Are you someone who has a keen analytical mind? Do you have basic programming skills? Are you in search of an academic program to blend these strong suits and apply them to the business world?
Then look no further! Doing a master’s in business analytics is the right choice for you.
The USA being home to many MNCs and its widespread reputation in encouraging business-friendly policies, there is no doubt in the exposure you would get by doing an MS in Business Analytics in the USA. Additionally, since you can find some of the best universities for business analytics in the USA, it is an attractive destination for international students.
In this post, we have everything you need to know, including top colleges, eligibility criteria, costs to pursue the course, admission process, and more!
Let’s get to the specifics!
What is Business Analytics?
It is well-known that data and information are inevitable in successfully running a business. This is exactly what Business Analytics is for.
Simply put, business analytics speculates the historical data that is available within the organization and processes it into actionable insights.
Wondering how this is done? Well, it is an end-to-end process, including data mining, predictive analysis, and statistical analysis. Through these processes, a business analyst will identify and anticipate upcoming business trends and patterns, making data-driven business decisions.
Interesting, right? Now, let’s move on to what to expect from masters in business analytics courses in the USA.
What is a Masters in Business Analytics?
An MS in Business Analytics in the USA is a 1-2 year STEM program. While the curriculum of MS in Business Analytics in the USA may vary from university to university, in general, this graduate program is tailored to explore big data, optimization, data visualization, risk management systems, decision models, and forecasting.
In a nutshell, the focus of the curriculum is prominently on three areas – Statistics, Data Management, and Analytical Methods. After graduation, you will be a business analyst equipped with the tools and techniques to provide solutions to drive business growth.
Are you still confused about why an MS in Business Analytics from the USA is a better choice than pursuing the course in your home country?
To clear your confusion, here are the top 5 reasons why our Galvanize admission counseling experts believe a Masters in Business Analytics in the USA is a better option for your future.
Why Study MS in Business Analytics (MSBA) in the USA? Top 5 Reasons
- Presence of Top League Universities: The USA is home to various prestigious universities like MIT, UC Berkeley, University of Chicago, etc., that offer contemporary master’s programs in business analytics.
- Expert Guidance: The Faculties in the US universities are mostly industry leaders or trained faculty with excellent industry connections. This will ensure the students are better prepared to meet the demands of real-world business problems.
- Better Career Prospects: The USA not only offers a great learning & living environment but also an array of job opportunities with better salaries and growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is expecting a 14% increase in business analyst roles from 2020 to 2023, faster than the average of all occupations.
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2021 report, the median salary is $93,000 per year, making MS in Business Analytics in the USA one of the highest-paying master’s degrees in the USA.
- The Business Analytics industry hired nearly 30% of the international graduates in MSBA in the USA last year.
Now, let’s have a look at if you meet the eligibility criteria for pursuing an MS in Business Analytics in the USA.
Eligibility Criteria to Study Business Analytics Course in the USA
#1. Academic Qualification
- A 4-year or 3-year undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline from an accredited college or university.
#2. English Proficiency Test Score
International Students from non-English speaking countries need to appear for an English proficiency test. The universities accept TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores. Some universities also accept PTE (Pearson Test of English) test scores.
- The TOEFL iBT score to get admission to US universities is between 79 to 105 and the paper-based test score should be at least 600.
- For IELTS, a minimum 7.5 IELTS band with a score of 7.0 in each section.
#3. GMAT/ GRE Score
To pursue a masters in the USA, you will also require a GMAT/GRE score. However, it’s not compulsory for all the universities. The required score for GRE/GMAT in the USA is,
- An average of 165 in the GRE quantitative section
- Between 640 to 750 score in GMAT.
Some universities in the USA allow you to take admission without the GRE/GMAT score such as USC Marshall, Texas A & M University, Northeastern University, etc.
#4. SOP (Statement of Purpose) & Essay
Most US universities would ask for an SOP (Statement Of Purpose) to demonstrate your objective to study at a US university. The word limit for the SOP varies from university to university. You need to customize your SOP based on the requirements of each university. In certain cases, some universities may also require you to submit a personal essay in video or written format.
