Global Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA)
BUILD YOUR GLOBAL BUSINESS ANALYTICS CAREER
LEAD GLOBAL BUSINESS WITH DATA-LED DECISIONS
The Global Master of Science in Business Analytics (MS in Business Analytics) from the Richard DeVos Graduate School of Management will propel your career significantly in the fast growing US market with 21st century skills and capabilities and prepare you for your leadership journey across industries. You will benefit from the DeVos Graduate School’s unique approach to practical and problem-solving based learning and from the expertise of DeVos faculty members and industry experts who will not only teach you but also coach you to be the best. The program will prepare you to lead with an analytical approach, and make data-driven strategic decisions that help companies prepare for a rapidly changing global business environment that requires deep expertise in charting the future course of business. You will master exponential technologies and business intelligence trends that include artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, predictive analytics, and business analytics. At the end of the 12-month journey, you will be ready to apply your new skill sets and help Fortune 500 companies as well as startups in their journey from good to great.
The MS in Business Analytics program focuses on data mining, modeling, and analytics, aiming to resolve complex problems, ensuring improved business decisions through a proficiency with tools such as SAS, Python, Bitbucket, GitHub, and R. The program aims to empower you with the tools to gather, process, and examine data to glean valuable insights that generate high business value across industries, and equip you with some of the most in-demand business skills globally and in the US. Through this program you will acquire the strong analytical skills required in an increasingly data-driven business world.
GET STARTED
Please register below to receive program brochure and connect with a program advisor.
THE DEVOS DIFFERENCE
This program will provide the students with the analytical and leadership skills to master the use of data to improve and apply strategic business decisions. For over 25 years, the Richard DeVos Graduate School of Management at Northwood University has prepared students for success as global business leaders. DeVos students develop critical thinking skills through problem-solving and collaboration rather than lectures and memorization. Our faculty have real industry experience that they use to guide class discussions and real-world case studies.
- A curriculum that can be applied to real-world problem-solving using critical decision-making skills immediately.
- Using real data to create new opportunities to gain a competitive advantage and the ability to become better leaders, communicators, and team builders.
- Learning to analyze data and infer results that can translate into practical solutions to real business challenges.
- Develop critical skills to present analytics as a “story” that translates data into action.
- A capstone project based on problem-solving that provides the opportunity to explore the application of business analytics in great detail.
CURRICULUM
The Global MS in Business Analytics is a robust and comprehensive program that will equip you with the tools required to leverage the fast-moving flow of information across industries in global business setups. It will help you drive better business results to address present and future business challenges. The extensive curriculum will prepare you to influence critical decision-making in industries such as government and public sector services, sports, hospitality, energy, banking and financial services, insurance, agriculture and farming, entertainment, communications and media, retail and wholesale trade, transportation, and education among others. You will become adept in the best practices needed in today’s business environment including;
- Enhanced problem-solving skills to identify, measure, and resolve complex business problems.
- The application of predictive analytics to identify possible future outcomes based on historical data.
- The use of database technologies and exponential technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning to obtain valuable results in business analytics.
- The know-how to improve business processes, products, and software to ultimately guide businesses to resolve challenges and achieve growth and success.
Some of the most popular and key courses:
In this class students will learn the role that data and predictive analytics plays in the modern business organization. Students will begin by learning how to conduct data analysis using the scientific method with a strong emphasis placed on sampling techniques, sampling distributions and the basics of probability. Additional topics that will be covered include descriptive statistics, graphical analysis, linear regression, prediction for models with binary dependent variables, identification, assessment and methods for establishing causal inference.
In this class students will learn how to apply computational problem-solving methods to problems in business. Students will learn how to use computation tools to write simple, yet powerful programs to collect, manage, store, explore and analyze data. Students will also learn Python, an open source object-oriented programming language, for expressing computations. Additional topics covered will include programming best practices, algorithms, simulation, and descriptive and inferential statistical analysis.
This course will introduce students to the concepts and methods of ingesting, storing, organizing and maintaining the data created and collected by an organization. Data visualization is the graphical representation of information and data. By using visual elements like charts, graphs, and maps, data visualization tools provide an accessible way to see and understand trends, outliers, and patterns in data through producing images that communicate relationships among the represented data.
In this course; students are provided with the tools to leverage the information that can be gathered from the vast data groups collected by an organization. Various database models are discussed with emphasis on the relational model and relational database design. Case applications using fourth-generation languages such as SQL are included. Students gain a general understanding of how relational databases are developed, how to create Entity Relationship Diagrams and data dictionaries, and hands on experience mining data through SQL statements with the purpose of developing business intelligence through the use of database technologies. Lastly students will gain a thorough understanding of how relational databases improve managing and using the enterprise systems.
This course acquaints students with the modern, value-driven applications of artificial intelligence in today’s business environments. Through business cases, emphasis will be placed on the utilization of basic aspects of artificial intelligence (AI), namely machine learning, speech recognition, deep learning, recommendation engines, and natural language processing as indispensable, contemporary tools for reshaping the contemporary business landscape and forging a competitive edge over competitors in a global, free-enterprise society.
Students will learn how to apply the concepts, principles and tools of data mining and machine learning to support the decision-making process, determining future results, identifying trends and patterns, and forecasting the effects of different strategies and decisions. Students will explore business cases that require the planning, implementation and evaluation of solutions to business problems.
Students will apply machine learning techniques to search for insight in data through learning the origins of machine learning, how computers translate data into actionable knowledge and how to match machine learning algorithms to data. Students will also learn R, an open source programming language and environment for computing and graphics. Additional topics covered will be programming fundamentals, data management, probabilistic learning, regression, regularization, classification, clustering and how to develop scalable distributed machine learning solutions for industry.
The capstone is an independent, supervised body of work covering a topic selected by the individual learner. It provides the opportunity to apply business analytics to a business problem and explore it in detail. The final outcome is a written document of particular value to the learner. The capstone requires effective demonstration of mastery over the competency areas and their relationship to business analytics. As such, the capstone serves as evidence of the value of the learners’ experience in the Master of Science in Business Analytics program, and will be a valuable addition to their legacy as leaders.
DISTINGUISHED FACULTY
Dr. Oluremi Abayomi
Ph.D – Central Michigan University
MA – Central Michigan University
BS – University of Lagos, Nigeria
Dr. Abdulaziz Ahmed
Ph.D. – State University of New York
MS – Jordan University of Science & Technology, Jordan
BS – Jordan University of Science & Technology, Jordan
Dr. Peter Bush
DBA – Lawrence Technological University
MBA/MSCIS – University of Detroit Mercy
BBA – University of Michigan-Flint
Dr. Ed DeJeagher
DM – Case Western Reserve
MBA – University of Notre Dame
MA – Marquette University
BBA – St. Ambrose University
Dr. Lisa Fairbairn
Ph.D. – Michigan State University
MS – Michigan State University
BS – Michigan State University
Dr. David Lyman
Ph.D. – University of Nebraska
MA – University of Nebraska
BA – Dakota Wesleyan
Dr. Don Majors
DBA – University of Phoenix
MA – Upper Iowa University
BBA – Upper Iowa University
Dr. Matthew O’Connor
Ph.D. – Union Institute & University
MBA – Bloomsburg University
BA – Westfield State University
Dr. Joe Perez
Ed.D. – Nova Southeastern University
MBA – Nova Southeastern University
BA – University of South Florida
Dr. Tara Peters
Ph.D. – Union Institute & University
MBA – Dallas Baptist University
BBA – Texas Wesleyan University
Dr. L. Todd Thomas
Ph.D. – Indiana University
MS – Indiana University
MA – Auburn University
BS – Morehead State University
TIMELINES
The Global MS in Business Analytics program degree is completed in 12 months. Two flexible formats provide you with the choice to either begin the program online and then transition to being a full-time student on-campus or complete the entire program as a full-time student on-campus.
- Format 1: You will experience the entire 12 months of the program on-campus at Northwood in the US.
- Format 2: You will complete 2 months of the program online, and then transition to 10 months on-campus at Northwood in the US.
This flexible structure allows you to leverage your learning in the format that better suits your preferences. Whichever format you choose, you will receive all the required paperwork and documentation to enable you to get your study visa. You will apply for the F-1 visa at the suggested US Embassy or Consulate (as the case may be) and receive your visa approval to travel to the US and join Northwood on campus.
OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING – US OPT
- You will be eligible to participate in the US OPT (Optional Practical Training) program for F-1 students upon the completion of your MSBA degree, allowing you to stay in the US while you start your career in business analytics.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment in the US that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion). Please click here to know more about OPT.
- The Global MS in Business Analytics program is a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) certified program for Optional Practical Training (OPT) purposes. This allows the graduates of the program to apply for an additional 24 months of extension of OPT. Ultimately, it offers the potential for international students to work in the US for a total of 3 years before transitioning to a work visa (H1-B, etc.)
ADMISSION
APPLICATION PROCESS
The Global MS in Business Analytics program follows a rolling admissions (first-come, first-served) process and participant applications are evaluated as soon as they are received.
STEP 1: COMPLETE APPLICATION
The first step is to fill out the online application and attach all required materials as outlined in the requirements below.
STEP 2: APPLICATION REVIEW
The admissions team will assess your application and advise you of the next steps including the need for an interview (if required).
STEP 3: ADMISSION
The admissions committee will notify you with a decision once all the application requirements are completed.
For admissions support, we offer online office hours, an admissions checklist, and email and phone support to answer your questions.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants for direct admission to the degree program are required to have:
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent: You must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the United States or an equivalent degree from an accredited institution in a foreign country.
- Applicants who have not undertaken recognised studies taught in English (e.g. an undergraduate degree) are required to demonstrate a proficiency in English as per the guidelines.
Degree applicants are required to submit an application for admission with these supporting materials:
Resume, including details of supervisory or professional experience.
Details of academic qualifications.
IELTS or equivalent English language results dated within the last 2 years.
Shortlisted candidates might be required to go through an interview before they are accepted into the program. This interview may be conducted in person or over the telephone.
If you have questions about the application process or eligibility, please send us an email.
KEY DATES
- Considering the limited seats in the program and first-come, first-served admission process, it is always more beneficial for candidates to apply as soon as possible.
- Application fee is refunded only in the case an applicant is not offered admission to the program.
TUITION & SCHOLARSHIPS
TUITION
*
Participants may qualify for scholarships upto USD 6,000.
*The fees does not include transport expenses, any associated visa fees etc., material fees, books and accommodation. It also does not cover any other expenses that are not expressly mentioned above.
ADMINISTRATION FEES
| Graduation | $80 |
| Transcript (special delivery charges may apply) | $5 |
The Global MS in Business Analytics program cost is exclusive of instructional materials required for the completion of the program and other miscellaneous costs. Additional books are not included in the Global MS in Business Analytics material fees.
Healthcare plan is mandatory and is available for approximately USD $1,416* for the on-campus year of the program. (*Subject to change per academic year)
FINANCIAL AID
Many participants who attend Northwood receive financial aid. Available aid options vary from student to student based on circumstances.
FEDERAL AID
If you are a US citizen or permanent resident, you might qualify for federal aid. To learn more please see our guide to FAFSA.
SCHOLARSHIPS
The aim of the scholarship programme is to provide outstanding candidates with an opportunity to study irrespective of their financial circumstances. Northwood offers significant scholarship funding to the most talented applicants for the Global MSBA program.
All applicants for the Global MSBA program are eligible to apply for the following scholarships:
- Merit-based Scholarships
- Need-based Scholarships
- Women in Business Scholarships
- Emerging Markets Champion Scholarships
- High Potential Employees Scholarships
In addition, those who apply in round 1 are automatically considered for the Early Application Commitment Scholarship. Please add your statement for scholarship consideration as part of the online application.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
The need for highly qualified and established business and data analysts is growing rapidly. Every industry is increasingly employing the use of data to improve growth prospects in a rapidly changing data-driven world, which is collecting enormous amounts of data at an astonishing pace. It is currently one of the fastest-growing positions in business and is projected to become even more rewarding in the future.
Here are some relevant data points that give you a glimpse of a career in business analytics:
A management analyst is one of the fastest-growing, highest-paying positions in business with projected growth greater than 14% from 2018 to 2028 leading to 118,300 new positions. General managers will also be in high demand with over 150,000 new positions by 2024 at an annual pay of $97,270.
