9 Of The Best STEM-Designated Masters In Business Analytics

Looking to advance in the next big field? These STEM-designated masters in business analytics programs are creating new pathways for international students in the US

The title 'STEM-designated' has become fundamental for international students looking to extend their US visas after graduation.

Students on STEM-designated masters can apply for a 24-month STEM-extension to their 12-month Optional Practice Training (OPT) period which allows them to work on a student visa. That means students on STEM-designated masters can work in the US for up to three years after graduation, without an H1-B visa.

The shortage of STEM professionals has made them highly lucrative in the labor market—students from around the world are certainly catching on to the employment opportunities that a STEM education can provide.

According to Dell, it's believed that 85% of STEM jobs that will be required in 2030 are not currently in existence. Combine a STEM designation with a cutting-edge business analytics programs and what you have is a goldmine of potential.

So, here are nine STEM-designated Masters in Business Analytics (MSBA) that are sure to influence the next generation of business professionals.

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9 Of The Best STEM Masters In Business Analytics

1. UCLA Anderson School of Management – Master of Science in Business Analytics

We're kicking off this list of nine top STEM-designated Masters in Business Analytics with three programs that rank among the top 10 MSBAs in the world in the latest QS Master in Business Analytics ranking.

Taking first place in the QS ranking for 2024, the STEM-designated UCLA Anderson MSBA lasts 15 months and aims to help students bridge the gap between tech and business. Students also learn to use data to transform business strategy.

The technical curriculum is combined with the intensive 10-week MSBA Career Curriculum in which guest instructors and industry professionals teach students essential skills in data story-telling, presentation skills, technical and case interviewing, and client management.

There is also a Summer Internship and Applied Analytics Project (AAP) where students partner with a corporate client and work in groups to unlock hidden data insights.

2. MIT Sloan School of Management – Master of Business Analytics

Alongside UCLA Anderson, MIT Sloan offers one of the world’s best Master in Business Analytics as it places second in the latest QS ranking. Previous to this year, MIT Sloan led the ranking since 2019.

Sloan offers a thoroughly developed Master of Business Analytics curriculum in tandem with MIT’s distinguished Operations Research Center. This is in addition to doctoral and undergraduate degree offerings in the field.

The program is tailored to ambitious students seeking to advance their careers in a variety of areas, namely engineering, math, physics, computer programming, and high-tech industries.

Read our MIT Master of Business Analytics Review

3. University of Texas at Austin McCombs Business School – MS in Business Analytics

Securing ninth position this year in the QS ranking is the McCombs' STEM-designated, ten-month program, which is designed with a specific focus on helping students achieve post-graduate success.

A career development team serves as a lifeline for students seeking to secure offers from industry leaders like Walmart and Deloitte Consulting.

The McCombs curriculum teaches students how to harness data in order to tap into the multibillion-dollar big data industry.

READ: What Are The Different Types Of STEM Master's Degrees?

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4. University of Southern California Marshall School of Business – MS in Business Analytics

USC Marshall offers an in-depth exploration into the many facets of data analysis and management. Topics include statistical modeling, data management, visualization, information security, optimization, and decision-making under uncertainty.

The flexible curriculum allows students the chance to complete coursework between 10 and 18-months. It's catered to individuals who pursue their degree while they maintain employment.

5. University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School – MS in Business Analytics

Smith offers a roster of eight in-person specialized masters programs, seven of which are STEM-designated.

Smith’s MS in Business Analytics program doesn’t hide its tendencies toward progressive subjects in big data: cybersecurity, supply chain, transportation, and forecasting are only some of the topics covered in this program.

This program is also an ideal opportunity for students seeking to study, work, and live in the DC area. And partnerships with companies like Deloitte, KPMG, and Unilever, keep the learning relevant to the real-world business environment.

6. Cornell Johnson College of Business – Master in Business Analytics

The STEM-designated MSBA program at Cornell Johnson is taught part-time over 16 months and is predominantly online, delivered through the school’s award-winning e-learning platform ecornell.

While the program is delivered asynchronously, giving students the flexibility to study in their own time, there are also two week-long residencies held in Ithaca and New York city.

The Cornell MSBA curriculum also focuses on applying key learnings within particular industries. Students can choose from four concentrations in Marketing Analytics, Finance Analytics, Operations and Supply Chain Analytics, and Business Analytics to target their chosen career path.

There is also a Capstone Project where each student must solve a real-world problem using a large data set and analytics tools.

7. Illinois Gies College of Business – Masters in Business Analytics

The Illinois Gies MSBA program is an intensive program lasting two semesters. With just four core courses in Enterprise Database Management, Big Data Analytics, Data Storytelling, and a Business Practicum, the program is highly customizable.

Students can also choose from a host of specializations ranging from Machine Learning in Finance to Social Media Strategy.

8. American University Kogod School of Business – MS in Analytics

Kogod’s on-campus MS Analytics program bridges theory and practice by giving students ample internship opportunities and access to guest speakers.

In the capstone practicum, students partner with a local company, solving real-world analytics problems for partner firms.

The program’s speaker series is a highlight of the curriculum both in terms of networking opportunities and direct engagement with industry leaders. Past speakers include industry leaders like the CEO of Primehook Technology, the principal data scientist for Zocdoc, and the VP of data analytics for Unisys.

9. UC Davis Graduate School of Management – MS in Business Analytics

Located close to the tech hub of Silicon Valley, Davis’ MS in Business Analytics program focuses on preparing students to venture out into a competitive marketplace.

Proximity to top employers in this thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem provides a unique advantage for students, who can network with companies and alumni working close by. The school also invites thought leaders to deliver regular talks to provide insights and connection opportunities.

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This article was first published in August 2018 and most recently updated in April 2024.