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MS Business Analytics (MSBA)

MS BUSINESS ANALYTICS

  • Active Learning + Applied Skills

    Unlock the Power of Data. Lead the Future of Business.

    The Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) is your launchpad to becoming a data-driven decision-maker with influence. Designed for professionals ready to lead in today’s analytics-powered economy, this full-time, STEM-designated program blends cutting-edge technical training with real-world business applications all in the heart of Los Angeles, one of the world’s most dynamic business hubs.

  • #34

    MS Business Analytics

    US News & World Report
  • #7

    MS Business Analytics — U.S.

    2025 QS #7 U.S., #14 Overall
  • 2

    Years To Complete

MSBA AT A GLANCE

  • Full-Time Program

  • On Campus Program

  • STEM Designated

  • Deep Industry‑Relevance & Real‑World Learning

    Deep Industry‑Relevance & Real‑World Learning

    Experience unstructured problem solving through case competitions, cross‑functional teams, and projects with mentorship from industry professionals. Students begin building strong portfolios from day one.

  • Three Foundational Pillars

    Three Foundational Pillars

    We integrate Computer Science, Statistics & Machine Learning, and Business Strategy so our graduates are strong both in technical chops and in communicating insights & influencing decisions at business levels.

  • Prime Location & Network

    Prime Location & Network

    Situated in the heart of Los Angeles, USC Marshall connects you with booming industries — entertainment, media, technology, startups, global business — and gives you access to a powerful alumni ecosystem.

Lead the Future with Analytics

  • STEM Certified

    As a STEM-designated program, the MSBA equips students with advanced quantitative and analytical skills that are highly valued by today’s employers across industries. International graduates also benefit from months of Optional Practical Training (OPT), providing extended opportunities to gain professional experience in the U.S.

  • Practical Application

    MSBA students put classroom learning into practice through a steady mix of workshops, industry events, social activities, and weekly opportunities for real-world application. At Marshall, the journey each day is to prepare for greater career success.

Career Outcomes and Support

  • Why Marshall

    You won’t just learn in class. You’ll thrive through peer collaboration, faculty mentorship, workshops, social and professional events..

    Graduates of the USC Marshall MSBA program experience strong career outcomes, with secured roles at top global companies such as Amazon, Google, Salesforce, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and Goldman Sachs, reflecting the program’s reputation and industry alignment.

    Backed by the strong support of the Trojan Network, USC Marshall MSBA alumni enter a wide range of industries including technology, consulting, entertainment and media, healthcare, and financial services armed with the technical expertise and business acumen to drive data-informed decision-making at every level.

Curriculum

  • Building A Foundation

    The USC Marshall MSBA curriculum is designed to build a strong foundation in analytics while offering the flexibility to tailor your learning to your career goals. The program includes 21 units of core coursework plus an internship or experiential learning opportunity, covering essential topics such as data-driven decision-making, statistical computing and visualization, algorithmic thinking with Python, SQL and database management, and strategy and execution.

  • Electives That Fit Your Goals

    Students then choose 12 units of electives to deepen their expertise in specialized areas. Elective options include hands-on courses like Deep Learning and Business Applications, Marketing Analytics, Operations Analytics, and Text and Natural Language Processing, among others.

FACULTY

  • Dawn Porter

    Dawn Porter
    • Fubon Chair in Teaching Excellence
    • Academic Director, MS Business Analytics
    • Professor of Clinical Data Sciences and Operations

    Dawn Porter is a statistician who has published in Management Science and is the coauthor of Basic Econometrics (fifth edition). Prior to joining USC, she served on the faculty at Georgetown University. Professor Porter has consulted for KPMG Consulting, Ginnie Mae, Inc., and Toys R Us.

  • Mohammed Alyakoob

    Mohammed Alyakoob
    • Assistant Professor of Data Sciences and Operations

    Mohammed's research examines the economic and societal impact of digital marketplaces, with a focus on examining and measuring the role of traditional barriers, related to market structure, race, and expertise, among others, on limiting the equality of benefits derived from these platforms.

  • Arif Ansari

    Arif Ansari
    • Professor of Clinical Data Sciences and Operations

    Arif Ansari is an expert in the area of data mining, business intelligence, data warehousing, and intelligent systems and technologies, a field in which he has fifteen years of research experience. He has published in IEEE Transactions on Systems and Man and Cybernetics.

  • Cosimo Arnesano

    Cosimo Arnesano
    • Assistant Professor of Clinical Data Sciences and Operations

    Cosimo Arnesano, Ph.D., MBA is a highly educated and experienced professional with a strong background in research services and business analytics implementation. With a Ph.D. in multiple fields and an MBA from the University of Southern California, Cosimo possesses a diverse skill set that includes fluorescence microscopy, biomedical engineering, Project/Operations Management, ML/AI, and more. His current interest focuses on how AI/ML can be applied to business processes, and their implications in the short and long run.

NEWS + ANALYSIS

NEWS + EVENTS

INSIGHT + ANALYSIS

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    University of Southern California
    Marshall School of Business
    Popovich Hall, Suite 308
    Los Angeles, CA 90089-2633

    Phone: 213-740-7846

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