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Master of Science in Business Analytics

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Data has permeated the world — and it’s impacting every industry. Despite a consensus that companies should be driving decisions with data, many businesses struggle to convert raw data into actionable insights.

Students in Merrimack’s M.S. in Business Analytics learn how to organize, analyze and interpret data using industry-standard tools to gain proficiency in developing strategic, data-informed solutions to business challenges.

Regardless of your academic or professional background, this program equips students with the skills needed to create insights and tell a story with data — no prerequisites required.

Learn more about Merrimack’s M.S. in Business Analytics.

By submitting this form, you agree to be contacted by Merrimack College and its partners via email, phone or text for program information and application guidance. You grant us permission to call or text you at this number, and that contact may be made using automated dialing systems and/or an artificial or prerecorded voice.

Nearly every industry needs skilled analysts to drive decision-making in roles such as:

Source: Payscale, 2025

Master the Skills of Business Analytics


The Merrimack Master of Science in Business Analytics provides you with the analytical expertise needed to leverage data-driven insights. In our program, you’ll learn how to:

Analyze large datasets using advanced statistical and computational techniques 

Visualize data through creative and effective use of tools like Tableau and Power BI to communicate findings clearly

Develop predictive models that guide strategic decision-making and improve business processes

Interpret complex data to inform and influence organizational strategy

Customize Your MSBA With an Industry-Focused Concentration


Merrimack’s M.S. in Business Analytics program offers three concentrations so you can align your studies with your professional goals to work in a particular industry — or choose a general MSBA path without a concentration.

The courses in our concentrations are taught by expert faculty working in these specific industries and designed with workforce needs and certifications in mind.

  • Data Science
  • Finance
  • Marketing

Relevant Coursework Focused on Today’s Industry Tools and Certifications


Merrimack’s 32-credit MSBA program offers a practical curriculum tailored to the needs of industries ranging from the private sector to government and nonprofits. In addition to earning your master’s, you’ll gain proficiency in today’s relevant professional tools, positioning yourself for success in obtaining valuable industry credentials.

  • SAS
  • Python
  • R
  • SQL
  • AI
  • Tableau
  • Power BI
  • Snowflake
  • AWS
  • SAP
  • and more

Master of Science in Business Analytics Coursework


Thoughtfully designed by industry experts, the pacing of this program introduces analytical concepts and tools in an approachable and efficient manner.

With 20 credits of comprehensive coursework in core analytics areas, students begin by learning how businesses can best leverage data and are then introduced to industry tools and applications on how to manipulate and analyze data. The remaining twelve credits can be used to expand your skills in analytics or other areas of business.

Required Core (24 credits)

Students begin by learning how businesses leverage data and are then introduced to the industry tools and applications in a thoughtfully-paced, accessible format.

Businesses are acquiring data at incredible speed and volume. This data can become the foundation of informed, data-driven decisions when organized and analyzed at scale. This course introduces students to the processes of identifying and analyzing data to find patterns and relationships that can drive informed decisions. The course makes extensive use of data-embedded case studies, enabling learners to develop hands-on, applied data analytic competencies as a means of driving strategic decisions.

Businesses are increasingly turning to data to evaluate and improve the efficacy of decisions. The ability to use data to inform the decision-making process is a critical skill for successful business professionals. This course introduces students to the growing role of evidence-based management and the manner in which data is used to answer high-level business questions. Students are exposed to real-world applications of analytics to solve problems in a variety of industries.

Businesses are acquiring data at incredible speed and volume. This data can become the foundation of informed, data-driven decisions when organized and analyzed at scale. This course introduces students to the processes of identifying and analyzing data to find patterns and relationships that can drive informed decisions. The course makes extensive use of data-embedded case studies, enabling learners to develop hands-on, applied data analytic competencies as a means of driving strategic decisions. Credits: 4

Winning organizations today use analytics to outthink and outexecute their competition by deploying business intelligence frameworks. This course explores the motivation and methodology that these organizations use to discover competitive advantages and adopt business processes to win in the marketplace. Students will learn how to use business intelligence tools and techniques to extract insights from data, and how to use these insights to drive business process change for success. Credits: 4

