This is the first version of the 2025–26 General Catalog. Please check back regularly for changes. The final edition and the historical PDF will be published during the fall semester.
The digital revolution has generated vast amounts of data, presenting challenges and opportunities for businesses to gain a competitive edge by mastering this data. Business analytics specialists bridge this gap, and the Master of Business Analytics program, offered in full-time and part-time formats, addresses the need to manage and analyze data for business decision-making.
The full-time STEM-designated program in Iowa City spans two semesters and includes core courses, a capstone, and electives in three subprogram areas: artificial intelligence and machine learning, artificial intelligence and technology management, and finance analytics. The part-time program offers online analytics and business elective courses, with occasional in-person business electives in Des Moines. Graduate certificates in artificial intelligence and machine learning or artificial intelligence and technology management can be embedded into the part-time program without taking any additional coursework through appropriate elective selection.
The program equips students with skills to transform raw data into actionable insights, moving beyond descriptive and diagnostic analytics to predictive and prescriptive analytics.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates will exhibit knowledge and skills relevant to data and its applications in business. They will demonstrate competence in the subareas of:
descriptive analytics;
predictive analytics; and
prescriptive analytics.
Graduates will create and communicate solutions to data-related business problems that impact their organizations and communities. They will:
approach, address, and solve a loosely defined business problem requiring the use, exploration, and analysis of data; and
communicate effectively through oral, written, and visualforms.
Graduates will understand and explore ethical issues related to the use of data in the modern world. They will:
contemplate ethical issues arising in their own work; and
express a working knowledge of the major ethical issues facing the business analytics profession, supported with examples from current events.
Graduates will demonstrate the ability to be effective team members in a diverse and complex world. They will:
engage in effective team processes; and
lead and support others to achieve collective goals.
The full-time Master of Science program in business analytics requires a minimum of 33 s.h. of graduate credit. Transfer credit may be accepted with approval from the program. A Graduate College major program grade-point average (GPA) and a UI cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 is required in all coursework. The degree offers three subprograms: artificial intelligence and machine learning, artificial intelligence and technology management, and finance analytics.
The full-time MS in business analytics requires the following coursework.
Requirements Summary
Requirements
Hours
Core Courses
24
Subprogram Courses
9
Core Courses
Students in all subprograms take the following required courses for a total of 24 s.h.
This subprogram prepares professionals to lead in technology-driven environments, focusing on the intersection of technology and management to equip students with the skills to navigate and lead in a digital world.
The MS in business analytics with a subprogram in artificial intelligence and technology management requires the following coursework.
This subprogram offers students an interdisciplinary path, i.e., a business analytics degree with a focus on data-driven decision making in finance, preparing them for specific business domains.
The MS in business analytics with a subprogram in finance analytics requires the following coursework.
The part-time Master of Science program in business analytics (professional) requires a minimum of 30 s.h. of graduate credit. Students must have a Graduate College major program grade-point average (GPA) and a UI cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 to satisfy degree requirements.
With program approval, students may count up to a maximum 6 s.h.of graduate transfer credit toward program coursework requirements. Students who wish to include the 15 s.h.earned from the Certificate in Business Analytics toward the business analytics master's degree may do so as long as thecoursework is not more than 10 years old from the date when the business analytics master's degree is conferred.
The part-time Master of Science program in business analytics (professional) requires the following coursework.
Requirements Summary
Requirements
Hours
Core Courses
18
Electives
12
The core courses develop competency in business analytics skills and key functional concepts while elective coursework allows students to deepen or broaden their proficiencies. Students must complete all course prerequisites before taking a given course. Students should consult MyUI for course availability and/or discuss course offerings with their advisor.
MS in Business Analytics (Professional Subprogram)/MBA
The Department of Business Analytics collaborates with the Iowa MBA Program to offer a combined Master of Science in business analytics (professional)/Master of Business Administration degree option. This combined program allows students to pursue two degrees simultaneously, earning both more quickly than they would if each degree were pursued separately.
Separate application to each degree program is required. Applicants must be admitted to both programs before they may be admitted to the combined degree program.
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College; see the Manual of Rules and Regulations on the Graduate College website.
Full-Time Subprograms
Application criteria includes an online application; a resumé (include information about employment, education, extracurricular activities, and community involvement); a statement of purpose (250–500 words); academic transcripts (unofficial transcripts may be submitted with an application; official transcripts will be required for admission); earned bachelor’s degree from a U.S. college or university with a minimum grade-point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale or have earned an equivalent from another country; and TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo scores for international students (may be waived; see application website for details).
Visit the full-time MS in business analytics Admissions page on the Tippie College of Business website for full admission details.
The Tippie Graduate Career Services team offers multiple resources to help students in their career development journey. Visit Graduate Career Services on the Tippie College of Business website for details.
Sample Plan of Study
Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor. For additional sample plans, see MyUI.
