Master’s in Business Analytics (MSBA)
Study Advanced Business Analytics Concepts During Your MSBA
Data collection, analysis, interpretation and application are at the heart of the tactical and strategic decisions made by corporations to accelerate forward progress. The growing field of business analytics requires academically trained big data analysts to assist organizations in making these decisions. You can position yourself for possible career advancement by earning your Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) at Grand Canyon University (GCU).
This degree may be ideal for students who possess practical industry experience and are looking for a pathway toward a career they may find fulfilling. The master’s in business analytics degree emphasizes big data analytics and the objective application of analytical methods to address specific business problems.
Benefits of Pursing an MS in Business Analytics From GCU
During your MSBA studies, you will be taught to refine your communication skills to convey key concepts and information to all stakeholders. Examine creative problem-solving methods in the organizational environment. The MS in Business Analytics curriculum integrates the Christian worldview. Students are encouraged to identify as servant leaders who apply the transformative nature of data analytics for the betterment of their communities. Examine Christian-minded solutions to ethical dilemmas and consider the regenerative and innovative qualities of moral practices.
Cultivate a Deep Understanding of Business Analytics Concepts
MSBA students will have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics as they study key concepts like statistical language, data mining and data visualization. Critical thinking, mathematics and computing skills blend in hands-on, project-based learning experiences. In the courses throughout this program, the following core competencies will be covered:
- The principles and relative advantages of object-oriented and object-relational databases
- Industry tools and methods for presenting data and making predictions based on statistical analysis
- Techniques for pattern and knowledge extraction from large data sets
- Advanced analytics techniques for the interpretation of organizational data applied to specific business solutions
The Master of Science in Business Analytics degree concludes with the Applied Capstone Project. You can work to gain practical experience through an applied project that explores a specific aspect of analytics.
Career Opportunities for Master’s in Business Analytics Degree Graduates
As a graduate with an MS in Business Analytics, may be prepared to pursue jobs such as:
- Management analyst
- Data scientist
- Operations research analyst
- Postsecondary business teacher
Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) Degree FAQs
If you’re interested in earning your Master of Science in Business Analytics degree and furthering your education, our frequently asked questions can provide you with more insight on this career path and earning your degree.
Graduate coursework is designed to be challenging. Coursework in an MSBA program aims to enhance and develop your knowledge of areas such as analytics, databases, statistics and data mining. When completing your studies, ask for clarification on topics you find confusing and be sure to apply yourself to your studies to help prepare for success in your program.
The master’s in business analytics degree requires a total of 38 credits for completion. The majority of the online courses are each eight weeks in length. To learn more about how long your program may take you, fill out the form on this page to get in contact with a university counselor.
Salary expectations are based on several factors for business analytics graduates. However, we can look at the management analyst role as an example. In May 2022, management analysts had a median annual salary of $95,290, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.2
A master’s in business analytics can teach you advanced information in the business analytics field and may be an ideal choice for you and your career aspirations. Certain occupations in this field expect much faster than average job growth as well. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates job growth for management analysts to increase by about 10% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than average, accounting for an estimated increase of 95,700 jobs in the field.1
1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Management Analysts, retrieved on Oct. 2, 2023.
2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Management Analysts, as of May 2022, retrieved on Oct. 2, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as management analysts, nor does it reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc., against a pool of candidates.
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Core Courses
Course Description
This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the College of Business. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.
Course Description
This course introduces the role and value of data analytics in meeting the business needs of contemporary organizations. Students are introduced to selected foundational business and information technology topics that are relevant to analytics organizations.
Course Description
This course introduces the basic role and uses of databases within business enterprises. Students examine database design types, development, staging, production environments, and maintenance of a database structure. Emphasis is placed on the appropriate application and implementation of database functions in relation to performing data analytics.
Course Description
The purpose of this course is to prepare students in mathematical, probability, and statistical concepts for their upcoming studies in business analytics.
Course Description
This course examines foundational analytics concepts with an emphasis on descriptive and diagnostic analytics. Students solve business problems by working with selected industry tools and methods for describing what happened and diagnosing root causes based on available business enterprise data. Prerequisite: MIS-615 or SYM-506.
Course Description
In this course students perform analytics using a statistical language. Key topics include working with data, charting data, object types, and building statistical models within a business environment. Prerequisites: MIS-605 and MIS-615.
Course Description
This course introduces techniques for extracting patterns and knowledge from large data sets. Students utilize intelligent inferential techniques to interpret patterns in the collected information and translate them into actionable items intended to solve specific business problems. Prerequisite: MIS-650.
Course Description
This course examines foundational analytics concepts with an emphasis on predictive analytics. Students work with selected industry tools, methods, and techniques to analyze current and historical data to make predictions about future or otherwise unknown events. Prerequisite: MIS-655.
Course Description
In this course students perform prescriptive analytics and other advanced analytics techniques to extract meaning from organizational data for the purpose of identifying and recommending solutions for specific business needs. Effective and persuasive communication of data and decision options to drive organizational change is also covered. Prerequisite: MIS-661.
Course Description
This course builds upon the techniques and tools presented in prior courses in the program. Students undertake an applied project focused on a specific area of analytics within an organization. Students use critical thinking skills to frame analytics problems, build and apply appropriate analytics models, and communicate relevant findings within a business setting. Prerequisite: MIS-665.
- GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
- Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
- Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
Grand Canyon University’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals who prefer an in-person learning environment. Our night classes meet just once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom.