Master of Science in Business Analytics

Turn data into direction. Drake’s MSBA builds your ability to analyze, interpret, and apply insights that drive smarter business decisions.

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Zimpleman College of Business | Online

Lead with Insight: Earn Your MSBA from Drake

Great leaders don’t just understand data—they know how to implement data insights to inspire teams, shape strategy, and drive business success. In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to interpret data, forecast trends, and make informed decisions is just as critical as managing people. Drake University’s 100% online Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) equips you with the analytical expertise and leadership skills to turn complex insights into clear action, helping both businesses and employees thrive.

Designed for working professionals, this 30-credit program can be completed part-time in just two years. Whether you're advancing in your current role or stepping into a new one, this program gives you the expertise to lead with confidence in a data-driven world. Additionally, non-degree-seeking students can earn a Certificate in Business Analytics by completing the five core courses.

Learn Relevant Skills to Land You with Top Careers

Drake’s Master of Science in Business Analytics is the only fully online program of its kind in the state—designed to equip you with the in-demand skills to turn data into smart business decisions. Through this program, you’ll learn to:

Utilize key business data to solve operational, tactical, and strategic organizational problems.
Lead data analytics projects and teams.
Effectively communicate between data analysts and users.
Design and implement a data repository to support strategic decision-making.
Identify and apply effective data analytics methods to solve problems.
Become proficient in applications such as Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Excel and Analytic Solver Platform, Microsoft PowerBI, Python, R, SQL, and Tableau.

Built explicitly to target skills and knowledge needed by the industry, this program ensures you graduate with the expertise employers need. You’ll be prepared for roles such as data analyst, data architect, financial analyst, logistician, marketing analyst, operations research analyst, and more. Plus, your advanced analytics skills could open doors for career growth in your current organization.

Program Facts

Program Length: 2 Years to Complete • $735/Credit • 30 Credit Hours
Start Dates: 6 Start Dates a Year • No GRE/GMAT • FREE Domestic Applications
College or School: Zimpleman College of Business
Next Application Deadline: 06/29/26

With no GRE or GMAT requirements, and no application fee for domestic students, we invite you to get started on your application today! Have a specific question? Email us at drakeonline@drake.edu.

Online Master of Science in Business Analytics

The MSBA offers a flexible, standalone path for professionals from any undergraduate background. Build a strong foundation in business analytics and develop skills you can apply right away.

Accelerated MSBA

Are you an undergraduate student interested in earning your MSBA alongside your bachelor's? In an accelerated program, graduate courses begin after you have completed 90 credit hours, typically during your senior year. Accelerated programs are open to any undergraduate major.

Networking Opportunities

You’ll connect with classmates from across the country, bringing a range of professional backgrounds and perspectives. These connections can expand your network, spark new ideas, and support you during your program and beyond.

Dedicated Enrollment Specialists

An Enrollment Management Specialist will be assigned to help you throughout your journey with Drake. They will assist you with advising, registration, and any other questions you have.

Immediate Career Skills

Courses are designed with real-world application in mind. You’ll gain skills you can use right away, helping you grow in your role and take the next step in your career.

Lendie Follett, PhD

Associate Professor, Business Analytics; Department Chair, Actuarial Science, Analytics, and Information Systems

Malgorzata Kolotylo-Kulkarni, PhD

Assistant Professor, Information Systems and Business Analytics

Dr. Eric Manley

Professor, Computer Science; College Assessment Coordinator

Brad Meyer, PhD

Professor, Management and Business Analytics

Troy Strader, PhD

Aliber Distinguished Professor, Information Systems

Timothy Urness

Professor, Computer Science

Dr. Christopher Porter

Associate Professor, Mathematics

Amy Grace Vaughan, PhD

Associate Professor, Statistics

Danielle Edwards, MS

Assistant Professor of Practice, Information Systems

Careers & Skills

The demand for data professionals is skyrocketing—with 35% job growth projected from 2022 to 2032, adding more than 59,400 jobs to the national workforce. In nearly every industry, organizations are relying on data-driven decision-making, and with an MSBA from Drake, you’ll be ready to lead the way.

