Carlson faculty member teaches a business analytics class as students take notes on laptops in a lecture hall.

Curriculum

Gain Analytics and AI Skills to Land Your Next Job

In the Minnesota Carlson Master of Science in Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (MSBAi) program will learn how to combine business analytics with AI to help organizations move beyond understanding what happened to predicting what will happen. And you’ll be able to recommend or automate what should happen next.

These skills in analytics and AI unlock limitless career opportunities. Whether you specialize by function — marketing, finance, HR or supply chain — or by role — from data analyst and data scientist to AI consultant and machine learning engineer — the possibilities are endless.

Practical Knowledge & Hands-On Learning

Minnesota Carlson is at the center of the diverse and thriving Twin Cities, home to 18 Fortune 500 companies. Carlson’s connections with the business community give you unparalleled access to work on real-world projects. Our curriculum is built on two equally important foundations: 

  • Courses that teach you skills in areas such as:
    • Artificial intelligence
    • Statistics
    • Programming
    • SQL
    • Data engineering
    • Predictive analytics
    • Big data
    • Causal inference and experimentation
  • Hands-on projects every semester with real clients through the Carlson Analytics Lab

This means you will not only learn from expert faculty in the classroom, but you’ll also work with industry leaders and business professionals to tackle challenges their companies face.

Student presenting a lesson with a whiteboard and visual aids in a classroom setting.
MSBA students attentively listening in a classroom setting during a lecture.

How AI is Embedded into the MSBAi Program

AI is embedded throughout the MSBAi curriculum and is introduced progressively across the program. You develop both foundational AI knowledge and practical experience applying AI to business problems.

Learn More About AI in Business

MSBAi Program Format

The MSBAi program is an accelerated 12-month, 3-semester journey designed for full-time students. Each semester, you'll take 14-16 credits of rigorous coursework, immersing yourself in data-driven learning.

With a cohort-based model, you'll advance through each business analytics course alongside your peers, building a strong professional network and fostering a collaborative learning environment. You’ll kick off your business analytics and AI journey in September and graduate the following August, fully equipped to apply your leading-edge skills in the workforce.

Note: Exact dates vary by year, and all new students are required to attend orientation.

Incoming students will complete pre-work to prepare them for the technical aspects of the MSBAi program. Pre-work will include a virtual Python bootcamp, and details will be shared with incoming students several months before the program begins.

 

Business & Technical Fundamentals and Introduction to AI

Your first term focuses on fundamentals like statistics, programming, and the use of analytics in today’s business environment. You’ll get to know your classmates throughout the fall as you learn to use tools like Python, SQL, and R to tackle analytics problems.

Please note: Courses are subject to change.

Course numberTitleRequired or ElectiveLengthCredits
MSBA 6111Business Essentials for Analytics ProfessionalsRequired10 weeks3
MSBA 6121Introduction to Statistics for Data ScientistsRequired10 weeks3
MSBA 6131Introduction to Business Analytics in RRequired10 weeks + 4 weeks live case3
MSBA 6311Programming for Data ScienceRequired14 weeks3
MSBA 6321Data Management, Databases, and Data WarehousingRequired14 weeks3
MSBA 6335Effective Communication for Analytics ProfessionalsRequired*Custom.5
MSBA 6355Building and Managing TeamsRequired*Custom.5

*These courses are offered along with experiential learning components in the program and have customized meeting dates and schedules.

 

Core Analytics Classes & Expanding AI Skills

Because it begins in January, it may be a while before your spring term feels like spring. In the meantime, you’ll keep busy with courses such as exploratory analytics, predictive analytics, and big data. And you’ll start learning various AI topics as well.

Please note: Courses are subject to change.

Course numberTitleRequired or ElectiveLengthCredits
MSBA 6331Big Data AnalyticsRequired14 weeks3
MSBA 6335Effective Communication for Analytics ProfessionalsRequired*Custom.5
MSBA 6355Building and Managing TeamsRequired*Custom.5
MSBA 6411Exploratory Data AnalyticsRequired10 weeks + 4 weeks live case3
MSBA 6421Predictive AnalyticsRequired14 weeks3
MSBA 6441Causal Inference via Econometrics and ExperimentationRequired14 weeks3

You will also take 2 elective credits. Below are some examples, or you can view all electives.