#5. Work Experience
Work experience is not mandatory but is recommended for a Masters in Business Analytics in the USA.
#6. Letter of Recommendation
Universities also ask for Letters of Recommendation (LOR). You’ll need to get 1 to 3 LORs from supervisors, managers, and/or your professors who have closely worked with you and can provide a validation of your abilities.
#7. Documents
You must have a passport, resume, work experience proof, academic certificates, and last but not least, a student visa!!
#8. Prerequisite Knowledge
Some universities do look for prerequisites for your MS In Business Analytics
To name a few:
- Quantitative Background– an undergraduate degree in a quantitative discipline such as mathematics, economics, statistics, physics, engineering, or computer science
- Business – Work experience in Verticals (Retail, Healthcare, Telecom, Insurance, Technology, etc.) and horizontals (marketing, operations, sales, product)
- Programming and Statistical tools – R, SAS, STATA, Matlab, or Python, C++, etc.
- Calculus/Statistics Course Completion: Completion of a one-semester college-level calculus or statistics course with a grade of “C” or better.
Top Universities for MSBA in the USA
The USA has multiple universities to pursue professional degrees. Here are the top universities to pursue a Masters in Business Analytics.
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan)
| QS World University Rankings 2024(Program) | 2 |
| US Ranking 2023(Program) | 1 |
| Course | Master of Business Analytics |
| Course Duration | One year |
| Class Size | 80 |
| Tuition Fee | $87,600 |
| TOEFL/IELTS | Not required to apply to the MBAn program. English language proficiency is assessed during interviews. (Competitive applicants would have a TOEFL score of 100 and an IELTS band of 7) |
| GRE/GMAT | The GRE and GMAT are components of the application process and play an important role in our evaluation process. If your current situation prevents you from being able to submit a test score, the MBAn program will allow candidates to submit their application without the test and review their submitted material as is and without negative inferences(Competitive applicants have a score of 312+/700+) |
| Average Undergrad GPA Out of 4 | No minimum required GPA, but competitive applicants generally have a GPA of 3.5 or above |
| Employment Rate | 98.2% |
| Median Salary | $132,413 |
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Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper)
| QS World University Rankings 2024 | 7 |
| US Ranking 2023(Program) | 2 |
| Course | Master of Science in Business Analytics |
| Course Duration | 9months |
| Class Size | 73 |
| Tuition Fee | $36,126 per semester |
| TOEFL/IELTS | 100/7 |
| GRE/GMAT | 325+/640-750 |
| Average Undergrad GPA Out of 4 | 3.57 |
| Employment Rate | 94% |
| Median Salary | $156,500 |
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UCLA (Anderson)
| QS World University Rankings 2024 | 1 |
| US Ranking 2023(Program) | 28 |
| Course |
Master of Science in Business Analytics |
| Course Duration | 15 months |
| Class Size | 120 |
| Tuition Fee | $77,188.28 |
| TOEFL/IELTS | TOEFL 100/ IELTS 7.5 |
| GRE/GMAT | GMAT: 710 overall (above 90%)/
GRE: Quantitative score of 167 (above 92%) |
| Average Undergrad GPA Out of 4 | 3.5 |
| Employment Rate | 95%range |
| Median Salary | $122,000 |
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University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)
| QS World University Rankings 2024 | 12 |
| US Ranking 2023(Program) | 4 |
| Course |
Business Analytics, MBA |
| Course Duration | 1-2year |
| Class Size | 222 |
| Tuition Fee | $87,370 |
| TOEFL/IELTS | TOEFL 100/ IELTS 7 |
| GRE/GMAT | 324/728 |
| Average Undergrad GPA Out of 4 | 3.6 or higher |
| Employment Rate | 97% |
| Median Salary | $205,000 |
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New York University (Stern)
| QS World University Rankings 2024 | 38 |
| US Ranking 2023(Program) | 5 |
| Course | Master of Science in Business Analytics |
| Course Duration | 1year |
| Class Size | 70 |
| Tuition Fee | $85,500 |
| TOEFL/IELTS | TOEFL 100/IELTS 7 |
| GRE/GMAT | Not required |
| Average Undergrad GPA Out of 4 | 3 |
| Employment Rate | 94.1% |
| Median Salary | $175,000 |
-
The University of Texas at Austin(Mccombs)
| QS World University Rankings 2024(Program) | 9 |
| US Ranking 2023(Program) | 7 |
| Course | Master of Science in Business Analytics |
| Course Duration | 10 months |
| Class Size | 99 |
| Tuition Fee | $53,000 |
| TOEFL/IELTS | TOEFL 100/IELTS 7 |
| GRE/GMAT | Optional |
| Average Undergrad GPA Out of 4 | 3.64 |
| Employment Rate | 86.3% |
| Median Salary | $120,000 |
There are many other universities in the USA and you can choose to apply to as many as you want based on your profile, university requirements, budget, course curriculum, location preferences etc. Some of the universities are the University of Southern California, Boston University, Arizona State University, Michigan State University etc.
