UNCOVERING DATA-DRIVEN SOLUTIONS TO ANY BUSINESS PROBLEM LOOKS LIKE
Breadcrumb
Credit hours: 30
Full-time, part-time
Online and evening (hybrid) class options
8-week courses
Start terms: fall, spring
YOU are the next big data-driven decision maker.
Your Master of Science in Business Analytics from CU Denver can be the competitive edge your organization needs to make strategically sound decisions. This business analytics program equips you with the skills to interpret complex datasets and provide actionable insights. By analyzing data from real-world businesses, you’ll gain hands-on experience that sets you apart in the rapidly evolving field of analytics. Whether you’re looking to advance your career or break into roles at the forefront of data-driven decision-making, CU Denver’s program prepares you to excel in today’s competitive marketplace.
Along with other programming languages
Real-world class projects
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Classes offered in
the evening and online
STEM OPT eligibility
Our MS in Business Analytics program offers a comprehensive, in-depth curriculum designed to equip you with the technical expertise and analytical skills needed to make data-driven business decisions. Through consulting projects, internships, and a hands-on practicum, you’ll apply classroom learning to real-world business challenges, gaining valuable experience in business analytics. Tailored for working professionals, this program features convenient evening and online class options, enabling you to balance your career with graduate studies.
Program Benefits:
- Flexibility and convenience: Complete your degree with online and evening classes, making it possible to advance your career while pursuing internships or gaining additional professional experience.
- Comprehensive technical and business training: Learn to model business problems and develop actionable solutions using tools and methodologies from the business field.
- Prime downtown Denver location: Gain direct access to business leaders, networking opportunities, and experiences in one of the country’s most dynamic business hubs.
- Career development opportunities: Attend weekly events such as guest lectures, panel discussions, and career fairs to build connections and prepare for your next professional step.
You’ll understand data by using the most popular programming languages and software. Various classes will give you the choice of learning what languages and software are most relevant for you.
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Programming languages: Python, R, AMPL, SQL
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Software: SAS, Simio, Tableau, Excel
As a graduate of the program, international students are able to apply for Optional Practice Training (OPT) and stay in the US for an additional 24 months.
The Masters in Business Analytics program consists of 30 credit hours total, broken down into core and electives. Designed to be completed in two years, our classes have an emphasis on project-based work, where you’ll have the flexibility to choose projects related to your career interests.
Core (21 hours)
Course topics include:
- Statistics
- Computing for Business Analytics
- Decision Analysis
- Predictive Analytics and Machine Learning
- Prescriptive Analytics with Optimization
- Causal Analytics
- Evaluative Analytics
Electives (9 hours)
Additional coursework can be tailored to your interests and include special topics. Course topics include:
- Blockchain and Emerging Technologies Impact Globalization
- Time-Series Forecasting
- Project Management
- Supply Chain Analytics
- Data Visualization
- AI for Business
- Database Management Systems
- Text Data Analytics
- Data Analysis with SAS
Take classes in a hybrid format (classroom and online). Your online courses are taught by the same professors and lecturers that teach on campus. We also offer hybrid courses in the evening for those working full-time.
Online is defined as an asynchronous course, meaning that there is no specific meeting day/time. Hybrid is defined as a blend of in-person and online learning. The in-person experience will typically be once a week, from 6:30-9:15 p.m., one evening within Monday-Thursday. There will be at least six in-person meetings during the 8-week session. The in-person experience is complemented with asynchronous content.
Most graduate courses are offered as an 8-week session within the 16-week fall and spring semesters. Graduate courses in the summer semester extend for the entire semester, which is an 8-week session as well.
National research shows increased graduation rates among students taking courses in an 8-week session. The data on 8-week courses shows increased student success and course completion rates. The course material is condensed into eight weeks. So, while the weekly workload is greater, you can complete the course in half the time! It is recommended to take one course per each 8-week session, particularly if you work full-time, which allows you to place your focus on just that course.
Additionally, offering courses in 8-week sessions every semester enables you to balance and manage life responsibilities while still prioritizing your education. For instance, if you have a vacation, family commitment or business trip occurring in the first 8-week session, you can choose to enroll only in a course offered in the second eight-week session.
Masters in Business Analytics
Value 1: Leverage data, technology, and mathematical models
Outcome: Students will apply data, technology, and mathematical models to produce evidence-based information for business and government decision-makers.
- Propose appropriate models or solution methods;
- Design a solution option to meet organizational or program requirements;
- Evaluate the solution option in light of organizational goals and/or structure;
- Communicate the solution option to decision-makers.
Value 2: Analyze Critically
Outcome: Students will master the analytical and programming skills necessary to adapt to ever-changing software, methodologies, technologies, and techniques.
- Use current software to access and manipulate data;
- Gain fundamental knowledge of data structures, functions, and programming logic that facilitates self-learning of other software and programming skills.
These objectives are assessed in relevant courses across the curriculum using quizzes, projects, and case studies.
Career Opportunities in Business Analytics
The field of Business Analytics is expanding rapidly, driven by the big data revolution. As companies accumulate vast amounts of data, there is a growing demand for professionals skilled in data analysis and interpretation. Business analytics experts, including data scientists, are essential for organizations looking to harness data for strategic decision-making.
Business Analytics Job Titles:
Business Analyst
Business Intelligence Analyst
Data Analyst
Data Engineer
Data Scientist
Data Visualization Specialist
Financial Analyst
Operations Research Analyst
For a more comprehensive overview of career paths and additional resources, please visit our Careers page.
Tuition
The cost of tuition is different for in-state and out-of-state students.
