In a world driven by data, the ability to translate numbers into narrative is the ultimate competitive advantage. The Master of Science in Business Analytics at Southern Arkansas University is a specialized STEM-certified program that equips you with technical expertise and strategic acumen to solve complex problems in the modern digital economy. Through a curriculum focused on predictive modeling, business intelligence, and advanced data analysis, you will master the art of data-driven decision-making.
We understand the demands of today’s workforce. Our MSBA is built for versatility:
- Online: Access 100% of your coursework from anywhere in the world.
- On-Campus: Join us in Magnolia for evening classes that facilitate face-to-face networking.
- Hybrid: Mix and match formats to create a schedule that works for you.
Program Duration & Start Dates
- Duration: Can be completed in as little as 12–24 months depending on course load.
- Start Dates: Rolling admissions with intakes for Fall, Spring, Summer
- Deadlines: * Fall: July 20 | Spring: December 1
- Summer I: April 1 | Summer II: June 1
- Accelerated Master’s Option: SAU undergraduates can fast-track their education by starting MSBA courses during their senior year.
Why Choose SAU for your MSBA?
- STEM Designation: Our curriculum meets rigorous federal criteria for science, technology, engineering, and math, offering international students up to 36 months of OPT.
- High-Demand Skillset: Organizations are hungry for “data translators” who can bridge the gap between IT and the C-Suite.
- Affordability: One of the most competitively priced AACSB-accredited MSBA programs in the United States.
Skills You Will Gain
- Advanced Data Mining: Extract meaningful patterns from massive datasets.
- Predictive Modeling: Master statistical techniques to anticipate market shifts.
- Data Visualization: Use industry-leading tools like Tableau and Power BI to tell the story behind the data.
- Big Data Management: Navigate the infrastructure and architecture of modern data warehouses.
Curriculum
Course Requirements (30 hours)
The general MBA program consists of 24 hours of core courses and 6 hours of elective courses. A student can choose to complete courses in a traditional night program, through online delivery, or through a combination of the two.
Core Courses (24 hours)
ACCT 6003 – Accounting for Decision Making
ECON 6003 – Managerial Economics
FIN 6003 – Managerial Finance
IS 5313 – Data Visualization
MGMT 6043 – Business Analytics
MKTG 6023 – Strategic Marketing
SCM 6003 – Enterprise Resource Planning
SCM 6013 – Project Management
Elective Courses (6 hours)
IS 5323 – Information Systems Analysis
IS 6023 – Research Project
IS 6983 – Field Experience in Data Analytics
SCM 6033 – Supply Chain Security
SCM 6053 – Supply Chain Industry 4.0 Technologies
SCM 6063 – Supply Chain Management
SCM 6143 – Sustainable SCM Practices
Admissions
- Online Application: Submit your Graduate Studies Application
- Transcripts: Provide official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
- GPA Requirement: Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (Conditional admission may be available.)
Prerequisites:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university regardless of the undergraduate field of study.
Undergraduate degree other than business, prerequisites would include:
- Six hours Principles of Accounting
- Three hours of upper-level Business Finance or Financial Management
- Three hours of upper-level Statistics
- Three hours of upper-level Principes of Marketing
- Three hours of upper-level Organizational Theory and Behavior or Principles of Management
Note: In many cases students can be conditionally committed and complete the prerequisites while beginning the Master’s classes.
Career Outcomes
Career Outcomes & ROI
The MSBA opens doors to some of the most lucrative and fastest-growing careers in the world, including:
- Data Scientist
- Business Intelligence (BI) Architect
- Marketing Research Analyst
- Operations Research Scientist
- Financial Risk Analyst
Market Demand: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a much-faster-than-average growth rate (up to 35%) for data-related roles through 2032.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this different from an MBA in Business Analytics?
Do I need to be a math or computer science major?
Are the classes live or recorded?
Can I transfer credits?
Do I have to have all of the prerequisites complete before starting the program?
Accreditation
The M.S. in Business Analytics is offered by the Rankin College of Business at SAU and is fully accredited by AACSB International, the premier accrediting body for colleges and schools of business. Fewer than 5% of all business programs worldwide are accredited by AACSB, which indicates the quality of our program.
