{"id":15688,"date":"2023-12-05T11:49:32","date_gmt":"2023-12-05T17:49:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/?post_type=program&#038;p=15688"},"modified":"2026-05-06T15:39:59","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T20:39:59","slug":"business-analytics-ms","status":"publish","type":"program","link":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/program\/business-analytics-ms\/","title":{"rendered":"Master of Science in Business Analytics"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">In a world driven by data, the ability to translate numbers into narrative is the ultimate competitive advantage. The\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Master of Science in Business Analytics<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0at Southern Arkansas University is a specialized STEM-certified\u00a0program\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">that equips you with technical\u00a0expertise\u00a0and 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.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">We understand the demands of today\u2019s workforce. Our MSBA is built for versatility:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Online:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Access 100% of your coursework from anywhere in the world.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">On-Campus:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Join us in Magnolia for evening classes that\u00a0facilitate\u00a0face-to-face networking.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Hybrid:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Mix and match formats to create a schedule that works for you.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Program Duration &amp; Start Dates<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:60,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Duration:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Can be completed in as little as 12\u201324 months\u00a0depending on course load.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Start Dates:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Rolling admissions with intakes for Fall, Spring,\u00a0Summer<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Deadlines:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0* Fall: July 20 | Spring: December 1<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Summer I: April 1 | Summer II: June 1<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Accelerated Master\u2019s Option:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0SAU undergraduates can fast-track their education by starting MSBA courses during their senior year.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Why Choose SAU for your MSBA?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:60,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">STEM Designation:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Our curriculum meets rigorous federal criteria for science, technology, engineering, and math, offering international students up to\u00a036\u00a0months\u00a0of OPT.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">High-Demand Skillset:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Organizations are hungry for &#8220;data translators&#8221; who can bridge the gap between IT and the C-Suite.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Affordability:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0One of the most competitively priced AACSB-accredited MSBA programs in the United States.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Skills You Will Gain<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:60,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Advanced Data Mining:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Extract meaningful patterns from massive datasets.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Predictive Modeling:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Master statistical techniques to\u00a0anticipate\u00a0market shifts.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Data Visualization:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Use industry-leading tools like Tableau and Power BI to tell the story behind the data.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Big Data Management:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Navigate the infrastructure and architecture of modern data warehouses.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In a world driven by data, the ability to translate numbers into narrative is the ultimate competitive advantage. The\u00a0Master of Science in Business Analytics\u00a0at Southern Arkansas University is a specialized STEM-certified\u00a0program\u00a0that equips you with technical\u00a0expertise\u00a0and strategic acumen to solve complex problems in the modern digital economy. Through a curriculum focused on predictive modeling, business intelligence,&#8230; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/program\/business-analytics-ms\/\"> Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":17690,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":"","_genesis_title":"","_genesis_description":"","_genesis_noindex":"1","_genesis_nofollow":"1","_genesis_noarchive":"-1","_genesis_canonical_uri":"","_open_graph_title":"","_open_graph_description":"","_twitter_title":"","_twitter_description":"","_social_image_url":"","_social_image_id":"","redirect":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"college_department":[71766,18307],"delivery":[28836,255,28834],"types":[28851],"class_list":{"0":"post-15688","1":"program","2":"type-program","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"college_department-college-of-business","8":"college_department-school-of-graduate-studies","9":"delivery-hybrid","10":"delivery-on-campus","11":"delivery-online","12":"types-graduate","13":"entry"},"acf":{"page_layout":"standard","department_college":"<a href=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/business\/\">Rankin College of Business<\/a>","Number_of_Hours":"30 (24 core + 6 electives)","Catalog Entry":"<h3>Course Requirements (30 hours)<\/h3>\r\nThe 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.