The MS in Professional Business Analytics prepares professionals to develop the skills necessary to make data-driven decisions by collecting, organizing, and describing data-sets with the added component of a required on-the-job experience (This degree requires students to have previous work experience, be working currently in a full-time or part-time position, completing an internship, or job shadowing.)

The program necessitates students to be able to infer and make predictions based on data to make optimal business decisions. Assignments will be pulled from real business situations that may or may not be currently experienced by the students in the course. Yet, all may gain valuable business experience in solving problems. Business Analytics is fast becoming a key skill needed by companies competing in a fast-paced and often unpredictable business environment.

While the MSPBA is very similar to the MS in Business Analytics, the program is designed for the working professional. Although students are performing on-the-job requirements of an employer, all class activities must be attended. This includes in-person attendance in all intensive meetings and attendance is required in all scheduled online meetings, as described in each course syllabus.

Part-time Experiential Learning (BUS-596): Based on the integral nature of this course to the program, BUS 596 is required to be successfully completed each semester of enrollment. Students not satisfying this requirement will be moved to the Business Analytics, M.S. Program.

Note: This program will take a typical (non-transfer) student 35 credit-hours to complete. Some students may complete the program with less than 35 credit hours due to approved transfer credit or switching from the Business Analytics, M.S. program. This creates a range of required credit-hours for completion due to the requirement of taking BUS-596 each semester of enrollment in the program. If completing the program in four semesters for instance, 34 credit hours are required to graduate. Students will not be allowed to complete the program in less than three semesters or 33 credit-hours. If a student must repeat coursework due to poor performance, 36 or more credit hours may be required due to the BUS 596 requirement.

International students enrolled in the program must maintain continuous CPT work authorization and be enrolled in the Experiential Learning course for all terms, even if they have already completed 5 credit hours of Part-time Experiential Learning.

Admission Requirements:

Submit a “College of Business Graduate Studies Admission Application” with the non- refundable application fee (https://go.andersonuniversity.edu/apply/).

Baccalaureate degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution of higher learning.

Appropriate cumulative college GPA (2.50) or GMAT score exceeding 510. Have previous relevant work experience. If a student is lacking this experience the student may satisfy this requirement by completing an internship or working while in the MS program.

International Students: If English in not the student’s first language, minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper), 220 (computer) or 75 (internet) will be required, and proof of current Visa for International students. International candidates will need to have an interview via Zoom with the director of the graduate business program (or designee) before being accepted. Anderson University does provide the appropriate US student visas to those coming to study on campus. International students receiving their undergraduate degrees from institutions abroad must submit their transcripts to be evaluated by WES, who will then transmit the results to Anderson University.

The application form and other requisite information as noted should be submitted to the Graduate Admission Office as soon as possible due to the competitive nature of the program. All applications are initially screened by the Associate Dean of Business and students will be informed in writing of their admission status.

International Students:

International students who are accepted into the Anderson University MS program and receive the appropriate student visa are required to comply to US Homeland Security law. In particular, these students must enroll in at least one seated format course each session, and maintain a minimum of 6 credits per semester. Second, students are not allowed to work off campus but are allowed to work on-campus up to a maximum of 20 hours per week. International students are allowed to pursue an internship program that allows them to work off campus as part of their studies. International students who are accepted must purchase health insurance. For more information please visit: https://andersonuniversity.edu/admission/international.

Graduation Requirements:

For admission to graduate, the student must satisfy the following:

• Complete all 35 hours* of graduate work.
• Successful completion of BUS 596 each term the student is enrolled in this program.
• Have a current GPA of 3.00 on all graduate courses; with no incomplete, D, or F grades in program required courses.
• File a “Graduation Application” form following guidelines from the Registrar’s Office.

*35 credit hours is based on a typical student pathway. Students must complete at least 33 credit hours, but there is a range of total credits depending on how many semesters a student attends due to the BUS-596 requirement.