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MSU Online > Online Programs >

Business Data Science & Analytics

Business Data Science & Analytics

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Master of Science

Online

Course Delivery

30

Total Credits

$36,000

Tuition

20 months

Minimum Duration

  • Program Details
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    Headshot of Jessica Richards

    Jessica Richards

    Senior Marketing Program Director

    Jessica Richards is the Senior Director, Graduate Student Services overseeing graduate operations at the Eli Broad College of Business. Jessica has been a senior administrator at MSU's Eli Broad College of Business for nearly 13 years, and she has completed her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education Administration (EdD) degree. She also holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Science in Management (BS) and is an honored military service veteran. Jessica is a champion of positive leadership, inspiring students, staff, professors, and board members to achieve their highest excellence collectively. Jessica and her team were awarded the 2025 Lewis Quality Awards for their exemplary results over the past decade. Jessica was awarded Senior Academic Specialist and selected as the 2021 Broad College Distinguished Staff Member of the Year for exemplary performance.

    Program Overview

    The Master of Science in Business Data Science & Analytics (MSBDSA) is a fully online, STEM-designated program for current and emerging professionals seeking to advance their careers in the rapidly growing field of business analytics and data science. Through this flexible program, students develop practical expertise in business analytics, machine learning, AI governance, statistical modeling, and data-driven decision making while building the leadership perspective needed to guide strategy in modern organizations.

    The 30-credit STEM master’s degree is designed to fit the schedules of working professionals and can be completed in 20 months. MSBDSA students complete 30 credits, including a 21-credit core that awards two graduate certificates in Advanced Analytics Applications and Data-Driven Decision Making. Students also complete an additional 9 credits in a third certificate pathway, choosing either Business Essentials or Organizational Leadership and Strategy. Graduates leave the program with the MSBDSA degree and three transcriptable graduate certificates, preparing them to lead with confidence in data-driven organizations across a wide range of industries. This structure allows students to graduate with four credentials: one master’s degree and three graduate certificates.

    Program Outcomes

    Graduates of the MSBDSA program develop advanced skills in business analytics, machine learning, AI governance, and data-driven decision-making that are essential for today’s data-focused organizations. Through applied coursework and hands-on projects, students learn how to translate complex data into strategic insights that guide business decisions. As part of the program, students also earn three graduate certificates that demonstrate expertise in advanced analytics, data-driven decision making, and a selected business concentration. These combined credentials prepare graduates to lead analytics initiatives, guide strategy, and contribute to innovation across industries.

    Career Outlook

    Graduates of the MSBDSA program are prepared to pursue advanced roles in analytics, data science, and business intelligence across a wide range of industries. Career paths include positions such as data analyst, data scientist, business intelligence developer, analytics consultant, AI governance specialist, and solutions architect. 

    As organizations continue to rely on data to guide strategy and operations, professionals with advanced analytics and decision science expertise are in high demand.

    The MSBDSA program equips graduates with the technical and leadership capabilities needed to translate data into strategic insight and organizational impact. With strong demand for analytics professionals across industries such as technology, healthcare, finance, consulting, and marketing, graduates are positioned for roles that offer significant growth potential and competitive salaries, often ranging from approximately $85,000 to $130,000 or more, depending on experience and role.
     

    A Top-Ranked Education

    • 29th among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
    • Veteran-Friendly 'Gold Status' 10 Years in a Row — Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, 2025
    • #5 in Best Online Master's in Business Programs — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
    • #4 Best Online Master's in Business Programs for Veterans — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
    • #35 in Best Business Schools  — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
  • Course Information
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  • Admission Requirements
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    Key Dates

    Fall Semester

    Application Deadline

    August 14th

    Early Action Deadline

    April 1st

     

  • Tuition & Fees
  • Tuition & Fees per semester

    In-State Tuition
    Out-of-State Tuition
    $36,000
    $36,000

    The degree is billed in block tuition equally over 5 semesters.

    Cost of Attendance

    The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found on the "Estimate Your Cost of Attendance" page.

