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Mastering Business Analytics in the U.S.: An In-Depth Guide

Updated: Mar 29, 2023

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that the employment of business analysts in the U.S. will experience an impressive 14% growth between 2020 and 2030, making it a highly sought after field for international students. By choosing to study at one of the top universities for business analytics in the U.S. you will be able to gain valuable hands-on experience and work with some of the biggest names in the industry. Furthermore, you will develop a deep understanding of data-driven decision-making and be well-equipped to meet the demands of the current MS in Business Analytics (MSBA) job market.


This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth look at MS in Business Analytics in the U.S., including essential details about growth, opportunities, and benefits, to help you make the best decision for your education and career.




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Difference Between MSBA in USA & MBA In Business Analytics in USA

MSBA (Master of Science in Business Analytics) and MBA (Master of Business Administration) in Business Analytics are both sought-after master's degrees in the field of Business Analytics in the USA. While both programs provide a thorough understanding of the concepts and tools in the field, they differ in terms of their focus, curriculum, and career outcomes.

MSBA programs focus on providing students with technical skills and knowledge in Business Analytics, with a strong emphasis on statistics, programming, and data analysis. The curriculum includes courses in data mining, data visualization, machine learning, predictive analytics, and operations research. Graduates with MSBA degrees possess advanced technical skills and are well-suited for positions such as data scientists, business intelligence analysts, and predictive analysts.


On the other hand, MBA in Business Analytics programs offer a broader curriculum, including subjects like finance, marketing, and management. The data analytics courses in the curriculum are integrated into the larger business context, providing students with both technical and business skills. Graduates with MBA degrees in Business Analytics are equipped to pursue senior management positions in a variety of organizations.


Top institutions offering an MS in Business Analytics in the United States

The following is a list of the leading universities in the USA offering MS in Business Analytics, along with their corresponding application deadlines and tuition fees:



University

Program

Deadlines

Total Tuition Fees (USD)

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Master of Business Analytics

January 5, 2023

86,300

University of California, Los Angeles

Master of Business Analytics

Round 1: January 13, 2023 | Round 2: March 10, 2023 | Round 3: May 31, 2023

68,710

University of Texas at Austin

Master of Business Analytics

Round 2: January 9, 2023 | Round 3: March 27, 2023 | Round 4: May 15, 2023

53,000

University of California, San Diego

Master of Science in Business Analytics

Deadline 3: January 15, 2023 | Deadline 4: April 15, 2023

90,586

Purdue University

Master of Business Analytics and Information Management

Final International: January 28, 2023

56,700

Michigan State University

Master's in Business Data Science and Analytics

September 15, 2022 (Closed)

39,000

University of Notre Dame

MSBA

Round 2: January 10, 2023 | Round 3: March 14, 2023 | Round 4: May 2, 2023

57,300

Arizona State University

Master of Business Analytics

Round 2: December 1, 2022 | Round 3: February 1, 2023

Big Data: 59,180 | Other Tracks: 82,032

University of California, Davis

Master of Science in Business Analytics

Round 1: October 5, 2022 (Closed)

86,748

What are the benefits of studying MS in Business Analytics in the USA?

Pursuing an MS in Business Analytics in the USA is a prime opportunity for students interested in the field. Graduates of the program can expect to earn high salaries across top companies, such as Wells Fargo, City, Capital One, and more. The business analytics industry in the USA is also projected to grow, with a market size increase from USD 67.92 billion in 2020 to USD 103.65 billion in 2026 and a compound annual growth rate of 7.3%.


This growth indicates a rise in employment opportunities for those with a degree in Business Analytics. The USA is home to some of the world's leading universities for MS in Business Analytics programs. Institutions like MIT, UCLA, and UT Austin offer cutting-edge courses that focus on contemporary problem-solving. These programs equip students with the necessary skills to succeed in the business analytics field.


Upon graduation from an MS in Business Analytics program in the USA, students can expect to earn an average salary of USD 75,000 per year. This, combined with the growing market and increasing employment opportunities, makes pursuing an MS in Business Analytics in the USA a smart investment for anyone interested in the field.

Admissions for MS in Business Analytics in USA

Admission to MS in Business Analytics programs in the USA usually opens for the Fall and Winter terms. International students seeking admission to these programs are required to meet specific eligibility criteria and submit additional required documents. To be eligible for admission, international students must have completed a 4-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent.


Admission requirements for MS in Business Analytics

The university-specific admission requirements for MS in Business Analytics in the USA are provided in the following table.



University

Academic Requirement

Additional Documents

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

4 years UG degree or 3 years equivalent | GPA of 3.8 or above on a 4.0 scale (92-93%)

Full time paid work experience | 3 LORs (2 academic, 1 professional LOR) | 1-page resume | Essay questions | Short answers

University of California, Los Angeles

UG degree with minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA (83-86%)

Experience or coursework in Computer Programming

University of Texas at Austin

UG degree in a quantitative field, overall GPA of 3.66 out of 4.0 (90-92%)

2 LORs | Personal essay | Resume | 1-minute video essay

University of California, San Diego

Undergraduate degree or diploma

Work experience not mandatory, 2 LORs | Resume or CV | Quantitative experience | SOP (500 words)

Purdue University

UG degree with minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA (83-86%)

2 LORs | Resume | SOP | Essays |

Michigan State University

4-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent with 3.5/4.0 cumulative GPA (89-90%)

Work or internship experience optional | Knowledge in a programming language like: C, C++, Python, Java, and HTML

University of Notre Dame

Average GPA: 3.45/4.0 (88-89%)

Not mandatory

GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (83-86%)

1 LOR explaining commitment | motivation | achievements | work experience and opportunity | Current resume | Short answer question responses

University of California, Davis

Average GPA of 3.5/4.0 (89-90%)

Average 2 years of work experience

Eligibility Requirements for MS in Business Analytics in USA

International students planning to study Masters in Business Analytics in the USA must be aware of the eligibility criteria. The common requirements include

  • Academic Degree: A 4-year bachelor's degree or a 3-year equivalent in a relevant field.

