Lead with Insight: Earn Your MSBA from Drake
Online Master of Science in Business Analytics
Next Application Deadline: May 12, 2025
Under 2 Years to Complete // $714/Credit // 30 Credit Hours
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.
With no GRE or GMAT requirements, and no application fee, we invite you to get started on your application today!
Have a specific question? Email us at drakeonline@drake.edu.
100% Online
6 Start Dates a Year
No Application Fee
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.
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.
Career Potential for the MSBA Graduate
- Data Scientist
- Financial Analyst
- Operation Research Analyst
- Market Research Analyst
- Logistician
- Database Architect
Customize Your MSBA to Meet Your Career Goals
The online MS in Business Analytics focuses on data and business analytics knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques, as well as essential concepts related to business management and leadership. All six-week courses are asynchronous, which means you can study when and where it works best for you. There are no in-person requirements or scheduled online class meetings.
Comprised of 30 total credit hours, you will take 15 hours of core credits before choosing another 15 from a list of electives that encompass topics such as auditing, cyber attacks, and fraud examination. See below for a full list of course titles. If you would like to see full course descriptions, please refer to our Drake Catalog for the MSBA.
MSBA Core Curriculum
MSBA Core - 15 Hours
| Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| IS 210: Business Analytics, Teams, and Projects | 3 |
| IS 220: Information Technology Legal and Ethical Issues | 3 |
| ISA 231: Data Management and Visual Analytics | 3 |
| STAT 240: Statistical Modeling | 3 |
| STAT 260: Applied Analytics Project | 3 |
Electives
MSBA Electives - Choose 15 Hours
Choose from the following courses. In consultation with your advisor, other options may be available.
| Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| ACCT 276: IT Auditing | 3 |
| ACCT 277: Fraud Examination | 3 |
| ACCT 278: Internal Auditing | 3 |
| BUS 212: Seminar in Executive Leadership | 3 |
| BUS 298: Current Issues in Business | 3 |
| INS 280: Operational Risk Management | 3 |
| IS 280: Cybersecurity Management | 3 |
| IS 281: Cyber Attack Prevention & Mitigation | 3 |
| IS 282: Python Programming for Data Analytics | 3 |
| MBA 245: Leading with Data | 3 |
| MBA 254: Leadership and Human Capital Development | 3 |
| MBA 256: Information Technology and Business | 3 |
| MBA 259: Business, Government, and the Global Economy | 3 |
| QUAN 270: Quantitative Analytical Methods | 3 |
Student Testimonial
"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, MSBA
Admission to the MS in Business Analytics
To be eligible to enroll for the MSBA, applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission or comparable association. No GRE or GMAT is required for admission.
Application Steps
You will find the basic steps for applying below. In depth details, such as information for international students and where to send your transcripts, can be found at the bottom of this section under the dropdown titled “Application Step Details”.
- Click here to open the 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
Unofficial transcripts may be used for admittance. Upon acceptance, applicants will need to supply official transcripts into the application portal within 30 days after the start of the first course. - 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.
Application Step Details
Transcript Information
Mail transcripts to:
Drake University
Attn: Drake Online & Continuing Education
2507 University Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50311
Or email:
Transfer Credits
Students may transfer a maximum of nine credit hours in graduate coursework from another accredited institution or from another Drake academic unit. All transfer credits must be earned with a grade of at least a “B-” and within five years prior to completing the Master of Arts in Communication degree. Common transfer credits could include core MBA courses or graduate English courses.
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).
Tuition Details
Drake University is committed to providing a high-quality education at an exceptional value. Our online master’s in business analytics program, priced at $714 per credit hour, equips you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to advance your career. This investment ensures you graduate with the expertise needed to stand out and make a meaningful impact in your field.
Begin Your Path to Career Growth Today
Launch your MSBA on your terms with our flexible, fully online program! With courses starting six times a year, you never have to pause your goals. Our 100% asynchronous format means no mandatory live sessions—giving you the freedom to balance work, school, and life without career interruptions. Check the calendar below to find the upcoming application deadlines and start dates.
| Semester | Start Date | Application Deadline | Registration Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Term 1 | 05/19/25 | 5/12/25 | 5/15/25 |
| Summer Term 2 | 07/07/25 | 6/30/25 | 07/03/25 |
| Fall Term 1 | 08/25/25 | 8/18/25 | 08/21/25 |
| Fall Term 2 | 10/20/25 | 10/13/25 | 10/16/25 |
About the Zimpleman College of Business - Do well by doing good
Drake’s Zimpleman College of Business empowers you to prosper by using the influence of free enterprise to lead positive changes in the world. We put your ambitions and values at the center of our tailored educational offerings. We position you for a lifetime of career advancement by enabling you to do work that aligns with your values, and generates economic opportunity and income for yourself and others.
Upon graduation, you will be equipped with the technical skills, business acumen, empathy, and experience necessary to innovate and lead in a globally complex, diverse, and dynamic world. You will be:
- Proficient in your field
- A data-driven, strategic, and innovative problem-solver
- An effective communicator
- A socially and ethically responsible leader
- A global and culturally competent citizen
In addition to university accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission, the Zimpleman College of Business is an accredited member of AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
If you're now prepared to advance in your career, we're waiting at the ready to review your application. Apply today with no application fee!
