Master of Business Analytics
Whether you’re interested in fraud detection, risk management, or process improvement, our master of business analytics program will give you the tools you need to sort big data. This cross-discipline program is customizable and convenient and will prepare you for the future.
There are two pathways available for completing this program.
- 100% Online: Designed for working professionals, the 100% online program will give you the skills to advance your career and the flexibility to take courses from anywhere.
- Residential, In-person: The full-time, on-campus option is designed to meet the needs of recent undergraduates and experienced professionals, both domestic and international students.
The master of business analytics program features:
- customizable online content — focus your study on courses related to your field
- internationally known faculty
- a capstone project based on your interests
- networking and volunteer opportunities at the largest business analytics symposium in the Midwest
- science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) designation for international students in the on-campus program
AT A GLANCE
PROGRAM TUITION AND FEES
Iowa residents and students enrolled in the online pathway: $722/credit hour + fees
Non-residents: $1,610/credit hour + fees
International students: $1,705/credit hour + fees
PREFERRED APPLICATION DEADLINE
April 1 (summer, online only)
June 1 (fall)
October 1 (spring)
GMAT/GRE
Not required
FORMAT
Online or in-person
LENGTH
30 credits, 15 months
LOCATION
Online or in Ames, IA
Meet Staci Nevinski
After starting her own accounting business, Staci Nevinski realized her clients needed more than traditional bookkeeping. Nevinski likes creating systems that better organize and use data, so it’s not surprising she gravitated towards business analytics.
To meet the needs of her clients, Nevinski decided to augment her education by doing a deep dive into data with adding a master of business analytics (MBAN) degree.
Another motivation for Nevinski was figuring out how her education will directly benefit her clients. “I kept running into the need to provide greater analysis instead of just bookkeeping and basic reports,” Nevinski said. “The accounting field is being asked to do more real-time forecasting and feedback for business decisions.”
But it’s not just the coursework that makes a difference. For Nevinski, her classmates are also a big benefit. The collaboration with her team has been an important part of the program because it’s an opportunity to work with people who operate differently from me towards a common goal.
When I think about big data, I think of large companies. I’m really interested in how these big concepts can benefit small businesses. I’ve always gravitated toward playing with data. It’s insightful to work with the algorithms we’re learning in the master of business analytics program.”
Staci Nevinski
Current Student
Graduate Assistant
Ivy Writing and Speaking Center
Explore Business Analytics
The master of business analytics program, offered online and in-person, is tailored to the needs of working professionals and undergraduates looking to get ahead.
Our curriculum focuses on critical tools like analytics leadership, data wrangling and analytics, data visualization and communication, and problem solving — taught through hands-on exercises and case studies.
Customize your degree by taking courses from across campus. This interdisciplinary program draws from several of Iowa State University’s leading education fields in science and technology, including:
- computer science
- electrical engineering
- computer engineering
- statistics
- industrial engineering
- manufacturing system engineering
Apply Today
Ivy Business Analytics students can begin the program in the fall, spring, or summer term. Students are admitted year-round. Preferred application deadlines are May 1 for summer, July 1 for fall, and November 1 for spring.
International students who currently reside outside the U.S. are encouraged to apply at least three months prior to the start of the semester if seeking the on-campus option.
The following application materials are required:
- resume
- college transcripts
- two letters of recommendation
- statement of purpose
- TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English score for non-native English speakers
- declare on-campus or distance program on application
Once the application is complete, it will be reviewed. You may be contacted to schedule an interview as part of the admissions process.
Please note: Graduate students whose native language is not English and who do not have a degree from Iowa State University, must take the English Placement Test at the beginning for their first semester of enrollment. The test is administered by the Department of English. It must be taken in addition to the Test of English as a Foreign Language), which is taken as a part of the admissions process. A student who does not pass this examination is required to take specific courses in the English 99/101 series. This coursework must be completed no later than the semester BEFORE you graduate.