Residents of western states may qualify for in-state tuition if they are pursuing the MS Business Analytics degree. The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) requires that students maintain current residency of WRGP state until degree completion.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for students.
As a current student, you can apply for additional scholarships every semester. Some awards are based on program and course enrollment. Certain specializations including risk management and insurance, commodities, and entrepreneurship have additional scholarship opportunities.
Newly Admitted and Continuing Students:
You can apply for additional scholarships every semester of enrollment. Some awards may be specific to individual programs or enrollment in specific courses. Certain certificates, including risk management and insurance, commodities, and entrepreneurship, have additional scholarship opportunities.
Specialized Dual Degree Option
Many students pursue the dual degree option of pairing a Masters in Business Analytics with a Masters in Information Systems (Business Intelligence Specialization). These two degree options offer complementary courses and can be completed together efficiently. Speak with a graduate advisor for more details.
Additional Dual Degree Options
Dual degree options for Master of Science programs include all of our MBA programs and all Business School Master of Science programs. We design a specific degree plan so you get through both programs as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. The amount of credits in each dual degree depends on the amount of overlap between degree programs. Eligible Master of Science programs include:
- MS Accounting
- MS Business Analytics
- MS Finance and Risk Management
- MS FinTech
- MS Information Systems
- MS International Business
- MS Management
- MS Marketing
- MS Sustainable Business
If you are applying for both degrees, you will only need to submit one online application and pay one application fee. Be aware that you must meet specific admission standards for each degree. For more information about dual degree options and the application process, please contact BSchool.Admissions@ucdenver.edu.
We admit students for a fall and spring start. Admissions are made on a rolling basis, meaning decisions are made as applications are completed.
Please note: Quantitative skills are important for Business Analytics. Applicants can demonstrate these skills with their GMAT Quantitative score and GMAT Integrated Reasoning score.
Application Checklist
$50 domestic, $75 international application fee
Online application
Official transcripts from each college or university attended
Essay responses
Resume
GMAT/GRE score if required
English language proficiency—international applicants only
Application Process
Applicants are required to submit all application materials. Interviews are not a part of the admission process. To receive priority admission, we must have received your online application and all other required materials, including transcripts and GMAT/GRE scores (if required by the program) by the deadline.
You can check your admission status online through the account you created for the online application. You will receive a final decision by email within two to three weeks from the submission of all materials.
Admission Requirements
- Applicants must have completed an undergraduate program at an accredited United States college or its equivalent in another country.
- No work experience or formal business education is required for admission; however, you may have to provide a GMAT or GRE score if you do not have enough work experience, see below.
The GMAT/GRE is not required for this program
This program does not require GMAT or GRE scores for their degree program as part of the graduate admissions requirements. The requirements are a cumulative GPA of 3.30 or better from a US-accredited four-year undergraduate institution and three or more years of full-time professional work experience or the successful completion of a graduate degree.
However, if you received your bachelor’s degree with a grade point average of less than 3.30 or have less than 3 years of relevant professional work experience, you will be asked to submit a statement that outlines other indicators of exceptional motivation, such as solid upper-division performance, GMAT or GRE scores, and other relevant professional experience. The admissions committee may require a minimum GMAT or GRE score for students that do not automatically qualify by GPA and prior work.
How Decisions Are Made
The admissions committee considers each candidate’s entire record of achievement. This is demonstrated through:
- Academic transcripts
- Essay responses
- Work experience
- Extracurricular and community activities
- Letters of recommendation if applicable
- GMAT/GRE scores if applicable
No work experience or formal business education is required for admission. However, professional experience strengthens your application. Candidates with less work experience can show potential through academic and experiential success.
For any questions, please contact our admissions team at bschool.admissions@ucdenver.edu or call 303-315-8200.
International Applicants
International applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in written and oral English.
To determine English Language Proficiency (ELP), you must complete one of the following:
- English language proficiency test
- Citizenship exemption
- Coursework completion
- CU Denver ESL Academy (Level 5) graduation
- Exception for certain visa types
For more details about the English Language Proficiency requirement, please visit the following page.
Please note for Business School graduate programs TOEFL minimum scores are 90 (IBT) or 575 (PBT). Our IELTS minimum score is 6.5.
International graduate applicants will have their academic credentials evaluated by CU Denver’s Office of International Affairs
Fall
Domestic Applications
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Priority: April 15
- Final: July 15
International Applications
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Priority: March 15
- Final: May 15
Spring
Domestic Applications
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Priority: October 15
- Final: December 15
International Applications
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Priority: September 15
- Final: October 15
“Today there is wonderful software available to assist in the transformation of stored data into useful information. Our students become very good at using the type of software that is used in leading companies. We operate a very applied program that speaks to the needs of the business community.”
– Gary Kochenberger
Co-Director of Business Analytics program
of employers plan to place
graduates in data analytics roles,
GMAC 2018
Our students intern at top companies:
- Visa
- Arrow Electronics
- National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL)
- Denver International Airport
- Centura Health
Transamerica partnership brings Business Analytics experts to CU Denver Business School
The Distinguished Speaker Series in Business Analytics and Data Sciences, in partnership with Transamerica
Request More Information
Upcoming events
Attend a graduate open house, online or in-person information session, or a GMAT test prep workshop. Visit our events page for all upcoming events.
- Business School: Graduate Programs Information Session on 7/30/2025 (webinar)
- Business School: Graduate Programs Information Session on 8/6/2025 (webinar)
- Business School: Graduate Programs Information Session on 8/13/2025 (webinar)
- Business School: Graduate Programs Information Session on 8/20/2025 (webinar)