The Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) degree at SMU Cox provides students with the expertise and specialized Analytic skills that employers in IT, marketing, operations, and consulting are demanding now. The broad and intensive curriculum across a range of management disciplines and functions explores the latest methods of translating data into relevant information for decision-makers. The SMU Cox MS Business Analytics program prepares students for successful careers in the burgeoning field of business analytics from business analysts, data analysts, marketing analysts, financial analysts, and database and data warehouse architects to data scientists
| Tuition Fees for MSBA | $55,074 |
| Program deadline MSBA |
Round 1: October 10, 2023 Round 2: January 9, 2024 Round 3: March 5, 2024 Round 4: April 30, 2024 Round 5: May 28, 2024 |
SMU Cox MS Business Analytics Class Profile
The SMU Cox MS Business Analytics program attracts a diverse group of students from various academic backgrounds, creating a unique and enriching learning environment. The class profile typically includes individuals with undergraduate degrees in fields such as mathematics, engineering, computer science, economics, and business. The program also welcomes applicants with degrees in other fields who have relevant work experience or can demonstrate strong analytical skills.
The class is usually made up of a mix of recent graduates and mid-career professionals seeking to enhance their skills in data analysis. The program also values diversity, with a significant number of international students and students from underrepresented groups. Overall, the SMU Cox University program's class profile reflects a wide range of experiences, perspectives, and skills, creating a dynamic and collaborative learning community.
| Class Size | 109 |
| Average GPA | 3.56 |
| Women Diversity | 51% |
| Average GMAT Score | 711 |
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate for the SMU Cox MS Business Analytics program is 46%. However, like other selective graduate programs, admission to the program is competitive, and the school considers a variety of factors, including academic achievement, work experience, and essays, when evaluating applications. The program has a holistic approach to admissions, taking into account each applicant's unique strengths and experiences. Applicants are encouraged to submit a strong application that highlights their qualifications and demonstrates their passion for data analytics to increase their chances of acceptance into the program which is the best MS Business Analytics in the USA.
Acceptance Rate- 46%
SMU Cox MS Business Analytics Program and Curriculum
The SMU Cox MS Business Analytics program covers key topics ranging from microeconomics to business strategy; corporate finance to risk management. So you’ll create a strong foundation of knowledge and then build upon it in a structured, logical progression through the curriculum.
Core Course
- Advanced Product Brand Management
- Big Data Platforms
- Business Intelligence
- Consumer Behavior
- Customer Insights and Market Intelligence
- Data-Driven Marketing
- Forecasting and Predictive Analytics
- Managerial Decision Making
- Managing Big Data
- Operations Analytics
- Project Management
- Research for Marketing Decisions
- Retailing Analytics
- Revenue Management
Electives
At Cox, you can customize your degree to suit your goals. At least four of your courses in the MSBA program are electives. With choices ranging from big data to retailing analytics, consumer behavior to database marketing, you’ll craft a track that ladders up to the career you want:
- Business Analytics
- Process Optimization
- Decision Modeling
- Data Science
- Marketing Strategy
Extra Activities for SMU Cox MS Business Analytics
Clubs
- Cox Women in Business
- Black Graduate Business Association
- Cox MBA Business Analytics Club
- Graduate Real Estate Club
- Net Impact SMU Cox
- Sports and Entertainment Business Association
- Strategy and Entrepreneurship Club
- Graduate Finance Association
- Hispanic Business Student Association
Eligibility and Requirements
The SMU Cox MS Business Analytics program has certain eligibility requirements and required documents for applicants. The following is a list of the program's eligibility requirements and required documents:
Eligibility :
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Strong quantitative skills, demonstrated through previous coursework and/or standardized test scores (GMAT, GRE, or EA)
Required Documents:
- Completed online application form
- Resume/CV
- Essays (2 required)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended
- Standardized test scores (GMAT, GRE, or EA)
- English proficiency test scores (for non-native English speakers)
- Application fee
SMU Cox MS Business Analytics Deadlines
The application deadline for the SMU Cox MS Business Analytics program varies depending on the round in which an applicant intends to apply. The program typically offers three application rounds each year. The deadlines for their intake are as follows:
| Deadline | Deadline Dates |
| Deadline 1 | October 10 |
| Deadline 2 | January 10 |
| Deadline 3 | March 31 |
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible to increase their chances of admission and to be considered for merit-based scholarships. However, the program does accept applications on a rolling basis after the final deadline, as space permits. It's important to note that some scholarship and financial aid opportunities may have earlier deadlines, so applicants should check the program's website for specific details.
Employment And Placement
Graduates of the SMU Cox MS Business Analytics program have a strong track record of employment and placement in the industry. The program prepares students for a variety of roles in data analytics, such as data scientist, business analyst, and analytics consultant. Graduates have gone on to work for top companies in various industries, including finance, healthcare, technology, and consulting.
The program has a dedicated career services team that provides students with career guidance, networking opportunities, and access to job postings. The school also hosts career fairs and recruiting events that connect students with potential employers. In recent years, the program has achieved a high employment rate for graduates within three months of graduation, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in preparing students for careers in data analytics. Thus, there are plenty of jobs after MSBA.
Top Sectors Hiring MSBA Graduates
Here are some top companies in each sector that have hired from the SMU Cox MS Business Analytics program. This will give you a brief overview of the companies where a Masters in Business Analytics graduate can work.
