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The Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) at the University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business is a STEM-designated, data-intensive program that prepares students to harness the power of analytics for strategic decision-making. Positioned at the intersection of business and technology, the program equips graduates with cutting-edge skills in machine learning, data visualization, predictive modeling, and optimization, all grounded in business context.
Located in Los Angeles, USC Marshall offers access to a dynamic hub of technology, entertainment, and finance industries, making it an ideal setting for applied learning and networking.
Program Format & Duration
Full-time on-campus program
Duration: 18 months (3 semesters)
STEM-designated (international students eligible for up to 3 years OPT)
Entry: Fall only
Capstone project or practicum required in the final semester
Core Curriculum Components
The MSBA curriculum integrates quantitative methods, data management, and business strategy, allowing students to become fluent in both analytics tools and their applications in business environments.
Core Courses
Data Management & Engineering
Foundations of Data Management
Data Warehousing and Business Intelligence
Big Data Analytics
Predictive & Prescriptive Analytics
Applied Modern Statistical Learning
Optimization and Decision Models
Forecasting and Time Series Analytics
Machine Learning for Business
Business Applications
Marketing Analytics
Financial Analytics
Operations Analytics
Strategy and Competitive Advantage through Analytics
Programming & Tools
R, Python, SQL, Tableau
Cloud Computing Platforms (AWS/GCP)
AI and Automation Frameworks
Capstone / Practicum
Required team-based project with a corporate partner
Students solve a real business problem using data and deliver strategic insights
USC Marshall integrates applied learning and industry engagement throughout the MSBA program.
Capstone Practicum
Conducted in partnership with major corporations and startups
Real-world analytics projects in areas like:
Customer segmentation
Fraud detection
Supply chain optimization
Financial risk modeling
Students present findings to stakeholders and develop strategic recommendations
Industry Collaboration
Access to USC’s strong network across tech, media, finance, and health sectors
Frequent guest lectures, networking events, and company treks
Opportunities to engage with the Center for Applied Research in Business Analytics and Economic Intelligence
Career Support
Customized career coaching via the Marshall Graduate Career Services team
Resume workshops, mock interviews, and employer sessions
Optional summer internships encouraged between semesters
Graduates of USC Marshall’s MSBA program are in high demand for roles that require both technical data acumen and business decision-making insight.
Career Outcomes
Typical job titles include:
Business/Data Analyst
Data Scientist
Analytics Consultant
Marketing/Operations Analyst
Product Analyst
Strategy and Insights Manager
Top Employers
Graduates have been hired by:
Amazon, Google, Meta
Deloitte, Accenture, PwC
Warner Bros., Sony, Netflix
Disney, Nike, Salesforce
Startups and analytics-focused boutiques
Further Study
Graduates also pursue:
MBA programs or joint business/data science degrees
Certifications in specialized platforms (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud, Tableau)
Roles in entrepreneurship or innovation within analytics-driven ventures
Placement & Salary Overview
Employment Rate: Approximately 98% of MSBA graduates receive job offers within six months of graduation
Average Starting Salary: Around $110,360 (Class of 2024)
Early Career Benchmark: MSBA average starting pay in the U.S. typically ranges between $80,000 and $120,000 depending on sector and location
Top Employers & Industry Sectors
Graduates join leading organizations such as Amazon, Google, Salesforce, BCG, and Goldman Sachs. The major sectors include:
Technology and entertainment
Consulting and financial services
Healthcare, retail, and interactive gaming
Geographic & Functional Placement
Location distribution: Primarily in Los Angeles and national business hubs.
Popular functions: Business analytics, product management, data engineering, and operations research roles.
Program Strengths & Career Preparation
Real-world learning through client-driven projects and an internship built into the curriculum
Strong access to USC’s Trojan alumni network (~102,000 alumni across graduate programs) .
Active faculty engagement and experiential learning opportunities embedded throughout the program .
Outcomes Snapshot
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Employment Rate | 98% within six months |
| Average Starting Salary | $110,360 |
| Salary Range | $80K–$120K+ based on industry |
| Common Employers | Amazon, Google, Salesforce, BCG, Goldman Sachs |
| Primary Industries | Tech, Finance, Consulting, Entertainment |
| Career Functions | Analytics, Data Science, Engineering, Operations |
| Program Highlights | Client projects, internship, Trojan network, faculty support |
What This Means for You:
USC Marshall’s MSBA offers strong ROI with high employment rates and competitive salaries close to or above $110K. The program’s curriculum emphasizes practical experience and is supported by one of the largest alumni networks in business education, positioning graduates for meaningful impact in analytics and tech-driven roles.
Bachelor’s Degree: Hold (or expect to hold) a U.S. four-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited institution.Application & Fee: Complete the online application and pay the $155 non‑refundable fee (waivers available for select groups).Transcripts: Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended before the application deadline.Pre-requisite Coursework: Complete a college-level statistics course covering probability, distributions, inferential statistics, and regression.One‑Minute Video: Record and submit a one-minute video introducing yourself.Résumé: Provide a current professional résumé.Work Experience: Professional work experience is preferred but not required. Standardized Tests: GMAT and GRE scores are neither required nor accepted for this program.Letters of Recommendation: Not required or accepted for the MSBA program. English Proficiency (International Only): International applicants must submit TOEFL (minimum 100 total; 20 each band), IELTS (≥ 7 overall; ≥ 6 per band), or PTE (overall ≥ 68; ≥ 53 per band), unless they qualify for an exemption.Deadlines: Apply by one of four rounds for fall entry: Round 1 (Nov 1), Round 2 (Jan 15), Round 3 (Mar 1), or Round 4 (Apr 15), with international applicants strongly encouraged to apply early.Three‑Year Bachelor’s Degrees: A U.S.-equivalent four-year bachelor’s degree is required, so applicants with three-year degrees should consult USC’s country-specific requirements to confirm eligibility .WES Evaluation: Official transcripts are required, but USC does not accept WES or other credential evaluation reports in place of them.Business Analytics Consultant Data ScientistQuantitative AnalystData EngineerOperations Research Analyst — largely in techfinanceconsultingand entertainment sectors Data AnalystData ScientistBusiness AnalystStatisticianStatistical ProgrammerSAS ProgrammerMachine Learning EngineerDeep Learning EngineerAI ResearcherData EngineerBI DeveloperData ArchitectAnalytics ConsultantAdvisory ConsultantQuantitative AnalystRisk AnalystOperations AnalystMarketing AnalystResearch ScientistInsights AnalystForecasting AnalystHealthcare Data AnalystFinancial Data AnalystProduct Analyst
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USC Marshall School of Business
