Business Analytics

The Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program at North Dakota State University (NDSU) is a non-thesis, professional program structured to serve qualified students with undergraduate degrees in a variety of fields, although it may be particularly attractive to students with undergraduate degrees in business, computer science, engineering, and statistics. The program is designed to provide students with advanced applied problem solving skills and an understanding of business analytics methodologies and tools mastery. Students get hands-on experience with the most up-to-date tools and methodologies for data management, data modeling, visualization, and data mining.

NDSU business analytics faculty use a variety of teaching methods including case studies, group and individual projects, computer applications, student presentations, and discussion. Many classes take place in the Barry Hall computer labs. The program has a significant capstone experience where students work with local companies analyzing real data and solving real-world problems with data. The program is designated as a STEM program reflecting the technical nature of current data analytics practices.

In addition to the Graduate School application requirements, an official GMAT or GRE exam score is required. Individuals seeking admission to the MSBA program may request a waiver of the GMAT/GRE requirement if they meet either of the following requirements:

• The applicant holds a terminal degree (e.g., Ph.D., M.D., J.D.).
• The applicant has a minimum of five (5) years of recent, post-bachelor’s, full-time, professional work experience that is relevant to business analytics and data science.

Appropriate documentation (i.e. official transcript(s), Statement of Purpose, resume) must be uploaded to the application file. It does not, however, guarantee a waiver. Applicants should request the waiver in their Statement of Purpose and provide the rationale for the waiver request.  Applicants are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and waiver approval is determined at the discretion of the MSBA program coordinator.

MSBA Program Curriculum (30 credits):

Somnath Banerjee, Ph.D. 
University of Central Florida, 2015
Field: Marketing

James Caton, Ph.D.
George Mason University, 2016
Field:  Economics

Linlin Chai, Ph.D. 
Iowa State University, 2016
Field: Marketing

Anne Denton, Ph.D.
University of Mainz, 1996
Field: Computer Science

Supavich Pengnate, Ph.D.
Oklahoma State University, 2013
Field: Management Information Systems

Frederick Riggins, Ph.D.
Carnegie Mellon University, 1994
Field: Management Information Systems

Limin Zhang, Ph.D.
University of Arizona, 2005
Field: Management Information Systems