The MS in Business Analytics program at the GW School of Business

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

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 in the studio 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 a transcript of this episode with Prof. Murat Tarimcilar, Brian Murrow and Alfred Hull

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

 

Accelerated Full-Time Sample Degree Plan

 

Full-Time Sample Degree Plan

Part-Time Sample Degree Plan

 

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

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 30 credits, including 21 credits in required courses and 9 credits in elective courses.

Required
DNSC 6301Analytics Edge and Data Ethics
DNSC 6302Programming for Analytics I
DNSC 6303Programming for Analytics II
DNSC 6305Data Management for Analytics
DNSC 6306Decision Models
DNSC 6307Optimization I
DNSC 6311Stochastic Foundation: Probability Models
DNSC 6312Statistics for Analytics I
DNSC 6313Statistics for Analytics II
DNSC 6314Machine Learning I
DNSC 6315Machine Learning II
DNSC 6317Business Analytics Practicum
Electives
9 credits in elective courses selected from the following:
DNSC 6278Big Data Analytics
DNSC 6280Supply Chain Analytics
DNSC 6290Special Topics
DNSC 6308Optimization II
DNSC 6319Time Series Forecasting for Analytics
DNSC 6320Pricing and Revenue Management
DNSC 6321Social Network Analytics
DNSC 6323Visualization for Analytics
DNSC 6325Business Process Simulation
DNSC 6327Sports Analytics
DNSC 6330Responsible Machine Learning

 

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.

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

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.

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.
  • 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 must submit one of the following: an official TOEFL score of at least 80 (internet-based test) or 550 (paper-based test), an official IELTS score of 6.0 with no individual band score below 5.5, a PTE Academic Score of at least 53, or an official Duolingo English Test (DET) score of at least 105. Test date must be within the past two years. TOEFL code: 5246

Please note that, if you achieve the following scores, you are also exempt from taking EAP courses: an official TOEFL score of at least 100 (internet-based test) or 600 (paper-based test), an official IELTS score of 7.0 with no individual band score below 6.0, a PTE Academic Score of at least 68, or a DET score of at least 120. Test date must be within the past two years.

Exceptions to this requirement:

  • You have earned a bachelor, master, or doctoral degree from an institution in which English is the language of instruction and the official language of the country in which the university is located. In addition to the United States, applicants from the following countries are exempt from this requirement.
  • You have earned a bachelor, master, or doctoral degree from an institution that is accredited by a U.S. regional accrediting agency — see the list of approved schools.

 

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.

 

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 2023 - October 1, 2022
  • Summer 2023 - November 15, 2022
  • Fall 2023 - November 15, 2022

Please note: Admission to the Global MBA, Accelerated MBA, MAccy in Accounting Analytics, and M.S. in Business Analytics programs are only offered for the Fall semester. The MBA in Security Technology Transition is only offered for the Spring semester. The Online MBA and Healthcare MBA programs are offered for the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters. Graduate certificate programs are only offered for the Spring and Fall semester. Additionally, our doctoral and executive education programs may have different application deadlines.

Tuition and Other Costs

Explore tuition rates and fees, view health insurance and housing costs, and more.

Please visit the Student Accounts Office for a complete list of tuition rates and fees.

  • Student Health Insurance
    GW offers voluntary comprehensive health insurance through Aetna Student Health. All F-1 and J-1 international students are automatically enrolled. See the Student Health Insurance page for rates and other important information.
  • Housing
    View information about on-campus and off-campus housing for full-time GW graduate students.

Financial Resources

From scholarships and fellowships to loans and work-study arrangements, we offer a wealth of resources to help you finance your degree.

The GW School of Business offers merit-based fellowships to incoming students at the time of admission. While applying to graduate degree programs at GWSB, prospective students may opt in to be automatically considered for all fellowship award opportunities funded by the School of Business, as well as various University-funded tuition awards administered by the Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships (OGSAF). Unless otherwise stated, no separate application is required.

In limited circumstances, current students may also be eligible for merit-based tuition fellowship awards.

For more information, explore the GWSB Fellowships and Financial Support page.

The Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships (OGSAF) maintains a comprehensive database of GW and external fellowships to support graduate-level study and/or research. Incoming and current students are encouraged to browse the OGSAF website for information about additional merit-based funding opportunities.

U.S. Citizens and eligible noncitizens may qualify for:

  • Federally sponsored education loans through the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and Federal Graduate PLUS Loan Programs
  • Need-based financial assistance through the Federal Work Study Program, which allows students to earn income while working part-time at pre-approved organizations during their program

To apply for federal financial aid, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the appropriate deadline using GW’s FAFSA school code: 001444. Please note that students must apply for federal financial aid each academic year.

Visit the Office of Student Financial Assistance for details about eligibility criteria, application steps, and deadlines. Information about alternate private and federal loans is also available.

Employer Discounts

The GW School of Business offers a tuition discount to current employees of the following companies:

  • Booz Allen Hamilton
  • Leidos
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Organization of American States (GS/OAS)
  • SAIC

Please note that eligible programs vary by employer. For details about eligibility, conditions, and the application process, visit the Employer Tuition Discounts page.

Grad2Grad Program

GW undergraduate students who continue their studies at GW by enrolling in certain graduate degree or certificate programs may qualify for a 10 percent graduate tuition reduction through the Grad2Grad program. For information about eligibility and the application process, visit the Grad2Grad page.

Nationally recognized as a top military- and veteran-friendly university, GW offers a wealth of services and benefits to student veterans, military personnel, and dependents of the United States Armed Forces. As a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program, GW funds tuition expenses exceeding the maximum base pay amount covered through the GI Bill®, and its contributions are matched by the Department of Veteran Affairs.

For more information about the Yellow Ribbon Program and other education benefits, visit GW Veteran & Military Services (VMS).

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.

The F. David Fowler Career Center supports GWSB student and alumni professional development by providing career management resources, career fairs and expos, and employer information sessions. GWSB students also have access to employment services and resources provided through GW’s Center for Career Services.

Handshake is the official online recruiting platform and event calendar for the F. David Fowler Career Center and the Center for Career Services. To search for jobs and internships, find and register for events, and connect with career coaches, log in to Handshake.

Federal Work Study

The Federal Work Study Program is a federally-funded and need-based work program that allows GW students to earn income through part-time employment during the academic year at GW and other pre-approved organizations. Graduate students interested in the program must submit the FAFSA and apply through the Office of Student Financial Assistance.

The Center for Career Services provides awarded students assistance with finding positions. Visit the Center for Career Services for information about the Federal Work Study Program at GW.

International Students

Students studying at GW on F-1 or J-1 visas may have additional restrictions on their employment due to visa regulations. F-1 Students are required to obtain Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization from the International Services Office for all paid, off-campus internships and employment. GW-sponsored J-1 Exchange Visitors are required to obtain employment authorization for all employment, whether on-campus or off-campus.

For more information about the CPT application process, see GWSB Global & Experiential Education’s Curricular Practical Training page.

For information about how your visa status may affect your employment options, please visit the International Services Office.

The Student Accounts Office manages all student accounts and processes student bills, refunds, disbursements, payment plan enrollment, employer reimbursements, third party billing, and financial holds. For inquiries regarding your Student eBill, tuition and fees, or payment options and due dates, visit the Student Accounts Office.

 

Next Steps

Apply Now

Applications are submitted through the GW Student Portal. You can sign up for an account if you don't have one.

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