In this master’s in data analytics program, you’ll learn how to derive value from data and modeling, lead data-driven analyses and create impactful business advantages for organizations. The curriculum focuses on data at rest, which means you’ll have large amounts of data to manipulate, dissect, analyze and measure before it goes back into motion. Graduates are prepared to translate data into a story that leadership can use to gain a competitive advantage. Transferable skills you’ll develop include:
- Data mining and visualization.
- Data modeling.
- Machine learning.
- Marketing and predictive analytics.
Additionally, courses incorporate popular programming languages, such as Python, SPSS and SQL. You’ll also gain exposure to common software you’ll use in the business analytics field, including @Risk, Palisades, Decision, Suite Tableau and AzureML. As tools and languages gain and lose popularity, the curriculum is updated to align with what employers are looking for when filling their analytics roles.
Who’s a good candidate for this MSBA?
Ideal candidates will be interested in using data and quantitative understanding to drive business decisions. Your previous academic or professional experience in STEM-related, analytical or technical work will support your success in this program. While prerequisites aren’t required to be admitted, having foundational knowledge in calculus, statistics and coding will help prepare you for the rigors of the curriculum.
Please note that a STEM background is not required to be admitted to the program. However, you’ll likely need to spend additional effort to learn the quantitative and IT programming knowledge that accompanies the curriculum.

Are you a data guru looking to hone your quantitative skills and apply them to a professional business setting? If so, pursuing Arizona State University’s Master of Science in business analytics (MSBA) online may be an excellent choice. You’ll develop advanced skills in synthesizing large quantities of data at rest and using it to tell a story. Through quantitative-driven courses, you’ll build the technical skills needed to pursue diverse roles in the business analytics industry.
In this program, you’ll take courses that build core competencies in math, statistics and business. Topics range from using data-driven quality management and marketing analytics to data mining and enterprise analytics. The program culminates in an applied project, where you’ll use data provided by real organizations to help solve problems.
The W. P. Carey School of Business faculty is passionate about innovative research and impact. Our school fosters an environment of global thinking, with a cohort of award-winning faculty from six continents around the globe and a student body that represents more than 100 countries. Faculty accolades include:
- National Academy of Sciences members.
- Renowned journal publications.
- Speakers at national conferences.
The W. P. Carey School of Business is one of the top business schools in the country. Our AACSB-accredited business school is committed to delivering excellent quality and value. Our U.S. News & World Report rankings reflect our commitment to academics, groundbreaking research and positive student outcomes.
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Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the W. P. Carey School of Business.
This program has a highly competitive admission process.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they’ve earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of a student's first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- Current resume.
- Essay responses.
- Graduate admission application and application fee.
- Official transcripts.
- One letter of recommendation.
- Proof of English proficiency.
- An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency.
- The letter of recommendation should comment on the applicant's motivation, commitment, achievements, work experience and opportunity for success in the program.
- Complete application instructions may be obtained from the department's website.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”