Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA)

The Tepper Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) is designed to connect analytical techniques with real business applications. Students gain practical experience through company-linked projects, where they work with large datasets, develop analytical models, identify business opportunities, and present their findings to company executives and faculty. The program also provides access to career coaching, leadership development, and Carnegie Mellon's wider innovation ecosystem in Pittsburgh.

Students can develop practical skills through the following program-specific opportunities and resources:

• Company-based experiential learning: Work with an organization on a business analytics project, manage large datasets, develop models, generate insights, and present recommendations to company executives and faculty.

• Capstone project: Complete a final integrative project that connects classroom learning with real business challenges. Students apply analytical methods to develop practical solutions and communicate their findings.

• Programming in R and Python: Develop programming skills for data analysis, statistical modeling, and large-scale business data management through dedicated coursework.

• Machine learning and optimization: Apply machine-learning methods and optimization techniques to business problems, including predictive analysis and decision-making.

• Modern data management: Develop practical knowledge of managing and working with business datasets, supporting the analysis of complex information.

• Tepper Quad: Study and collaborate in Carnegie Mellon's business-school facility, which provides an environment for interaction with faculty, classmates, and the wider university community.

• Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship: Explore startup ideas and collaborate with students from other Carnegie Mellon schools, including the College of Engineering, on entrepreneurial projects.

• Masters Career Center: Receive one-to-one career coaching, industry-specific guidance, and support with networking, interviews, and job-search preparation.

• Accelerate Leadership Center: Access leadership development and coaching opportunities to strengthen communication, collaboration, and professional effectiveness.

The Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) prepares graduates to pursue analytical and business-focused careers across consulting, financial services, technology, healthcare, manufacturing, consumer products, and other industries. Students develop the technical ability to interpret complex datasets alongside the business judgment and communication skills needed to turn analytical findings into organizational decisions. Potential career paths include Business Analyst, Data Analyst, Senior Data Consultant, Strategic Pricing Analyst, and Operations Analytics Manager.

Career Support, Employment Data, and Industry Connections

• Masters Career Center: Students receive personalized career coaching from counsellors who understand their target industries and career goals. Support includes career planning, networking guidance, interview preparation, and job-search strategies.

• Employment outcomes: The Tepper School publishes MSBA graduate employment and salary information to help prospective students understand career opportunities after graduation.

• Salary figures: The Full-Time MSBA Class of 2025 reported an average accepted salary of $90,753. The average accepted salary for graduates with one to three years of work experience was $98,400. These figures are reported by the university and should not be interpreted as guaranteed starting salaries.

• Employer connections: Recent employers of Tepper MSBA graduates include Amazon, American Express, Ant Group, Bank of New York (BNY), Boston Consulting Group, Capital One, Deloitte, Eli Lilly, EY, Goldman Sachs, Google, JPMorgan Chase, McKinsey, TikTok, and Uber.

• Industry opportunities: Graduates pursue roles across consulting, consumer products, energy, financial services, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, media and entertainment, and technology.

• Company-linked project experience: Experiential learning courses connect students with organizations, giving them opportunities to work with business datasets, develop analytical models, and communicate recommendations to company executives.

• STEM designation: The STEM designation provides an important qualification for international graduates pursuing eligible U.S. post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) opportunities. Eligibility and extension requirements are determined by applicable U.S. immigration regulations.

• Leadership and professional development: Students can strengthen their communication, teamwork, and leadership abilities through the Accelerate Leadership Center and the program's experiential learning activities.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA), graduates interested in advanced academic or research careers can consider doctoral study in fields such as Business Administration, Management, Information Systems, Operations Research, Statistics, or related quantitative disciplines. At Carnegie Mellon University, the Tepper School of Business offers Ph.D. study with research opportunities in areas including operations management, information systems, marketing, finance, and organizational behavior. Students may also explore doctoral programs in other CMU departments that align with their analytical or technical interests. Admission to doctoral study is a separate process and depends on the applicant's academic preparation, research interests, and eligibility.