Master of Science in Business Analytics

The Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program offers a robust educational experience that teaches advanced analytics methodologies and equips students with the business skills and practical experience to prepare for data science and analytics careers.

Created by the world-renowned faculty of the Leavey School of Business—and expertly curated by an advisory board of industry leaders—our dynamic MSBA curriculum emphasizes the fundamentals of data-driven decision-making and the advanced tools to make sense of a vast amount of data, which delivers the essential principles, practices, and analytical tools to solve modern business challenges and prepares students to be professionals in the fast-paced world of big data and artificial intelligence.

Program requirements encompass courses that may feature students from the MBA and other M.S. programs, led by faculty members identical to those in the MBA program and operating under the same AACSB accreditation. The online program mirrors the on-campus version in learning objectives and content, ensuring uniformity across both platforms.

Admissions

For admission information, refer to Chapter 2.

Program Outline

The MSBA curriculum consists of 42 units across seven core courses (24 units), one experiential learning course (6 units), and 12 additional units of electives.  

For additional academic information policies,  refer to Chapter 5.

For additional information on online programs, refer to the Online Programs Section in Chapter 6.  

For course descriptions and prerequisites for core and electives, refer to Chapter 8.

Curriculum Clusters

1. Core Business Analytics Knowledge (4 courses)

These courses provide students with a comprehensive skill set in data analysis, programming, and strategic decision-making to solve complex business problems, preparing them for successful careers in business analytics roles across industries.

  • Data Driven Marketing using R (4 units)
  • Math for Business and Analytics w/ R (4 units)
  • Data Analytics w/ Python (4 units)
  • Prescriptive Analytics with Python (4 units)

2. Core Data Management Knowledge (3 courses)

These courses provide students with essential skills in data management, analysis, and visualization, empowering them to extract insights from data, build predictive models, and communicate findings effectively to drive business decisions.

  • Database Management Systems w/ Fundamentals of SQL (2 units)
  • Machine Learning w/ Python (4 units)
  • Dashboards w/ Tableau (2 units)

3. Experiential Learning (choose one of the following projects) 

MSBA students have two options to fulfill the program's experiential learning requirement: Practicum or Capstone, both of which carry a total of six units. Practicums span two quarters, while Capstone projects are completed within one quarter. Both options necessitate the use of real data and the application of classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. Moreover, they provide a valuable opportunity for direct engagement with leading companies and potential employers. Noteworthy organizations, such as Google, Amazon, Adobe, VMware, Cisco, Intuit, Credit Suisse, Oracle, Nuveen, Franklin Templeton Investments, and others, serve as practicum partners for the program. For further details, refer to Chapter 5.

  • Practicum I (2)
  • Practicum II (4 units)
  • Capstone I (2 units)
  • Capstone II (4 units)

4. Electives (12 units)

Offers a variety of electives to help students develop capabilities in a specific area. Students must complete a total of 12 units from the following courses:

  • Financial Forecasting & Analysis (4 units)
  • Introduction to FinTech (4 units)
  • Introduction to Time-Series Analysis (2 units)
  • Analytics of Finance (2 units)
  • Mathematical Finance (4 units - offered in-person only)
  • Econometrics w/R (4 units)
  • Database Management Systems - Design, Development & Administration (2 units)
  • Big Data Modeling and Analytics (4 units)
  • Applied Cloud Computing (2 units)
  • Natural Language Processing (4 units)
  • Deep Learning (4 units)
  • Reinforcement Learning (2 units - offered online only)
  • Cloud Computing Architectures (4 units) 
  • Data Visualization (2 units)
  • Web Programming (2 units)
  • Global Supply Chain Management (2 units)
  • Foundations of Cybersecurity (4 units)
  • Generative AI for the Enterprise (2 units)

International students are required to register for an internship course if they wish to engage in Curricular Practical Training (CPT). For further details and prerequisites, refer to Chapter 5.

  • Internship (1 unit)
  • Internship II (1 unit)
  • Internship III (1 unit)

Career Requirement

To promote career growth and professional advancement, all graduate programs require that students engage with the SCU Graduate Business Career Management team. This includes participation in designated workshops, career coaching sessions, resume reviews, and completing various career reflections. While enrolled at SCU, students have the flexibility to fulfill these requirements at their convenience. However, they must complete their career requirements by the final quarter to be eligible for graduation.

Requirements:

  • Meet with a Career Coach within their second quarter
  • Attend the Career workshop during their Opening Residency
  • Attend a live in-person Career workshop or event  hosted by the Graduate Business Career Management team or submit a reflection paper after watching a Career Management workshop recording

GBP Anywhere Program

The GBP Anywhere Program enables MBA and MS students to enroll in on-campus or online electives from various Graduate Business Programs. This program aims to enhance flexibility and course options for Online and Evening students.

International students are eligible to enroll in one online course per quarter provided they are registered for a minimum of 8 units of classes. However, this allowance does not apply during the first quarter of attendance or to any core classes required by the program. It's important to understand that international students cannot be exclusively enrolled in online courses during their graduating term; they must also be enrolled in at least one on-campus course. Nonetheless, during the Summer quarter, they are permitted to take only an online course. For any updates, questions, or concerns regarding online courses and potential visa implications, please reach out to ISS (International Student Scholars).

Furthermore, MSBA students are granted the opportunity to enroll in one graduate-level course outside of their program, subject to meeting prerequisites, availability of space, and approval from the Faculty Director of the Program. These courses must be at the graduate level and chosen exclusively from within the Leavey School of Business. This option is available only once during the student's academic program, and enrollment is contingent upon availability.

For additional information, refer to the GBP Anywhere Programs Section in Chapter 6.