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

Today, businesses thrive on data, collecting massive amounts and transforming insights into powerful, strategic decisions. With so much data now readily available, these companies rely on business analytics professionals to help them make sense of all that information.

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?
 

What is Business Analytics?

So, what is business analytics, exactly? Business analytics refers to the practice of using different data analysis techniques to gain insights from raw data and inform decision-making within a company. Analysts may draw upon a wide range of methods to work with data, ranging from statistical methods (like statistical analysis and forecasting) to technological methods (like artificial intelligence and machine learning).
 

Key Components of Business Analytics

There are three key components of business analytics, including:

• Descriptive analytics aims to answer the question of why something occurred.
• Predictive analytics strives to answer the question of what is likely (or not likely) to happen in the future.
• Prescriptive analytics answers questions regarding the future of the company and which decisions should be made next.

The Role of an MSBA Degree

Business analytics is a highly complex and evolving field, with new technologies and best practices emerging regularly. This, combined with the technical nature of the field, often means that those with a master’s in business analytics typically have a competitive advantage which is valuable for earning higher-level positions.
 

UMN’s Master of Science in Business Analytics

What is a master’s in business analytics, and, more importantly, is a master’s in business analytics worth it? Let’s explore the core components of what makes up this degree, specifically the University of Minnesota (UMN)’s program.
 

Program Structure

A master’s in business analytics program typically consists of around 45 credit hours for a full-time, on-campus program. Some programs may also offer online classes in addition to on-campus classes, which can provide some added flexibility for working professionals.
 

Program Goals

The learning objective for an MSBA degree program is to provide you with both technical and analytical skills while fostering strategic thinking and decision-making. Ideally, this will prepare you for leadership roles in any number of data-driven industries.
 

Business Analytics Curriculum at UMN

At the University of Minnesota, our MSBA degree program is STEM-designated and consists of 45 credit hours and is full-time, meaning that you will take anywhere from 14–16 credit hours per semester. This program is also offered with two different tracks, including an analytics for business track and an artificial intelligence in business track.
 

Core Curriculum

Core business analytics courses in the University of Minnesota’s Master of Science in Business Analytics aim to provide you with foundational knowledge and skills in critical areas of the field, including:

• Data visualization
• Programming languages (such as Python and SQL)
• AI and machine learning
• Data management and database modeling
• Business operations
• Statistical thinking

Examples of Core Courses

Some examples of core business analytics courses required for all students to take as part of the MSBA degree program include:

• Business Essentials for Analytics Professionals
• Introduction to Statistics for Data Scientists
• Introduction to Business Analytics in R
• Programming for Data Science
• Data Management, Databases, and Data Warehousing
• Big Data Analytics
• Responsible AI

View the business analytics curriculum at UMN to learn more.
 

Electives and Specializations

In addition to core business analytics course requirements, students can choose elective courses to supplement their learning and further their understanding of the field. Some examples of elective MSBA courses available include:

• Prescriptive Analytics for Optimal Decision Making
• Advanced AI for Natural Language Understanding
• Generative AI for Business Applications

Students in UMN’s MSBA degree program can also choose from two distinct tracks or specializations: an Analytics in Business track and an AI in Business track.
 

Practical Components

During UMN’s MSBA program, you also have the opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in the Carlson Analytics Lab by collaborating on real-world projects and applying data skills to solve problems for real businesses.
 

MSBA Degree Industry Applications

Professionals with business analytics skills are in high demand across all industries and sectors, so no matter where your specific interests lie, you can make a difference while putting your skills to use. Below are a few of the industries where business analytics skills are in demand:
 

Technology

Across the tech industry, businesses are regularly looking for analytics professionals to help them develop data-driven products that enhance user experiences. Likewise, business analytics skills may be used to help optimize operations for apps, software, and more.

A degree in business analytics can prepare graduates with critical skills in machine learning, data mining, and predictive modeling to drive innovation and efficiency in tech companies.
 