    The MSU Value Promise

    You can be ensured a return on your investment at Michigan State University.

    The MSU Difference

    As one of the top research universities in the world, Michigan State University has advanced the common good with uncommon will since 1855.

    MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community.

    MSU has been offering online degree programs since 1998. Our maturity is evident in the high quality of the learning experience enjoyed by our online students.

    Diverse and Inclusive Communities

    MSU provides programs and initiatives that support and enhance diversity. We will expand our campus and external partnerships to put in place inclusive recruitment and retention practices. We nurture and promote individuals’ varied experiences and perspectives, ensuring structures and processes make possible full participation by all members of our community.

    Interconnectedness

    MSU actively collaborates with campus and external partners to innovate across all dimensions of graduate education. We create and support networks that increase collaboration and improve educational opportunities for our online students.

    Student Success

    MSU’s nationally recognized online programs foster student growth and well-being throughout their academic career. We will expand inclusive mentoring practices and accelerate improvement across units to implement evidence-based practices to ensure our students complete successfully.

    Continuing education can be one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding experiences you undertake in your life. We hope you consider becoming a Spartan, to learn online and reach your career goals. With highly ranked online programs and exceptional professors, we educate students who advance the common good with uncommon will.


    Next Steps

    Request Information

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    Explore More Online Programs

    Course Information

    Core Courses (21 credits)

    Includes the integrated certificates in Advanced Analytics Applications and Data-Driven Decision Making

    • ITM 818 Python and Data Visualization (3 credits)
    • ITM 883 Foundations of Statistics (2 credits)
    • ITM 886 Business Communications (1 credit)
    • CSE 801A Introduction to Big Data Analysis (3 credits)
    • ITM 822 Project Management (1 credit)
    • STT 805 Statistical Modeling for Business Analytics (3 credits)
    • PIM 884 AI Governance (2 credits)
    • ITM 885 Machine Learning and Optimization in Analytics (2 credits)
    • ITM 881 Network Analytics (2 credits)
    • ITM 888 Capstone: Business Analytics (2 credits)

    Certificate Pathway Courses (9 credits)

    Students complete one of the following certificate pathways:

    Business Essentials Certificate

    • PIM 811 Financial Accounting for Leaders (1.5 credits)
    • PIM 862 Customer Analysis (1.5 credits)
    • PIM 841 Finance: Investment Decisions (1.5 credits)
    • PIM 870 Supply Chain Management (1.5 credits)
    • PIM 812 Performance Measurement and Control (1.5 credits)
    • PIM 863 Marketing Systems (1.5 credits)

    Organizational Leadership and Strategy Certificate

    • PIM 800 Organizational Management (1.5 credits)
    • PIM 803 Leadership or PIM 867 Ethics (1.5 credits)
    • PIM 852 Negotiations (1.5 credits)
    • PIM 853 Human Resources and Talent Management (1.5 credits)
    • PIM 855 Strategic Management (1.5 credits)
    • PIM 856 Strategic Management II (1.5 credits)

    Admissions Requirements

    To be accepted to this program, you must have:

    • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution
    • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (or equivalent)
    • Two recommenders who can submit recommendations through the application system
    • A current professional resume
    • A personal statement describing your academic and professional goals
    • A recorded video essay submitted through the application portal
    • Experience with programming or analytics tools such as Python, Java, HTML, C or C++, or statistical software, or evidence of the ability to succeed in the program

    International applicants may also be required to submit:

    • Proof of English language proficiency (such as TOEFL or IELTS scores), unless eligible for a waiver
       

    Your Application Checklist:

    • Acquire: Official Transcripts from an earned, 4- year bachelor’s degree at a recognized educational institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
    • Submit: Relevant work experience and/or other evidence of ability to succeed in the program. You will need proven experience in programming languages, such as Python, Java, HTML, C, and C++, and statistical software tools.
    • Write: A personal statement and resume
    • Record: A video essay
    • Send: Two academic or professional letters of recommendation
    • Complete: College-level courses in calculus and statistics with a GPA of 3.0 or higher