Master of Science in Business Analytics

Master of Science in Business Analytics

Discover the best ways to analyze big data in today’s fast-changing, data-driven world. The Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program gives you a deep understanding of how to analyze large amounts of data and provide innovative solutions to modern business challenges. Our program will help you gain a firm grounding in machine learning and AI, data analytics, technical communications and methodical problem solving, enabling you to confidently identify, diagnose and solve complex business problems. We’re committed to providing an inclusive experience where these skills are accessible and attainable to students from all academic backgrounds.

Why Get an MS in Business Analytics at Smith?

The Robert H. Smith School of Business STEM-designated Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program teaches you how to solve pressing business challenges by applying analytics tools, software, programming and other technologies to your work. Whether you have a liberal arts or quantitative undergraduate degree, we offer resources that introduce you to code, IT and key mathematical concepts so that you'll leave the program competent and confident in your skills. You'll also gain a solid business management foundation that will help you communicate your findings to leadership and get ahead in the business world.

Develop Confidence in your Quantitative Abilities

We'll help you transition into the program early on through foundational courses that teach you how to code, use in-demand technology and gain basic analytical skills.

Participate in Data Competitions

Participate in data competitions and other projects that connect you with top employers and mirror the type of work you'll do in the real-world.

Partner with a Real Business

Before graduating, you’ll partner with one of Smith’s corporate sponsors and use data to help solve business problems using the technical and analytical skills you’ve gained.

Upcoming MS in Business Analytics Events

Admissions, Info Session

Online MS in Business Analytics Information Session

Friday, October 11, 2024
12:30 PM EDT
View Event Online MS in Business Analytics Information Session

Meet the UMD Smith Centers

Wednesday, October 16, 2024
6:30 PM EDT
View Event Meet the UMD Smith Centers
Admissions, Info Session

UMD Smith MBA/MS Open House

Saturday, October 19, 2024
8:30 AM EDT
View Event UMD Smith MBA/MS Open House

#15 - Business Analytics Program (QS, 2024)

Alumni Profiles

Our MSBA students pursue competitive and exciting opportunities in their fields after graduating. Their experiences at Smith helped them to expand their network, solidify their career goals and prepared them to perform their job responsibilities a step above the rest.

“I was confused about which elective to take. I emailed Tunay Tunca, and he gave a detailed response about each course. His accessibility was extremely valuable.”

Sahitya Angara
MSBA ’20
Business Intelligence Engineer at Google

“My data analysis courses not only sharpened my SQL, Python and analytical skills, but also helped me present findings in the best way. I frequently use these skills when I handle business data requests from my clients at work.”

Lavanya Rallabandi
MSBA ’19
Manager at Axtria

“I’m grateful for the amazing friendships and opportunities Smith has provided me. The environment is inclusive and this community is behind me all the way.”

Pearl Yu
MSBA ’19

Learn from Expert Faculty

Your professors are savvy, well-connected leaders whose research has changed the world of business analytics. They will push you to take your skills to the next level and offer valuable guidance as you navigate your coursework and career.

Guest scholar at the Center on Social and Economic Dynamics at the Brookings Institution.

Expert in individual decisions and economic equilibrium, innovation, and technology and social influences on economic behavior.

Kislaya Prasad

More than a decade of experience researching and teaching on industrial and technological information systems at major universities.

Expert in simulation methodology and stochastic simulation-based optimization used in electric power and health service systems.

Sujin Kim

Associate editor of seven industry journals.

Works closely with companies on dynamic pricing, ridesharing, and production and distribution operations.

Expert in supply chain scheduling, dynamic pricing, optimization, and production and transportation operations.

