Master of Science in Business Analytics and Intelligence
Online or Hybrid | Complete in 12–16 Months | OPT Extension for International Students
Learn Tableau, Power BI, SAS, Advanced Excel and More
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 and Intelligence 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.
Quick facts:
- 100 percent online or hybrid.
- Tuition under $23,000.
- Complete in 12 months full time or 16 months part time.
- Two-year OPT extension for international students.
- No prerequisites needed.
- No GRE or GMAT required.
- Financial aid eligible.
Learn more about Merrimack’s M.S. in Business Analytics and Intelligence.
Jobs in Business Analytics and Intelligence
Nearly every industry needs skilled analysts to drive decision-making in roles such as:
Senior business analyst
$90,511
Average annual salary
Business insights and analytics manager
$106,557
Average annual salary
Senior manager, business analytics
$133,596
Average annual salary
Source: Payscale, 2024
Master of Science in Business Analytics and Intelligence 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 core coursework and a four-credit capstone experience, students begin by learning how businesses can best leverage data and are then introduced to industry tools and applications. The remaining eight credits can be used to expand your skills in analytics or other areas of business.
Required Core (20 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.
- Frameworks for Business Analytics (BAI 5100)
- Strategic Decision-Making using Business Analytics (BAI 5150)
- Leveraging Competitive Advantage with Business Intelligence (BAI 5250)
- Data Visualization & Storytelling (BAI 5200)
- Data Governance, Compliance & Ethics (BAI 5220)
Capstone Experience (4 credits)
The capstone experience integrates tailored experiential learning to provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate their proficiency through the hands-on application of analytics to solve real-world business challenges. In addition to presenting their analysis and recommendations, students create a portfolio of tangible work samples to showcase to future employers.
Concentrations and Open Electives (8 credits)
Merrimack currently offers optional concentrations. However, you can choose any open elective that fits your goals. Some advanced elective courses may require prerequisites.
Data Science
- Introduction to Data Science and Statistics (DSE 5001)
- R and Python Programming (DSE 5002)
- Predictive Modeling (DSE 6111)
Finance
- Financial Statement Analysis & Interpretation (FIN 5450)
- Quantitative Methods & Financial Modeling (FIN 5440)
- Trends & Innovation in Finance (FIN 5420)
Marketing
- Innovation & Trends in Marketing (MKT 5310)
- Digital Marketing Implementation & Optimization (MKT 5320)
- Driving Business Success with Marketing Analytics (MKT 5410)
- Marketing Management & Strategy (MKT 5420)
Focused on Industry Tools and Aligned With Relevant Certifications
Most industries, from the private sector to governments and nonprofits, utilize the same tools for analyzing and presenting data. Students in Merrimack’s M.S. in Business Analytics and Intelligence become proficient in the following tools and more.
For students interested in seeking additional certifications, course materials are aligned with industry certifications in Google Analytics, Tableau, Power BI, Parsehub and more. Some certificate knowledge areas may require elective coursework.
- Tableau
- Power BI
- SAS
- Advanced Excel
- ParseHub (Elective)
- Google Analytics (Elective)
- R/Python (Elective)
Two-Year OPT Extension for International Students
M.S. in Business Analytics and Intelligence 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 the Girard School of Business benefit from a dedicated success team. Support includes:
Support includes:
- 1:1 advising and mentoring from faculty and program staff.
- Access to LinkedIn Learning and Handshake.
- Professional development workshops.
- Math, writing and accessibility services through the Academic Success Center.
- Career services support through the O’Brien Center for Career Development.
It’s Easy to Apply Online
A complete application includes:
- Online application (no fee).
- Official college transcripts from all institutions attended.
- Resume.
- Interview or personal statement.
- Contact information for one reference or one letter of recommendation.
GRE and GMAT scores are not required.
One year of relevant work experience is preferred (relevant work experience includes full-time work, internships and co-ops).
Tuition and Financial Aid
$679
per credit*
32
credits
$21,728
tuition
*Tuition is based on 2023–2024 academic year.
Tuition and fees are subject to change annually.
Additional program fees may apply.
Financial Aid
As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal loans. We strongly encourage all eligible graduate students to apply for federal financial aid, even if they don’t demonstrate an exceptional financial need.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Merrimack College’s FAFSA school code is 002120.
Employer Tuition Assistance
Merrimack accepts employer financial/tuition assistance. We also offer partnership discounts. Contact us or ask your employer whether your organization is an official partner with Merrimack’s online programs.
Key Dates and Deadlines
This program enrolls six times a year. Each term is eight weeks.
Merrimack College
Accolades and Accreditation
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.
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2024)
- Most Innovative Schools (No. 14)
- Regional Universities North (No. 33)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (No. 31)
- Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (No. 86)
(at schools where doctorate not offered) - Best Colleges for Veterans (No. 14)
- Best Value Schools (No. 47)
NECHE-Accredited
- Merrimack College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
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