Master's in Business Analytics (MSBA)

Turn data into decisions that drive real business outcomes. This STEM-designated MSBA builds the in-demand skills needed for careers across industries.

Cornell MS students in class. Hand on chin focused on professor
Schedule
Full-time, 10 or 16 months
Format
In person or Online+
Location
New York City or online
Start
August or May
Requirements
Bachelor's degree
Total Cost
$89,864
Degree Awarded
Master of Science (MS)
This program is part of
Johnson Graduate School of Management

Become a leader in business analytics

The next generation of business analytics leaders bridge the gap between technology and business. They define problems, build models and influence decisions. Our Ivy League, STEM-certified MSBA develops technically fluent, AI-ready leaders who combine analytics, business judgment and communication to solve complex problems and influence decisions. Choose from two formats: the flexible part-time Online+ experience designed for working professionals or the accelerated full-time residential program in New York City.

You’ll build skills in statistical modeling, programming, machine learning, artificial intelligence and data visualization while applying them to real business challenges. Beyond technical depth, you’ll strengthen your judgment and communication skills to frame problems, evaluate information critically and convey insights —both visually and verbally— that shape strategy. The result is a distinct competitive advantage: the ability to take on more complex work, step into greater responsibility and advance into more influential roles.

Why this matters now

Organizations need leaders who understand and can make sense of data. As AI becomes embedded in everyday business operations, employers increasingly value people who can evaluate information critically, communicate insights clearly and connect analytics to business decisions. The Cornell MSBA prepares you to do all three by combining technical expertise, business judgment and leadership skills that remain valuable as technology continues to evolve.

MSBA Dinner on Cornell campus outside of Willard Straight Hall patio overlooking lake

Program snapshot

Delivered through two distinct formats — a full-time, 10-month  in-person experience on the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in NYC and a part-time, 16-month, Online+ format — both formats allow you to build advanced analytics capability. Online+ students also participate in required residency sessions, adding an in-person dimension to their experience. Both paths have the same curriculum, follow the same academic standards, are taught by esteemed Cornell faculty and lead to the same STEM-designated degree.

The curriculum integrates advanced analytics and AI, business application and communication, combining technical training with the ability to interpret and influence decisions. Through core coursework, electives and concentrations in areas such as finance, marketing, operations and business analytics, you’ll develop both depth and flexibility in how you apply analytics.

Learning is reinforced through real-world experiences, including capstone projects, corporate treks, career workshops, networking events and courses like Conversations in Business Analytics, which bring industry leaders directly into the learning experience.

Where this degree can take you

Employers increasingly seek professionals who can analyze data, work effectively with AI, communicate recommendations and solve complex business problems.

Cornell MSBA graduates pursue and enhance careers across industries including finance, consulting, healthcare, technology, marketing, operations and other data-driven fields.

Common career paths include:

  • Data scientist
  • Data engineer
  • Business analyst
  • Product analyst
  • Analytics consultant
  • Strategy & operations analyst
  • Business intelligence analyst
  • Decision scientist

Whether you are launching a new career or advancing within your current organization, the Cornell MSBA prepares you to create value through data-informed decision-making.

The MSBA experience

Gain perspective from MSBA alumni as they reflect on the rigor, collaboration and applied learning that define the Cornell MSBA experience.

Explore the journey MS in Business Analytics

The MSBA helps students build the analytical skills, business perspective and confidence needed to advance their careers in a data-driven world. The journey below highlights how one student used the program to formalize years of self-taught experience, strengthen his analytical foundation and accelerate his career in technology and operations.

“The MSBA gave me the analytical foundation to back up what I was already doing intuitively. It turned a self-taught career into one I could articulate and build on with real confidence… “I came in knowing how to do the work; I left knowing why the frameworks behind it work, and that’s made me a much more effective operator.”

Jeffrey Li, MSBA ‘25

Jeffrey Li

From self-taught operator to GTM Strategy & Operations

Jeffrey entered the MSBA as a Revenue Operations Manager at Posh AI. Although he had successfully built a career in technology and revenue operations, his background was in government from Dartmouth College, and many of the skills he relied on had been developed on the job. He pursued the MSBA to formalize that knowledge, fill analytical gaps and develop the data literacy increasingly required in today’s business environment.

  1. Building an analytical foundation

    • Strengthened capabilities in marketing analytics, customer analytics and business modeling.
    • Developed the analytical skills needed to support data-driven business decisions.
    • Built confidence in applying structured frameworks to real-world business challenges.
  2. Connecting coursework to practical results

    • Applied classroom learning directly to his day-to-day work in revenue operations.
    • Leveraged marketing analytics, customer analytics and data modeling concepts across the full sales cycle, from prospecting through expansion.
    • Developed both strategic thinking and comfort working with data.
  3. Bridging experience and expertise

    • Combined practical experience with structured analytical thinking.
    • Gained a deeper understanding of the frameworks that drive business performance and growth.
    • Strengthened his ability to communicate, apply and build upon the work he was already doing.
  4. Today

    After completing the program, Jeffrey advanced from Revenue Operations Manager at Posh AI to a Senior Revenue Operations Manager role at Axion Ray. He recently joined Harvey, a leading AI company, as part of its GTM Strategy & Operations team in New York City.

A man speaking on stage in front of a large room filled with people.

Curriculum overview

Through this program you’ll develop technical skills and learn how to analyze data, evaluate AI-generated insights, communicate findings and work collaboratively to solve complex business problems. Coursework combines analytics, machine learning, programming, data management, business strategy and executive communication. You’ll learn how to connect technical analysis with business judgment and decision-making.

The curriculum includes:

  • Business-first analytics and data-driven decision making
  • Applied AI and machine learning for business challenges
  • Programming, data engineering and modern analytics tools
  • Data visualization, storytelling and executive communication
  • Analytics applications across finance, marketing, operations and strategy
  • Team-based collaboration, leadership and problem-solving

Across both program formats (Online+ or NYC residential), learning is reinforced through hands-on projects, industry engagement, networking opportunities, workshops and experiential learning designed to connect classroom concepts with real-world application. You’ll work closely and network with faculty, peers and industry professionals while building the skills employers increasingly value in an AI-enabled business environment.

Bloomburg tech campus with sidewalk and sun shining thur trees

Your path forward

Become the person that organizations trust to solve complex problems with data. With career support and industry access, this program will help you achieve your goals. Apply today.