Key Takeaways
- Program Highlights: The USC Marshall MSBA program offers cutting-edge curriculum blending business acumen with data analytics expertise, designed to equip students with the skills needed to excel in the modern data-driven business environment.
- Class Profile: The MSBA program features a diverse cohort with students hailing from over 20 countries, an average age of 27, and professional backgrounds ranging from engineering to finance, ensuring a rich exchange of ideas and experiences.
- Tuition Fees: The total tuition fees for the USC Marshall MSBA program amount to approximately $65,000, providing extensive resources, state-of-the-art facilities, and unparalleled networking opportunities.
- Career Prospects: Graduates of the USC Marshall MSBA program report an average starting salary of $100,000, with a high employment rate of 90% within three months of graduation, reflecting the strong industry demand for skilled analytics professionals.
Introduction
The USC Marshall MSBA is a data science STEM degree that focuses on business. The degree is based on pillars such as computer science, statistics, machine learning, optimization, and business strategy. It is one of the country’s oldest MSBA programs and one of the best in the world.
The USC Business Analytics emphasizes project-based learning in the classroom, which means that students better understand business analytics by actively exploring real-world business difficulties and problems.
These projects are being carried out in partnership with industry partners of USC and cover a wide range of business issues. These business issues include finance, operations, marketing, management, supply chain, and human resource issues.
| Program length | 16 months |
| Tuition Fees MSBA 2024 |
33-unit program ($2,244 per unit) |
| Program deadline MSBA 2026 |
Round 1: November 15, 2023 Round 2: January 15, 2024 Round 3: March 15, 2024 Round 4: April 15, 2024 |
| Intakes | 4 |
| Application fees | $155 |
Class Profile
USC Marshall's MSBA class profile, students come from various backgrounds, creating a vibrant and diverse community. Whether you have a business, technical, or liberal arts background, you'll find peers who share your passion for data analytics. Together, we start on a journey to tackle real-world challenges in this exciting field.
| Average GMAT | 730 |
| Average GRE | 330 |
| Average GPA | 7 |
| Average work experience | 1 year |
| Average age | 26 |
| Pre-MSBA industry MSBA 2023 |
Analytics Consulting Finance Marketing |
| Pre-MSBA location | N/A |
| Class size MSBA 2023 |
N/A |
| Women MSBA 2025 |
N/A |
| Country Represented MSBA 2025 |
N/A |
What does a typical USC Marshall student look like-
USC Marshall MSBA Rankings
The USC Marshall MSBA program has achieved impressive rankings, highlighting its excellence in business analytics education. It ranks #11 in the QS World University Rankings for Masters in Business Analytics.
Additionally, in the U.S. News Best Business Schools 2024, it holds the 18th position nationally. These rankings validate the program's outstanding reputation and commitment to providing top-tier education.
| Rankings | Position |
| QS World University Rankings - Masters In Business Analytics 2024 | 11 |
| U.S,News Best Business Schools 2024 | 18 |
You can refer to this USC Marshall official page to learn more on: Applying To USC Marshall
Program & Curriculum of USC Marshall MSBA
The Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) degree requires 33 units, taken in 3 semesters (with the flexibility of extending to 4 semesters): Fall, Spring, and Fall. There are 21 units of required coursework, including an internship opportunity, plus 12 units of coursework chosen from a list of electives.
USC MSBA's Three Pillars: Computer Science; Statistics, Machine Learning, Optimization; and Business Strategy.
- First Semester (Fall)
- Second Semester (Spring)
- Summer: (Internship in Data Sciences or Operations)
- Third Semester (Fall)
Note: Actual schedules may differ between students for various reasons and will be determined with the guidance of the Academic Advisor.
Electives
Here are the Electives courses for the program:
- Programming
- Statistics + Machine Learning
- Business Strategy
Experiential learning programs
- Marshall’s Experiential Learning Center (ELC): Behavioral lab where students develop key management skills through practical activities. Topics include decision-making, problem-solving, presentations, and negotiations. ELC bridges theory and practice, preparing Marshall students for business challenges.
- Student Activities at the ELC: Several sessions were held at the center. Professional trainers collaborate with faculty to design and conduct activities that align with lesson plans. Students practice presentations, participate in negotiations, mock interviews, and conduct focus groups for projects.
Research centers
The USC Marshall Randall R. Kendrick Global Supply Chain Institute (Kendrick GSCI) aims to predict, mitigate, and alleviate supply chain, Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, Brittingham Social Enterprise Lab, Neely Center for Ethical Leadership and Decision-Making,
Fees & Financing
The USC Marshall MSBA program tuition fee is calculated per unit, based on the unit price for the academic year. It's important to note that tuition may increase each academic year. This information specifically applies to the current academic year only. Additionally, the MSBA program provides a limited number of scholarships for both U.S. citizens and international students.
| Tuition fee for the class 2024 | 33-unit program ($2,244 per unit) |
| Application Fees | $155 |
Note: The USC Marshall MSBA program is a 33-unit program of Business Graduate (500 level and above) Coursework.
