Business Analytics (M.S.)

https://www.unh.edu/program/master-science/business-analytics

The Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA), offered by the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, prepares students for careers related to data analytics, artificial intelligence, and quantitative decision making in modern organizations. Graduates will be armed with skills in data management/visualization, predictive modeling, forecasting, and data driven decision optimization. The revised curriculum expands coverage of artificial intelligence, providing hands-on experience with modern AI tools, large language models (LLMs), AI agents, and automated analytical workflows that increasingly shape business practice. The program emphasizes both the theoretical foundations and the practical applications, supported by relevant and modern programming skills. In addition, the MSBA curriculum is designed to foster teamwork and presentation skills that will help students to seamlessly transition into relevant corporate roles.

The MSBA is a STEM-designated program and consists of required and elective coursework. Courses follow an 8-week-long term. The program can be completed in 9 months (taking two (for accelerated MSBA students) or three courses per term. Working professionals may take one or two of our day classes per term and complete the MSBA degree within two years while continuing to work.  

Admission requirements include college-level mathematics (such as finite math or similar) and an introductory statistics course. GMAT or GRE scores are optional.  While not mandatory, applicants with experience in statistics, programming, or quantitative reasoning may be more competitive. Students lacking these fundamentals will have access to resources to gain the necessary background before joining the program. International students are also required to submit a TOEFL score (waivers will be considered on a case-by-case basis).

As artificial intelligence and analytics transform the landscape of modern business, demand for graduates who can understand, develop, and apply AI-driven solutions continues to accelerate. Organizations of all sizes seek professionals who can translate data and emerging AI technologies into actionable insights and operational improvements. A list of examples of careers in business analytics is as follows:

  • Business Analytics & Optimization Consultant
  • Business Case Modeling Analyst/Consultant
  • AI Applications Analyst/AI Automation Specialist
  • AI-Enabled Business Solutions Developer
  • Operations Research/Supply Chain Analytics Analyst
  • Customer/Marketing Personalization Analyst (AI-Driven Personalization)
  • Data Product Analyst/Analytics Product Owner
  • Analyst & Planner (Six Sigma)
  • Internal Quantitative Marketing Strategy Consultant
  • Manager of Modeling and Analytics
  • Pricing & Revenue Optimization Analyst
  • Project Manager/Promotion Response Analytics
  • Quantitative Analyst – Asset Allocation
  • Quantitative Analyst – Insurance Risk/Fraud Analytics
  • Quantitative Marketing Solutions Director & Manager
  • Quantitative Modeler
  • Quantitative Research Analyst
     

The MSBA program requires students to take 12 courses (a total of 36 credit hours), from which 10 are required core courses and 2 are electives. A listing of core courses is below. Full-time students take two or three courses per term.  

The Foundation
Mathematics for Business Analytics (Online Module) 10
Core Courses
DS 801Business Intelligence3
DS 802Probability Models for Analytics 3
DS 804Exploration and Communication of Data3
DS 805Machine Learning for Business 3
DS 806Optimization Models for Analytics3
DS 807Text and Image Analytics 3
DS 809Business Forecasting 3
DS 810Big Data and AI: Strategy and Analytics (Capstone)3
DS 811AI Applications for Business3
DS 815Programming for Business Analytics3
Electives
Select two (2) Approved Electives from the below list of courses. 26
Total Credits36
1

The online module acts as a refresher for the mathematical background needed for the program and is designed to prepare students for the MSBA program. 

2

Below is a list of suggested elective courses from the MSBA program. Courses from other UNH graduate programs may be substituted with a petition.

Depending on the availability, students can take the below courses in a face-to-face format or in an online format.

Approved Electives
DS 816Tools for Business Analytics3
ADMN 829Corporate Financial Strategy3
ADMN 830Investments3
ADMN 834Private Equity/Venture Capital3
ADMN 846International Financial Management3
ADMN 852Marketing Research3
ADMN 863Marketing Analytics3
ADMN 864New Product Development3
ADMN 912Managing Yourself & Leading Others3
ADMN 839Applied Financial Modeling and Analytics3
ADMN 842Project Management3
ADMN 845Supply Chain Management3
ADMN 865Digital Marketing3
ADMN 919Accounting/Financial Reporting, Budgeting, and Analysis3
ADMN 926Leveraging Technology for Competitive Advantage3
ADMN 930Financial Management/Raising and Investing Money3
ADMN 940Managing Operations3
ADMN 960Marketing/Building Customer Value3
ADMN 970Economics of Competition3

Accelerated Master's Overview

Accelerated Master’s programs offer qualified University of New Hampshire undergraduate students the opportunity to begin graduate coursework in select graduate programs while completing a bachelor’s degree. Accelerated master's programs are designed to provide students with an efficient and cost-effective pathway to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree or graduate certificate, enhancing career opportunities and long-term earning potential.

Accelerated Master's Highlights

  • Begin studying advanced topics while an undergraduate student with the opportunity to complete a master’s degree or graduate certificate early.
  • Master’s degree program students: Earn up to 12* graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor’s degree. This coursework will count as dual-credit toward both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
  • Graduate certificate program students: Earn up to 8* graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor’s degree. This coursework will count as dual-credit toward both the bachelor’s degree and the graduate certificate.
  • Students complete the bachelor’s degree, and then officially matriculate into the master’s or graduate certificate program to complete the remaining required graduate-level coursework.

*Some exceptions apply. 

Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements

  • A minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA is required.*
  • A minimum of 90 undergraduate credits must be completed prior to enrolling in graduate (800-level) courses.
  • Streamlined Graduate School Application (two letters of recommendation; most standardized tests and application fee are waived).*

*Some exceptions apply.

Accelerated Master's Requirements

  • Students must attend a mandatory orientation session.
  • Students must submit a special registration form each semester for dual-credit courses and note any DegreeWorks exceptions.
  • Students may defer graduate matriculation for up to one year after earning their bachelor’s degree in most programs.
  • See the Accelerated Master’s Catalog Policy and Accelerated Master’s Website for additional information and a list of programs. Note that some programs have additional requirements (e.g. higher-grade expectations) compared to the general policy.

Business Analytics (M.S.) Accelerated Option

This graduate degree program is approved to be taken on an accelerated basis in articulation with the following undergraduate program(s):

Analytics (B.S.)
Business Administration (B.S.)
Data Science (B.S.)
Students select from the following approved 800-level courses that can be completed in the undergraduate senior year for dual credit:
DS 872Predictive Analytics and Modeling3
DS 874AI and Emerging Technologies in Business3

Additional Information

Students may complete up to 6 graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor's degree. This coursework will count as dual-credit toward both the bachelor's and master's degrees. 

Program Learning Outcomes
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of content areas of business analytics.
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to solve complex business problems.
  • Students will demonstrate effective oral communication behaviors.
  • Students will demonstrate effective written communication behaviors.
  • Students will demonstrate ability to cleanse, aggregate and visualize data.
  • Students will demonstrate ability to apply statistical inference techniques to business and societal problems.
  • Students will effectively develop and interpret optimization and simulation software output to inform business or policy decision making.
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to use modern artificial intelligence tools, including large language models, AI agents, and automated analytical workflows, to support data-driven decision making and develop AI-enhanced business solutions.