53% of corporate respondents say they are redesigning competency requirements to include skills such as analytics and artificial intelligence.
68% of corporate respondents state they are developing new strategies to attract, recruit and retain workers in analytics related positions.
Hiring projections for the Master of Data Analytics degree increased 40% compared to last year, the highest increase among other business master’s program
The demand for Business Analytics professionals is unprecedented, and it is only growing. With greater need, the salary is naturally high. According to a study by IBM, 39% of job postings in Data Science and Advanced Analytics require applicants to possess at least a master’s degree.
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019 Deloitte Technology in the Mid-Market survey report, GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey Report 2019.
PROGRAM EXPERIENCE
During this 12-month program, you will learn from faculty members who bring real-life executive experience and application-based scholarship to the class.
The Global MS in Business Analytics program uses a problem-based, process-oriented approach to learning with lab-like courses that resemble how analysts work in business. It is great for students looking to advance their career or enter the workforce ahead of their peers. Graduates often go on to be self-employed or work in the professional, scientific, technical services, government, or finance and insurance industries.
Our student body is very diverse. Northwood has a large international presence both at our U.S. locations and abroad. Following graduation, our alumni are at ease in complex, multi-cultural business environments with a professional network of friends from around the world.
At Northwood, we know who our students are, and we care about them. Our personalized learning communities include not only students, but the entire faculty, administration, and staff, who care deeply about all the students who have made Northwood their university of choice. Learning takes place in more than just the classroom. With a multitude of activities from which to choose, students realize significant personal and professional growth which, after graduation, will set them apart as they launch their careers.
A Northwood University education has many distinctive components. Everything we do at Northwood University is designed to help graduates take their places as future leaders of a global, free-enterprise society.
CAMPUS LIFE
Be it academic-based organizations like the Entrepreneurship Society, Collegiate DECA or Business Professionals of America (BPA) to Greek Life to service-based organizations like Circle K, Rotaract, the Student Athletic Advisory Council or Student Government Association, Northwood University has ways for students to be engaged and involved on campus and in the local community. These experiences help students learn first-hand, how businesses and people connect through shared experiences.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Northwood students graduate with a superior business education that gives them a foundation of understanding free markets, entrepreneurial endeavors, personal responsibility, and ethical behavior. And, NU students also graduate with the ability to effectively communicate their ideas, beliefs, and experiences in an effort to promote success in their own lives and in the lives of others. Through workshops and campus-life programming, students hone networking, interviewing and résumé writing skills putting them one more step ahead in a competitive job market.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
One hallmark of the Northwood education is hands-on, experiential learning. Many of our academic programs enhance classroom learning with large-scale, active learning student-run projects. These events allow our students to apply what they learn in the classroom to real situations
ENTERPRISE/ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION
Many Northwood alumni earn their livelihoods in enterprises they own in whole or in part. While we offer a program in Entrepreneurship, our entire curriculum is focused on enterprise models and entrepreneurial achievements. Enterprise is a key tenet of our Mission, and we believe entrepreneurship is the essential element of our free market economy.
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
While our student-athletes are competing on the athletic fields as part of the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC); many of our students also compete in academic arenas. Our national champion Mock Trial team has bested teams from Harvard, Georgetown, and Stanford while our Competitive Speech team, American Marketing Association, BPA, DECA, and American Advertising Federation student chapters regularly place in regional and national competitions.
ABOUT NORTHWOOD
On March 23, 1959, two young men with an idea, a goal, and a pragmatic philosophy to encompass it all, broke away from their careers in a traditional college structure to create a new concept in education.
Their visionary idea became a reality when Dr. Arthur E. Turner and Dr. R. Gary Stauffer enrolled 100 students at Northwood Institute. They envisioned a new type of university – one where the teaching of management led the way. While the frontiers of space were revealing their mysteries, Stauffer and Turner understood all endeavors – technical, manufacturing, marketing, retail, every type of business – needed state-of-the-art, ethics-driven management.
Time has validated the success of what these two young educators called “The Northwood Idea” – incorporating the lessons of the American free-enterprise society into the college classroom.