  • Minimum GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.0 to 3.66 out of 4.0 (83-92%) is required by top universities.

  • GRE or GMAT Score: An average GRE score of 167 in quants and an average GMAT score of 640 to 750 are demonstrated by admitted students.

  • English Proficiency: A minimum TOEFL score of 79 to 105 is required, although other tests like IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo may be accepted.

  • Statement of Purpose (SOP): A detailed SOP outlining the student's goals is required by most universities in the USA.

  • Essay: A personal essay within the word limit set by the university may be required.

  • Letters of Recommendation: 1-3 LORs from academic or professional supervisors are needed.

  • Coursework: Knowledge of computer programming and programming languages such as C, C++, HTML, Python, and Java can strengthen the application.

  • Professional Experience: Although not required by all universities, at least 1-2 years of full-time experience or relevant internship experience can improve admission chances.

Cost of pursuing a Masters in Business Analytics in the USA

Pursuing a Master's degree in Business Analytics in the USA can be a substantial investment. The cost of studying MSBA in the USA consists of two main components: tuition fees and the cost of living. Tuition fees for MSBA programs can range from $30,000 to $100,000, depending on the university and program.


The cost of living, which includes expenses such as housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses, can range from $10,000 to $20,000 per year, again depending on the location and lifestyle of the student. It's important to understand that while the cost of studying MSBA in the USA may seem high, the benefits of earning this degree can far outweigh the expenses.


A Master's degree in Business Analytics can open doors to high-paying, in-demand careers in the field of data science, with average salaries ranging from $85,000 to $150,000 per year. Additionally, many universities offer scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of financial aid to help offset the cost of tuition and living expenses for qualified students.


Living expenses in the USA

The cost of living in the USA for students can vary greatly depending on the location and lifestyle of the student. Major cities, such as New York and San Francisco, tend to have higher costs of living than smaller cities or rural areas. Housing is one of the biggest expenses for students, with the cost of rent ranging from $500 to $2,500 per month, depending on the location and type of housing. Students should also budget for food, transportation, books, and other personal expenses, which can add up quickly.


Scholarship Opportunities For Business Analytics in the USA

Pursuing a Master's in Business Analytics at top universities in the USA is now more accessible, particularly from a financial standpoint. International students now have access to a range of scholarship opportunities to help meet their funding needs. Below are five helpful scholarships that can provide assistance with the cost of an MSBA degree in the USA:



Scholarship Name

Amount/Grant/Covers/Benefit

Columbia Advisory Group Grant

Applied to a Masters program in Texas A & M university Grant of either 250 USD or 500 USD

Keith and Nancy Mcfarland Endowment

Enrolled in a program where students serve 9 graduate credit hours for each semester

1000 USD/year


Aga Foundation Scholarship

Pursue MS in USA with financial issues Offer 50% grants and 50% loans. Covers tuition and living costs.

Global Study Awards

Enrolled in a postgraduate program in the USA and scored well in IELTS 12,084 USD given to cater to tuition costs

AAUW International Fellowship

For women who wish to study full-time abroad

Covers living, tuition and childcare costs


Employment Prospects for MSBA Graduates in the USA

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median average annual wage for MSBA graduates was $93,000 in 2021. With high demand in this field, salaries are expected to increase based on a graduate's experience and skills. Upon earning an MS in Business Analytics in the USA without GRE, there are numerous job options available to choose from. The following are the top five most popular career paths:



Job Profile

Average Annual Salary

Senior Business Analyst

92,593 USD

Senior Data Scientist

110, 962 USD

Senior Data Analyst

80,855 USD

Data Engineer

91,812 USD

Business Analyst, Database

74,070 USD

Students should consider pursuing their career in the USA due to the availability of job opportunities from well-known brands, such as Wayfair LLC, Citibank, Ford Motor Company, and Farmers Insurance Group.


In conclusion, completing an MS in Business Analytics in the USA equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the real world. The curriculum is designed to align with what top recruiters and industry leaders are seeking in MSBA graduates. For additional information regarding a Master's in Business Analytics in the USA, our Yocket counsellors are available to assist.


Frequently Asked Questions About MS in Business Analytics in the USA

Is pursuing an MS in Business Analytics in the USA a good investment?

Yes, studying MS in Business Analytics in the USA is a valuable choice for students as the country offers access to some of the best business schools and a worthwhile learning experience in this field.

How long does it take to complete a Master's in Business Analytics in the USA?

Is GMAT a requirement for MS in Business Analytics in the USA?


Who is eligible to apply to the top MSBA programs in the USA?

What are the requirements for MS in Business Analytics in the USA?

Is Business Analytics eligible for a STEM OPT?


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