Master of Science (M.S.) in Business Analytics

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Overview
Become a strategic leader in business by pursuing your Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) at Xavier University.

Xavier's MSBA program offers both full-time and part-time options, with a curriculum designed to hone your critical thinking and technical skills in data analytics. Our hybrid courses combine in-person and online learning, providing a well-rounded educational experience. Upon graduation, you'll be equipped to leverage data-driven insights and make informed, ethical business decisions.

Admission
Admission to Xavier’s Master of Science in Business Analytics is selective. This degree program offers both full-time and part-time tracks, with classes starting in the Fall semester each academic year.

While there are no formal application deadlines, we recommend applying by August 1 to ensure timely processing of your application and course registration.

To be considered for admission into the Master of Science in Business Analytics program, please submit the following materials:

  • Completed application.
  • A current résumé documenting your work experience. The personal statement and résumé are uploaded to the application system.
  • Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended sent directly from the institution; electronic transcripts are also accepted. Email transcript submissions to xuadmit@xavier.edu.
  • Two letters of recommendation are requested and submitted through the application system.
  • A personal statement discussing your interest in Xavier University and business analytics.
  • GMAT/GRE test score (optional)

Please have all application materials sent directly to:

Xavier University
ATTN: Admission Processing Center
3800 Victory Parkway
Cincinnati, OH 45207-3221

Once the Admission Committee receives all your application materials, their review begins.

Curriculum
The MS in Business Analytics curriculum consists of 30 credit hours of graduate coursework, providing a comprehensive understanding of how to turn data into actionable insights, make data-driven business decisions and communicate results effectively.

Fall Semester

  • MSBA 660: Data Wrangling
  • MSBA 665: Optimization and Prescriptive Analytics
  • MSBA 689: Data Visualization and Storytelling
  • MSBA 602: Marketing Research or Approved Elective
  • MSBA 695: Ethics in Data Analytics

Spring Semester

  • MSBA 674: Database for Analytics
  • MSBA 680: Data Mining and Predictive Analytics
  • MSBA 640: Consumer-Centric Category Management or Approved Elective
  • MSBA 664: Consumer Behavior or Approved Elective
  • MSBA 695: Professional Development

Summer Semester

  • MSBA 610: Analytics Practicum / or Internship
  • MSBA 695: Emerging Technology in Data Analytics

Year 1: Fall Semester

  • MSBA 660: Data Wrangling
  • MSBA 689: Data Visualization and Storytelling
  • MSBA 695: Ethics in Data Analytics

Year 1: Spring Semester

  • MSBA 680: Data Mining and Predictive Analytics
  • MSBA 640: Consumer-Centric Category Management or Approved Elective
  • MSBA 695: Professional Development

Year 1: Summer Semester

  • MSBA 695: Emerging Technology in Data Analytics

Year 2: Fall Semester

  • MSBA 665: Optimization and Prescriptive Analytics
  • MSBA 602: Marketing Research or Approved Elective

Year 2: Spring Semester

  • MSBA 674: Database for Analytics
  • MSBA 664: Consumer Behavior or Approved Elective

Year 2: Summer Semester

  • MSBA 610: Analytics Practicum / or Internship
Sample Courses

MSBA 660: Data Wrangling

Besides learning and applying statistical functions, you will receive a comprehensive introduction to the data wrangling process, including harvesting, cleaning, transforming, manipulating, visualizing, and modeling, as well as using data from various structured and unstructured sources.

MSBA 680: Data Mining and Predictive Analytics

This introductory course familiarizes you with popular data mining methods for extracting knowledge from data. The class covers principles of data mining while you acquire hands-on experience using state-of-the-art data mining software. The course takes a technological and management/marketing perspective.

MSBA 689: Data Visualization and Storytelling

In this hands-on introduction to data visualization, you explore the fundamental design principles and techniques for interactively visualizing data. This course helps you understand how visual representations can help in the analysis and understanding of complex data, how to design compelling visualizations, how to create interactive dashboards, and how to storyboard and effectively communicate using visualization.