How to visualize data and tell a compelling story is a powerful means of communicating with key stakeholders. This course introduces students to the core design considerations and communication strategies behind the creation of captivating data visualizations. Using industry data and intuitive point-and-click tools, students learn to capture the key data analytic takeaways using baselines, scorecards, dashboards and other widely used data summarization techniques. Credits: 4

The ever-expanding access and usage of data bring to light the importance of ethical conduct in relation to business. This course equips students to understand important moral dilemmas of business analytics and artificial intelligence. It is the goal of this course to highlight some of the key data-governance, compliance and usage-related ethical considerations and to provide learners with an opportunity to carefully examine and reflect on those important matters. Credits: 4

Credits: 4

Two-Year OPT Extension for International Students


M.S. in Business Analytics is a STEM-designated degree.

International students with an F-1 visa who complete a STEM-designated degree may be eligible to apply for a 24-month STEM Extension of Optional Practical Training (OPT). This is in addition to the standard, 12-month post-completion OPT work authorization.

OPT is temporary employment directly related to an F-1 student’s area of study. While employer sponsorship for international students from U.S. universities has declined in recent years, employer demand for candidates who graduate with technical and analytical skills from reputable schools like Merrimack College remains strong.

Student Support Resources

Students in Merrimack’s M.S. in Business Analytics program benefit from a comprehensive network of academic, career and wellness resources designed to support success inside and outside the classroom. These include:

  • Dedicated academic advising and student success coaching
  • Writing assistance, library services, accessibility services and virtual tutoring
  • Career counseling, resume reviews, interview preparation, networking opportunities and access to virtual career tools
  • Mental health and wellness counseling services
  • On-campus fitness center access and opportunities to participate in intramural and club sports
  • Optional executive coaching package featuring two 50-minute sessions focused on resume refinement, career strategy, professional branding and networking

Many of these services are available remotely, ensuring online and hybrid learners receive the same high level of support as on-campus students.


It’s Easy To Apply Online

A complete application includes:

  • Online application (no fee)
  • Official college transcripts from all institutions attended
  • Resume or LinkedIn profile
  • Interview recommended

GRE and GMAT scores are not required. Additional materials may be requested.

Key Dates and Deadlines

This program enrolls six times a year. Each term is eight weeks.

Term
International Application Deadline
Application Deadline
Classes Begin
Fall I
Monday, July 6, 2026
Monday, Aug. 17, 2026
Monday, Aug. 31, 2026
Fall II
N/A
Friday, Oct. 9, 2026
Monday, Oct. 26, 2026
Spring I
Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2026
Monday, Jan. 4, 2027
Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2027
Fall I
International Application Deadline
Monday, July 6, 2026
Application Deadline
Monday, Aug. 17, 2026
Classes Begin
Monday, Aug. 31, 2026
Fall II
International Application Deadline
N/A
Application Deadline
Friday, Oct. 9, 2026
Classes Begin
Monday, Oct. 26, 2026
Spring I
International Application Deadline
Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2026
Application Deadline
Monday, Jan. 4, 2027
Classes Begin
Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2027

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At Merrimack College, we’re proud of our long history of providing quality degrees to students entering the job market. Our faculty are more than just teachers. We are committed to helping you grow — academically, personally and spiritually — so that you may graduate as a confident, well-prepared citizen of the world.

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    (at schools where doctorate not offered)
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  • Best Value Schools (No. 52)
  • Merrimack College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
  • The Girard School of Business at Merrimack College is conditionally accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Tell me more about Merrimack’s programs.

By submitting this form, you agree to be contacted by Merrimack College and its partners via email, phone or text for program information and application guidance. You grant us permission to call or text you at this number, and that contact may be made using automated dialing systems and/or an artificial or prerecorded voice.

*This applies to new students entering the Fall 1 2026 term. Does not roll over to subsequent terms. Not combinable with other offers (i.e. Double Warrior, Fellowship, Partnership Discounts, etc.) For CSC 6000, credit will be applied to their second course. Credit will be awarded after add/drop ends.