UMass Boston

Business Analytics MS

Turn data insight into business advantage.

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About the Program

Data is only as powerful as what you do with it. UMass Boston’s MS in Business Analytics (MSBA) program teaches you to turn complex data into clear business decisions. Develop technical skills in machine learning, data mining, and large dataset management while learning to communicate your findings and turn analysis into clear recommendations.

Choose a specialization in AI and Data Analytics or Supply Chain Analytics to focus your studies on the areas and industries that interest you. Use real-world case studies to sharpen your analytical skills, learn from faculty with industry experience, and explore safe and responsible approaches to AI.

Here’s your chance to:

  • Choose your direction with a specialization in AI and Data Analytics or Supply Chain Analytics and go deeper in the area that interests you most.
  • Keep your options open with skills that apply across roles in business analytics, data science, operations, marketing, and more.
  • Connect with the industry through faculty with professional experience and a network of corporate partners and alumni.
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median annual salary of MSBA alumni
UMass Boston Survey Data, 2020–2024
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industry partners offering networking, internships, and real-world opportunities
University Survey, 2025
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up to an 11% increase in salary with an MSBA versus only a bachelor's
Research.com, 2026

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Attend the Online Graduate Open House on October 7!

Join us for an online open house to get your questions answered about graduate programs and the admissions process. Meet admissions staff, financial aid professionals, faculty, and academic advisors from various graduate programs. Learn more about your journey at UMass Boston.

Register Now
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Career Possibilities

Get support from people who know the way and make connections with people in the field. Work with a dedicated academic advisor and Career Services director, and meet employers and industry professionals through company visits, networking events, and career fairs, giving you more ways to make connections while you’re still earning your degree.

Here’s where this degree can take you:

  • Data Scientist
  • Analytics Manager
  • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Business Intelligence Developer
  • Decision Scientist
  • Demand Planning Analyst
  • AI Product Analyst
Example Employers of Program Graduates
UMass Boston Business Analytics MS alumni launch careers at top companies in all industries in Boston and across the country, including:
Santander bank logo
Bank of America logo
Hyatt Logo
Verisk Analytics Logo
Zoominfo Logo
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Attend an Information Session

Join an upcoming information session to learn more about the Business Analytics MS and the application process.

Register For An Info Session

Student Stories

Tushar R.
The College of Management didn’t just shape my career - it transformed my mindset. The faculty’s commitment to applied learning and their encouragement to explore beyond the textbook gave me the confidence to pursue roles in consulting and operations. Whether I was leading a class presentation or diving into a complex analytics tool, I was constantly challenged to think critically, act ethically, and communicate clearly. That foundation has been pivotal in every role I’ve taken on since.
Tushar R., ’24
Thien N.
The MSBA program at UMass Boston expanded my skills in data analysis, visualization, and engineering, giving me tools I could immediately apply to my work in higher education. The professors brought real expertise and genuine investment in student success, my classmates made the experience collaborative and enriching, and campus career services provided invaluable support throughout. I'd recommend this program to anyone looking to build practical, in-demand data skills while balancing a career.
Thien N., ’25

Plan Your Education

How to Apply

Deadlines: 

  • Fall Deadline: June 15
  • Spring Deadline: December 1

Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee is $75. UMass Boston alumni and current students that plan to complete degree requirements prior to graduate enrollment can submit the application without paying the application fee.

Applicants must meet general graduate admission requirements in addition to the program specific requirements.

Financing Your Education

Estimate Your Program Cost: Get a feel for your expected program costs using the Graduate Program Cost Calculator.

Program Cost Information: Significant on-campus tuition discounts are available to residents of Massachusetts, the other New England states, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. For more detailed information on costs, visit the Bursar's website to learn more about Regular Session Tuition & Fees for in person courses and Special Price Tuition & Fees for online courses. Please refer to Financial Aid for more information.

Program Details

Business Analytics MS Application Requirements

  • Online application and application fee
  • GRE/GMAT not required
  • Current résumé highlighting professional and academic experience
  • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (United States bachelor's or equivalent required)
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation from professional or academic references
    • Applicants must provide the name and email address for (2) references as part of the online application. Those references will receive an email notification directing them to a secure site to submit their recommendation. If references prefer to type a traditional letter, it should be sent as a PDF attachment referencing the applicant's name, student ID number, and program of interest to GADocs@umb.edu.
  • Statement of intent essay explaining your goals and reasons for applying to the program
  • International applicants: additional documentation required

*Prerequisite Requirement: Students will need to have completed a statistics course, either Statistics MSIS 111 or MBAMS 630 Statistical Analysis for Managers, or an equivalent course within the last five years. Otherwise, students are required to take MBAMS 630 Statistical Analysis as part of their first semester. This course would be in addition to the required 10 courses for the degree.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Curriculum - AI and Data Analytics Track

The AI and Data Analytics specialization focuses on data mining and analytical techniques, big data management, storage, and modeling. The objectives consist of enabling students to process big data in an effective and efficient way, discover knowledge patterns in big data, build predictive models, and use big data to answer business questions.

