MS in Business Analytics

Turn data into a strategic advantage in the Washington, D.C. region.

Designed for students and working professionals who want to build business analytics, data visualization, statistical modeling, and machine learning skills to solve organizational problems and support data-driven decisions.

George Mason University’s STEM-designated Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) degree, offered by the Costello College of Business in online and in-person formats, prepares students and working professionals to solve business problems using data. Located in Northern Virginia, near Washington, D.C., the program welcomes learners from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds who want to build skills in data visualization, statistical modeling, data mining, machine learning, and applied analytics. 

Through a curriculum focused on descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics, students gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools such as SQL, Python, R, and Tableau. Graduates are prepared for careers in analytics, consulting, technology, government, as well as functional areas in organizations such as marketing and supply chain management that require data-driven decision-making.

Curriculum

The Master of Science in Business Analytics is a 30-credit program completed through 10 courses: six core, three electives, and one applied capstone.

The core courses provide a shared foundation in business analytics methods, while electives introduce students to a variety of business domains and industries where they learn how analytics methods are applied to solve real-world business challenges.

The program concludes with an applied capstone course that brings the curriculum together through a real-world business analytics consulting project. In the capstone, students apply concepts and methods from the entire program to analyze data, evaluate options, and present recommendations that support business decision-making. Read more about the impact of the MSBA Capstone.

Certificate to Degree Pathway

Not quite ready to begin a business analytics master’s degree? The Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics offers a flexible way to start building graduate-level analytics skills while creating a pathway to the STEM-designated MS in Business Analytics. 

Students who complete at least two courses in the Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics and earn a grade of B or better in each completed certificate course may be eligible to have the application fee, personal statement, and letter of recommendation requirements waived when applying to the Master of Science in Business Analytics program. Admission to the master’s program is not guaranteed and is subject to review. 

Student Outcomes

The Costello MS in Business Analytics prepares students for analytics-focused roles across consulting, technology, government, finance, operations, supply chain, and other data-driven fields. Graduates may pursue positions such as business analyst, data analyst, business intelligence analyst, analytics consultant, operations analyst, marketing analyst, financial analyst, or related roles that use data to improve business decisions. 

Build Career-Ready Analytics Experience 

Students leverage coursework and the applied capstone to develop examples of analytics work that demonstrate their ability to clean, analyze, visualize, and interpret data for business decisions. These projects can help students discuss their technical skills, business judgment, and problem-solving approach during interviews and career conversations.

Career Support for MS in Business Analytics Students For Life

Your career support continues after graduation, helping MSBA alumni navigate career growth, transitions, and new opportunities in any field. 

Through the Costello College of Business Office of Career Services, MS in Business Analytics students and alumni receive guidance tailored to graduate business and analytics career paths. Career advisors help students connect their coursework, technical skills, and applied projects to the job search process, including:

• resume and cover letter writing
• LinkedIn profile development
• interview preparation
• networking strategies
• job board navigation
• offer evaluation
• and long-term career planning

Students also receive support in communicating experience with tools such as SQL, Python, R, and Tableau, as well as discussing their analytical approach, business judgment, and project work during interviews and career conversations. 

Costello MS in Business Analytics graduates have reported employment across finance, technology, consulting, government, defense, healthcare, retail, and other data-driven sectors.  

Employer names are based on reported graduate employment outcomes and do not imply endorsement of the program by the organizations listed.

MSBA Program News

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Frequently Asked Questions

If you have additional questions, call us at (703) 993-8006. Request more information about the Costello MS in Business Analytics.

Admissions and Program Fit

Can I apply to the MS in Business Analytics without a business or analytics background? 
Yes. Applicants do not need an academic or professional background in business, data, or analytics to apply to the MS in Business Analytics program.

Do students complete an analytics primer before starting the program? 
Yes. Students enrolling in the MS in Business Analytics complete a zero-credit analytics and statistics primer before beginning the program. The primer is self-guided, offered online, and provided at no additional cost.

Are GMAT or GRE scores required for the MS in Business Analytics? 
GMAT and GRE scores are optional for applicants to the MS in Business Analytics program.

Is work experience required for the MS in Business Analytics? 
No. Work experience is not required for admission to the MS in Business Analytics program.

Format, Length, and Flexibility

How many credits is the MS in Business Analytics? 
The MS in Business Analytics is a 30-credit graduate program.

When can I start the MS in Business Analytics program? 
Students may begin the MS in Business Analytics in the fall or spring semester.

Is the MS in Business Analytics offered 100% online? 
Yes. The MS in Business Analytics is offered in a fully online format.

Is the MS in Business Analytics offered in person? 
Yes. Students may complete the MS in Business Analytics in person at George Mason University’s Fairfax, Virginia campus, located in Northern Virginia near Washington, D.C.

Can I complete the MS in Business Analytics part-time or full-time? 
Yes. The program offers part-time and full-time enrollment options, allowing students to choose a pace that fits their professional, academic, and personal commitments.

How long does it take to complete the MS in Business Analytics? 
The MS in Business Analytics can typically be completed in one to two years, depending on whether a student enrolls full time or part time.

STEM Designation and International Students

Is the MS in Business Analytics STEM-designated? 
Yes. George Mason University’s MS in Business Analytics is a STEM-designated graduate program.

What does STEM designation mean for international students? 
Eligible F-1 students who complete a STEM-designated degree and meet federal requirements may qualify for up to 36 months of Optional Practical Training in the United States, including the STEM OPT extension.

Curriculum and Careers

What skills will I learn in the MS in Business Analytics program? 
Students develop skills in data visualization, statistical modeling, data mining, machine learning, and applied business analytics.

What tools are used in the Costello College of Business MS in Business Analytics curriculum? 
Students gain hands-on experience with industry-standard analytics tools such as SQL, Python, R, and Tableau.

What is the difference between an MBA and an MS in Business Analytics? 
An MBA develops broad business leadership and management skills across areas such as strategy, finance, marketing, operations, and organizational leadership. The MS in Business Analytics is more technical and data-focused, emphasizing analytics, statistical modeling, machine learning, and data-driven decision-making.

What jobs can I pursue with an MS in Business Analytics? 
Graduates may pursue analytics-focused roles such as business analyst, data analyst, business intelligence analyst, marketing analyst, financial analyst, operations analyst, analytics consultant, and related roles that use data to support business decisions.

Rankings, Cost, and Value

Is George Mason University’s MS in Business Analytics ranked? 
Yes. George Mason University’s MS in Business Analytics is ranked in the QS Business Master’s Rankings 2026: Business Analytics. The program was ranked #40 nationally, #20 among U.S. public universities, and #2 in Virginia.

Is George Mason University’s MS in Business Analytics one of the best business analytics master’s programs in Virginia? 
George Mason University’s MS in Business Analytics is a strong option for students comparing business analytics master’s programs in Virginia and the Washington, D.C. region. The program is STEM-designated, ranked #2 in Virginia in the QS Business Master’s Rankings 2026: Business Analytics, and offered in both fully online and in-person formats. Students complete a 30-credit curriculum focused on data visualization, statistical modeling, data mining, machine learning, and applied business analytics while gaining hands-on experience with tools such as SQL, Python, R, and Tableau.

How much does the MS in Business Analytics cost? 
For the 2026–2027 academic year, the base tuition rate for the MS in Business Analytics is $1,025 per credit for Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland residents and $1,400 per credit for out-of-state and international students. The MS in Business Analytics is a 30-credit program, making the estimated tuition-only cost $30,750 for Virginia, D.C., and Maryland residents and $42,000 for out-of-state and international students. Tuition, fees, and other charges are subject to change and annual increases.

Is the MS in Business Analytics an affordable business analytics master’s program in the Washington, D.C. region? 
The MS in Business Analytics offers a regional tuition rate for Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland residents. For the 2026–2027 academic year, eligible regional students pay $1,025 per credit for the 30-credit program, giving students in the Washington, D.C. region access to a STEM-designated business analytics master’s degree at a public university tuition rate.

Do Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland residents qualify for a regional tuition rate? 
Yes. Students with a Virginia domicile receive in-state tuition, and residents of Washington, D.C., or Maryland qualify for the regional tuition rate for Costello College of Business graduate programs. For the 2026–2027 academic year, that rate is $1,025 per credit for the MS in Business Analytics.

Are scholarships available for MS in Business Analytics students? 
Yes. Candidates applying to Costello College of Business master’s programs are reviewed for scholarship consideration during the application review process. Scholarship availability, eligibility, and award amounts may vary by program, term, and applicant profile.

Can I use financial aid for the MS in Business Analytics? 
Students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents may be eligible to apply for federal financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Students should review George Mason University’s financial aid resources for eligibility requirements, deadlines, and next steps.

Can employer tuition assistance help pay for the MS in Business Analytics? 
Yes. Many working professionals use employer tuition assistance or reimbursement benefits to help pay for graduate education. Students should check with their employer’s human resources or benefits office to confirm eligibility, annual limits, reimbursement rules, and documentation requirements.

Can military benefits be used for the MS in Business Analytics? 
Eligible veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, guardsmen, and dependents may be able to use military education benefits toward the MS in Business Analytics. George Mason University’s Office of Military Services can help students understand available benefits and eligibility requirements.

Where can I find the most current MS in Business Analytics tuition and financial aid information? 
Tuition and fees are updated annually and are subject to change. Students should visit the Graduate Tuition and Financial Aid page for the most current Costello College of Business tuition rates, fees, scholarships, financial aid, military benefits, and other funding options.