\r\n<h4>Core Courses (24 hours)<\/h4>\r\nACCT 6003 - Accounting for Decision Making\r\nECON 6003 - Managerial Economics\r\nFIN 6003 - Managerial Finance\r\nIS 5313 - Data Visualization\r\nMGMT 6043 - Business Analytics\r\nMKTG 6023 - Strategic Marketing\r\nSCM 6003 - Enterprise Resource Planning\r\nSCM 6013 - Project Management\r\n<h4>Elective Courses (6 hours)<\/h4>\r\nIS 5323 - Information Systems Analysis\r\nIS 6023 - Research Project\r\nIS 6983 - Field Experience in Data Analytics\r\nSCM 6033 - Supply Chain Security\r\nSCM 6053 - Supply Chain Industry 4.0 Technologies\r\nSCM 6063 - Supply Chain Management\r\nSCM 6143 - Sustainable SCM Practices","Admission Requirements or Deadlines":"<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong>Online Application<\/strong>:\u00a0Submit\u00a0your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/apply.saumag.edu\">Graduate Studies Application<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Arial,Times New Roman\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Transcripts<\/strong>:\u00a0Provide official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.<\/li>\r\n \t<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Arial,Times New Roman\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><strong>GPA Requirement<\/strong>:\u00a0Minimum\u00a0cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (Conditional admission may be available.)<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<h3>Prerequisites:<\/h3>\r\nBachelor\u2019s degree or equivalent from an accredited\u00a0college or university regardless of the undergraduate field of study.\r\n\r\nUndergraduate\u00a0degree\u00a0other than business,\u00a0prerequisites would include:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Six hours\u00a0Principles of Accounting<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Three hours of upper-level Business Finance or Financial Management<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Three hours of upper-level Statistics<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Three hours of upper-level Principes of Marketing<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Three hours of upper-level Organizational Theory and Behavior or Principles of\u00a0Management<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nNote: In many\u00a0cases\u00a0students can be conditionally committed and complete the prerequisites\u00a0while beginning the\u00a0Master\u2019s\u00a0classes.","minor_requirements":"","Degree Plans":"","student_information":"","Program_Contact_Info":"[dirswitch contacts=\"mead-esther\"]","Advisors":"","Accreditations":"<a href=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/files\/2015\/03\/aacsb-e1506099670767.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-11384\" src=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/academics\/files\/2015\/03\/aacsb-300x101.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"264\" height=\"89\" \/><\/a>\r\n\r\nThe 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.","estimated_total_tuition":"Approximately $9,870 (In-State) to $15,480 (Out-of-State)","tuition_instate":"$329 per credit hour","tuition_outstate":"$516 per credit hour","start_dates":"","badge_text":"STEM","Testimonials":"","rankings":"","careers":"<h3><span class=\"TextRun SCXW248153177 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW248153177 BCX0\">Career Outcomes &amp; ROI<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW248153177 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:60,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\r\nThe MSBA opens doors to some of the most lucrative and fastest-growing careers in the world, including:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Data Scientist<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Business Intelligence (BI) Architect<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Marketing Research Analyst<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Operations Research Scientist<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Financial Risk Analyst<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>Market Demand:<\/strong> The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a much-faster-than-average growth rate (up to 35%) for data-related roles through 2032.","keywords":"data analyst, ssps, analytics, big data, conversion","custom_tab_title":"","custom_tab_text":"","faq":[{"faq_question":"Is this different from an MBA in Business Analytics? ","faq_answer":"Yes. While the MBA provides a broad business foundation with an analytics focus, the MSBA is a specialized, deeper dive into the technical aspects of data science and quantitative analysis. "},{"faq_question":"Do I need to be a math or computer science major? ","faq_answer":"No, but a comfort with quantitative analysis is essential. We provide the tools to help you build your technical proficiency from the ground up. "},{"faq_question":"Are the classes live or recorded? ","faq_answer":"Online courses are typically asynchronous, meaning you can complete your work at times that are convenient for you. "},{"faq_question":"Can I transfer credits? ","faq_answer":"Up to 9 credit hours of graduate work may be transferred from an accredited institution, pending review. "},{"faq_question":"Do I have to have all of the prerequisites complete before starting the program? ","faq_answer":"No, you can be conditionally admitted and begin the program while catching up on your prerequisite classes, all of which can be completed online.  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