MSBA 640: Consumer-Centric Category Management

Category Management is a discipline that maximizes a retailer's and manufacturer's partnership. This course gives an overview of consumer insight metrics and their use in the sales and marketing processes. Additionally, a sizable online consumer panel reinforces classroom instruction and provides consumer understanding in launching a new product.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition

  • MS in Business Analytics..............$942

Fees

  • Student ID Free..............$12.50
  • Graduate Student Association Fee, degree-seeking full-time..............$15 (per semester)
  • Graduate Student Association Fee, degree-seeking part-time..............$10 (per semester)
The amounts listed are for the 2025-2026 academic year, and include classes from Summer 2025 through Spring 2026. Tuition cost is per credit hour unless otherwise stated.
For the full, official listing, please visit xavier.edu/costs.
Xavier University reserves the right to correct any computational or clerical errors.
30
Credit Hours
100%
Internship Placement Rate

Why Xavier’s MS in Business Analytics Program?

Nationally recognized for excellence

The MSBA program is taught by distinguished faculty from the Business Analytics Information Systems and Marketing departments within the Williams College of Business—both of which have earned national recognition.

STEM-Certified data analytics master’s degree

This designation allows international students to extend their Optional Practical Training (OPT) for up to three years, providing them with greater opportunities to advance their careers and gain valuable professional experience in the U.S.

Leverage valuable real-world experience

Set yourself up for success and join a network of 18,000+ graduates with Xavier's MSBA program. Through our strong industry partnerships, students gain invaluable, hands-on experience working with real-world data in multiple business environments.

Receive an unparalleled Jesuit education

Xavier's MS in Business Analytics program equips you with the technical expertise and ethical mindset to excel in today's data-driven economy. Here, you’ll develop the skills to lead ethical data-driven initiatives and make a lasting impact on organizations.

Faculty Spotlight
Richie Liu, Ph.D

The MS in Data Analytics program is taught by renowned faculty like Professor Richie Liu, who brings a wealth of real-world experience to the classroom. After working in public accounting and banking, he transitioned into academia where he could share his knowledge of and passion for marketing and business with the next generation of leaders.

Virtual Tour
Elevate your learning experience

Smith Hall, the home of the nationally-recognized Williams College of Business, offers a world-class learning environment for graduate students. Experience modern classrooms, collaborative spaces and access to industry-leading resources.

FAQ

Prepare for a successful career while expanding your professional network in Xavier’s MSBA program. Learn more.

With the growing integration of data and market research in the corporate world, the demand for business/data analysts is rapidly increasing, creating abundant opportunities for professional growth.

Xavier’s analytics alumni and current students have secured jobs at distinguished companies, including:

Yes, our MSBA program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This is a prestigious accreditation that signifies the high quality of the program's curriculum, faculty and overall educational experience.

The MSBA is a hybrid program, combining both in-person and online learning. Approximately 70% of the coursework is delivered in-person, while the remaining 30% is completed online. This format offers flexibility for students while still providing a significant amount of face-to-face interaction with faculty and peers.

In-person classes will be held at Xavier's campus in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Xavier offers part-time and full-time options for students in the MSBA program. Full time students can complete the program in as little as 12 months, while part-time students can complete the program at their pace.

At Xavier's Williams College of Business (WCB), we are invested in the education of our students. We offer academic scholarships to recognize students for their achievements, and to make higher education accessible to a large population.
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Master of Science (M.S.) in Business Analytics Program at Xavier University

As the digital landscape continues to expand, the demand for business leaders who are both data-driven and solution-focused is rapidly increasing. By earning your Master’s in Business Analytics at Xavier, you'll engage in a rigorous curriculum designed to sharpen your skills, deepen your expertise in emerging technologies, and enhance your problem-solving abilities. Prepare for a successful career while expanding your professional network in Xavier’s MSBA program. Apply today!

Xavier University's Williams College of Business is accredited by the AACSB. AACSB-accredited schools offer students a relevant and challenging curriculum, the highest quality faculty and career opportunities that are not found at other business schools.

Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."