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Program Director R. Kim Craft – BUS 112 – (435) 586-5414	Faculty & Staff
Administrative Assistant Heather Jones – BUS 229 - (435) 865-8157	Business Graduate & Online Coordinator Miranda Gubler – BUS 104 – (435) 586-5420
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Overview of Program

The Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program at SUU trains students to use data, statistical analysis, and mathematical models to solve business problems, improve business processes, and make better business decisions. The program aims to achieve the optimal balance between technical expertise and real-world applications, to produce graduates who can apply sophisticated methodologies in practical ways. In addition, the program provides a well-rounded education by giving students experience with both Data Analytics, the science of transforming data into insights, and Operations Research, the application of quantitative methods to problems involving complex systems. By acquiring a strong foundation in these areas, our graduates are prepared to make a significant impact on organizational performance. 

The MSBA program at the Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide.

Mission

The MSBA program at Southern Utah University’s Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business develops proficient business analysts who understand and can apply key analytical methods and technologies to solve business problems, improve business processes, and make better business decisions.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will:

1. Be able to apply basic mathematical programming methods to solve realistic business problems involving the optimization of plans, processes, and systems.
2. Be able to apply Monte Carlo simulation techniques and basic probability analysis to realistic business problems involving risk and uncertainty.
3. Understand the essentials of database design and management.
4. Be proficient in programming for data management and analysis.
5. Have outstanding skills in conducting business analysis and modeling in Excel.
6. Be able to manage, visualize, and prepare big data sets for analysis.
7. Be proficient in the key methods of data analytics, including classification, association/segmentation, and prediction.
8. Be able to apply the tools of business analytics to optimize business performance.

Admission and Graduation Requirements

Requirements for Admission into the Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business M.S.B.A. Program

Admission to the MSBA program requires a bachelor degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or the equivalent, and a GPA of at least 3.0 on the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate coursework. In addition, certain prerequisites must be satisfied prior to beginning the program, as indicated in the Program Prerequisites section below.

The following materials must be submitted to apply to the program:

1. A completed application form, along with a non-refundable application fee.
2. Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended.
3. Three (3) letters of recommendation.
4. An official GRE or GMAT score, attained within the last five (5) years, unless the conditions are met for a test waiver.
5. A professional resume.
6. A letter of intent (no more than two pages), describing the applicant’s experience, qualifications, interests, career objectives and other information relevant to the admission decision.
7. International students must submit additional materials described at www.suu.edu/international/graduate-admission-requirements.html.

Students must submit all materials through the online application portal (www.suu.edu/apply) by May 31th of the year they wish to begin (generally, new students start the program each fall semester). Late applications may be considered based on applicant qualifications, timing, and space availability. As students prepare their application submission, they should plan sufficient time to complete any program prerequisites that may be required prior to registration, as described below.

The GRE/GMAT Score Requirement and Waiver Conditions

A minimum GRE/GMAT score is not specified for admission to the program. Each applicant’s entire package will be considered in the admission decision, but strong performance in quantitative courses and the quantitative section of the GRE/GMAT is essential. Generally, successful applicants have scores well above the 50th percentile on the quantitative section of the GRE/GMAT. 

The GMAT/GRE requirement can be waived for prospective students who (1) obtained a bachelor degree within the last five years and (2) have an undergraduate GPA of 3.3 or higher, both overall and in key quantitative classes.

Program Prerequisites

The MSBA program is designed for students with strong quantitative abilities and some educational background in quantitative methods and business. Prospective students with bachelor degrees in business disciplines or in fields related to Business Analytics such as Computer Science, Economics, Information Systems, Math, or Statistics are encouraged to apply. The following, or the equivalent, are the minimum program prerequisites:

• Math: an introductory course in calculus (e.g., MATH 1210 - Calculus I  or ECON 2500 - Quantitative Methods for Business and Economics )
  – recommended: a second course in calculus and a course in linear algebra
• Statistics: an introductory course in statistics (e.g., MATH 1040 - Statistics )
  – recommended: a course in mathematical statistics and probability
• Accounting: a course in accounting principles (e.g., ACCT 2010 - Accounting Principles )
• Finance: a course in managerial finance (e.g., FIN 3250 - Managerial Finance I )
• Microeconomics: a course in microeconomics (e.g., ECON 2010 - Principles of Microeconomics )
  – recommended: a course in managerial economics or intermediate economics

In addition, prospective students must be proficient with Excel and familiar with at least one (1) programming language.

For prospective MSBA students lacking prerequisites in business, or needing more experience with Excel or programming, accelerated online courses can be taken prior to beginning the program to satisfy the background requirements in these areas. The prerequisite courses do not need to be completed prior to admission but they must be completed prior to course registration. Through the admission process, specific instructions will be provided for meeting any applicable prerequisite requirements. 

Questions

For any questions about the application process or application status, please contact the Graduate Admissions Coordinator at (435) 865-8297 or via email at gradapps@suu.edu.

Program Information

• Graduate students must complete their program within six (6) years of matriculation. Full-time students may complete this program in as little as one (1) year.
• All courses must be passed with a “C” (2.0) or better to be counted in the program.
• Students must earn a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 to graduate. Students who fail to maintain a 3.0 GPA average may be dismissed from the program.
• Graduate courses cannot be repeated more than once.

Program Requirements