Business?
Our MSBA graduates are driving business success and innovation across the globe, from implementing advanced data analysis techniques to managing analytics projects in complex environments. Experience hands-on learning from our faculty of industry-leading professionals, connect with your next opportunity from our campus in the heart of Washington, D.C., and receive career support from an extensive and impressive alumni network.
Learn More About Business Analytics at GWSB
The GWSB Proud Podcast, Episode 9: The Evolution of Business Analytics & Our Market Response
In this episode of the GWSB Proud podcast, we discuss the fast-changing world of business analytics as well as the difference between a traditional data science role in an organization and one of a business analyst. We learn about how the newly revised MS in Business Analytics program at the GW School of Business has been shaped to respond to innovations in the field and the new demands of industry. The difference between our two related graduate certificates, Analytics for Managers and Business Analytics, also is explained. Joining us are Dr. Murat Tarimcilar, professor and faculty director of the Department of Decision Sciences; Brian Murrow, adjunct professor and managing partner at Cherry Bekaert; and Alfred Hull, GWSB alumnus and senior data scientist at the Department of the Army. Read the transcript here.
Admissions
Admission to the MSBA program is highly competitive and enrollment is limited. Students operate in two cohorts throughout the academic year.
Due to the rolling admissions policy, it is highly recommended that candidates submit applications early. The candidate’s major and trend in grades, personal achievements, and letters of recommendation also affect the admission decision. This program seeks social, ethnic, cultural and geographical diversity in its student body.
- Admissions Requirements
- Admissions Process
Applying to a program at the GW School of Business may seem like a complicated process, but the GWSB admissions team is here to help. The application process for this program can be found on our How to Apply page. All application materials should be sent to the GWSB Graduate Admissions Office. The GRE or GMAT test is not required — however, if you feel that submitting your scores will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit them. We also offer a wealth of resources to help you finance your degree, from scholarships and fellowships to loans and work-study arrangements.
- Deadlines
Application Deadlines
Candidates seeking financial assistance and international students requiring visas are encouraged to apply early. Only completed applications, with all required materials, will be considered for admission.
- Spring 2025 - Rolling. Upon seat availability.
- Summer 2025 - January 15, 2025
- Fall 2025 - January 15, 2025
Please note that admission to the following programs is only offered for the Fall semester: Global MBA, Accelerated MBA, Master of Accountancy in Accounting Analytics, M.S. in Business Analytics, and the Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics. Summer admissions deadlines apply only to the Online MBA and Healthcare MBA programs; admission to all other programs is only offered for the Fall and Spring semesters. The MS in Finance and MS in Applied Finance programs, as well as our doctoral and executive education programs, each have different admissions deadlines.
- Tuition & Financial Aid