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