Course numberTitleRequired or ElectiveLengthCredits
MSBA 6155Generative AI for Business ApplicationsElective7 weeks2
MILI 6963Healthcare AnalyticsElective*Custom2
MKTG 6052Marketing Analytics: Managerial DecisionsElective7 weeks2

*Course length varies based on term and format

 

Advanced Analytics, Experiential Learning & Deeper AI

In your final term, you'll finish the program with advanced topics like time series forecasting and responsible AI, as well as electives. You’ll also join the Carlson Analytics Lab, where you’ll work as part of a team of students on a 14-week long experiential learning project for a real client. 

Please note: Courses are subject to change.

Course numberTitleRequired or ElectiveLengthCredits
MSBA 6341Responsible AIRequired7 weeks2
MSBA 6345Consultative Prob-Solving and Agile Management for Analytics ProjectsRequired14 weeks1
MSBA 6351Time Series Analysis and ForecastingRequired7 weeks2
MSBA 6511Business Analytics Experiential LearningRequired14 weeks5

You will also take 4 elective credits. Below are some examples, or you can view all electives.

Course numberTitleRequired or ElectiveLengthCredits
MSBA 6431Recommender System Techniques and ApplicationsElective7 weeks2
MSBA 6451Prescriptive Analytics for Optimal Decision MakingElective7 weeks2
FINA 6322Financial ModelingElective7 weeks2
SCO 6085Sales, Inventory, and Operations PlanningElective7 weeks2

Incoming students will complete pre-work to prepare them for the technical aspects of the MSBAi program. Pre-work will include a virtual Python bootcamp, and details will be shared with incoming students several months before the program begins.

 

Business & Technical Fundamentals and Introduction to AI

Your first term focuses on fundamentals like statistics, programming, and the use of analytics in today’s business environment. You’ll get to know your classmates throughout the fall as you learn to use tools like Python, SQL, and R to tackle analytics problems.

Please note: Courses are subject to change.

Course numberTitleRequired or ElectiveLengthCredits
MSBA 6111Business Essentials for Analytics ProfessionalsRequired10 weeks3
MSBA 6121Introduction to Statistics for Data ScientistsRequired10 weeks3
MSBA 6131Introduction to Business Analytics in RRequired10 weeks + 4 weeks live case3
MSBA 6311Programming for Data ScienceRequired14 weeks3
MSBA 6321Data Management, Databases, and Data WarehousingRequired14 weeks3
MSBA 6335Effective Communication for Analytics ProfessionalsRequired*Custom.5
MSBA 6355Building and Managing TeamsRequired*Custom.5

*These courses are offered along with experiential learning components in the program and have customized meeting dates and schedules.

 

Core Analytics Classes & Expanding AI Skills

Because it begins in January, it may be a while before your spring term feels like spring. In the meantime, you’ll keep busy with courses such as exploratory analytics, predictive analytics, and big data. And you’ll start learning various AI topics as well.

Please note: Courses are subject to change.

Course numberTitleRequired or ElectiveLengthCredits
MSBA 6331Big Data AnalyticsRequired14 weeks3
MSBA 6335Effective Communication for Analytics ProfessionalsRequired*Custom.5
MSBA 6355Building and Managing TeamsRequired*Custom.5
MSBA 6411Exploratory Data AnalyticsRequired10 weeks + 4 weeks live case3
MSBA 6421Predictive AnalyticsRequired14 weeks3
MSBA 6441Causal Inference via Econometrics and ExperimentationRequired14 weeks3

You will also take 2 elective credits. Below are some examples, or you can view all electives.

Course numberTitleRequired or ElectiveLengthCredits
MSBA 6155Generative AI for Business ApplicationsElective7 weeks2
MILI 6963Healthcare AnalyticsElective*Custom2
MKTG 6052Marketing Analytics: Managerial DecisionsElective7 weeks2

*Course length varies based on term and format

 

Advanced Analytics, Experiential Learning & Deeper AI

In your final term, you'll finish the program with advanced topics like time series forecasting and responsible AI, as well as electives. You’ll also join the Carlson Analytics Lab, where you’ll work as part of a team of students on a 14-week long experiential learning project for a real client. 