The University grew and matured; Northwood went from being an Institute to an accredited University, the DeVos Graduate School of Management was created and then expanded; the Adult Degree Program and its program centers expanded to over 20 locations in eight states; international program centers were formed in Malaysia, People’s Republic of China, Sri Lanka, and Switzerland; and significant construction like the campus Student Life Centers added value to the Northwood students’ experience. New endeavors such as Aftermarket Studies, entertainment and sports management and fashion merchandising, along with a campus partnership in Montreux, Switzerland, demonstrate an enriched experience for all our students.
Northwood University educates managers and entrepreneurs – highly skilled and ethical leaders. With more than 65,000 alumni and a vibrant future ahead, The Northwood Idea is thriving.
ACCREDITATIONS, APPROVALS, AND MEMBERSHIPS
Northwood University believes it has a responsibility to its students and the industries and communities it serves to provide the highest standard of educational excellence possible. One measure of how well an educational institution meets this responsibility is in its accreditations and approvals by outside education associations and governmental interests. Because each Northwood location is served, at least partially, by different governmental agencies and academic accrediting bodies, and because all have been in existence for varying lengths of time, the accreditations and approvals may vary from one location to another.
ALL NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES/LOCATIONS HAVE THE FOLLOWING ACCREDITATIONS AND APPROVALS:
- Northwood University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org). For more information, Please click here to learn more.
- Northwood University business degree programs have business specialty accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), (www.acbsp.org).
- The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) certified school for nonimmigrant foreign students (Fvisa); Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)/ Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); and Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) as a higher education institution for international students.
- Respective state offices for Veterans Administration programs as a higher education institution for degree-seeking qualified veterans and dependents.
- The U.S. Bureau of Internal Revenue as a tax-exempt institution as provided for in Section 501 (c) (3) and other applicable parts of the Internal Revenue Code for higher education organizations.
NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY MEMBERSHIPS ARE REPRESENTED IN SUCH EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AS:
- American Accounting Association
- American Advertising Federation
- American Association of Collegiate and Admissions Officers Registrars
- American Certified Fraud Examiners
- American College Health Association
- American College Personnel Association
- American Hotel and Lodging Association
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- American Library Association
- American Management Association
- American Marketing Association
- American Marketing League Association
- American Payroll Association
- American Taxation Association
- Association for Communications Technology Professionals in Higher Education
- Association for Higher Education and Disability
- Association for Leadership Educators
- Association for the Tutoring Profession
- Association of College and Research Libraries
- Association of College and University Housing Officers International
- Association of College and University Telecommunications Administrators
- Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement
- Association of University Programs in Health Administration
- Association of Veterans Educators Certifying Officials
- Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association
- College and University Personnel Association for Human Resources
- Council for the Advancement of Experiential Learning
- Council for Higher Education Accreditation
- Council for Hotel and Restaurant and Institutional Education
- Data Processing Management Association
- Educause
- Family Enterprise Research Scholars
- Family Firm Institute
- Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers
- Intercollegiate Press Association
- International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education
- International Council on Hotel, Restaurant & Institutional Education
- International Leadership Association
- Mathematical Association of America
- Motor and Equipment Manufacturing Association
- National Academic Advising Association
- National Advertising Federation
- National Association for Campus Activities
- National Association for College Admission Counseling
- National Association for Developmental Education
- National Association of College Admissions Counselors
- National Association of College Auxiliary Services
- National Association of College Stores (through its bookstore provider)
- National Association of College and University Business Officers
- National Association of Colleges and Employers
- National Association of Educational Buyers
- National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
- National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
- National Association of International Educators
- National Association of Graduate Admissions Professionals
- National Association of College and University Mail Services
- National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
- National Association of Student Personnel Administrators
- National Association of Veterans Programs Administrators
- National Automobile Dealers Association
- National Collegiate Athletic Association
- National Collegiate Honors Council
- National College Learning Center Association
- National Cooperative Education Association
- National Council of Teachers of English
- National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
- National Council of Women of the United States
- National Association of Educational Buyers
- National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
- National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
- National Association of International Educators
- National Home Fashions League
- National Restaurant Association
- Newspaper Association of America
- Organization of American Historians
- Photographers’ Association of America
- Society for College and University Planning
- Society for Human Resources
- Specialty Equipment Market Association
- The Fashion Group
- University Risk Management and Insurance Association