Program Philosophy
The master of science in business analytics (MSBA) program prepares the next generation of experts in business analytics. Participants in the program will acquire the necessary knowledge to frame business problems in analytical terms and undergo hands-on training in applying the trendiest, most relevant analytical tools to capture, process and analyze large data sets. The analytical findings will help organizations extract actionable insights to make better informed decisions, recommend strategies to improve performance of operations, create shared value for sustainable growth, gain competitive advantages, identify new opportunities, and enable the digital transformation from basic to smart organization. Graduates of the program will develop advanced proficiency in executing and applying business analytics initiatives to challenging business problems in various industry domains including supply chain and operations, project management and marketing. The program aims to help meet the growing industry needs in the MENA region in particular and the world at large for business analytics professionals with the required new skills and expertise.
Admission to the Program
Normally, there is one admission deadline in March a year for enrollment in the fall term. For more details, please refer to the Office of Admissions section of the AUB graduate catalogue under Application Procedures.
Criteria for Admission
To be eligible for admission to the MSBA program, students must hold an undergraduate degree from a recognized university and must meet the Readiness for University Studies in English (RUSE) of the university. The program is open to students from other educational backgrounds including business, computer science, engineering, economics, mathematics, statistics and so forth.
To be accepted into the MSBA program, applicants must possess an undergraduate university degree with a GPA of 3.3 or above. Applicants are considered for admission on probation if they have attained a GPA between 3.0 and 3.3.
A personal interview may be conducted with an MSBA applicant when deemed necessary. As per AUB’s bylaws, the OSB Graduate Studies Committee shall make the final decision on the admission of applicants to the MSBA program.
The Application Process
To apply for admission to the MSBA program, applicants must submit the following documents:
- An application form
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts for all undergraduate and/or graduate coursework
- Proof of English proficiency (please refer to Readiness for University Studies in English - RUSE)
- A curriculum vitae
- A statement of purpose
- A personal interview
- An application Fee
Program Components
Overview
The MSBA program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours consisting of 6 required core courses (18 credits) and 4 elective specialized courses (12 credits). The 12 credits can be taken in one of two options:
Option 1 includes two core specialized elective courses (6 credits) and a thesis project (6 credits).
Option 2 includes two core specialized elective courses (6 credits); one general elective (3 credits); and a capstone project with experiential learning in industry (3 credits).
Please note if the two core specialized elective courses and thesis or project are taken in a given area, the students are entitled to an MSBA with a concentration title in that area (e.g., supply chain, project management, etc.)
Program Highlights
The program aims at achieving the following objectives:
- Frame business problems in analytical terms: Identify the business requirements, relevant data, needed information technology, competitive edge, value added proposition to the business and performance metrics for success.
- Analytical modeling and solving: Develop advanced analytical modeling and solving skills to best address business problems in various industries; further expose students to new techniques more applicable to the unstructured and streaming nature of big data.
- Analytics communication and management: Learn how to effectively communicate analytical and sometimes complex results to a mixed audience; develop core managing skills more applicable to a business analytics project including planning, team leadership, project management, conflict resolution, negotiation, and convincing techniques; create shared value for sustainable performance growth.
Program Outline
Participants will complete the program in a period of 16 months on a full-time basis. The program can also be completed on a part-time basis over a period of 24 months. The program starts with a 2-week boot camp and orientation (prerequisite) in August and continues for 12 months starting in September. In order to fulfill the MSBA program requirements, students must complete the following on a full-time or part-time basis as tabulated below.
|
Course Type |
Credit Hours |
| Core | 18 |
| Elective | 6 |
| Thesis or Capstone project and Elective | 6 |
| Total number of credits required for graduation | 30
|
The Curriculum
The graduate program consists of six core courses, two electives and a thesis that could be replaced by an elective and a capstone project.
The core courses areas follow:
- MSBA 300: Business Understanding in Analytics
- MSBA 305: Data Processing Frameworks
- MSBA 310: Applied Statistical Analysis
- MSBA 320: Optimization & Simulation
- MSBA 315: Predictive Analytics and Machine Learning
- MSBA 325: Data Visualization & Communication
Elective courses may be chosen from the following list:
- MSBA 316: Text Analytics and Natural Language Processing
- MSBA 318: Forecasting Analytics
- MSBA 319: Big Data Processing and Blockchain Technology
- MSBA 335: Supply Chain Management
- MSBA 336: Big Data processing and Blockchain Technology
- MSBA 360: Social Media Analytics
- MSBA 366: Digital Transformation with Business Analytics
- MSBA 370A: Data Driven Digital Marketing
- MSBA 370B: Consumer Behavior Analytic in MENA
- MSBA 375: Strategic Performance Management
- MSBA 381: Venture Building Practicum
- MSBA 382: Health Care Analytics
Program Delivery
Four terms MSBA Degree Plan
|
Course Title |
Normal (Cr.) |
Core/
Elective/
Remedial |
Summer Term
|
| Bootcamp: Python and R | 0 | Remedial
|
Fall Term
|
| MSBA 300: Business Understanding in Analytics | 3 | Core |
| MSBA 305: Data Processing Frameworks | 3 | Core |
| MSBA 310: Applied Statistical Analysis | 3 | Core |
| MSBA 320: Optimization & Simulation | 3 | Core
|
Spring Term
|
| MSBA 315: Predictive Analytics and Machine Learning | 3 | Core
|
| MSBA 325: Data Visualization & Communication | 3 | Core |
| Elective I | 3 | Elective |
| Elective II | 3 | Elective
|
Summer Term
|
Elective III
| 3 | Elective |
| Capstone project | 3 | Elective
|
Thesis
| 6
| Elective |
|
Fall 2 Term | | |
| Continuation of capstone project/thesis | |
|
Two-Year MSBA Degree Plan
|
Course Title
|
Normal (Cr.)
|
Core/
Elective/
Remedial |
Summer Term
|
| Bootcamp: Python and R | 0 | Remedial
|
Year 1 Fall Term
|
| MSBA 300: Business Understanding | 3 | Core |
| MSBA 310: Applied Statistical Analysis | 3 | Core
|
Year 1 Spring Term
|
| MSBA 305: Data Processing Frameworks | 3 | Core |
| MSBA 315: Predictive Analytics and Machine Learning | 3 | Core
|
Year 1 Summer Term
|
| Elective I | 3 | Elective |
| Elective II | 3 | Elective
|
Year 2 Fall Term
|
| MSBA 320: Optimization and Simulation | 3 | Core |
| MSBA 325: Data Visualization and Communication | 3 | Core
|
Year 2 Spring Term
|
| Elective III | 3 | Elective |
| Capstone project | 3 | Elective
|
Academic Policies
Academic Rules and Regulations
University Academic Rules and Regulations on courses, grades, probation, and dismissal apply. The minimum passing grade in a course is C+. Students in the MSBA program are required to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.3 in all courses taken for graduate credit.
Academic Advisers
Each student has an academic adviser who normally approves the student’s schedule each term. The General University Academic Information section of this catalogue provides further information on academic advisers.
MSBA Courses and Course Descriptions