However, if you’re not sure about which university you should choose to pursue business analytics or whether you’ll match the eligibility or not, you can take a profile evaluation test from us.
Admission Process For Masters in Business Analytics in the USA
To obtain admission to MS in Business Analytics in the USA, you can follow these below-mentioned steps:
- Shortlist universities as per your preferences.
- Check if you meet the eligibility criteria by visiting the chosen university’s official website.
- Fill out the application form and pay the application fee.
- Submit required documents.
- Appear for an interview if asked.
- Apply for a student visa once you receive admission and finalize the university.
- Plan to shift and start your Master’s in Business Analytics at your dream university in the USA!
Cost of studying MS in Business Analytics in the USA
Here is an estimate of the tuition and living expenses for your Master’s degree in Business Analytics in USA.
| Average in $ a year | Details | |
| Tuition Fee | $86,300 | Depends on your chosen university. |
| Living Cost | $15,000 | Depends on the locality you’ve chosen to live |
| Miscellaneous | $6000 | Including books, supplies, personal, transportation, etc. |
| Total | $107,300 |
Scholarships for MS in Business Analytics in the USA
Finances are a big factor that you need to consider when you decide to study abroad! Based on your profile you may get an assistantship from your university. But there are also international and national scholarships that you can apply for. These scholarships may cover the whole or some part of your tuition fees, living expenses, and more.
Here are some scholarships you can check:
| Keith and Nancy McFarland Endowment | Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships |
| Aga Foundation Scholarship | Columbia Advisory Group Grant |
| Global Study Awards | AAUW International Fellowship |
| AAUW International Fellowships | Fulbright Nehru Master’s Scholarships |
Apart from scholarship, to pursue your study abroad dream you can also apply for an education loan for study abroad.
Job Prospects After MS in Business Analytics in the USA
| Job Role | Average Salary in $ (in a year) |
| Data Scientist | $1,56,758 |
| Research Scientist | $1,41,742 |
| Analytics Associate | $80010 |
| Business Intelligence Engineer | $110825 |
| Machine Learning Scientist | $1,73,364 |
| Data Science Consultant | $121040 |
| Operations Analyst | $ 68181 |
| Research Engineer | $118267 |
| Product Analyst | $ 86,797 |
| Portfolio Manager | $128565 |
Conclusion
By now, you must have clarity on the end-to-end processes involved in pursuing a Masters in Business Analytics from the USA. However, is it that easy to handle the entire process? Definitely not!
But, worry not! We at Galvanize are committed to ensuring you live your dream of studying abroad. We provide a high-quality personalized experience, which helps you with selecting your university, admission process, visa applications, education loans, scholarships, and test preparation like GRE, TOEFL IELTS, etc. We also provide expert guidance, profile evaluation, and more.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your seat at the earliest by reaching out to us.
