Masters in Business Analytics is a higher education graduate programme tailored to the skills of analyzing a vast data-base to extract insights useful for businesses. It’s highly demanded skills in today’s corporate world, as data is crucial for businesses irrespective of the field they’re operating to succeed and sustain in market
Amid the cut-throat competition among businesses, data for them is coming from multiple sources. Hence, the businesses require professional business analytics.
Masters in business analytics in USA is emerging as a top STEM programme, receiving much more popularity and providing promising Job opportunities to students.
If you’re also considering pursuing an MS in business analytics in USA, in this blog, we have everything you need to know including top colleges, eligibility criteria, costs to pursue the course, admission process and more.
What is Master in Business Analytics?
Masters in Business Analytics also called MSBA or MBAn is a study to learn the skills of data mining, statistical modeling, forecasting, and data visualization using modern technologies, and machine learning. The course equips the students with the ability to use tools and techniques to analyze vast databases to gain insights to solve real world business problems and brings growth towards it.
Pursuing business analytics allows the students to indulge in ample research opportunities and Job prospects.
Why Study MS in Business Analytics (MSBA) in the USA?
With various prestigious universities and colleges like UCLA, MIT, Michigan State University, and an array of job opportunities, the USA is one of the most popular study destinations. It’s considered one of the top country to pursue business analytics because:
- The Data Analytics market in the US has an approximate worth of USD 30 billion.
- The Business Analytics industry hired nearly 30% of the international graduates in MSBA in the USA last year.
- The average salary of working business analysts in the US is around USD 95,000 per annum.
- As per U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) between the years 2020 and 2030, the demand for business analysts in the US will rise by 14%.
Eligibility Criteria to Study Business Analytics Course in the USA
Now when you know the advantages of learning business analytics in the USA, you must be considering what will be the eligibility criteria to study in.
#1. Academic Qualification
- A 4 year or 3 year undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.
- Knowledge of programming languages like C, C++, HTML, Python, Java, and/or others.
#2. English Proficiency Test Score
International Students from Non-English speaking countries need to appear for an English proficiency test. The USA universities accept the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores.
- TOEFL iBT score to take admission in US universities is between 79 to 105 and paper-based test score is at least 600.
- Minimum 7.5 IELTS band with a score of 7.0 in each section.
Some universities also accept PTE (Pearson Test of English) test scores.
#3. GMAT/ GRE Score
To pursue masters in the USA, you will also require a GMAT/GRE score. However, it’s not compulsory for all the universities. Some universities in the USA allow you to take admission without the GRE/GMAT score such as USC Marshall, Texas A & M University, Wisconsin School of Business. The required score for GRE/GMAT in USA:
- Average 165 score in GRE quantitative section
- Between 640 to 750 score in GMAT.
#4. SOP (Statement of Purpose) & Essay
Most of the US universities require a SOP (statement of purpose) to demonstrate your objective to study in a US university. The word limit for SOP is 500 words. Besides, some universities also require you to submit a personal essay in video or written format.
#5. Work Experience
Although many universities do not compulsory ask for work experience, some of them do. Having at least 2-years of full time work experience including internships can be an added benefit for you.
#6. Letter of Recommendation
Some colleges also ask for Letter of Recommendation (LOR). You’ll need to get 1 to 3 LORs from supervisors and academics to take admission in USA.
#7. Documents
You’ll need to have passports, official LORs, resume, work experience proof, academic certificates etc as compulsory documents. Moreover, you’ll also require a student visa to pursue your studies in USA.
#8. Prerequisite Knowledge
To pursue Business analytics from the USA, you also require some prerequisite knowledge in mathematics, statistics, programming language, and critical thinking.
Top Universities for MSBA in the USA
The USA has multiple universities to pursue professional degrees. Here’re the top universities to pursue Masters in Business Analytics.
#1. University of Texas, Austin
University of Texas is one of the largest and top ranked universities in the USA. It offers a 10 Month MSBA programme (Masters in Science in Business Analytics). Students can pursue the MSBA from the university of Texas with customized elective course financial analytics or supply chain and marketing analytics.
Here’s the highlight of University of Texas for MSBA
| QS World University Rankings 2024 | 58 |
| World University Ranking 2024 | 52 |
| Course | Masters in Science in Business Analytics |
| Course Duration | 10 months |
| Credit | 36 |
| Class Size | 99 |
| Tuition Fee | $59,618 |
| TOEFL/IELTS | TOEFL/IELTS |
| GRE/GMAT | Optional |
| Average Undergrad GPA Out of 4 | 3.64 |
| Employment Rate | 100% |
| Median Salary | $109K |
#2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is #1 ranked university in QS ranking. The institute offers MIT Sloan Master of Business Analytics (MBAn). To pursue MBAn, you will need to have work experience/internship, LOR and essay.