Careers

Data Scientist
Financial Analyst
Operation Research Analyst
Market Research Analyst
Logistician
Database Architect

Skills

Data analysis and statistical modeling in R
Data science workflows in Python
Regression modeling (linear and logistic)
Model evaluation and validation
Designing effective visualizations for decision making

You will find the basic steps for applying below. Information for international students and where to send your transcripts can be found in the next drop-down.

Open the Drake Online graduate application portal.
Create or log in to an existing account.
Fill out the information required on the application. Please be prepared to provide information such as basic personal details, previous institutions attended, and your most current employment.
Submit copies of transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities. Upon acceptance, applicants that were admitted with unofficial transcripts will need to request official transcripts be sent to Drake University directly from previously attended colleges or universities. Official electronic transcripts may be sent to drakeonline@drake.edu. Official paper transcripts may be sent to the following:
Drake University
Attn: Office of Admissions
2507 University Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50311
Submit an electronic copy of your résumé or curriculum vitae.
Submit a one-page statement detailing how a graduate education at Drake University will help you reach your academic and professional goals.
Submit contact information for two professional recommendations. These individuals will receive emails from Drake Online to provide a letter of recommendation.

Transcript Information

Please note: Official transcripts must come directly from the institution in question. Transcripts received from the student applying are not official.

Mail transcripts to:

Drake University
Attn: Drake Online & Continuing Education
2507 University Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50311

Or email:

drakeonline@drake.edu

Transfer Credits

Students may transfer up to nine credit hours from another AACSB accredited graduate program. All transfer credits must be earned with a grade of B- or higher, must directly relate to the program of study, and must fall within the five-year time frame for program completion. Transfer credits will be applied to the degree program upon successful completion of at least one term of enrollment in the program.

International Students

If a student earned her/his undergraduate degree outside of the United States, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required. Scores dated within the last two years are acceptable and must be reported directly from the testing agency. Minimum acceptable TOEFL score is 213 on the computer-based exam, 550 on the paper-based exam, or 79-80 on the Internet-based exam. Minimum acceptable IELTS score is 6.5. Minimum scores on each section of reading, writing, speaking and listening may be required. Duolingo test also accepted (minimum score of 110).

International applicants will have an application fee of $100.

Some countries are ineligible for online education. Please reference our Sanctioned Countries page for more information.

Our program has 6 intakes per year, making it easy to start as soon as you're ready. See our upcoming dates below so you can plan accordingly.

**MSBA Admission Dates**
Semester	Start Date	Application Deadline	Registration Deadline
Summer Term 2	07/06/2026	06/29/2026	07/02/2026
Fall Term 1	08/24/2026	08/17/2026	08/20/2026
Fall Term 2	10/19/2026	10/12/2026	10/15/2026
Spring Term 1	01/25/2027	01/18/2027	01/21/2027
Spring Term 2	03/22/2027	03/15/2027	03/18/2027

"In MBA 245: Leading with Data, I really enjoyed the different ways of learning. The instructor did a great job of explaining things if I did not understand... The discussions were also helpful as my peers did a great job of utilizing the information and worked on helping each other see different points of view in our assignments. Overall a positive course with lots of challenges; I feel like I have gained a lot throughout this term."

Julie Lanning

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Drake’s online Master of Public Administration prepares you to lead and create meaningful impact in your community. Build practical skills, analyze policy, and solve complex challenges across public, nonprofit, and private sectors.

Take the Next Step

Move forward with a graduate degree that builds practical skills you can use right away. Apply today or connect with our team to get started.

Contact

Drake Online & Continuing Education
drakeonline@drake.edu

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Master of Science in Business Analytics

Lead with Insight: Earn Your MSBA from Drake