Companies Hiring From SMU Cox MS Business Analytics
Consulting:
- Deloitte
- Accenture
- McKinsey & Company
Technology:
- Amazon
- Microsoft
Financial Services:
- JPMorgan Chase
- Goldman Sachs
- Morgan Stanley
MSBA Alumni at SMU Cox MS
SMU Cox graduate is the tight-knit alumni network you’re a part of. Ranked by The Economist among top 30 in the world for breadth and effectiveness, their global alumni community is deep and loyal — Cox alums share a strong commitment to supporting and connecting fellow Ponies. With over 41,000 members across the globe out of which some have graduated from SMU Cox MS Business Analytics, you can think of your global network as LinkedIn on steroids.
Some Famous Alumni
- Gabriel Barbier-Mueller – Founder and CEO, Harwood International
- Betsy Boze (MBA) – CEO and Dean, Kent State University Stark Campus
- Deborah Coonts – American novelist and lawyer
- Robert H. Dedman, Jr. – President and CEO, ClubCorp
- Robert H. Dedman, Sr. – Founder and CEO, ClubCorp
SMU Cox MS Business Analytics Application Essay
Here are some examples of essay questions that applicants may encounter on the SMU Cox MS Business Analytics application:
Essay 1- Why do you want to pursue an MS in Business Analytics at SMU Cox? How will this program help you achieve your career goals?
Essay 2- What skills and experiences do you bring to the SMU Cox MS Business Analytics program? How do you think you can contribute to the program's diverse and collaborative learning community?
Essay 3- Describe a project or challenge you have worked on that required data analysis skills. What did you learn from this experience, and how do you think it has prepared you for the SMU Cox MS Business Analytics program?
Essay 4- At SMU Cox, we value leadership, teamwork, and ethical decision-making. Describe a situation in which you demonstrated these qualities, and how this experience has shaped your personal and professional values.
These essay questions are designed to assess an applicant's fit for the program and their potential for success in the field of data analytics. Applicants should carefully read the essay prompts and provide thoughtful and specific responses that demonstrate their interest, experience, and potential for contribution to the program.
Letter of Recommendation
The SMU Cox MS Business Analytics program requires applicants to submit two letters of recommendation as part of their application. These letters should come from individuals who are familiar with the applicant's academic or professional abilities and can speak to their potential for success in the program. The ideal recommenders may include former professors, supervisors, or colleagues who can provide specific examples of the applicant's skills, accomplishments, and character.
The letters should address the applicant's strengths and potential areas for growth, as well as their fit for the program and their potential to contribute to the program's collaborative learning community. The letters of recommendation are an important component of the application, and applicants should carefully choose recommenders who can provide a detailed and insightful assessment of their abilities and potential for success in the field of business analytics.
SMU Cox MS Business Analytics Interview Questions
The SMU Cox MS Business Analytics program may conduct interviews as part of the admission process, either in-person or via videoconference. Here are some example interview questions that applicants may encounter:
Q. Why are you interested in pursuing an MS in Business Analytics, and what specific skills or experiences do you hope to gain from this program?
Q. Describe a project or challenge you have worked on that required data analysis skills. How did you approach this project, and what did you learn from the experience?
Q. How do you stay current with developments and trends in the field of data analytics, and how do you plan to continue your professional development in this area?
Q. Describe a leadership experience you have had and how it has shaped your approach to teamwork and collaboration.
Q. What do you think makes you a good fit for the SMU Cox MS Business Analytics program, and how do you think you can contribute to the program's learning community?
These interview questions are designed to assess an applicant's fit for the program and their potential for success in the field of data analytics. Applicants should come prepared to speak to their academic and professional experience, as well as their interest and passion for the field. They should also be prepared to ask questions about the program and its offerings, to demonstrate their interest and engagement in the admissions process.
What Makes SMU Cox MS Unique?
The SMU Cox MS Business Analytics program offers several unique features that set it apart from other programs in the field. Some of these features include:
Interdisciplinary curriculum: The program's curriculum draws from a variety of disciplines, including business, statistics, computer science, and engineering. This interdisciplinary approach prepares students to work effectively in cross-functional teams and to solve complex business problems using data analytics.
Experiential learning: The program includes a capstone project that allows students to work on real-world business problems using data analytics. This project gives students the opportunity to apply their skills in a practical setting and to develop a portfolio of work to showcase to potential employers.
Industry partnerships: The program has strong partnerships with leading companies in the data analytics field, including AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and State Farm Insurance. These partnerships provide students with access to industry experts and mentors, as well as opportunities for internships and job placements.
Focus on leadership and ethics: The program places a strong emphasis on developing students' leadership and ethical decision-making skills. Students are encouraged to explore the social and ethical implications of data analytics, and to consider the broader impact of their work on society.
Flexible scheduling: The program offers both full-time and part-time options, as well as online and on-campus courses, to accommodate a range of student schedules and needs.
These unique features of the SMU Cox MS Business Analytics program make it a standout choice for students who are looking to develop their skills in data analytics and to prepare for a successful career in this growing field.
Conclusion
The SMU Cox MS Business Analytics program is a highly-regarded graduate program that provides students with the knowledge and skills to work with big data and make informed business decisions. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers topics such as data mining, data visualization, and predictive analytics, as well as courses in business strategy, project management, and leadership. The program also includes experiential learning opportunities that allow students to work on real-world business problems using data analytics.
