MS in Business Analytics students in a career workshop as an industry partner presents in a Carlson classroom.

Business Analytics & AI Careers

Launch Your Future with an MS in Business Analytics & AI

The demand for data professionals is skyrocketing, with big data and AI jobs emerging across every industry. Ranked #5 among U.S. public universities for master’s programs in business analytics (QS World University Rankings 2026), Minnesota Carlson’s Master of Science in Business Analytics & Artificial Intelligence (MSBAi) offers hands-on training in data analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning. Through the Carlson Analytics Lab, you’ll tackle real-world projects. You will gain practical experience while building connections with Fortune 500 companies, a rich entrepreneurial community and industry experts who will sharpen your competitive edge to land your next job.

Masters in Business Analytics & AI Alumni Success

Graduates of Minnesota Carlson’s business analytics and AI master's program consistently achieve outstanding career outcomes. Over the past 3 years, 76% secured employment within 6 months, earning an impressive average base salary of $103,051. With a top MSBAi program and a powerful network of peers, faculty, alumni and industry leaders, you’ll be primed for success in the fast-growing business analytics careers, many of which require AI skills.

 

Explore MSBAi Employment Report

MSBAi students in formal attire, standing together in a hallway.

Master of Business Analytics & AI Careers: Pathways with an MSBAi

Discover the top business analytics jobs. Learn how a Master of Science in Business Analytics & AI (MSBAi) or Master of Applied Business Analytics (MABA) equips you with the essential analytics skills, along with AI and machine learning, needed to excel in this high-demand field.

Opportunities for MS in Business Analytics & AI Grads

Explore how the STEM-designated Master of Science in Business Analytics & Artificial Intelligence has propelled alumni into thriving careers in as little as 1 year at top companies like Google, Amazon, Capital One and Target.

Picture Your Future Career in Business Analytics & AI

MSBAi alum Jie Liu '20
Working as a data analyst at TikTok like Jie Liu, '20 MSBAi
MSBA alum Dhivya Nagasubramanian
Working in finance at US Bank like Dhivya Nagasubramanian, '19 MSBAi
MSBA alum Kevin Grady
Launching an independent consulting practice like Kevin Grady, '20 MSBAi
MSBAi alum Rohan Bhatia
Managing data science projects at Best Buy like Rohan Bhatia, '19 MSBAi

Master of Business Analytics & AI Alumni Making a Difference

Leverage your analytics skills to drive meaningful change. Business analytics and AI job opportunities extend far beyond the corporate world—nonprofits, government agencies and community organizations depend on data to tackle pressing societal challenges. Carlson students are already using data to make an impact. Now, it’s your turn.

Hamza Hamayun

“Working as the student lead for the Analytics for Good Hackathon was my most valuable experience at Carlson. As an international student, organizing a national event in the U.S. from marketing to logistics was a significant learning opportunity. I got the opportunity to meet with industry professionals and students from around the U.S. The experience boosted my confidence and allowed me to make connections that have been invaluable to my career so far.”

Hamza Hamayun, '24 MSBAi
Senior Business Analyst at Capital One
Tiffany Chen

“Minnesota Carlson’s outstanding reputation in business analytics has opened doors for me to collaborate with organizations and leverage industry connections.”

Tiffany Chen, ’24 MSBAi
Business Intelligence Engineer at Amazon

Advance Your Future with a MS in Business Analytics & AI

It’s never too early—or too late—to break into analytics. Minnesota Carlson’s accelerated 1-year MSBAi program equips you with in-demand skills in Big Data, SQL, predictive analytics, AI and machine learning. Whether you’re a college student or interested in changing your career, a degree in business analytics and AI can take your future to the next level.

Rachel Wolfe Celander, '18 MSBAi
Rachel Celander, '18 MSBAi, joined right out of undergrad; now works at Target

If you're nearing graduation and wondering about your next step, a graduate degree in business analytics  could be the perfect way to elevate your career.

STEM Majors: Enhance your ability to apply data analytics to real-world business challenges, expanding your career opportunities. With just one additional year of study, you could boost your starting salary by $25,000+.

Business, Economics & Social Science Majors: Your critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills are highly valuable in analytics. A STEM-designated program like Carlson’s business analytics and AI masters will equip you with the technical expertise to make you a standout candidate in today’s data-driven job market.

Take your future further—discover how a Master of Science in Business Analytics & AI can open new doors.

Kaveri Singhan, '18 MSBAi
Kaveri Singhan, '18 MSBAi, built on her previous experience at Credit Suisse; now works at Dell

Take your career—and salary—to the next level with the Carlson’s accelerated Master of Science in Business Analytics & AI degree. In just one rigorous year, you’ll gain the in-demand skills that significantly boost your earning potential.

