MSBA
Explore the Maryland Smith
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Connect With Us
(QS, 2023)
Discover the best ways to analyze big data in today’s fast-changing, data-driven world. Smith’s 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.
Smith’s MSBA program teaches you how to solve pressing business challenges by applying analytics tools, software, programming and other technologies to your work. And we offer resources like our Bridge Program that introduce you to code, IT and key mathematical concepts so you'll start the program confidently and on equal footing with your classmates.
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
Associate
Axtria
Acquire Valuable Skills
As a Master of Science in Business Analytics (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
- Deep Learning
- NLP and Text Analytics
- Statistical Models
- Data Analysis and Visualization
- Decision Analytics
Core Courses
Data, Models and Decisions
3 credits | BUDT730
Analytical modeling of business decisions; uncertainty, risk and expected utility; regression modeling to infer relationships among variables.
Database Management Systems
3 credits | BUDT703
Introduction to the conceptual, logical and physical design of relational database systems and their use in business environments. Topics include information modeling and optimization via normalization; Structured Query Language (SQL); Data Warehousing.
Data Processing and Analytics in Python
3 credits | BUDT704
An introduction to the Python programming language for the purpose of processing, analyzing, and visualizing data. In addition, students will be introduced to developing basic regression, optimization, and simulation models in Python, using highly popular packages. Course emphasis is on mastering basic Python functionality and developing intermediate to advanced skills in working with data, through instruction and active learning.
Big Data and Artificial Intelligence for Business
3 credits | BUDT737
This course uses a learning-by-doing approach to understand key concepts behind Big Data and AI, the strategic drivers of these technologies and the value propositions that they provide to industry. The course cover technologies within this ecosystem including Hadoop, AWS, Pig, Hive, Amazon Web Services and Spark. Examples of AI using Deep Learning will be presented. The focus is on creating awareness of the technologies, providing some level of familiarity with them through hands-on exercises and projects, and enabling strategic thinking around the use of these technologies in business.
Data Mining and Predictive Analytics
3 credits | BUDT758T
In business magazines, on TV, and in board rooms, “big data” and “data analytics” are now hot topics. Vast quantities of data are being generated these days, including new types of data such as web traffic, social network data, and reviews and comments on websites. This data is a valuable resource that, when used correctly, can create a competitive edge for companies by improving the quality of decision making. Recent advances in computing hardware and software have made the application of advanced analytical methods much easier. This course takes advantage of these developments to introduce data analytics to those interested in developing expertise in data driven decision making.
The course is intended to provide an introduction to the tools and techniques of data mining & machine learning that are central to business analytics, with particular emphasis on classification and prediction. The focus will be on business applications and examples from Marketing, Finance, Healthcare, and Operations will be used to illustrate the breadth of applications.
Data Visualization and Web Analytics
3 credits | BUDT785D
Electives
Operations Analytics
2 credits | BUDT758V
Computer Simulation for Business Applications
2 credits | BUDT758Z
Price Optimization and Revenue Management
3 credits | BUDT758L
Decision Analytics
2 credits | BUSI751
Analytical modeling for managerial decisions using a spreadsheet environment. Includes linear and nonlinear optimization models, decision making under uncertainty and simulation models.
Capstone Project in Business Analytics
3 credits| BUDT758W
Business Communication
1 credit | BUDT758A
Consists of written and oral base-line assessments. Students will meet with Program administrators to receive feedback on these assessments and create an individualized development plan. Workshops and core course assignments, Smith-related activities and CMP assignments.
Smith Alumni Succeed in All Industries






