Applied Business Analytics FAQs

Data skills are in demand, and this program is built to help you develop them without stepping away from your career. This page covers the questions we hear most about the Online Master of Applied Business Analytics, from how the program is structured to admissions, tuition, and student support.

Have a question not answered here? Feel free to email us anytime at [email protected].

 

Overview

The Master of Applied Business Analytics (MABA) is a fully online, part-time master’s program that equips students with advanced, applied analytics skills—including data engineering, predictive modeling and visualization—specifically to drive sophisticated business decisions.

This program is ideal for working professionals who require flexibility, wish to advance into analytics or data-driven business roles, and cannot relocate or commit to a full-time, in-person program.

The program is part-time and fully online. The typical pace allows for completion in four semesters (approximately two years), with flexible options to extend the completion time to six or eight semesters if needed.

The program offers multiple intake periods, with start terms in January (Spring) and September (Fall).

It is designed primarily for working professionals and experienced candidates who value flexibility. While work experience is recommended, it is not strictly required for admission.

The program is not specifically cited as STEM-designated in the source. While international students may participate fully online, the online/part-time format does not typically qualify for F-1 visa sponsorship or the Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension. International students must individually verify visa eligibility.

Yes. The program is offered as a fully online, part-time format with no on-campus residency requirement.

Yes. The program is specifically built for professionals working full-time, with an online, asynchronous format that provides a flexible schedule.

Applying to the online Master of Applied Business Analytics program is straightforward and accessible. Use our online application portal to start your application. We're excited to help you take this next step!

Work experience is recommended, as the curriculum is designed for working professionals applying analytics in real-world contexts. Candidates without experience may still apply but should demonstrate readiness through academics or projects. Work experience is recommended, as the curriculum is designed for working professionals applying analytics in real-world contexts. Candidates without experience may still apply but should demonstrate readiness through academics or projects.

The program does not have formal concentrations. Instead, you tailor the degree to your goals through electives. Options include generative AI, marketing analytics and other topics.

Graduates prepare for roles in data science, analytics warehousing and business intelligence. These skills apply across sectors such as financial services, technology and consulting.

Tuition is $1,797 per credit hour. The program consists of 30 credit hours. Check the tuition and aid page for details on additional fees.

You can complete the program in as few as four semesters.

The MABA is an online, flexible program designed for working professionals. It allows you to maintain full-time employment while earning your degree. The MSBA is an intensive, in-person, 12-month program that does not permit full-time work.

Both programs cover similar tools, including predictive analytics, data visualization, and AI. However, the MABA includes foundational courses like Practical Statistics for Business Applications and Programming for Business Analytics to help practitioners advance. MABA students also complete a semester-long experiential learning project through the Carlson Analytics Lab.

Admissions

The MABA offers the same robust core analytics content as the Carlson MSBA, but is delivered in a fully online, flexible format designed specifically for working professionals and includes a required Experiential Learning capstone applying analytics to a real-world business problem.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and submit a completed application, transcripts, a current résumé, and a personal statement. English proficiency is required if applicable. There is no minimum GPA requirement, and while applicants with a GPA below 3.0 are encouraged to include GRE or GMAT scores, a specific GPA cutoff is not required.

Work experience is recommended for admission to the MABA program but is not a mandatory requirement.

No. The GMAT or GRE is not required for the Master of Applied Business Analytics program.

Applications are reviewed through multiple deadlines for each intake. Typical deadlines are: Fall – May 15, June 15, July 15; Spring – October 15, November 15, December 15.

A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is required. The degree field is not restricted.

Applicants must submit the following:

  • An online application (University of Minnesota–Twin Cities → Carlson School of Management → Master of Applied Business Analytics)
  • Application fee
  • Current resume
  • Unofficial transcripts from all colleges/universities attended

Applicants must demonstrate the following:

  • Quantitative proficiency:
    • Completed college-level quantitative course with a C or better, or
    • Approved Coursera statistics certificate
  • Programming proficiency:
    • Via coursework,
    • Professional experience, or
    • Approved Coursera certificate of at least 20 hours
  • Two professional recommendations submitted through the GMAC Common Letter of Recommendation
  • A personal statement (up to 1,200 words) addressing:
    • Career goals
    • Motivation for the MABA
    • Interest in Carlson
    • Perspective on diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • A video essay consisting of:
    • One impromptu recorded response
    • 2 minutes to prepare
    • 2 minutes to record
    • One attempt
  • GMAT/GRE scores are optional and may be recommended for some applicants
  • Proof of English proficiency is required if applicable and may be satisfied through:
    • Prior education, or
    • Approved test scores

Optional components include:

  • Scholarship essay (required for scholarship consideration)
  • Optional essay (up to 500 words)
  • Additional requirements for corporate discount applicants

Official transcripts are required upon admission.

The MABA requires introductory-level computer programming experience and may be satisfied in one of three ways:

  • Academic coursework
  • Professional experience
  • Online Coursera course

The key concepts and skills required to fulfill this requirement include conditional if statements, loops, functions, input/output, file handling, and foundational data types and structures (e.g., strings, lists, dictionaries). This list is offered as a guideline to help candidates evaluate their existing coursework, training, and competency.

No. The GMAT or GRE is not required for the MABA program.

