Master of Science in Business Analytics/Master of Business Administration (Dual Degree)

Program Overview

The Dual MBA/MSBA program at Montclair State University allows students to complete both degrees in as few as 2.5 years, a time and cost-efficient approach made possible by "shared" course content (12 shareable credits between the two programs). The program consists of 57 credits in total. Students can begin in the Fall semester in a full-time hybrid format (a blend of face-to-face, online, or hybrid courses) or a fully asynchronous online format. This dual degree aims to equip graduates with a competitive edge in today's fast-paced, data-driven market by combining strong functional business skills with expertise in using data to drive decisions in areas like risk management, product marketing, supply chain optimization, and financial technology.

STEM Designated: Yes, the Dual MBA/MS in Business Analytics (MSBA) program at Montclair State University is explicitly STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage for international students, as it qualifies them for a 24-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension beyond the initial 12 months, totaling up to 36 months of work authorization in the U.S. after graduation. This designation underscores the program's rigorous quantitative, analytical, and technical focus, aligning it with high-demand fields in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the MBA/MSBA Dual Degree provides a comprehensive blend of business fundamentals and specialized data analytics. The MBA component covers core business management knowledge and skills, including areas like managerial economics, corporate financial decision-making, operations and supply chain management, and strategic management. The MSBA component focuses on developing proficiency with data analytics tools and business intelligence techniques. Key MSBA courses may include "Database Systems for Analytics," "Introduction to Data Mining for Business," "Advanced Data Mining for Business," "Big Data Management and Analytics," "Data Wrangling and Analysis," "Optimization Methods for Business Analytics," "Data Visualization," and "Applied Statistics for Business Analytics." The program also requires students to complete an online Basic Statistics Foundation Module if they do not have prior sufficient knowledge.

Research Focus: The research focus within the MBA/MSBA Dual Degree program is highly applied, concentrating on leveraging data and analytical methods to solve real-world business problems. Students learn to strategically apply analytics to examine causes, develop actionable recommendations, and effectively communicate results. While it's not a traditional academic research degree, the program emphasizes evidence-based decision-making and continuous learning from data. The curriculum integrates the use of statistical and predictive modeling, analysis of structured and unstructured data, and knowledge discovery, all of which are rooted in contemporary business analytics research and best practices. The program culminates with an applied industry-based practicum, which serves as a capstone where students engage in practical research to address a specific business challenge.

Industry Engagement: Montclair State University's Feliciano School of Business places a strong emphasis on industry engagement for its MBA and MSBA programs, directly benefiting the dual degree students. The program's faculty comprises top-tier professors who combine tactical knowledge with industry relevance, often with firsthand experience. Students engage with the business community through various avenues, including an MBA Executive Speaker Series, discipline-specific panels, live case studies, and internship opportunities. The program offers mentorship opportunities and regular interaction with a network of experts and employers. These connections ensure that the curriculum remains highly relevant to current industry needs and provide graduates with invaluable networking and career advancement opportunities.

Global Perspective: The MBA/MSBA Dual Degree program at Montclair State University explicitly integrates a global perspective into its curriculum. For students enrolled in the Full-time Hybrid MBA/MSBA dual degree program, participation in both a domestic and an international study trip is a key component. This provides immersive opportunities in emerging economies, allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of global business practices and challenges. The curriculum also includes courses like "Emerging Trends in Global Markets" and emphasizes global strategic thinking. This comprehensive global exposure, combined with the diverse student body within the Feliciano School of Business, prepares graduates to analyze and solve business problems that transcend national boundaries, making them effective leaders in the global marketplace.