Master of Science in Business Analytics

Initiated in 2013, the GW School of Business MS in Business Analytics (MSBA) 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 within 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 MSBA program, assisting students with their practicum projects, and providing career development and networking opportunities.

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Learn About Business Analytics at GWSB

Curriculum

The MS in Business Analytics curriculum is a distinctive blend of methods, applications, skills and technology.

• Methods: Descriptive, Predictive, and Prescriptive Analytics.
• Applications: Elective courses in Analytics applied to a specific functional area or industry.
• Skills: Workshops in communication and consulting.
• Technology: Hands-on exposure to industry standard Analytics tools/software including emphasis on the SAS tools suite, R Programming, Python, SQL, no-SQL, Tableau and other current and trending technologies.

The following requirements are for students who matriculate into the Master of Science in Business Analytics program starting fall 2018. Students who matriculated into the MSBA program prior to fall 2018 should refer to their DegreeMAPs in GWeb for any outstanding requirements they may have.

The Master of Science in Business Analytics program is 30 credit hours long. Three-credit courses are a full semester long (14 weeks). Courses that are 1.5 credits are seven weeks in length and are offered either in the first or second half of a semester.

Students must successfully complete the following course and program requirements to be eligible for the MS in Business Analytics degree.

Program Requirements

• Achieve at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average at the time of graduation.
• Complete all degree requirements within five (5) years.

Download the MSBA Roadmap

• MSBA Roadmap | Full-Time | 12 Months
• MSBA Roadmap | Full-Time | 16 Months
• MSBA Roadmap | Part-Time | 24 Months

Sample Degree Plans

• Accelerated Full-Time Sample Degree Plan
• Full-Time Sample Degree Plan
• Part-Time Sample Degree Plan

Combined Degree Options

This degree may be combined with a bachelor's degree through GWSB's new 4+1 Program, which enables students to complete both a bachelor's and a master's degree in five years. 4+1 Program options, eligibility and degree paths are outlined on the 4+1 Program page.

Credits

The MSBA program is 30 credit hours long. Three-credit courses are a full semester long (14 weeks). Courses that are 1.5 credits are seven weeks in length and are offered either in the first or second half of a semester.

Course Requirements

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.

Prerequisites

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
• Strong academic performance
• Demonstrated professional interest in business analytics

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.

Application Requirements

To be considered complete, the following must be included in the application:

• Completed online application form
• Application fee (non-refundable)
• Current résumé uploaded through the online application system
• One letter of recommendation from a professional and/or academic reference
• Statement of Purpose: In no more than 500 words, describe how this program fits into your professional life and your career objectives.

Additional Application Requirements

• Upload copies of your transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, whether or not the program was completed or the credit appears as a transfer credit on another transcript. Note that admitted students will be required to submit official, sealed transcripts with proof of bachelor’s degree. There is no need to submit them at the time when you first apply.
• The GRE or GMAT test is not required for this program — however, if you feel that submitting your scores will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit them. Learn more about our test-optional policy on the How to Apply page. GW School of Business applicants interested in taking the exam can benefit from 10% off any Kaplan GMAT or GRE preparation course. Use discount code GWUSB10.

International Applicants

Applicants who require a visa to study in the United States must also fulfill additional requirements in order to be considered for admission to a graduate program at the School of Business. Please visit our How to Apply page for further details.

Qualifications & Prerequisites

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
• Strong academic performance
• Demonstrated professional interest in business analytics

Prerequisites

Successful applicants to GWSB’s Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program will have exposure and experience* in the following areas:

• Statistics
  Applicants should have taken and obtained a B or higher in an undergraduate or graduate statistics course within the last five years, be able to demonstrate regular use of statistics in a current or past professional position, or be able to demonstrate an adequate understanding of statistics in another way.

• Higher Level Mathematics (Calculus and Linear Algebra)
  In general, students should be able to demonstrate regular use of mathematics principles and methods and an adequate understanding of calculus and basic linear algebra. Applicants should have taken and obtained a B or higher in undergraduate or graduate level Calculus classes, including Calculus I (MATH1231) and Calculus II (equivalent to MATH1232). In addition, students are expected to have had some academic exposure to topics in Linear Algebra and Finite Math (equivalent to MATH1051).

• Computer Programming
  Applicants should be able to demonstrate adequate exposure to and understanding of basic computer programming and software principles. Applicants do not need to have a specific understanding of analytics-based computer programs and software. Instead, the goal is for applicants to demonstrate that they are capable of learning the specific programs emphasized in the MSBA program.

*Applicants may satisfy the above prerequisites through an online offering such as Coursera.

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 the MSBA 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.

Other Application Requirements

To be considered complete, the following additional documents must be included in the online application:

• Two letters of recommendation from professional and/or academic references

Candidates may also be invited to a brief interview.

International Applicants

• STEM designation
  The GW MSBA degree is a STEM-designated degree program. International students of the MSBA program are eligible for up to a 24-month extension (36 months total) for their OPT upon graduation.
• 4-Year Bachelor's Degree*
  The GW MSBA program cannot consider applicants with 3-year bachelor degrees unless they have completed a minimum of one year of subsequent graduate education.
  *A 4-year Bachelor's degree is not required if you have received a subsequent degree from an accredited university in the United States or Canada.