Zhi-Long Chen

Academic Director

Suresh Acharya
Professor of Practice
Academic Director, MS in Business Analytics

Faculty

Suresh Acharya

Professor of Practice
suresh12@umd.edu

M. Gisela Bardossy

Faculty Director, QUEST
bardossy@umd.edu

John Bono

Clinical Professor of Information Systems
jbono@umd.edu

Zhi-Long Chen

Dean's Chair in Management Science
zlchen@umd.edu

Jessica M. Clark

Assistant Professor of Information Systems
jmclark@umd.edu

Xiaojia Guo

Assistant Professor
xjguo@umd.edu

Sujin Kim

Associate Clinical Professor
kimsj22@umd.edu

Woei-jyh (Adam) Lee

Associate Clinical Professor
adamlee@umd.edu

S. Raghu Raghavan

Dean's Professor of Management Science and Operations Management
raghavan@umd.edu

Tunay Tunca

Dean's Professor of Management Science and Operations Management
ttunca@umd.edu

Yi Xu

Associate Professor of Operations Management
yxu1@umd.edu

MS in Business Analytics at a Glance

3
Semesters
30
Credits
3.3
GPA
STEM
Eligible
Average tuition money saved by pursuing a business master’s degree through the Plus 1 program compared with a traditional graduate program path.

Available as a Plus 1 Program 

If you're a current University of Maryland freshman, sophomore or junior, you can pursue your MS Business Analytics degree through the Plus 1 program. You’ll save time and thousands of dollars on graduate tuition through this accelerated business master’s program.

Learn More: Plus 1 Program

Apply and Receive Admissions Benefits

Maryland Advantage can make it easier for applicants who have completed their undergraduate and/or graduate degree in the United States to transition into the business master’s program by helping them save money on tuition, skip graduate entrance exams and get personalized career counseling before starting their program.

Learn More: Admissions

Acquire Valuable Skills with STEM Designation

As a Smith MSBA student, we’ll build on your current talents by teaching you the ins and outs of popular tools and concepts, including:

  • AI and Big Data Frameworks
  • Amazon Web Service
  • Data Analysis and Visualization
  • Decision Analytics
  • Deep Learning
  • Excel Solver and Solver Table
  • Google Analytics
  • Hadoop
  • Hive
  • NLP and Text Analytics
  • Python
  • R
  • Spark
  • SQL
  • Statistical Models
  • Tableau

Where Your Degree Can Take You

$80K
Average starting salary for our MSBA grads*
$108K
Median salary for data scientists in the U.S.
35%
Faster than average job growth for data scientists

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023
*Data for 2023 graduates who reported their salaries to Smith's Office of Career Services. Please note these figures do not meet the 75 percent MBACSEA reporting threshold.

Picture Yourself in These Careers

Business Intelligence Analyst

Data Analyst

Data Scientist

Operations Research Analyst

Quantitative Analyst / Modeler

Risk Analyst

“My team worked with an international retailer, using Google Analytics to run a marketing campaign for their business. I used data to drive their decision making.”

Bryce Trezise
BCom Economics
MSBA ’19
Senior Finance & Ops Specialist at Deloitte

Companies who have Hired our MS in Business Analytics Graduates

  • Alibaba Group
  • Amazon
  • CapitalOne
  • Deloitte
  • Microsoft
  • Walmart Labs
  • Wayfair

Boost Your Professional Skills 

Smith’s Office of Career Services (OCS) can help you bridge the gap between being a student and an employed professional. You’ll have one-on-one access to a career coach who will provide you with personalized tips on articulating your strengths when interacting with your future employer.

Learn More: Office of Career Services

Connect With Your Classmates

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to make connections at Smith and engage in exciting social activities through the Smith Masters Student Association. You can join an business analytics-related club or others that provide you with general connections and skills.

Learn More: Smith Masters Student Association

MSBA Advisory Council

MSBA Advisory Council

Advisory Councils keep us actively engaged with industry leaders and experts, who bring their real-world experience to help shape what students learn, match classroom lessons to real-world needs, and widen the pipeline for internship and job opportunities.

MEET THE ADVISORY COUNCIL

Van Munching Hall

Contact Us

Business Master's Office
2303 Van Munching Hall
College Park, Maryland 20742-1815
Phone: 301-405-2559
E-mail: SmithMasters@umd.edu
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday

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Questions? Contact the MBA & Business Master's Admissions Office at 301-405-2559 or SmithMasters@umd.edu.

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