Master of Science in Business Analytics (MS-BA)

The one-year MS-BA degree program requires students to complete 33 credit hours in three semesters. Our robust and intensive program equips students with a solid foundation in machine learning, data management, computing and quantitative methods. Students entering the program should be committed to enhancing their skills in mathematics, statistics and computer programming. This comprehensive training prepares students to be leaders in the analytics field or to apply to related Ph.D. programs. The curriculum uses a variety of mathematical, statistical and computing tools including: (1) calculus and linear algebra, (2) statistical methods (including regression and its extensions) and (3) programming and visualization (Python, SQL, Tableau, etc.)

Program schedule

The MS-BA offers a three-semester lock-step program that is approximately one calendar year in duration. MS-BA students are required to complete 33 credit hours, which is a combination of 9 core courses (27 credit hours total), 1 elective course (3 credit hours), and 1 credit hour of professional development each semester. The typical study plan is as follows:

Summer

QMB 5616 Probabilistic Optimization for Analytics
ISM 5644 Programming for Analytics
GEB 5087 Professional Development Foundation

Fall

QMB 5755 Quantitative Methods in Business Analytics I
ISM 5136 Data Analytics and Mining for Business
ISM 5560 Data Management in Business Analytics
ISM 5565 Foundational Concepts for Business Analytics
GEB 5088 Professional Development Job Skills

Spring

ISM 5419 Fundamentals of Data Visualization
ISM 5569 Business Analytics Capstone
ISM 5566 Forecasting, Revenue Management and Pricing
GEB 5089 Professional Development Transition
Elective (1 required)

Elective course options will include applications of analytical tools in specific business disciplines, such as marketing, human resources, operations, finance or real estate. Options may include:

ISM 5567 Supply Chain Analytics
ISM 5525 Algorithms for Business Analytics
ISM 5580 Healthcare Analytics  
FIN 5335 Fintech Innovations & Crypto
GEB 5944 Graduate Internship

*Note: Program requirements are subject to change. Elective availability may vary from year to year.

The following items should be submitted through the Florida State Graduate Application portal:

• Applicant Statement 
• Current resume/C.V., clearly indicating work experience including dates and positions held, noting full-time or part-time employment. Management, business and leadership experience should also be clearly detailed.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation are required, three (3) letters of recommendation are preferred, from employers or former college professors that speak specifically to the applicant’s ability to successfully complete the MS-BA program (submitted by the recommenders in the online application)
• Florida Residency Declaration if applicable
• Nonrefundable application fee of $30.00 (see University Application or go to fees.fsu.edu)

The following items should be sent to the Graduate Admissions Office, 222 S. Copeland St./314 Westcott Building, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1410 or to graduateadmissions@fsu.edu:

• One (1) official transcript from all colleges and universities attended (FSU transcripts not necessary for FSU alumni, students)
• Official test scores, if applicable: GMAT or GRE scores are optional and should be submitted only if they will enhance the application. Any submitted test scores become part of the application. The code to send GMAT scores to Florida State is PN8K567, and the code to send GRE scores is 5219.

International applicants

International applicants should visit gradschool.fsu.edu/admissions/international-admissions for information concerning financial responsibilities, degree equivalency, etc. International applicants are responsible for submitting the below documents in addition to the checklist items in the previous section.

English Language Proficiency Exam
International applicants whose native language is not English or who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree in an English-speaking country are required to take an English Language Proficiency exam and submit official test results in order to be admitted to Florida State University. The College of Business accepts all of the following examinations taken within the past two (2) years:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): a minimum score of 600 on the paper-based test if taken before January 21, 2026 or 4.0 if taken on or after January 21, 2026. (FSU institution code 5219)
• International English Language Testing System (Academic IELTS): minimum score of 7
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): minimum score of 66
• Cambridge C1 Advanced Level: minimum score of 180
• Michigan Language Assessment: minimum score of 55
• Duolingo: minimum score of 125

Transcript Evaluation Requirement
The Office of Graduate Admissions requires all international students to submit an official course-by-course evaluation of all academic records from non-U.S. institutions prior to application review. This verifies degree equivalency and serves in place of additional official or unofficial transcripts. This evaluation must be done by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES): www.naces.org. FSU offers a partnership with The Evaluation Company (formerly SpanTran), our preferred credential evaluation service, which allows a streamlined process at a discounted rate. More information about this process is available after you submit the first part of your graduate application.

Estimated program costs for the 2026-2027 academic year

The MS-BA program requires 33 credit hours:

• Florida residents: $479.32 (tuition plus fees) per credit hour. Total estimate program cost is $15,817.56.
• Non-Florida Residents: $1,173.86 (tuition plus fees) per credit hour. Total estimate program cost is $38,737.38.