Please note: Courses are subject to change.

Course numberTitleRequired or ElectiveLengthCredits
MSBA 6341Responsible AIRequired7 weeks2
MSBA 6345Consultative Prob-Solving and Agile Management for Analytics ProjectsRequired14 weeks1
MSBA 6351Time Series Analysis and ForecastingRequired7 weeks2
MSBA 6511Business Analytics Experiential LearningRequired14 weeks5

You will also take 4 elective credits. Below are some examples, or you can view all electives.

Course numberTitleRequired or ElectiveLengthCredits
MSBA 6431Recommender System Techniques and ApplicationsElective7 weeks2
MSBA 6451Prescriptive Analytics for Optimal Decision MakingElective7 weeks2
FINA 6322Financial ModelingElective7 weeks2
SCO 6085Sales, Inventory, and Operations PlanningElective7 weeks2

MSBAi Credit Waiver Pathway for Minnesota Carlson Graduates

The MSBAi credit waiver pathway allows Minnesota Carlson undergraduates to qualify for a waiver for up to three years after earning their degree.

MSBAi waivers

Students are able to waive up to 10 credits. This is effective for the Fall 2026 entry term.

Business Essentials waiver

Take this courseTo waive this course

Gold Impact Core + Maroon Impact Core 

MSBA 6111 — Business Essentials (3 credits) 

Intro to Business Analytics in R waiver

Take all of these coursesTo waive this course

  • IDSC 4211 — Interactive Data Visualization for BA; and

  • IDSC 4504 — Machine Learning and Responsible AI for Business Applications; and

  • IDSC 4521 — Business Analytics in Action

MSBA 6131 — Introduction to Business Analytics in R (3 credits)

Elective credit waivers

Carlson students who take any of the following undergraduate elective courses may waive up to 4 credits of electives in MSBAi.

Take Undergraduate elective creditsTo waive

  • ACCT 5141- Financial-Data Analytics (2)

  • FINA 4422 - Financial Modeling (2)

  • Topics: Data Analytics for Finance (2)

  • FINA 4920 - Advanced Financial Modeling (2)

  • FINA 5422 - Financial Econometrics and Computational Methods I (2)

  • FINA 5423 - Financial Econometrics and Computational Methods II (2)

  • HRIR 3111 - Human Resource Analytics (2)

  • IDSC 4311 - Prescriptive Analytics (2)

  • IDSC 3105 - Information Technology Infrastructure (2)

  • IDSC 4590 - Business Analytics Special Topics (2)

  • IDSC 4411 - Information Technology Governance and Assurance (2)

  • MILI 3963 - Health Market Analytics (3)

  • MKTG 4074 - Data-Driven Marketing (4)

  • MKTG 4076 - Digital Marketing (2)

  • SCO 3056 - Supply Chain Planning and Control (4)

  • SCO 3059 - Quality Management and Lean Six Sigma (4)

Up to 4 Credits of Electives in MSBAi

Note: The undergraduate credits completed in the elective list (on the left) map to a corresponding waiver of elective credits, up to four total, in MSBAi

close up of MSBA student, Jack Lindenberg

Alumni Perspectives on the Curriculum

The MSBAi program combines world-class faculty with a cutting-edge, hands-on curriculum, equipping you with the skills to excel in business analytics careers that harness AI—both immediately after graduation and throughout your professional journey.

Business analytics course with charts, graphs, and data visualizations on a maroon background.

What to Expect in a Master’s Degree in Business Analytics & AI

If you’re drawn to solving business challenges through data-driven insights, a career in business analytics could be a great fit. But what exactly does the field entail, how is it applied in real-world business settings, and how can a graduate business analytics degree help prepare you for work in the field?

Explore the Benefits of an MSBAi Degree

Business Analytics Industry Advisory Boards

Industry leaders in analytics play a pivotal role in shaping Carlson’s graduate courses in business analytics and AI and the Information & Decision Sciences (IDSC) department. Two advisory boards—composed of professionals from top organizations—collaborate with faculty to infuse industry insights into program strategy and development.

As an MSBAi student, you’ll have exclusive opportunities to connect with these influential board members at department events, gaining valuable industry perspectives and expanding your professional network.

