Business Data Science & Analytics Frequently Asked Questions

QS Top Universities ranked our program #8 in the U.S. and #22 globally in its 2023 rankings of business analytics master’s programs. In 2023, The Financial Engineer Times ranked our program #18. 

A key feature of the program is the integration of corporate-sponsored projects that allow students to gain real-world experience. This hands-on approach ensures our students have the skills necessary to be successful in this growing field of work. 

Students take classes with leading MSU faculty in the Broad College of Business as well as the College of Engineering (computer science). 

MSU’s Master’s in Business Data Science & Analytics is flexible, allowing students to work through the program at their own pace. Sessions are all asynchronous so you can do the work anytime, anywhere.  

As an MSU graduate student you are part of the Spartan Community and have access to our Palmer Career Management team, MSU resources and much more. 

Yes! Students in our program now have access to the Enterprise Leadership Academy. This optional program brings like-minded students together to dive deeper into their own professional and leadership development. You’ll have access to Leadership Labs, networking events and workshops at no additional cost. These are great ways to maximize the value of your degree.   

Yes, in addition to digital interaction with faculty and other students, you have access to other MSU networking opportunities. 

The program is fully online and you can either work through the 20 month (fall) or 16 month (spring) program plans or customize the timing so that it works in your life. There is no required on campus time.  

The program is designed to be completed in five semesters/20 months but you can do it more quickly or take longer, depending on your goals and your life circumstances. It begins each fall.  

The curriculum core includes courses in business analytics, strategy, data mining, data tools, applied statistics, project management, marketing technologies, and communications taught by leading MSU faculty. An added benefit is your ability to choose electives in the form of an additional Graduate Certificate to customize your learning.  

Yes! Our newly enhanced program allows students to actually earn three Graduate Certificates in addition to the MS in Business & Data Science Analytics – all at no additional cost. You’ll have multiple ways to demonstrate your competency and new skills even before you graduate with the full degree. 

The program is structured to provide students with skills to gain them access to both business analytics and data science roles upon graduation. Accordingly, applicants should have introductory exposure to programming languages and statistics. This can be done through online learning platforms and does not need to be through undergraduate or other university coursework. Our program also provides extensive onboarding to ensure all students have an intermediate or above understanding of Python, R, SQL and basic statistics knowledge. 

Yes! The program has a project-driven approach that gives students opportunities to gain exposure to real-world scenarios. Experiential learning allows students to be introduced to companies, work in teams and solve business problems using analytical techniques. We also hold several workshops and seminars throughout the program. 

Yes, the M.S. in Business Data Science & Analytics is officially designated as a STEM degree program under the Business Statistics CIP code. 

For questions beyond these FAQs, please contact the program’s admissions office via email at analytics@broad.msu.edu. 

We admit 42–45 students per year. 

The average GPA for the class of 2022 was 3.36. 

On average, 90%+ of job-seeking students received full-time employment within three months of graduation. 

Students have received offers from companies such as Ford, GM, Apple, IBM, Intel and more. 

For our most recent graduating class, the average salary offer was approximately $90,000. 

The Master’s in Business Data Science & Analytics program provides each student with a career services adviser to help in the search for employment through our Russell Palmer Career Management Center, which is dedicated to the Eli Broad College of Business. Students receive personalized resume reviews, practice interviews, negotiation advice, etc. The program also includes networking opportunities, workshops and career fairs to help students develop relationships with employers. Specifically, we have a spring business analytics fair focused on internships and a fall business analytics fair focused on full-time job opportunities. 

For specific details, please visit our Admissions page. 

We cannot provide you an evaluation of admission chances without a complete application. 

No, work experience is not required for admission but is highly recommended. 

The program does not require a specific undergraduate degree. If you lack experience in a specific area, like business analytics or data mining, for example, Coursera.com and Datacamp.com offer training classes that may be beneficial. Gaining additional training will ensure you have the base-level skills required to be successful in the classroom. Basic exposure to a programming language or stats package (Python, R, C, Java, etc.) is highly recommended prior to application. 

There are no specific prerequisite courses for the program. 

We look for exposure to all three pillars of our program: business, computer programming and statistics. If you find you are light in one of these areas, we recommend taking courses in the gap areas. 

There are several great resources at MSU to help you prepare for an M.S. in Business Data Science & Analytics: 

• Take introductory-style courses that provide some conceptual background and technical skill development. Examples of such courses are CMSE 201, CMSE 202, CSE 102, CSE 231, CSE 232 or PLS 392. 

• Pursue a major or minor in one of the following: computational math, information technology, computer science, statistics or social science data analytics. 

Current tuition is set at $36,000 for in-state students and $39,000 for out-of-state international students. Please visit the Tuition and Financial Aid page for the most up-to-date information. 

The program does not currently offer any graduate assistantships or scholarships. 

Students are encouraged to visit the Graduate School’s website for information on assistantships. 

Yes, internships are a required component of our program in the summer and provide hands-on learning opportunities in data science and business analytics. The majority obtained are paid internships. 

Yes, there are opportunities available for on-campus employment. 

Our expert team is ready to answer any additional questions regarding our M.S. in Business Data Science & Analytics — contact us at analytics@broad.msu.edu. We’re happy to help!