The average starting salary for Carlson MSBAi Class of 2023 graduates was $120,000, up from $100,421 for the Class of 2022.

Invest in your future. Fast-track your success with an MSBAi degree.

 

Colin Robertson, '19 MSBAi
US Army Veteran Colin Robertson, '19 MSBAi, now works for Minnesota Twins baseball

Ready for a new challenge? The demand for data professionals is soaring, and businesses need your skills. Whether you’re looking to break into a high-growth field or take your career to the next level, the Carlson’s one-year MSBAi program will equip you with cutting-edge expertise in AI, machine learning, and data analytics—all through hands-on learning.

Our business analytics degree students come from diverse backgrounds—biologists, journalists, military veterans, and more—bringing unique perspectives that enrich their education. No matter your starting point, this degree in business analytics will prepare you for a dynamic, data-driven future.

Change your career. Transform your future. Start your MSBAi journey today.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics sees strong growth for data science jobs skills in its prediction that the data science field will grow about 36% through 2033.

Career Support for a Lifetime

At Minnesota Carlson, you’ll build powerful connections with industry leaders and future colleagues—locally, nationally, and globally. The Carlson Business Career Center provides comprehensive career development services, while a strong network of classmates, faculty, alumni, and advisors ensures ongoing support. Plus, with Carlson’s thriving business connections—from Fortune 500 companies, to entrepreneurs and top professionals—you’ll have the resources and connections to fuel your career for life.

 

Explore Career Services

Career Coaching

From identifying your ideal career path to negotiating job offers, Carlson career coaches provide expert support every step of the way, ensuring you’re prepared to achieve your professional goals.

Career Development

Throughout the year, Minnesota Carlson offers specialized career development workshops designed to address the unique job search needs of graduate students. These workshops equip you with the tools to succeed in a competitive job market.

Company info sessions

Carlson welcomes 100+ companies to campus, giving you the chance to explore company cultures, network with industry professionals and connect with potential employers — all while gaining valuable career insights.

On-Campus interviews

Each year, top local and national organizations visit campus to recruit Carlson students for full-time roles. Additionally, hundreds of job opportunities are posted on the school’s Handshake platform, offering even more ways to explore and connect with potential employers.

Exploring Your MSBAi Options

 

Not sure where you want to work? That's okay. Carlson career coaches can help you explore your options. As an MSBAi student, you’ll also have the opportunity to visit top companies through career treks organized by the school—giving you firsthand insight into potential career paths.

Time for a Career Change

 

Minnesota Carlson graduate William Eerdmans shares how the MSBAi program helped him successfully transition from engineer to data scientist at Cargill R&D. At Carlson, he gained skills to navigate a data-driven world.

Make Your Next Move Count with a Business Analytics & AI Degree

Gain in-demand expertise and boost your career in business analytics.


 

Master of Science in Business Analytics & Artificial Intelligence Careers FAQs

Students work with the Carlson Business Career Center (CBCC) throughout the program: one-on-one coaching, résumé and interview preparation, employer events, and job postings. MSBAi program staff support the search alongside CBCC. Career support starts in your first semester, which matters in a 12-month program where recruiting begins almost immediately.

Data Scientist is the most common first title, followed by Senior Data Analyst, Data Analyst, and Business Intelligence Engineer. Across the 2023-2026 graduating classes, 76% of graduates received an offer within 180 days and 73% accepted one, at a mean base salary of $103,051. 87% went into business analytics functions. View MSBAi employment statistics.

The Carlson Business Career Center and MSBAi program staff work with you from your first semester: coaching, résumé and interview prep, employer outreach, job postings, and events. In a 12-month program recruiting starts almost immediately, so support does too. Most graduates still drive their own search. Graduate-initiated activity accounts for 62.3% of accepted offers, compared with 23.8% from school-facilitated recruiting. And because MSBAi has no summer internship term, your Analytics Lab client projects are the applied experience employers ask about.

Yes. As the Master of Science in Business Analytics & Artificial Intelligence program is STEM-designated, eligible international graduates can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, providing up to three years of work authorization in the U.S., subject to federal rules and Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) guidance.

Capital One, Amazon, Target, Walmart, Slalom, and McKinsey have hired the most MSBAi graduates as first employers. Financial services accounts for 34% of placements, followed by consulting at 16%, technology at 15%, and healthcare at 13%. Most graduates stay in the Twin Cities, with Seattle and the Bay Area next. View MSBAi employment statistics.