Employment Upon Graduation
Securing a job after graduating from the USC Marshall MSBA program is important for students. The program focuses on building analytical skills and industry knowledge, making graduates ready for the job market. USC Marshall's wide network of corporate connections and career resources also improves job opportunities after graduation.
From data analyst roles to leadership positions in top organizations, the MSBA program prepares students for a wide range of career paths in the dynamic field of masters in business analytics.
| Average Salary MSBA 2024 |
$110,360 |
| Offer accepted upon three months of graduation | NA |
| Offer received upon three months of graduation | NA |
| Reporting rate | 97.8% |
| Post-program job locations | Beaverton - OR Fort Worth - TX Los Angeles - CA San Jose - CA Beijing - China Fremont - CA |
| Post MSBA industries MSBA 2022 |
NA |
Know more at: Career Impact | USC Marshall
Where are USC Marshall Grads Headed to Work?-
USC Marshall MSBA Application: Essays & Interview
It is essential to understand the type of application that suits the school's expectations. The USC Marshall MSBA program seeks applicants with diverse talents, strong academic and professional backgrounds, leadership skills, and a collaborative attitude.
Their top-ranked, globally recognized Master of Science in Business Analytics program offers a unique opportunity to individuals. All applications are reviewed holistically to admit a well-rounded cohort.
Essays
The USC Marshall MSBA application journey entails thoughtful consideration of the essay requirements, which serve as a platform for applicants to articulate their unique experiences, aspirations, and motivations.
Essay 1
Describe your career aspirations. What roles, companies, industries, and regions do you see yourself working in and how do you see Marshall’s MSBA program helping you achieve your goal? (250 words maximum).
Essay 2
Give us an example of a skill that you have acquired through self-learning, and explain the process in which you taught yourself the skill. (250 words maximum)
Essay 3
If there is something you would like us to know about you personally or professionally that hasn’t already been mentioned, feel free to do so here. (Optional, 250 words maximum)
Interview Questions
Navigating the USC Marshall interview process is a crucial step in the USC Marshall MSBA application journey. Understanding the types of questions commonly asked can help applicants prepare effectively and showcase their qualifications and fit for the program.
Who Attends the USC Marshall MSBA Program
They aim to bring in a diverse group of talented individuals who:
- Have strong academic and professional backgrounds
- Exhibit strong leadership skills
- Are collaborative and communicative
- Demonstrate problem-solving abilities
- Show a commitment to continuous learning and growth
- Possess analytical and critical thinking skills
- Display a passion for business analytics and its applications
All applications are reviewed holistically to ensure a well-rounded and dynamic cohort.
Why USC Marshall is Unique?
From cutting-edge research initiatives to vibrant campus life, USC Marshall stands out as a premier institution in business education. With a diverse student body, renowned faculty, and a strong network of alumni, USC Marshall fosters an environment where creativity, collaboration, and leadership thrive.
- Real-World Learning: With a history spanning over 100 years, USC Marshall has established strong connections with leading companies and business leaders globally, providing students with unparalleled opportunities across various industries.
- Human Leadership: In response to the evolving business landscape, USC Marshall focuses on training 21st-century leaders who can navigate technological advancements while addressing the social implications, preparing them to thrive in a dynamic environment.
- Tech Fluency: USC Marshall is committed to equipping future business leaders with the necessary skills to leverage technological innovations effectively, ensuring they can capitalize on emerging opportunities and navigate societal changes.
- Diversity, Equity, + Inclusion: The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at USC Marshall fosters a supportive and inclusive environment where every member of the community is valued, empowered, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Useful Links
| Admission Process | Admission in USC Marshall MSBA |
| Program Deadlines | Application Deadlines |
| Placement | Employment Report |
| USC Marshall Alumni | Continue your journey with USC Marshall |
| Gradujate Open House | USC Marshall 2024 Graduate Programs Open House |
| Contact | ugcareers@marshall.usc.edu (213) 740-5705 |
Conclusion
The USC Marshall MSBA program is a STEM degree in data science with a focus on business. One of the nation’s oldest MSBA colleges in USA, it has continuously been rated as one of the best in the world. The USC MSBA curriculum places a strong emphasis on project-based learning in the classroom, allowing our students to actively explore business challenges and problems from the real world to gain a deeper understanding of business analytics.
