MS Business Analytics

The MS Business Analytics degree is a full-time, campus-based, in-person program that focuses on the exciting and fast growing field of “big data”. The program is designed to be completed in one academic year (10 months).

The curriculum offers a technical, quantitative, and statistically intensive program designed to train specialists in turning data into business decisions. 

The 10-month Master’s program focuses on preparation in three areas:

• Technical coding and data architecture skills.
• Functional, analytic problem-solving in a given business concept such as marketing, health, finance, risk and more.
• Soft-skill development: ability to communicate quantitative facts and conclusions with simplicity and empathy, facilitating decision-making. 

All students (including current undergraduate students at CU Boulder) are required to attend orientation and program preparation events including the following:

Advising & Next Steps Sessions are required virtual pre-orientation events that are offered by the graduate student services team for newly enrolled students in the MS Business Analytics program. The sessions are designed to help students prepare for the coming academic year.

Program orientation begins with the Online Python Bootcamp, which starts in mid-June 2025 and should be completed by the first day of classes on July 8, 2025.

Students will also attend the following orientation sessions on the CU Boulder campus:
     Mandatory International Student Bootcamp – June 25-27, 2025
     Mandatory All-Student Orientation – July 1-3, 2025
     Mandatory International Student and Scholar Services Orientation – August 17, 2025

The program starts on July 8, 2025.

The MS Business Analytics program consists of 33 credits taken over 3 semesters and runs from July 2025 to May 2026. Each course is 3 credits.

Summer Session Courses - 6 credits
     MSBC 5070 Survey of Business Analytics
     MSBX 5410 Fundamentals of Data Analytics

Summer Semester Notes:
     Program Begins on July 8, 2025.

Fall Semester Courses - 12 credits
     MSBC 5180 Machine Learning in Python
     MSBX 5405 Structured Data Modeling & Analysis
     MSBX 5415 Advanced Data Analytics
     1 Elective

Spring Semester Courses - 15 credits
     MSBX 5190 Modern Artificial Intelligence
     MSBX 5420 Unstructured and Distributed Data Modeling & Analysis
     MSBC 5490 Experiential Projects Class
     2 Electives

Students may focus their studies by selecting a track. They may also choose to not select a track, by opting to take a mix of electives (across track classifications) instead.

Decision Science Electives
     MSBC 5680 Optimization Modeling (Fall)
     MBAX 6843 Supply Chain and Operations Analytics (Spring)
     MBAX 6410 Process Analytics (Spring)

Healthcare Analytics Electives
     NURS 6286 Foundation of Healthcare Informatics (Fall)
     NURS 6290 Information Systems Life Cycle (Spring)
     MSBX 5425 Healthcare Analytics (Spring)

Marketing/Customer Analytics
     MBAX 6330 Market Intelligence (Fall)
     MSBX 5320 Digital Advertising (Spring)
     BSBX 5310 Customer Analytics (Spring)

Students will work with their academic advisor to select elective courses. Elective courses offered are subject to change based on overall enrollment and faculty availability.

Tuition and program fees will vary based on a student's residency status. The estimated total cost of attendance for an academic year could include expenses such as a campus meal plan, books and supplies; and items that are not billed by the university, such as personal expenses, housing, groceries, transportation and medical insurance.

Applicants to the MS Business Analytics program are automatically considered for competitive merit scholarship awards. Selected candidates will be notified of their scholarship in the admissions letter.

     Estimated Cost of Attendance
     Financing Your MS Degree

Students may also apply for scholarships and fellowships from private sources (outside of the University of Colorado Boulder and the Leeds School of Business) to help finance their degree.

     List of Outside Scholarship Search Websites
     List of National Fellowships

Prospective students considering the MS Business Analytics program should review our website for more information about:

• Admissions criteria and application requirements.
• Application deadlines.

If you decide to apply, you will start by creating an account in our application portal.

International students should also review our dedicated webpage for international applicants.

The MS Business Analytics program at the Leeds School of Business is dedicated to creating a collaborative community centered on a cohort experience.

Our high-performing students come from a variety of backgrounds. While the program does not require work experience, the Class of 2025 arrives with an average of 2 years work experience and an average undergraduate GPA of 3.29. The result is a rich learning environment of peers, faculty and connections to Boulder and the Front Range's business community.
 

The Leeds School of Business values applications from international candidates. The cultural diversity and perspectives that international students bring to the program enrich the experience for all of our graduate students.

We evaluate candidates from outside the US using the same criteria used for domestic applicants. However, some additional information is required to complete the application for international candidates.

International Admissions - Master of Science Applicants

International students may apply for admission up until the "Final International Deadline" listed on our website. However, we generally recommend applying significantly earlier than the final international deadline. Once an admission decision has been rendered, our international applicants have to take additional steps to enroll at CU Boulder. These steps include submitting additional documents, paying a deposit, receiving your I-20, applying for a student visa, and making travel arrangements to the US. Applying early will ensure you have enough time to complete all the necessary steps prior to the start of your program.

Leeds values the leadership and management skills our veterans contribute to the school.

Our Master of Science programs offer collaboration, community, and support to build on the skills you’ve developed during your military service. We will help you build the business skills that will prepare you for a significant role in a civilian career. We also recognize that our military veterans are making a significant transition into a civilian career, and offer resources and support.

Office of Veterans Services

MBA Veterans Club (MS students may participate)

Also note: The application fee for active US military and US military veterans will be automatically waived at the time of submission.

If you have questions, we invite you to connect with us in one of the following ways:

• Sign up for a virtual event or appointment to speak with Kim Gutierrez, Assistant Director for Graduate Admissions, about Master of Science programs at Leeds.
   
• Send us an email at leedsgrad@colorado.edu.
   
• If you would like to be added to our mailing list, complete our interest form for Master of Science programs at Leeds.

Additional Resources regarding the Leeds School of Business:
     Leeds School of Business Homepage
     Program website: MS Business Analytics
     View a pre-recorded information session for Master of Science programs
     Centers of Excellence
     Faculty Directory

Other Campus Websites of Interest:
     Housing and Dining Information
     Student Employment