Start terms are January (Spring) and September (Fall). Application deadlines are typically: Fall – May 15, June 15, July 15; Spring – October 15, November 15, December 15.

Yes. International students may apply and participate fully online. They must still meet the English proficiency requirements.

Tuition & Aid

This program includes 30 credit hours, with a cost-per-credit of $1,797. To review additional tuition costs, visit the Tuition & Aid page.

Yes, merit-based scholarships are available subject to the general guidelines below. For full information, prospective students should consult the admissions office for current offers and application details under the Tuition & Aid section.

  • Scholarships include 15% and 50% merit-based awards.
  • A scholarship essay is not required for admission but required for scholarship consideration.
  • Military tuition discounts and corporate considerations apply.

Graduate assistants are an important part of the University and Minnesota Carlson community.

Prospective students should note that while union and non-union positions are available at the masters' level, graduate assistantships are not guaranteed or program-specific to the online Master of Applied Business Analytics. Availability varies by department and role, and online MABA students may apply but should not expect assistantships as a standard form of funding.

Yes. Federal student loans and private educational loans are available. Employer tuition reimbursement or sponsorship is also a viable funding option.

The program is 100% online. Students who are interested in University-affiliated housing or seeking relocation support are encouraged to inquire with UMN's Office of Housing and Residential Life.

Tuition for the Master of Applied Business Analytics is charged per credit for the program's 30 required credits, plus applicable fees. Total cost varies based on your pace and enrollment status.

For the most current 2025-2026 rates and detailed fee breakdowns, visit the Tuition & Aid page.

Yes. Merit-based scholarships are available for Master of Applied Business Analytics (MABA) students. For current offers, eligibility details and application information, visit the scholarships page.

Yes. As a graduate student, you are eligible to access federal student loans and potentially employer tuition benefits.

Yes. Due to the high demand for analytics skills, employer tuition reimbursement or sponsorship is possible, though individual employer policies vary.

Yes. The tuition rate does not include books, materials or mandatory University technology/student fees. Students should plan for these additional fees.

Curriculum

The program requires 30 credits (12 courses in total), consisting of 10 core courses and 2 electives. Core topics include Practical Statistics, Programming for Business Analytics, Predictive Analytics, Causal Inference, AI for Competitive Advantage and Experiential Learning.

There are no formal concentrations or specializations. Students gain customization by selecting 2 elective courses in areas such as generative AI, marketing analytics or big data in supply chains.

Yes, there is a required 4-credit Experiential Learning course that serves as the capstone project. An internship is not explicitly required for graduation.

The required Experiential Learning course is a semester-long capstone project delivered through the Carlson Analytics Lab, where students apply analytics to a real-world business problem while collaborating with peers virtually.

The program is highly flexible, delivered fully online and largely utilizing an asynchronous format specifically designed to accommodate professionals working full-time. There is no required on-campus residency.

The typical pacing allows for completion in 4 semesters (approximately 2 years), with flexible options to extend the time to 6 or 8 semesters.

The program is 30 credits (12 courses: 10 core + 2 electives) delivered entirely online. Core courses cover topics like Practical Statistics, Programming for Business Analytics, Predictive Analytics, Causal Inference, AI for Competitive Advantage and an Experiential Learning project.

There is a required Experiential Learning course (4 credits) that functions as a capstone, where students apply analytics to a real-world business problem and collaborate with peers virtually.

Yes. The curriculum is based on the Carlson School’s MS in Business Analytics and covers exploratory and predictive analytics, causal inference, prescriptive analytics and data engineering.

No. The program has no residency requirement and is fully online, utilizing asynchronous components with limited synchronous group work.

Community & Careers

The cohort profile is not detailed but consists of working professionals seeking to advance their careers in analytics without the requirement of relocation.

MABA students are integrated into the Carlson School community and may engage with the graduate business community in an online format, with potential opportunities to join Carlson-wide events.

Students are provided access to Carlson’s career services, including coaching, job-search support, employer networking, and direct assistance with job placement or career advancement.

Graduates secure roles such as Data Scientist, Analytics Warehousing professional, Business Intelligence specialist, Analytics Manager and Strategy Analyst in sectors including financial services, technology and consulting.

The alumni network is strong. Upon graduation, students become a part of the broader Carlson School alumni network, which provides valuable resources for mentorship and professional networking.

The experience is flexible and virtual. Interaction occurs through virtual team assignments, discussion boards and online meetings, with full access to Carlson faculty, curriculum, academic advising and technical support.

Yes. The Experiential Learning course functions as a capstone where students apply analytics to real business problems, often culminating in a presentation of the outcomes.

The program strengthens your ability to take on or advance in roles such as analytics manager, data scientist, business intelligence lead, strategy analyst or consulting roles focused on analytics-driven decision-making.

Students have access to Carlson’s career services (including coaching, job-search tools, and employer networking) similar to other Carlson graduate students.

Yes. The career services team provides support for job change and advancement. The program's focus on in-demand analytics skills is key to shifting roles or industries.

The MABA is a graduate degree from the respected Carlson School. Its online format is fully accredited and offers the same core analytics content as the MSBA, ensuring strong credibility for analytics roles.

Yes. Upon graduation, you become part of the broader Carlson School alumni network, which provides valuable resources for mentoring, job leads and professional networking.