Note: Costs do not include required books and supplies for courses and are subject to change. Fees in table do not include some per-term flat fees for FSUCard and facilities use. For a breakdown of on-campus student fees and their explanations, visit the university’s Tuition Rates page.

Learn more about why our graduate programs are considered A Smart Choice in Value.

Read more about the college’s financial assistance options for graduate students.

You may also visit Florida State's financial aid website for more information on types of financial aid.

GEB 5944 Graduate Internship
This internship offers a working and learning experience in the business industry. S/U grade only.

ISM 5136 Data Analytics and Mining for Business
This course provides an in-depth examination of data analytics and machine learning models used to support complex data-driven decision-making. Students will explore the underlying algorithms, technical mechanics, and computational implementation of such models to extract actionable knowledge and business value from large-scale corporate data sets.

ISM 5419 Fundamentals of Data Visualization
This course covers the tools and techniques needed to properly express the results of descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytical procedures. Students focus on identifying and applying the best methods and tools for a particular analytical question and dataset to produce a successful visualization.

ISM 5560 Data Management in Business Analytics
This course will discuss various data-related issues in business analytics and introduce the best practices, underlying principles, and emerging technologies in data management. Specifically, the course will cover 1) foundational data management concepts, 2) best practices in managing big data, and 3) unstructured data management.

ISM 5565 Foundational Concepts for Business Analytics
This course introduces the core concepts, methods, and applications of business analytics, equipping students with the skills to transform data into actionable insights.

ISM 5566 Forecasting, Revenue Management & Pricing
This course explores how big data can be used for understanding and analyzing customer demand and behavior. First, the class surveys the canonical uses of data to analyze consumer demand — time-series forecasting. There will be a focus on Exponential Smoothing and ARIMA models. Then, we explore the idea that sales is not the same as demand.

ISM 5567 Supply Chain Analytics
This course examines the role that Business Analytics can play in the context of an organization's Operations and Supply Chain functions. The goal of this course is to develop critical skills in the management of Supply Chains.

ISM 5569 Business Analytics Capstone
This course is designed for students in Business Analytics to demonstrate that they have achieved the learning goals established by the program regarding descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive data analysis. Upon completion of ISM 5569, students should be able to analyze real world data with consideration of practical concerns. Specifically, this course is to provide students with an advanced level of analytical skills that will enable them to examine business problems by developing models, analyzing alternatives, and recommending solutions using techniques and tools they have learned in previous Business Analytics courses.

ISM 5644 Programming for Analytics
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of computer programming for business analytics, with a special emphasis placed on utilizing industry-standard coding practices for data science and analytics-related tasks.

ISM 5525 Algorithms for Business Analytics
This course focuses on algorithms for business analytics. In this course, students will develop skills in forecasting, algorithms for smooth optimization, and algorithms for discrete optimization.

QMB 5616 Probabilistic Optimization for Analytics
This course teaches students to address problems in factor analysis, cluster analysis, regression, and classification. Students will utilize methods such as calculus and linear algebra.

QMB 5755 Quantitative Methods in Business Analytics I
This course focuses on the formulation and solution of mathematical programming problems in business analytics. Students will utilize methods such as linear programming, quadratic programming, and integer programming.

ISM 5580 Healthcare Analytics  
This course equips students with essential skills to analyze and interpret population health data by applying healthcare analytics techniques. The course emphasizes the use of synthetic patient data, complemented by publicly available datasets, to help students develop a comprehensive understanding of population health dynamics. Students will learn to apply descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics.

FIN 5335 Fintech Innovations & Crypto 
This course provides an overview of the field of financial technology (FinTech), focusing on critical areas such as blockchain technology, cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence (AI), and the impact of government regulations on digital innovations. Students will explore the historical backgrounds, related technological innovations, successful companies, and regulatory frameworks that reshaped the current global financial system.

GEB 5087 Professional Development 
This course develops student career readiness through a comprehensive and systematic approach to career planning and job readiness. In this course, students cultivate a personalized professional brand, master job search strategies, and network effectively. Emphasizing a competency-driven approach, the curriculum adapts to industry trends, ensuring readiness for a dynamic job market and successful career transitions.

GEB 5089 Professional Development 
This course focuses on career readiness through a comprehensive framework and systematic approach, bridging academic knowledge with professional application. In this course, students cultivate job search strategies and learn techniques to network effectively. The course curriculum adapts to industry trends, ensuring student readiness for a dynamic job market and successful career transitions.