The MSBA is a 10-course, 30-credit degree program. To receive the MSBA, students must complete a minimum of 10 courses: Analytical Core, MSBA Electives, and the MSBA Capstone. One (1) prerequisite course must be satisfied or waived through prior relevant coursework, based on a review of transcripts.*

Core Courses (12 Credits)

  • MSIS 642 - Multivariate Statistics and Regression Analysis 3 Credit(s)
  • MSIS 670 - Enterprise Business Intelligence 3 Credit(s)
  • MSIS 672 - Introduction to Machine Learning 3 Credit(s)
  • MBAMS 638 - Management Decision Models 3 Credit(s)

Track Courses (15 Credits)

Complete five courses from below.

  • MBAMGT 698 - Practicum 1-3 Credit(s)
  • MSIS 615 - Business Programming 3 Credit(s)
  • MSIS 618 - Database Management 3 Credit(s)
  • MSIS 643 - Decision and risk analysis 3 Credit(s)
  • MSIS 656 - Information Storage Management 3 Credit(s)
  • MSIS 671 - Enterprise Data Warehousing for Business Intelligence 3 Credit(s)
  • MSIS 680 - Advanced Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence 3 Credit(s)
  • MSIS 682 - Linear Programming 3 Credit(s)
  • MSIS 685 - Introduction to Big Data Analytics 3 Credit(s)
  • MSIS 697 - Special Topics 1-6 Credit(s)

Capstone Course (3 Credits)

  • MSIS 630 - Project & Change Management 3 Credit(s)

Students may also choose MSIS 690/699 Master's Thesis Option, MSIS 697 Special Topics and MBAMGT 698 Practicum (students must have relevant internship).

For more information on curriculum, including course descriptions and degree requirements, visit the Academic Catalog.

Curriculum - Supply Chain Track

The Supply Chain Analytics specialization focuses on data analytics and decision-making in the context of a major functional area in businesses-- supply chains. The specialization offers courses on analytics in-service operation. The objective is to use data and data modeling to optimize activities within the supply chain and consequently maximize the organization's competitive advantage.

The MSBA is a 10-course, 30-credit degree program. To receive the MSBA, students must complete a minimum of 10 courses: Analytical Core, MSBA Electives, and the MSBA Capstone. One (1) prerequisite course must be satisfied or waived through prior relevant coursework, based on a review of transcripts.*

Core Courses (12 Credits)

  • MSIS 642 - Multivariate Statistics and Regression Analysis 3 Credit(s)
  • MSIS 670 - Enterprise Business Intelligence 3 Credit(s)
  • MSIS 672 - Introduction to Machine Learning 3 Credit(s)
  • MBAMS 638 - Management Decision Models 3 Credit(s)

Track Courses (15 Credits)

Complete five courses from below.

  • MBAMGT 698 - Practicum 1-3 Credit(s)
  • MBAMS 635 - Operations Mgt 3 Credit(s)
  • MBAMS 652 - Lean and Six Sigma Management 3 Credit(s)
  • MSIS 617 - Management of the Supply Chain 3 Credit(s)
  • MSIS 631 - Operational Risk Management 3 Credit(s)
  • MSIS 643 - Decision and Risk Analysis 3 Credit(s)
  • MSIS 680 - Advanced Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence 3 Credit(s)
  • MSIS 682 - Linear Programming 3 Credit(s)
  • MSIS 697 - Special Topics 1-6 Credit(s)

Capstone Course (3 Credits)

  • MSIS 630 - Project & Change Management 3 Credit(s)

Students may also choose MSIS 690/699 Master's Thesis Option, MSIS 697 Special Topics and MBAMGT 698 Practicum (students must have relevant internship).

For more information on curriculum, including course descriptions and degree requirements, visit the Academic Catalog.

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate proficiency in analytical tools and techniques used to support business decision making.
  • Apply appropriate analytical methods to develop solutions to business problems.
  • Develop competence to identify and leverage business analytical resources to deliver business value.
  • Demonstrate skills needed to communicate analytical models and their results to the broader base.

Graduation Criteria

Program Requirements: Complete 30 credits from 10 courses including four core courses, five track courses, and one capstone course.

Capstone: MSIS 630
Track requirement: Candidates must select a track in AI and data analytics or supply chain analytics.
Prerequisite: Candidates must have completed a statistics course, either MSIS 111 or MBAMS 630, or an equivalent course within the last five years. Students who have not met this requirement are required to take MBAMS 630 as part of their first semester in addition to the 10 courses required for the program.

Statute of limitations: Eight years.

Contact

Associate Director of Graduate Program Operations Stephanie Zuehlke
For all application questions, please email stephanie.zuehlke@umb.edu

 

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One Degree. Two Distinct Directions.

Your goals aren’t one size fits all. Your degree doesn’t have to be either. Choose from two specializations that let you focus your MS in Business Analytics program around where you want to go.

AI and Data Analytics

Explore machine learning, data mining, AI-driven decision-making, and responsible AI practices as you learn to turn complex data into business insight.

Supply Chain Analytics

Use analytics to understand supply chains, improve operations, and help organizations make smarter decisions about how products and resources move.

Program Faculty

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Academic Community

Explore the department and college that supports your journey in Business Analytics MS.