Finance

In the world of finance, business analysts are in high demand for such applications as risk management, investment analysis, and even fraud detection. A degree in business analytics can prepare you with coursework in statistical analysis, financial modeling, and data visualization to support strategic financial decisions.
 

Healthcare

In healthcare, business analytics skills may be relied upon to optimize operational efficiency without sacrificing patient outcomes in the process. Meanwhile, data analytics skills are critical to managing the vast amount of data that healthcare facilities generate on a daily basis.

An MSBA degree can prepare you by covering specific coursework in healthcare analytics and essential skills like data interpretation and strategic communication to enhance patient care and streamline healthcare services.
 

Marketing and Advertising

In marketing, business analytics may be used to conduct consumer behavior analysis, carry out optimized campaigns, and conduct market segmentation. A degree program equips graduates with key skills in marketing analytics, data visualization, and strategic messaging to develop effective strategies and drive business growth.
 

Retail and E-commerce

Across the retail and e-commerce fields, business analytics professionals are relied upon for everything from inventory management and sales forecasting to customer relationship management. The business analytics skills learned can prepare graduates to carry out predictive analytics, data mining, and consumer analytics to optimize retail operations and enhance customer experiences.
 

Consulting

Consulting firms may rely on business analytics professionals to provide data-driven solutions to common business challenges across a wide range of sectors. Graduates from an MSBA degree program may be well-equipped with comprehensive analytical skills, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities to offer valuable insights and recommendations to clients.
 

Manufacturing

The manufacturing industry needs business analytics experts to assist with supply chain optimization, quality control, and production efficiency. Graduates of an MSBA program may be better prepared to handle complex tasks such as data analysis, process modeling, and operational analytics to improve manufacturing processes while reducing costs.
 

Energy and Utilities

Finally, businesses in the energy and utilities field may turn to business analytics graduates for guidance on resource management, predictive maintenance, and energy consumption analysis. An MSBA degree can prepare graduates with expertise in big data technologies, predictive analytics, and strategic planning to enhance both energy efficiency and operational sustainability.
 

How the MSBA Degree Prepares Graduates

The University of Minnesota’s master’s degree in business analytics prepares students to make a difference through an industry-focused curriculum that empowers them to build a comprehensive skill set while gaining valuable practical experience. Meanwhile, students in the program will enjoy ongoing opportunities to network with thought leaders in their field while gaining the strategic perspective that today’s employers are looking for.
 

Is a Master’s in Business Analytics Worth It?

Still not sure whether a Master of Science in Business Analytics is worth your time and money? Consider the potential return on investment (ROI) you may stand to gain from the money you spend on a degree, especially as the median base starting salary for UMN’s Class of 2023 was $120,000.

In many ways, the skills and knowledge acquired from this type of program can help you advance in your career while gaining a competitive advantage over analytics professionals with an undergraduate degree alone.
 

Why Choose UMN’s Graduate Business Analytics Degree?

In addition to our career-focused curriculum and outstanding course offerings, our degree is ranked the #5 in the QS Business Master’s Rankings 2025 among U.S. public universities, with up to $30,000 in merit scholarships available for well-qualified candidates.

The master’s degree in business analytics is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission—and our business programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

All of this, combined with our experienced faculty, robust career resources, and alumni network, make this an excellent program for those serious about earning an MSBA degree.
 

Learn More About UMN’s Degree Offerings

If you enjoy working with numbers and using your technical expertise to solve problems, then working in business analytics could be right for you. Professionals with business analytics skills have employment opportunities across a wide range of industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, consulting, and much more.

An advanced degree in business analytics could help you build the foundational knowledge and skills in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and business essentials needed to carry out this type of work. Specifically, the University of Minnesota’s master’s degree in business analytics can be an excellent pathway for those who have already completed a relevant undergraduate degree program. Our MSBA degree program is designed to be completed in as little as 12 months, with an optional GMAT/GRE for qualifying applicants.

Learn more about the University of Minnesota’s Master of Science in Business Analytics program by getting in touch today, or get started with your online application for admission.