Online Master of Science in Business Analytics and AI
Online Master of Science in Business Analytics and AI
Why Earn an Online Master of Science in Business Analytics and AI at the Smith School?
Create Business Solutions From Data-Driven Insights
Build the analytical, strategic and data-driven decision-making skills businesses and organizations need to navigate complexity with confidence.
The Robert H. Smith School of Business prepares you to become the analytical problem-solver that businesses need to overcome complex business challenges.
In the Online Master of Science in Business Analytics & AI program, you'll learn to transform data into actionable insights using statistical modeling, data visualization, predictive analytics, responsible AI and business intelligence tools.
Through experiential learning projects and guidance from expert faculty — whose research is shaping the future of business analytics and AI — the Online Master of Science in Business Analytics & AI program prepares you to solve real business problems, lead data-driven decision-making, and create meaningful impact.
Why Smith?
- Develop foundational business knowledge through a comprehensive graduate curriculum.
- Apply what you learn through experiential consulting projects with organizations.
- Learn from faculty and advisory council members with experience across multiple industries.
- Collaborate with peers through team-based projects, live sessions and applied learning experiences.
Who Is the Online Master of Science in Business Analytics and AI For?
Designed for Working Professionals Ready to Lead with Data and AI
The Online Master of Science in Business Analytics & AI is designed for working professionals who want to build in-demand analytics and AI expertise without putting their careers on hold. Whether you're advancing in your current role, transitioning into analytics or reentering the workforce, you’ll learn how to transform data into actionable insights using statistical modeling, data visualization, predictive analytics, responsible AI and business intelligence tools.
No prior coding or technical experience is required. You'll develop your quantitative skills throughout the program, including optional bridge coursework before classes begin.
Ideal candidates include:
- Early and mid-career professionals
- Individuals looking to transition into analytics
- Professionals reentering the workforce
- Current and former military service members
- University System of Maryland employees
No matter your professional or academic background, you'll graduate with proficiency in AI and data analytics, the ability to generate data-driven business insights and communication skills to explain complex findings to others.
What Will You Learn in the Online Master of Science in Business Analytics and AI Program?
Develop the Skills Driving the Future of Business
The Online Master of Science in Business Analytics and AI curriculum emphasizes analytics, AI, machine learning and critical thinking, preparing you for roles that continue to experience strong market demand. Through coursework and experiential projects, you'll combine insights with business strategy while learning how to communicate insights that influence organizational decision-making.
Analyze large datasets more efficiently, identify patterns and trends, and support business decisions with responsible AI.
Use data to evaluate business challenges, assess opportunities and develop strategic recommendations.
Create dashboards and visualizations that communicate key metrics, monitor performance, and support informed decision-making.
Use programming languages — like Python, R and SQL — to collect, organize, prepare and analyze data.
Evaluate business scenarios, assess risk and recommend data-informed strategies.
Develop models that simulate business scenarios, evaluate potential outcomes and optimize decisions for improvement.
Apply What You Learn
You’ll develop these skills through:
- Experiential learning
- Machine learning projects
- Business case studies
- Portfolio-building projects
By graduation, you’ll be proficient in using AI and analytical tools to make informed decisions and solve complex business challenges.
The OMSBA opened new paths and taught me the fundamental skills I needed for the workforce. I interviewed with incredibly competitive companies that would have been out of reach previously. This program has been extremely beneficial for my career. It’s been everything I wanted.
Dan Waldman
M.S. Business Analytics
Senior Technical Product Manager at Chewy
Career Outcomes
Prepare for High-Growth Analytics and AI Careers
Organizations across every industry rely on professionals who can transform data into strategic business decisions.
Recent business master’s graduates from Smith report an average salary of $87K, with more than 4 in 5 securing employment within 180 days of graduation. As business analysts advance in their careers, they can earn an average annual wage of $150K.
Sources: UMD Smith Office of Career Services (2025); ZipRecruiter (2026)
Career Paths
- Business analytics
- Business intelligence
- Data science
- Financial analytics
- Financial strategy
- Machine learning specialist
- Marketing analytics
- Operations specialist
- Risk analytics and management
Industries
- Business intelligence
- Consulting
- Financial services
- Government
- Healthcare
- Marketing and advertising
- Retail and e-commerce
- Technology
- Telecommunication
Analytics Bridge Program
If you need a refresher for your coding and quantitative skills, our Analytics Bridge Program can help you get up to speed. Take mini-courses and workshops in math, statistics, R, Python, SQL and other key skills so you can begin the program with confidence.
Calculus mini-course
Statistics mini-course
R skill building workshop
Python skill building workshop
SQL skill building workshop
Technology fundamentals
Problem-solving strategies
Learn From Faculty Shaping the Future of Business Analytics and AI
Research That Translates Into Real-World Impact
At the Robert H. Smith School of Business, you’ll learn from faculty who are experts in their field. From consumer science to machine learning, their research influences organizations, informs public policy and brings the latest in business analytics and AI.
Bharti Motwani is the academic director of the program.
Michel Wedel |
Bharti Motwani |
Rohit Choudhary |
How Is AI Integrated Throughout the Curriculum?
Learn to Use AI As a Strategic Business Tool
AI is transforming how businesses analyze data and generate insights. In the Online Master of Science in Business Analytics and AI program, you’ll learn to use AI responsibly to make informed business decisions while developing the communication, judgement and strategic thinking skills that technology can’t replace.
AI-powered tools you'll use:
- Agentic AI
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Generative AI
- Google Analytics
- Large Language Models (LLMs)
- Tableau
Apply AI through:
- Experiential learning projects
- Machine learning projects
- Business case studies
- Portfolio-building projects
By graduation, you’ll be able to combine AI with strategic thinking and human insight to overcome complex business challenges and create measurable business value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The Online Master of Science in Business Analytics and AI prepares you with one of today's most sought-after combinations of skills: business strategy, analytics and AI. You'll graduate ready to help organizations make smarter decisions while positioning yourself for long-term career growth.
No. The Online Master of Science in Business Analytics & AI welcomes students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. No prior programming or technical experience is required. If you're curious about analytics, enjoy solving problems and are willing to build your quantitative skills, the program provides support—including bridge coursework—to help you succeed.
The Online Master of Science in Business Analytics & AI combines technical analytics skills with business strategy, responsible AI and experiential learning. You'll gain hands-on experience using AI and analytics tools while learning to communicate insights, make data-driven decisions and solve complex business challenges. Designed for working professionals from a variety of academic backgrounds, the program also provides optional bridge coursework to help you build confidence in quantitative concepts before classes begin.
Have More Questions?
The Smith School's Graduate Admissions Office is here to help. Whether you have questions about the curriculum, admissions requirements, application process or student experience, we’re happy to help you determine if the Online Master of Science in Business Analytics & AI is the right fit for your goals.
Graduate Admissions
2303 Van Munching Hall
College Park, MD 20742-1815
Phone: 301-405-2559
Email: smithmasters@umd.edu
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.