  • Adnan Awow, Sr. Director Data Science, Target
  • Colleen Chrisco, Managing Director of Analytics and Player Data Services, Bungie
  • Bonnie Holub, Associate Partner, Business Consulting, Infosys
  • Chelsea Ihle, Sr. Director of Data and Analytics, Slalom Consulting
  • Chris Manrodt, Head of Data Transformation, Philips
  • Jennifer DeGennaro, Sr. Manager Data Science, Best Buy
  • Prasoon Sharma, Partner, McKinsey Digital
  • William Stentz, Senior Manager, Data and Analytics, Esri
  • John Tong, MSBA ‘16, Director, Data Science, Meta
  • Erik Tonsfeldt, MBA/MSBA ‘19, Senior Manager, West Monroe
  • Veronika Torarp, Partner, PwC
  • Jack Vishneski, Principal Analytics Consultant, Cargill
  • Jim Willenbring, Principal, Willenbring Consulting and Board President
  • John Avenson, Chief Technology Officer, Minnesota Twins
  • Deb Bauman, Chief Information Officer, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, Retired
  • Teddy Bekele, Senior Vice President & Chief Technology Officer, Land O'Lakes (board president)
  • Matthew Beukelman, SVP Business Intelligence & Product Enablement, Optum
  • Troy Cardinal, Chief Information Officer, RSM
  • Rajeev Duggirala, Senior Vice President, Ameriprise Financial
  • Erik Erickson, Chief Data Officer, Hennepin County
  • Prashant Gandhi, Chief Business Officer, Melio  
  • Justin Kershaw, President & Founder, FourCorners Cyber
  • Adam Mishler, Chief Information Security Officer, Best Buy
  • Kelly Olin, Chief Information Officer, Cargill
  • Shruti Patel, EVP Business Banking, US Bank
  • Tim Peterson, Chief Information Officer, Xcel Energy
  • Janette Smrcka, Vice President of IT, SoFi Stadium/Hollywood Park
  • Jason Staloch, Vice President - Digital Core, General Mills
  • Brad Thompson, SVP Technology, Target
  • Marshall Tokheim, Vice President - Process Orchestration and AI, Ecolab
  • Beth Tschida - Chief Technology Officer, Jamf

As you explore our MS in Business Analytics & AI curriculum, you may also be interested in our flexible online Master of Applied Business Analytics program—an alternative path to analytics leadership. Compare our programs to find the best fit for your career goals.

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Master of Science in Business Analytics & Artificial Intelligence Curriculum FAQs

The program requires 45 credits and follows a structured, lockstep cohort curriculum. Coursework covers essential topics including exploratory and predictive analytics, causal inference, data engineering and foundational Artificial Intelligence concepts.

While this is a lockstep, cohort-based program, students are required to take 6 elective credits. As a part of those electives, students can pursue the "AI for Business Track", though there aren't any formal concentrations in the program. Elective credits can be used to take specialized technical courses or MBA courses.

Yes, a required summer term, real-world project executed through the Carlson Analytics Lab serves as the major practicum and experiential learning component.

Experiential learning runs through all three semesters of the MSBAi program, coordinated by the Carlson Analytics Lab. You work with real client companies every term, so you build applied experience year-round instead of waiting for a summer internship.

Fall and spring semesters include live case competitions: three to four week projects sponsored by local companies and run in small teams. Spring also brings the Big Data and AI Trends Marketplace, where your team builds an AI-enabled solution and presents it to industry professionals, faculty and alumni. Summer is the Experiential Learning Project, a five-credit capstone with a partner company.

The schedule is not flexible. Classes are scheduled during traditional business hours, requiring full-time, in-person attendance due to the lockstep nature of the program.

AI appears in required coursework across all three semesters. Exploratory Data Analytics and Predictive Analytics cover machine learning, deep neural networks, and generative AI in the second semester. Responsible AI and Time Series Analysis and Forecasting follow in the third. Three AI electives are also available: Generative AI for Business Applications, Recommender Systems Techniques and Applications, and Prescriptive Analytics for Optimal Decision Making. Every semester includes a client project through the Carlson Analytics Lab.

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Phone: 612-625-5555
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