Business Analytics (M.S.)

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 and quantitative decision making in modern organizations. Graduates from the MSBA program will be armed with skills in data storing/pre-processing/visualization, in building prediction/forecasting models, and in formulating/solving optimal business decision problems when faced with limited resources. The MSBA program places heavy emphasis on building both the theoretical fundamentals and the practical applications of business analytics 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 three courses per term), or 12 months (taking two to three courses per term). The MSBA program requires that applicants possess an introductory level of exposure to Calculus and programming. General familiarity with basic concepts from Calculus I, Calculus II (e.g. functions, derivation, and integration), and Linear Algebra (basic matrix operations) as well as prior exposure to at least one programming language (C++, Python, R, Java, SQL, etc.) are highly desirable. Any students without Calculus, Linear Algebra, and programming fundamentals will have access to resources to acquire the relevant background prior to joining the program.

In addition, applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree and to submit a GMAT or GRE test score from within the last five years. The emphasis will be on the quantitative score for both tests, and waivers will be considered on a case-by-case basis. International students are also required to submit a TOEFL score (waivers will be considered on a case-by-case basis).

The field of Business Analytics has grown rapidly over the last few years due to technological advancements and the ease of access to data for decision making in organizations ranging from small to large. Every firm is interested in hiring and training individuals with analytical capabilities to sustain competitive advantage in the marketplace. A list of examples of careers in business analytics is as follows:

• Business Analytics & Optimization Consultant
• Business Case Modeling Analyst/Consultant
• Business Intelligence Analyst
• Decision Science Analyst
• 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
• 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.  

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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 MBA program.  Other 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.

The Accelerated Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) option provides an opportunity for UNH undergraduate students to begin graduate study while completing a bachelor's degree—making you stand out among other job applicants with advanced skills and increasing your earning potential. Qualified students can begin earning graduate credit during their undergraduate programs, allowing them to maximize their time on campus and return on their educational investment.

Eligibility

• Current UNH undergraduate student with a GPA of 3.2 or higher.
• Apply before completing 90 undergraduate credits.
• Acceptance into the Accelerated Master’s Program before taking 800-level courses.

Accelerated MSBA Requirements

• Qualified students may complete up to 6 credits at the 800-level during their undergraduate studies, earning dual credit toward their B.S. and M.S. degrees.
• Once a qualified student matriculates into the MSBA program (after completing undergraduate degree), the student will take a minimum of 30 additional credits to complete the 36 credit MSBA program requirement.
• Students are required to earn a B- or better in graduate courses to earn credits toward their degree.

Approved Dual Credit Electives 

To earn graduate credits, students need to enroll in the 800-level sections of approved dual credit courses. The 800-level sections require additional work beyond the requirements for the undergraduate versions. The following is the list of approved dual credit courses for the accelerated path in the MSBA program: 

• 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.

Apply now

Deadlines

Applications must be completed by the following deadlines in order to be reviewed for admission:

• Fall: February 15 (to be considered for merit-based financial assistance); June 1 (regular)
• Spring: N/A
• Summer: N/A
• Special: Contact Program

Application fee: $65

Campus: Durham

New England Regional: CT RI VT

Accelerated Masters: Yes (for more details see the accelerated masters information page)

New Hampshire Residents

Students claiming in-state residency must also submit a Proof of Residence Form. This form is not required to complete your application, but you will need to submit it after you are offered admission, or you will not be able to register for classes.

Transcripts

If you attended UNH or Granite State College (GSC) after September 1, 1991, and have indicated so on your online application, we will retrieve your transcript internally; this includes UNH-Durham, UNH-Manchester, UNH Non-Degree work and GSC. 

If you did not attend UNH, or attended prior to September 1, 1991, then you must upload a copy (PDF) of your transcript in the application form. International transcripts must be translated into English.

If admitted, you must then request an official transcript be sent directly to our office from the Registrar's Office of each college/university attended. We accept transcripts both electronically and in hard copy:

• Electronic Transcripts: Please have your institution send the transcript directly to grad.school@unh.edu. Please note that we can only accept copies sent directly from the institution.
• Paper Transcripts: Please send hard copies of transcripts to: UNH Graduate School, Thompson Hall- 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824. You may request transcripts be sent to us directly from the institution or you may send them yourself as long as they remain sealed in the original university envelope.

Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions must be submitted and applicants must disclose any previous academic or disciplinary sanctions that resulted in their temporary or permanent separation from a previous post-secondary institution. If it is found that previous academic or disciplinary separations were not disclosed, applicants may face denial and admitted students may face dismissal from their academic program.

Letters of Recommendation: 2 Required

Recommendation letters submitted by relatives or friends, as well as letters older than one year, will not be accepted.

Test Scores: GMAT Optional

GMAT test scores are optional. Applicants may provide their GMAT or GRE scores to supplement their application or to be considered for department scholarships. 

Please, request official test scores to be sent directly to the Graduate School by the testing service. Test scores more than five years old will not be accepted. Student copies and photo copies of scores are not considered official.

College level math such as Finite Math and/or Calculus 1,2 are required. Applicants with more of the following courses/skills tend to be more competitive for admission to the program: Linear Algebra (basic matrix operations), familiarity with basic statistics (descriptive and inferential) and at least one programming language (e.g., C++, Python, R, Java, SQL).  Students lacking these fundamentals will have access to resources to gain the necessary background before joining the program.

Personal Statement/Essay Questions

Prepare a brief but careful statement regarding:

1. Reasons you wish to do graduate work in this field, including your immediate and long-range objectives.
2. Your specific research or professional interest and experiences in this field.

Resume

A current resume is required with your submitted application.

Important Notes

All applicants are encouraged to contact programs directly to discuss program-specific application questions.

Stackable MBA/MSBA degree option: Complete two graduate degrees in two years

Applicants that are applying to the MBA program are now able to apply to the MSBA, to start the MSBA immediately following the MBA. Applicants will fill out distinct applications for each program and transcripts, test scores, and statements of residency will only need to be submitted once. Applicants also pay only one application fee. Please check the box on your MBA application that signifies you are interested in applying to the stackable degree program.  For questions on this new option please reach out to PaulCollege.Grad@unh.edu and they will be happy to assist you. Please note that the MSBA program requires a deposit while the MBA one does not.

Benefits:

• STEM OPT opportunities after completing the MSBA
• All students: Two MBA courses will count as MSBA electives, reducing the MSBA tuition in year two

Enrollment Deposit

This program requires an enrollment deposit of $500. If admitted the deposit will be due by the deadline specified in your admit letter. The enrollment deposit secures a seat in the program for an applicant and can be used towards tuition once the applicant starts the program. For more information please see our enrollment deposits help page.

International Applicants

Prospective international students are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent examination scores. English Language Exams may be waived if English is your first language. If you wish to request a waiver, then please visit our Test Scores webpage for more information.