| QS World University Rankings 2024 | 1 |
| World University Ranking 2024 | 3 |
| Course | Master of Business Analytics |
| Course Duration | 12 months |
| Credit | 54 |
| Class Size | 80 |
| Tuition Fee | $87,600 |
| TOEFL/IELTS | Not Compulsory, Interview |
| GRE/GMAT | Any of them |
| Average Undergrad GPA Out of 4 | 3.8 |
| Employment Rate | 100% |
| Median Salary | $132 K |
#3. University of California, Davis
University of California is located at one of the popular universities in the USA, offers a Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) for individuals, willing to gain the skill set necessary for data analysis.
| QS World University Rankings 2024 | 118 |
| World University Ranking | 59 |
| Course | Master of Science in Business Analytics |
| Course Duration | 9 month |
| Credit | 36 |
| Class Size | 94 |
| Tuition Fee | $54,640 |
| English Proficiency Test | TOEFL iBT/IELTS |
| GRE/GMAT | GRE Quant – 166 |
| Average Undergrad GPA Out of 4 | 3.5 |
| Employment Rate | 100% |
| Median Salary | $131K+ |
#4. University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
University of Pennsylvania is one of oldest universities located in Philadelphia. The university offers MBA in business analytics. The students need to select a minimum 19 units with various available options to pursue graduation.
| QS World University Rankings 2024 | 12 |
| World University Ranking | 16 |
| Course | MBA in business analytics |
| Course Duration | 2-years |
| Credit | 19 |
| Class Size | 20 |
| Tuition Fee | $85,738 |
| English Proficiency Test | IELTS/TOEFL/PTE |
| GRE/GMAT | GMAT (Average 728 score)/ GRE (scores for verbal 162 and quant 1620 |
| Average Undergrad GPA Out of 4 | 3.9 |
| Employment Rate | 100% |
| Median Salary | $175,000 |
#5. University of Chicago, Chicago
University of Chicago is one of the leading research institutes in the USA. It offers a Master of Science in Business. The university Chicago, considered because of its curriculum that emphasizes industry experience, exposure and collaboration.
| QS World University Rankings 2024 | 11 |
| World University Ranking | 13 |
| Course | Master of Science in Business Analytics |
| Course Duration | 1-year |
| Credit | 32 |
| Tuition Fee | $60,104 |
| English Proficiency Test | TOEFL/IELTS |
| GRE/GMAT | Optional |
| Average Undergrad GPA Out of 4 | 3.6 |
| Employment Rate | 96.8% |
| Median Salary | $78,906 |
Another university of USA, where, you can apply are Michigan State University, University of Notre Dame, Arizona State University, University of New York, and North western university, Boston.
However, if you’re not sure about which university you should choose to pursue business analytics or whether you’ll match the eligibility or not, you can take a profile evaluation test.
Admission Process For Masters in Business Analyst in USA
To take admission in MS in Business analytics in USA, you can follow these below mentioned steps:
- Identify university for MSBA
- Visit chosen university official website
- Meet the eligibility criteria
- Fill the application form
- Submit required documents
- Appear for interview if asked
- Apply for Visa
- Plan to shift
Cost of studying MS in Business Analytics in the USA
Cost of studying in USA includes multiple fees and charges. Here is the estimated brief for you:
| Charge Type | Average in $ a year | Details |
| Tuition Fee | $86,300 | It depends on your chosen university. |
| Living Cost | $15,000 | It depends on locality you’ve chosen to live |
| Miscellaneous | $6000 | Including books, supplies, personal, transportation etc. |
| Total | $107,300 |
Scholarships for MS in Business Analytics in the USA
Now, when you know the cost of studying abroad, you might be concerned about finances. Nut, you don’t need to worry. As you can tackle these expenses with international and national scholarships. These scholarships benefit you by covering tuition fees, living expenses and more.
Here’re some top scholarships for MSBA in USA you can check:
| Keith and Nancy McFarland Endowment | Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships |
| Aga Foundation Scholarship | Columbia Advisory Group Grant |
| Global Study Awards | AAUW International Fellowship |
| AAUW International Fellowships | Fulbright Nehru Master’s Scholarships |
Apart from scholarship, to pursue your dream you can also apply for an education loan for study abroad.
Job Prospects After MS in Business Analytics in the USA
| Job Role | Average Salary in $ (in a year) |
| Data Scientist | $1,56,758 |
| Research Scientist | $1,41,742 |
| Analytics Associate | $80010 |
| Business Intelligence Engineer | $110825 |
| Machine Learning Scientist | $1,73,364 |
| Data Science Consultant | $121040 |
| Operations Analyst | $ 68181 |
| Research Engineer | $118267 |
| Product Analyst | $ 86,797 |
| Portfolio Manager | $128565 |
Conclusion
Masters in business analytics from the USA can be a groundbreaking step to make your career. However, it’s going to be a large investment of time and money. You must take an analyzed decision. You can take guidance from seniors, teachers, or can even contact the abroad study experts.
Galvanize is an abroad study center, which helps you with selecting university, admission process, visa applications, education loans, scholarships, test preparation like GRE, TOEFL IELTS etc. It also provides you expert guidance, profile evaluation, and more.We at Galvanize ensure you live your dream of studying abroad.
