MSBA: Business Analytics
Master of Science in Business Administration — Business Analytics
In today's data-driven world, a strong foundation in analytics is essential for any business professional looking to excel. A company's data is only as strong as the analyst tasked with its interpretation and communication.
To fill this need, the Master of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in business analytics is offered by the Pamplin College of Business and led by the Center for Business Analytics. As the premier business analytics leadership program, our mission is to produce high-impact business analytics leaders. By the conclusion of our program, graduates will be equipped to navigate professional challenges that occur every day in the real world.
Program Duration:
12 months
Our efficient program is designed to teach you skills and get you employed.
Curriculum:
30 credit hours
The curriculum includes a 15-hour business core and 15-hour analytics core.
Capstone Project Duration:
9 months
The extended, multi-semester capstone project simulates real-world conditions.
Cohort Size:
45-55 students
The small cohort size enables dedicated, individualized coaching by faculty.
"The MSBA-BA program offers a world-class education and experience, all while remaining affordable. It allowed me to explore areas of research that interested me, while honing my data analytics skills and applying them to real-life business cases."
Grant Bommer
"The MSBA-BA program has been such a great experience. I’ve not only had the opportunity to enhance my skill set and gain real-world experience through the capstone project, but also make meaningful and lasting connections!"
Isabella Girardi
"I can confidently say that the MSBA-BA program will mold any individual into an excellent business professional. On top of an amazing academic experience, the town of Blacksburg and the university of Virginia Tech is an electric environment to be a part of. Go Hokies!"
Curtis Cooper
"The MSBA-BA program has enabled me to accomplish my plans, ideas and goals. I am now more confident in my ability of making all of my career dreams come true."
Asher Glynn
Key Program Features
Admission
The program considers students from all majors. Our cohorts have included students with undergraduate degrees in Engineering, Music, Fashion Merchandising, Public Policy, and more. We are seeking students with good communication skills, an interest in analytics, and a willingness to work hard to develop technical skills. As a result, each MSBA-BA cohort is interdisciplinary and well-positioned to bring a diverse set of perspectives and experiences to curricular and capstone work. Learn more about admission →
Duration
The program is only 12 months long. Many other master's programs focused on business analytics take 2 years to complete. Our students are immersed in a comprehensive, intensive program that prepares them for professional roles in analytics in less than one year.
Curriculum
The program's curriculum is efficient and focused. We require the completion of 30 credit hours total, consisting of 15 hours of business courses and 15 hours of analytics courses, including two courses focused on our corporate-sponsored capstone project. Students learn quantitative modeling techniques for descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics as well as state-of-the-art data visualization principles and techniques. Moreover, students develop project management and consulting skills expected of high-impact business analytics leaders. Learn more about our curriculum →
Capstone Projects
The program centers on the 9-month capstone project. This is the cornerstone activity of the MSBA-BA program. Interdisciplinary teams of 4-5 students work together on real-world corporate projects that have significant strategic importance to our corporate sponsors. Previous and current corporate sponsors include NASA, Leidos, Boeing, Advance Auto, Norfolk Southern, Lockheed Martin, and many other organizations. Students’ final deliverables include the preparation of a professional consulting report summarizing their findings and recommendations as well as a formal presentation to executives of the sponsoring organization. Learn more about capstone projects →
Cohorts
The program is cohort-based. Admitted students will attend most, if not all, of their classes together. This creates an environment of mutual support and success. Post-graduation, you immediately gain a professional network of 40+ students working in your field. Our alumni base is strong and growing, with talented professionals working in a wide variety of industries and companies across the United States and abroad.
Employment Coaching
The program is designed to help you find an excellent job. Our faculty have connections to a variety of industry-leading companies and provide coaching on all aspects of the job search process. You will receive personal mentoring from seasoned business executives on all aspects of your professional development, including giving and receiving feedback, resume preparation, interview coaching, career counseling, networking, job offer negotiations, and help with targeted business contacts.
Employment Statistics
Placement Rate
97.5%
percentage of employed 2022 MSBA-BA graduates.
Median Salary
$85,000
median salary of 2022 MSBA-BA graduates.
Median Bonus
$7,500
median sign-on bonus of 2022 MSBA-BA graduates.
Learn more about the MSBA-BA degree by hearing from Grant Bommer, alumnus of the program:
Learn More
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