Introduction to Business Analytics Department
In response to the changes of the data-driven era, the application of big data in business has increased year by year, leading to a rise in the demand for analysts. Data Science, Data Analytics, and Business Analytics are some of the data-related fields that have emerged as a result of this trend. Among them, Business Analytics, with its relatively low entry barriers, has become the most popular choice.
Unlike other specialized fields, Business Analytics is not a fixed program within a specific college. Each university, depending on its curriculum design and faculty resources, may offer it through the Business School, the Engineering School, or a cross-disciplinary program. The courses in the Business School focus more on using data to make business decisions. Programs in the Engineering School, however, tend to be more technical and emphasize applicants' backgrounds in engineering. Cross-disciplinary programs focus more on diverse learning, aiming to enhance students' overall abilities. Nevertheless, due to the nature of Business Analytics (applying data to business behavior) and its relatively low programming requirements, the majority of Business Analytics programs are still offered by Business Schools. If a university already has a certain level of programming background and an interest in data analysis, students may consider enrolling in cross-disciplinary BA courses or apply for more technical programs like Analytics or Data Science.
Most students choose BA to increase their job opportunities. As a profession aimed at "employment," students' choices are not only based on rankings, but also on factors such as location, job opportunities, and the nature of the curriculum.
UP-STUDY Selected Business Analytics Top Schools
Carnegie Mellon University
Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy
M.I.S.M – Business Intelligence & Data Analytics Track
Founded: 2011
STEM Designated: Yes
As a top computer engineering school, CMU offers the BIDM Pathway under the MISM program, with a curriculum focus on machine learning analysis, structured and unstructured data analysis, and model prediction. This allows students to learn how business, science, and data can be integrated and applied. It is important to note that applicants applying for this degree through the BIDM Pathway must complete certain prerequisite courses, including Object-Oriented Programming, Probability/Statistics, and Database courses. If applicants have already graduated, some of these courses can be completed at CMU-approved institutions.
Basic Application Requirements:
TOEFL iBT Reading 22 Listening 22 Speaking 18 Writing 22
IELTS 6.5 Reading 6.5 Listening 6.5 Speaking 6.0 Writing 6.5
University of Washington
Foster School of Business
Founded: 2019
STEM Designated: Yes
Unlike most master's programs, Foster's courses are primarily held in the evenings and on weekends, allowing students who work full-time to still have a great learning experience. The Foster MSBA program is focused on Project-Based learning, emphasizing practical applications, making it suitable for students aiming to learn "tools" and enter the workforce, or career changers, rather than students interested in academic research.
Basic Application Requirements:
GPA 3.0/4.0 (Last 60 Sem Credits)
TOEFL iBT 92
University of Southern California
Marshall School of Business
Founded: 2014
STEM Designated: Yes
Although part of the Business School, Marshall's MSBA is designed with a data science foundation. Applicants must have a certain level of statistical knowledge before the program begins and must provide proof of course completion. The curriculum is structured around three main pillars: Computer Science, Statistics, Machine Learning, Optimization, and Business Strategy, aiming to turn students into well-rounded business professionals. It is a Project-Based learning experience.
Basic Application Requirements:
TOEFL iBT 100 Reading 20 Listening 20 Speaking 20 Writing 20
IELTS 6.5 Reading 6 Listening 6 Speaking 6 Writing 6
Columbia University
Columbia Engineering and Columbia Business School
Founded: 2018
STEM Designated: Yes
Columbia University's BA program is jointly offered by the School of Engineering and the Business School, with a heavier emphasis on the Engineering School courses. A major highlight of the program is the Capstone Project, where students can collaborate with industry companies from the first semester and work directly with real data for simulation and practical application of what they've learned. Additionally, the program offers four different business concentrations, allowing students to strengthen their expertise in a specific area while fulfilling elective credits.
Basic Application Requirements:
TOEFL iBT 100
IELTS 6.5
Georgia Institute of Technology
Colleges of Engineering, Business and Computing
Founded: 2014
STEM Designated: Yes
The MS Analytics program is jointly offered by the College of Business, the College of Computing, and the College of Engineering. The program provides three different learning tracks: Analytics Tools, Business Analytics, and Computational Data Analytics. Applicants are recommended to have a background in mathematics and programming. Notably, despite the different specializations, students from all three backgrounds will have opportunities to take common courses, allowing for cross-disciplinary collaboration and networking opportunities that can be beneficial in their future careers.
Basic Application Requirements:
TOEFL iBT 100
IELTS 7.5
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