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What to Expect in an MSBAi Degree

Thursday, February 27, 2025

Last updated July 23, 2026

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 and AI, 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).
 

What are the 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.

     

How AI Relates to Business Analytics 

Business analytics and AI are increasingly intertwined. While analytics focuses on extracting insights from data, AI enables organizations to scale those insights, automate decision processes and augment human judgment. Together, business analytics and AI help organizations move from understanding what happened to predicting what will happen and recommending or automating what should happen next.

Artificial intelligence is transforming how organizations make decisions, serve customers, optimize operations and create new products and services. Across industries, AI is being used to automate routine tasks, generate insights from large volumes of data, personalize customer experiences, improve forecasting and support strategic decision-making. 

MSBAi Degree - Key Takeaways

  1. In a Master of Science in Business Analytics & Artificial Intelligence program, you will learn descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics to guide smarter business choices.
  2. Minnesota Carlson's MSBAi offers a STEM-designated curriculum with an emphasis on AI tools and techniques.
  3. MSBAi graduates are sought after in sectors like tech and finance where data drives results.

 

Why Earn a Master of Science in Business Analytics & Artificial Intelligence (MSBAi)?

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 and AI typically have a competitive advantage that is valuable for earning higher-level positions.

 

UMN’s Master of Science in Business Analytics & Artificial Intelligence

What is a master’s in business analytics and AI, and, more importantly, is a master’s in business analytics and AI 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 and AI 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 MSBAi 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 hands-on, tactical jobs as well as leadership roles in any number of data-driven industries.
 

Inside the Business Analytics & AI Curriculum at Minnesota Carlson

At the University of Minnesota, our MSBAi degree program is STEM-designated. It is full-time and 3 semesters long (45 credit hours), meaning that you will take anywhere from 14–16 credit hours per semester.
 

Core Courses: Building a Technical Foundation

Core courses cover the foundation skills every analytics professional needs, including:

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

 

What Classes Will You Take in the MSBAi Program?

Required courses for all students 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 and AI curriculum to learn more.
 

Electives

Beyond the core, you choose electives to build depth in specific areas. Some examples of elective MSBAi courses available include:

  • Prescriptive Analytics for Optimal Decision Making
  • Generative AI for Business Applications

You can choose to focus more in depth on AI in your elective courses, or take courses that build other skills.
 

Experiential Learning: The Carlson Analytics Lab

During UMN’s MSBAi program, you will also gain practical experience in the Carlson Analytics Lab by collaborating with a client on real-world projects. You’ll apply analytics and AI skills to solve problems for real businesses and gain experience for your resume while building your network. 
 

What Industries Hire Business Analytics & AI Graduates?

Professionals with business analytics and AI 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 and AI skills are in demand:
 

Technology

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

A degree in business analytics and AI prepares 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 and AI prepares you with coursework in statistical analysis, financial modeling and data visualization to support strategic financial decisions.
 

Healthcare

In healthcare, business analysts 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 MSBAi degree prepares 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. The MSBAI program equips you with key skills in marketing analytics, data visualization and strategic messaging to develop effective strategies and drive business growth. And you’ll learn how to use AI to personalize marketing communications for various audiences.
 

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. Business analytics and AI skills 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 and AI solutions to common business challenges across a wide range of sectors. Graduates from an MSBAi degree program are 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 and AI experts to assist with supply chain optimization, quality control and production efficiency. Graduates of an MSBAi program are 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 MSBAi degree prepares graduates with experience in big data technologies, predictive analytics and strategic planning to enhance both energy efficiency and operational sustainability.
 

How the MSBAi Degree Prepares Graduates

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

Shivani Vats

Shivani Vats, ’24 Master of Science in Business Analytics and AI: Engineering a Data Future

Shivani came to Minnesota Carlson with 5 years in healthcare consulting. She left with the technical foundation to pivot into data science in finance — a move she says the curriculum, faculty and alumni network made possible.

Read Shivani's Story

Is a Master of Science in Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Worth It? ROI and Salary

The 3-year average starting salary for graduates of Minnesota Carlson's MSBAi program is $103,051, with 76% of graduates receiving employment offers within 180 days of graduation. (2023-2026)

Beyond salary, the degree offers a credential that opens doors in technical fields where employers want demonstrated proficiency, not just familiarity. An undergraduate degree in a related field can get you started in analytics — a master's makes you eligible for the roles that require depth.
 

Why Choose the MSBAi at Minnesota Carlson?

In addition to our career-focused curriculum and outstanding course offerings, our degree is ranked the #5 in the QS Business Master’s Rankings 2026 among U.S. public universities, with 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 MSBAi degree.

 

Apply to the Master of Science in Business Analytics & AI Program

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 and artificial intelligence 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 of Science in Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence is an excellent pathway for those who have already completed a relevant undergraduate degree program. Our MSBAi program is 12 months long. The GMAT/GRE is optional for qualified 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.

Frequently asked questions about the Carlson MSBAi

The MSBAi is a 12-month, full-time, on-campus program featuring a structured, lockstep cohort curriculum, with classes scheduled primarily during traditional business hours.

Yes. The MSBAi is a STEM-designated program. This allows eligible international students to apply for a 24-month STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension, for a total of 36 months beyond graduation. The program does not authorize Curricular Practical Training (CPT) because students are not enrolled for the required minimum of one year before the program concludes.

The GMAT/GRE is listed as “optional for qualified applicants.” Strong applicants with solid academics and quantitative preparation may be admitted without scores. Test scores can be beneficial if parts of your profile (such as GPA or prior coursework) are weaker. Consult the current Requirements & Deadlines guidance for exact policy details. GMAT or GRE scores are optional for the MSBAi program if a student meets a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).

The ELP is a semester-long project that runs through your final semester. You will work in a team of four to six students on a live project for a partner company, such as Sun Country Airlines, PwC or the Mall of America. Advised by faculty, you will run the project from start to finish—assessing needs, devising approaches and deriving business value from data. This experience makes graduates highly attractive to employers.

Graduates typically secure roles such as Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Senior Marketing Data Analyst, Digital Insights Analyst, Analytics Consultant and Product Data Analyst. View the MS Business Analytics & AI employment statistics.

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