MSBA Academic Program

Overview

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.

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.

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

 

Program Duration

Students can choose one of three time frames in which to complete the degree:

Accelerated Full-Time

12 Months | Fall, Spring and Summer

Ideal for students who are not working while attending the MSBA program. Students must take courses in the summer term to complete the degree within 12 months. For more information refer to the Accelerated Full-Time Sample Degree Plan.

Full-Time

16 Months | Fall 1, Spring 1 and Fall 2

Ideal for students who are not working full time but want to complete an internship during the summer term. Students are eligible, but not required, to take courses during the summer term. The degree plan is similar to the Full-Time Sample Degree Plan but students take their electives in the second fall term rather than the summer. Please note, some MSBA electives are only offered in the summer.

Part-Time

24 Months | Fall 1, Spring 1, Fall 2 and Spring 2

Ideal for students with full-time jobs or those seeking a moderate pace. Students can complete the MSBA program in 24 months, but have up to five years to complete all degree requirements. Students are eligible, but not required, to take courses during the summer term. Please refer to the Part-Time Sample Degree Plan.

Bachelor's/MSBA

The MS in Business Analytics degree can also 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.

Elliott School Bachelor of Science in International Affairs students may apply to the 4+1 Program for the MS in Business Analytics degree.

Contact Us

MS in Business Analytics Program
The GW School of Business
2201 G St. NW, Funger Hall, Ste. 415
Washington, D.C. 20052

Phone: 202-994-6145
Email: [email protected]

 

Request More Information About This Program