Master of Business Analytics
Take your career to new heights in our data-driven world with an affordable master’s program that combines leading-edge analytics and critical business skills. Together, with our internationally known faculty and hallmark fusion of theory and practice, you will discover how to obtain and manage data, apply analytical tools, and generate results-focused insights.
We will build on your core expertise and equip you to develop statistically-informed strategies and leverage big data to drive performance and gain a competitive advantage throughout your career.
There are two pathways available to complete this program.
- Online program: Designed for working professionals, this 100 percent online program will give you the skills to advance your career and the flexibility to take courses from anywhere. Students in this program may only take online courses and tuition is $818 + fees per credit hour.
- Residential, in-person: The full-time, on-campus option is designed to meet the needs of recent undergraduates and experienced professionals, both domestic and international students. Students in this program will be assessed tuition based on their residency (i.e., in-state, out-of-state, and international).
MBAN program features
- Customizable online content — focus your study on courses related to your field.
- Internationally known faculty.
- A capstone project based on your interests
- Networking and volunteer opportunities at the largest business analytics symposium in the Midwest.
- Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) designation for international students in the on-campus program.
I was eager to deepen my understanding of business operations and how data drives decision-making. I knew the program at Iowa State would offer the perfect blend of hands-on experience and academic rigor.
Caroly Coronado-Vargas, MBAN student
MBAN program details
Admission and fees
Admission and fees
Apply to the MBAN program
Master of business analytics students can begin the program in the fall, spring, or summer term. Students are admitted year-round.
International students who currently reside outside the U.S. are encouraged to apply at least three months prior to the start of the semester if seeking the on-campus option.
Application requirements
- Resume.
- College transcripts.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Statement of purpose.
- TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Score for non-native English-speaking applicants.
- Declare on-campus or distance program on application.
Once the application is complete, it will be reviewed. You may be contacted to schedule an interview as part of the admissions process.
Please note: Graduate students in the on-campus pathway, whose native language is not English and who do not have a degree from Iowa State University, must take the English Placement Test at the beginning for their first semester of enrollment. The test is administered by the Department of English. It must be taken in addition to the Test of English as a Foreign Language), which is taken as a part of the admissions process. A student who does not pass this examination is required to take specific courses in the English 99/101 series. This coursework must be completed no later than the semester BEFORE you graduate.
Regarding the online program: This program is not approved in SEVIS to issue Forms I-20 or DS-2019 for F-1 or J-1 status. However, an international student who has an F-1/J-1 status for another full-time, residential program can add this online program as a second major.
Application deadline
Admission materials submitted by:
- Residential/in-person
Fall semester: June 15.
Spring semester: November 15.
Summer semester: March 15 (Domestic students only). - Online:
Fall semester: June 15.
Spring semester: November 15.
Summer semester: March 15.
GMAT/GRE
Not required
Format and length
Online or in-person; 30 credits, 15 months
Location
Online or Ames, Iowa
Program tuition and fees*
Iowa residents and students enrolled in the online pathway: $818/credit hour + fees
Non-residents: $1,825/credit hour + fees
International students: $1,931/credit hour + fees
*Tuition and fee rates are subject to change
Cost of attendance – click here to review a general estimate. This is a university page.
Curriculum
Curriculum
The master of business analytics program, offered online and in-person, is tailored to the needs of working professionals and undergraduates looking to get ahead.
Our curriculum focuses on critical tools like analytics leadership, data wrangling and analytics, data visualization and communication, and problem solving — taught through hands-on exercises and case studies.
Customize your degree by taking courses from across campus. This interdisciplinary program draws from several of Iowa State University’s leading education fields in science and technology, including:
- Computer science.
- Electrical engineering.
- Computer engineering.
- Statistics.
- Industrial engineering.
- Manufacturing system engineering.
Our curriculum provides online courses delivered asynchronously — meaning you can do the work when it’s most convenient for you.
Of the 10 courses, only four are required, leaving you six elective items to choose from.
Overall, the program provides a foundation in:
- Data analytics.
- Project management.
- Statistical and predictive modeling.
- Consumer sentiment analysis.
- Knowledge discovery.
- Analytical reporting.
- Segmentation analysis.
- Data visualization.
Customize your capstone project to fit your interests. The capstone allows for focused training in areas such as fraud detection, risk management, text mining, and process improvement. The capstone takes place during your last semester.
Classes are available year-round, so you can finish in as few as 15 months.
For more information, contact an advisor at busgrad@iastate.edu.
Graduate certificates
Graduate certificates
The Ivy College of Business currently has six graduate certificate programs. Each certificate requires 12-15 credits — some of which may apply to your MBAN degree. See your advisor for more information, or email busgrad@iastate.edu.
Concurrent degree options
Concurrent degree options
Concurrent students are those that are earning their undergraduate and graduate degrees at the same time. At the Ivy College of Business you can earn your master’s of business analytics (MBAN) at the same time you earn your bachelor’s degree in business analytics (BUSAN) or management information systems (MIS).
Double degree options
Double degree options
The MBA-MBAN double degree program combines the comprehensive management education of the top-ranked Ivy MBA with an in-depth study of business analytics through the MBAN degree.
Contact an advisor for more information at busgrad@iastate.edu.
International students
International students
Important information for international students
Three-year degrees may be accepted if a WES or ECE transcript evaluation deems your degree equivalent to a U.S. four-year degree.
Otherwise, Iowa State University’s Graduate College does not accept three-year degrees from India, Bangladesh, Canada (excluding Quebec), Nepal, and Pakistan. Degrees from these countries are internally reviewed individually if submitted directly to Iowa State.
Additionally, Iowa State University’s Graduate College does not accept HNDs (Higher National Diplomas) without a top-up degree. It is acceptable if your WES or ECE course-by-course evaluation determines your three-year degree equivalent to a U.S. four-year degree.
For questions regarding internal reviews and top-up degrees, please contact gradhelp@iastate.edu.
Helpful information
ISSO: https://isso.dso.iastate.edu/
Admissions information for international students: https://www.iastate.edu/admission-and-aid/admissions/graduate-students/graduate-app-info
English requirements: https://www.grad-college.iastate.edu/prospective/english-requirements/
Take the next steps
Customized career advice
Whether you’re angling for a promotion or you want to polish your resume, the Graduate Career Services team offers each student personalized, custom advice and services for your climb up the corporate ladder.
Connect with us
Graduate Student Services
1420 Gerdin Business Building
2167 Union Drive
Ames, Iowa 50011
busgrad@iastate.edu
515-294-8118
Questions?
Send us an email: busgrad@iastate.edu or call 515-294-8118.