Master of Science - Business Analytics

Earn Your Master of Science in Business Analytics at UCO

The Master of Science (M.S.) in business analytics from the University of Central Oklahoma's College of Business is a STEM-designated degree that will equip you with data-analysis skills and business knowledge that will set you up for success.

Our small classes are taught by supportive and experienced faculty who will teach you how to analyze, interpret and forecast large amounts of data, also referred to as big data. UCO business analytics faculty provide a connection-building environment, which results in quality, personalized instruction.

With the convenience and affordability of the master's program, the UCO MSBA is ideal for students who want to develop the technical and analytical skills needed to make informed business decisions. Courses are delivered in a mix of 100% online and in person. All in-person MSBA courses alternate locations between UCO's main campus in Edmond and downtown Oklahoma City. The master's degree in business analytics at UCO can be finished in as little as two years.

MEET ONE ON ONE WITH THE UCO MSBA

Why Earn an MSBA from UCO?

UCO’s MSBA program is a Tier-3 SAS Academic Specialization program, designated by the SAS Institute. SAS is the global leader in analytics, machine learning, data science and artificial intelligence (AI). The Tier-3 designation is the most advanced analytics education level and provides the best benefits for students seeking careers in the growing field of data analytics.                  

The UCO MSBA is accredited by AACSB International—the highest distinction a business school can receive worldwide. This accreditation is held by less than 5% of business schools worldwide. It demonstrates that our program meets rigorous standards for quality and is dedicated to continuous improvement.          

M.S. in Business Analytics Curriculum 

The STEM-designated, 32-credit-hour MSBA program will equip you with the understanding of principles used in data analysis for business decision-making. You will be provided with hands-on, transformative learning experiences with real-world data. Through core courses and electives allowing you to develop a specialization, you’ll cultivate the skills necessary for standing out and growing your potential. As a student in the UCO MSBA program, you will receive embedded SAS certifications and discounted SAS certification exams, as well as a digital badge from SAS. All courses are delivered in a mix of 100% online and in person. All in-person MSBA courses alternate locations between UCO's main campus in Edmond and downtown Oklahoma City.

No matter your undergraduate degree, UCO's MSBA will expand your knowledge and help you identify:

• Market or product trends;
• Ways to raise customer satisfaction;
• New opportunities to create a competitive advantage; and,
• New avenues to increase operational efficiency. 

REVIEW THE FULL LIST OF MSBA COURSES

MSBA PROGRAM COURSES AND TECHNOLOGY

Core Courses

• Managerial and Operational Analytics (Microsoft Excel)
• Introduction to Business Analytics (Microsoft Excel, Analytic Solver)
• Database Foundation for Analytics (Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services, SQL)
• Data Visualization 
• Programming for Analytics (Python)
• Predictive Analytics and AI (Text analytics/mining, advanced Python machine learning, deep learning, capstone project with real-world data)
• Marketing Analytics (SAS Studio, Microsoft Excel)
• Predictive Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (Machine learning, data mining, predictive modeling, SAS Enterprise Miner, SAS Studio)
• Managing Analytics

One of the Following 

• Advanced Business Statistics (SAS Studio)
• Applied Regression Analysis 

Elective Options

• Geographic Information Systems
• Enterprise Data Management
• Advanced Financial Modeling
• Seminar/Special Topics

A PROGRAM THAT SETS YOU UP FOR SUCCESS

The goals for graduates of UCO's M.S. in business analytics are:

• The ability to understand, manage and improve analytics processes within a business;
• The ability to identify appropriate big data technologies to support analytics goals within a business;
• The ability to create and present a professional, meaningful representation of business data;
• The ability to determine the best analysis model to apply for a variety of business cases covering multiple disciplines and industries; and,
• The ability to write and present a business proposal based on data analysis of a real-world business case.

MSBA Admission Requirements

Admission is competitive and meeting the admission requirements alone does not guarantee acceptance.

Admission requirements include:

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree from an appropriately accredited institution; and,
• Overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or greater is strongly encouraged. 

Application Details

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR APPLYING TO THE MSBA PROGRAM

• Application for UCO Graduate Admission
• A 500-word letter of application expressing interest in the program and providing any additional information you believe will be helpful for admission decisions
• Current resume**
• Evidence of English language proficiency. See Graduate Admissions Information – English Language Proficiency (p. 17) 
• Official copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts from each institution attended with all degrees posted. All transcripts must be from appropriately accredited institutions
• Additional admissions information can be found on the graduate catalog degree sheet.

**The MSBA admissions committee recommends applicants have one to two years of industry experience, although this is not strictly required.

Candidates should be willing to participate in a Zoom/phone interview.

An approximate cost can be calculated via the tuition calculator.

Careers with an MSBA

Data-savvy managers are needed to pose the right analysis questions, interpret and challenge the results, then make the appropriate business decisions. The UCO MSBA program will engage you in practical, hands-on and transformative learning experiences with real-world data.

This degree is categorized as a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) designated degree program per federal government categories (USCIS STEM). The degrees enumerated in the expanded STEM designation list qualify for a 24-month optional practical training (OPT) extension for F-1 nonimmigrant students (USCIS F1).

Roles span general to specialized skill sets. Potential job titles include:

• Operations research analysts;
• Data scientist;
• Business analyst; and, 
• Management analyst. 

Connect with the UCO MSBA

PROGRAM DIRECTORS

Michelle Hepner, Ph.D.
MSBA Program Director

Sophia Kuschel
Business Graduate Adviser 

FACULTY FOCUSED ON YOUR LEARNING

Ho-Chang Chae, Ph.D.
Michelle Hepner, Ph.D. 
Zhen Zhu, Ph.D.
Travis Roach, Ph.D.
Terry Williams, Ph.D.
Kanghyun Yoon, Ph.D. 

ADVISORY BOARD

Brian Griffin 
Data Science Team Lead, Paycom

Ben Hastings
Director of Campus Enterprises Administration, University of Central Oklahoma