M.S. in Business Analytics

Program Overview

The M.S. in Business Analytics at UB is typically a 30-credit hour program, offered in both full-time and online formats, allowing flexibility for diverse student needs. The program emphasizes a unique blend of quantitative methods and "storytelling" skills, recognizing that effective communication of data insights is crucial for leadership. It focuses on practical, hands-on learning, culminating in a capstone practicum where students apply their skills to real projects for businesses or non-profit organizations. This experiential approach ensures that graduates are "management ready" and can seamlessly integrate into data-intensive roles upon graduation.

STEM Designated: Yes, the M.S. in Business Analytics program at the University at Buffalo's School of Management is STEM-designated. This is a significant benefit, particularly for international students on F-1 visas, as it allows them to apply for a 24-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) STEM extension. This means international graduates can gain up to 36 months of work authorization in the U.S. in a field directly related to their degree, providing extended opportunities for professional development and career experience.

AACSB Accredited: Yes, the University at Buffalo School of Management's M.S. in Business Analytics program is fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). AACSB accreditation is the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide, signifying a commitment to excellence in curriculum, faculty qualifications, research productivity, and career outcomes. UB's School of Management has maintained AACSB accreditation since 1930, demonstrating its long-standing dedication to delivering a high-quality business education that meets global standards.

Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum for the M.S. in Business Analytics is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of data analytics within a business context. The core curriculum typically covers essential areas such as "Statistical Foundations of Analytics," "Database Management Systems," "Spreadsheet and Statistical Programming for Business," and "Data Visualization." Students also engage in a "Foundational Analytics Flexcore" with courses like "Model Managerial Process" and "Predictive Analytics." An "Applied Domain Analytics Flexcore" allows for specialization in areas such as "People Analytics," "Digital Marketing Analytics," "Supply Chain Analytics," or "Health Care Analytics." The program culminates in a "MS Practicum," a capstone experience where students apply their skills to real-world projects.

Research Focus: The School of Management at UB has a strong research focus, with faculty actively engaged in scholarship across various business disciplines, including Management Science and Systems, which heavily influences the Business Analytics program. Faculty research aims to discover and deepen the understanding of how data and analytical methods can drive effective organizations. The curriculum is informed by this research, ensuring students learn cutting-edge techniques and theoretical frameworks. While the M.S. is primarily a professional degree, students are exposed to the latest research in areas like cybersecurity and fraud prevention analysis, data engineering, data science, financial data analysis, health care data analysis, marketing data analysis, and supply chain data analysis through specialized electives and faculty expertise.

Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Business Analytics program at UB places a significant emphasis on industry engagement, preparing graduates for immediate impact in the workforce. The program's capstone practicum is a key feature, where students work on real-world projects for businesses and non-profit organizations, providing invaluable hands-on experience and direct interaction with industry stakeholders. The curriculum is designed to focus on skills highly desired by employers, including data-driven decision-making, data visualization, and the often-missing skill of "storytelling" with data. The School of Management maintains strong ties with its alumni network and leverages its career services to connect students with internships and job opportunities across diverse industries that increasingly rely on data analytics.

Global Perspective: The M.S. in Business Analytics program at UB inherently fosters a global perspective by addressing the universal demand for data analysts in every industry worldwide. The skills acquired in the program—data-driven decision-making, data visualization, and business intelligence—are highly transferable across international markets and multinational corporations. The presence of a diverse international student body enriches the classroom experience with varied cultural viewpoints and different approaches to global business challenges. The program aims to prepare students to rise to leadership positions in organizations worldwide, emphasizing the ability to analyze and communicate data effectively in a globalized business environment.