Become a data analysis expert that drives actionable business decisions.
Deepen your knowledge of analytics and data-driven decision-making with a Master of Science in Business Analytics from the Costello College of Business at George Mason University.
To inform their strategies, organizations increasingly depend on data and those who can understand and interpret it. Become an in-demand, data-savvy professional with strong decision-making and analytical skills with Mason's STEM-designated master of science in business analytics (MSBA) program. Graduate with all the tools you need to leverage data strategically and solve modern business challenges, and learn the latest data analysis techniques - data visualization, statistical modeling, data mining, machine learning, and much more.
Build diverse business skills, broader insights, and confidence while expanding your professional network. Connect with your classmates and our international alumni network of nearly 40,000 alumni. Benefit from a dedicated career services team that offers you personalized career coaching, employment and networking opportunities, and planning services for life.
Request More Information
To learn more about Mason's Master of Science in Business Analytics program, submit this form:
Curriculum
The Master of Science in Business Analytics program requires 30 credits (10 courses): 18 credits of core courses, 9 credits of electives, and a required 3-credit applied capstone course. The program follows the 8-week module format and courses are offered in the evening to accommodate working professionals. The curriculum is structured around a set of core courses focused on the fundamental business analytics skills (e.g., descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics) and a set of elective courses designed to deepen business analytical skills within specific business domains. Embedded throughout the curriculum is a focus on advanced quantitative and programming skills using popular software such as SQL, Python, R, and Tableau to work with data.
Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Program
Are you a highly-qualified Mason undergraduate? Academically strong Mason undergraduates can apply for an accelerated Master’s program and earn a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in five years. Visit our Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Programs page for more information.
Explore Degree Requirements
See courses and electives for the master's in business analytics program in Mason's University Catalog.
The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on program requirements and courses. Requirements may be different for earlier catalog years.
Sample Schedule
See a sample class schedule to discover how earning a Master of Science in Business Analytics can fit into your work and life.
Capstone
All students will complete a capstone course. The purpose of the capstone course is to provide students the opportunity to utilize their business analytics knowledge and skills to address a real-world problem facing a business or non-profit organization.
Certificate to Degree Pathway
Students who complete at least two business analytics certificate courses with grades of B or better will have their application requirements for the Master of Science in Business Analytics program reduced should they choose to apply. Courses taken for the business analytics certificate can be applied to the Master of Science in Business Analytics program upon acceptance into the program.
Meet Your Instructors
Mason’s faculty live, work, and consult in the Washington, D.C., area and draw on their real-world experience to enrich classroom instruction. Costello College of Business faculty teach both the on-campus and online programs.
Faculty members include:
Mehmet Altug
Associate Professor, Information Systems and Operations Management
Pallab Sanyal
Professor, Information Systems and Operations Management
Shun Ye
Associate Professor
Harvey Singer
Associate Professor, Information Systems and Operations Management
Kumar Mehta
Associate Professor, Information Systems and Operations Management
Suneel Grover
Adjunct Faculty, Marketing
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have additional questions, call us at (703) 993-8006.
My background is not in business or analytics, can I still apply?
Yes! You do not need to have a background in data or business analytics to apply to our master’s in business analytics program.
Is this program STEM-designated?
Yes. The MS in Business Analytics is a STEM-designated program. The STEM designation provides F-1 visa students the benefit of working in the United States for up to 36 months. Traditionally, with an F-1 visa in a non-STEM program, an F1 student would be eligible for up to 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorized work. With this STEM designation, F-1 students are allowed to extend their OPT period by up to 24 months.
What does GMAT/GRE test-optional mean?
Under our test-optional policy, applicants are not required to submit their GMAT/GRE test scores or request a waiver. This means that our admissions committee will base their decision on an applicant's previous academic performance, personal statement, recommendations, and resume.
If you would like to submit a GMAT/GRE test score with your application, we invite you to do so. Applicants are not penalized in the application review process for electing not to submit a test score.
If you elect to not submit your test scores:
In your graduate application, you will be asked “Would you like to submit your official GRE/GMAT test scores to be considered as part of your admissions decision?”. Select “No”. The question will be under the “GRE/GMAT Waiver Request” section.
Are there any situations in which it might be beneficial to submit a GMAT/GRE test score?
Yes, while not required, a GMAT/GRE test score may:
- strengthen your qualification for merit-based scholarships;
- OR enhance your application package and provide evidence of your quantitative aptitude. Be aware that poor test scores could have a negative impact on your candidacy for the MS in Business Analytics program.
If you elect to submit your test scores:
In your graduate application, you will be asked “Would you like to submit your official GRE/GMAT test scores to be considered as part of your admissions decision?”. Select “Yes”. The question will be under the “GRE/GMAT Waiver Request” section. Your application portal will be updated to include the GMAT/GRE test as a requirement.
You will need to have your official test scores sent directly by the testing agency to our Office of Graduate Admissions. To submit your scores, please use Institution Code 5827. Test scores are valid for five years from the test date. It can take several weeks for test scores to be processed into your application package so we strongly encourage you to take the test at least 30 days prior to the application deadline.
What will I learn?
Consistent with the mission of the Costello College of Business to prepare students with diverse backgrounds to succeed in a global business environment, our graduates will acquire essential knowledge and be competent in:
- Ethical Decision Making: Recognize and demonstrate ethical accountabilities to ensure ethical professional practices in collecting and analyzing data and in executing business strategies.
- Technical Skills: Analyze ambiguous, complex business issues using analytic methods and techniques with sound theoretical foundations.
- Knowledge of Inter-Disciplines in Business: Understand and utilize the essential relationships between analytics and the functional areas of business.
- Communication Skills: Effectively assess and present data and information necessary for problem solving through various communication tools.
What can you tell me about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Mason?
Diversity is one of Mason's core values; everyone is welcome here. Mason was recently named the most diverse university in Virginia by U.S. News & World Report. To learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at Mason, visit the university's DEI website. Visit this page to learn more about DEI at the College of Business.
Is Mason’s College of Business accredited?
Yes. The Costello College of Business is fully accredited by AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) International, and is one of only 189 schools in the world with business and accounting programs fully accredited by AACSB International.
In addition, Mason’s College of Business is both a signatory and a champion of the PRME (Principles of Responsible Management Education), the United Nations’ initiative aimed at promoting responsibility and sustainability through business and management curricula.
News from the Master of Science in Business Analytics Program
- July 19, 2024
- June 28, 2024
- January 25, 2024
- October 23, 2023
- October 25, 2022