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MS Business Analytics (MSBA)

  • Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA)

    Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA)

    The USC Marshall MSBA program is a data science STEM program with a business lens. It is one of the longest-running MSBA programs in the nation and has consistently been ranked among the world’s top programs. The program includes project-based learning in the classroom, so our students acquire deeper business analytics knowledge through active exploration of real business challenges and problems. These projects cover a range of business areas including finance, operations, marketing, management, supply chain, sports analytics, and HR.

MSBA PROGRAM BENEFITS

  • COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

  • The Business Analytics program engages with the community through our annual conferences. We host a free conference, Data Con LA, here on the campus of USC. The conference provides anyone who is interested in data the opportunity to engage with industry professionals and gain new insights into the field. We typically have about 2000 attendees who come from all over the country.

    Furthermore, we engage the community through our partnerships with various organizations and companies, which allow our students to work on various real-world projects. These projects, whether it be gathering and programming data to improve transportation, affordable housing, or homelessness initiatives, allow our students to assist organizations with innovative solutions for the community.

MSBA ACADEMIC OVERVIEW

  • Academics at a Glance

    Academics at a Glance

    The Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) degree requires 33 units, taken in 3 semesters (with the flexibility of extending to 4 semesters): Fall, Spring, and Fall. There are 21 units of required coursework, including an internship opportunity, plus 12 units of coursework chosen from a list of electives.

    USC MSBA's Three Pillars: Computer Science; Statistics, Machine Learning, Optimization; and Business Strategy.

Sample Schedule

Actual schedules may differ between students for various reasons and will be determined with the guidance of the Academic Advisor.

First Semester (Fall)
GSBA 545: Data Driven Decision Making (1.5 units)
DSO 510: Business Analytics (1.5 units)
DSO 545: Statistical Computing and Data Visualization (3 units)
DSO 570: The Analytics Edge: Data, Models, and Effective Decisions (3 units)
DSO 552: SQL Databases for Business Analysts (1.5 units)

MSBA 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.

STUDENT LIFE

  • Business Analytics Student Association

    Business Analytics Student Association

    The Business Analytics Student Association (BASA) is a student-led organization dedicated to empowering MSBA students with the necessary networking and professional skills to succeed in their careers. Additionally, we aim to enrich the student experience and establish a strong community of business analytics professionals within USC and beyond. To achieve this, we offer a diverse range of opportunities including workshops, networking events, case competitions, social gatherings, and more.

    VISIT THE BASA SITE Business Analytics Student Association

APPLYING TO USC MARSHALL

As a top-ranked four-year business school housed at a leading private research institution, a USC Marshall business degree allows extraordinary students to cement their own legendary futures.

Dates + Deadlines

Important Dates:


Application opens: October 1, 2023
Classes begin: August 19, 2024 (Tentative)


Application Deadlines:

  • Round 1–November 15, 2023
  • Round 2–January 15, 2024
  • Round 3–February 15, 2024
  • Round 4–March 15, 2024
  • Round 5–April 15, 2024 (International Student Deadline)
  • Round 6–Rolling Admissions until Fall 2024 Cohort is full, or the final deadline of May 15 passes*


Note:

  • It usually takes about 8 weeks for the admission decision to be released and sent via email, after each round of deadline.
  • No international student applications will be accepted after April 15, 2024, due to immigration requirements and timelines.
  • Applications will not be reviewed once the class is full. To be sure your application is reviewed, plan to apply by April 15, 2024

REQUEST INFORMATION

For more information about this program, please fill out the form below. If you have further questions you may EMAIL the admissions team directly.