Business Analytics & Statistics
MS In Business Analytics with AI
The Haslam College of Business Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBAi) program teaches students the skills to harness data’s power to drive impactful business outcomes.
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MSBAi
Program Overview
MSBAi students develop the technical skills to derive insight from large data sets using AI and advanced analytics, along with the business fundamentals and communication skills necessary to make an impact in their organizations.
Haslam’s MSBAi program combines top technical expertise in AI and analytics with practical experience, so graduates can help transform organizations with data-driven insights and AI applications from day one.
Stem-Designated
International students may qualify for a 36-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension upon graduation.
Team-Based Learning
Possessing the skills to derive analytics insights isn’t enough to drive organizational change — our curriculum emphasizes small cohorts, career coaching and team building to reflect real-world business dynamics.
Industry-Focused
he annual Business Analytics Forum provides the opportunity to network directly with professionals and companies interested in hiring top MSBAi students. The MSBAi Capstone course gives students experience applying AI and analytical tools to drive real business outcomes.
AI-Powered
Through the MSBAi program, students gain hands-on experience with AI technologies that are reshaping the analytics profession. The curriculum includes dedicated coursework in generative AI, deep learning, natural language processing, and reinforcement learning alongside core skills in R, SQL and Python. Students learn from their classmates through professional case studies, presentations, and a capstone project, all while developing their business communication techniques.
What You’ll Learn
The MSBAi program develops a student’s technical acumen in AI and analytics, including generative AI, deep learning, and natural language processing, as well as business fundamentals and soft skills like leadership, teamwork and communications. Haslam MSBAi students graduate with both the ability to communicate relevant data insights and how to leverage AI to an organization’s benefit.
Capstone Project
In their final semester, MSBAi students work in teams using data and AI to solve a real problem for an industry partner. They communicate with company executives throughout the project, presenting their findings at the end of the semester.
Dual Degree
Students can also pursue a dual degree, gaining an MSBAi and MBA in two years. More information about the dual MSBAi/MBA degree curriculum can be found here.
STEM-Designated
The Haslam MSBAi is a STEM-designated program. It also is an Optional Practical Training program, which allows international students to work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation before needing a work visa.
MSBai
Capstone COurse
Concrete, real-world experiences are a hallmark of the Haslam MSBAi program. Every student participates in a capstone experience, using analytics and AI to solve a real company’s business challenge.
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UPS Smith Prize
The industry’s top professional association recognized the Haslam MSBA with the UPS George D. Smith Prize for Innovative Curriculum in 2018. Presented by INFORMS, the leading international association for operations research and analytics professionals, the award recognizes teaching in the context of a true business environment that prepares students to become effective business analytics practitioners.
Career Impact
Business analytics and AI are essential functions in virtually every organization. Professionals leverage AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics to produce dashboards, predictive models, data visualizations and more. Nearly 90 percent of Haslam’s MSBAi graduates accept job offers within six months of graduation in a wide range of job functions and industries.
Duration: 10 Months
Location: Knoxville, TN
Start Date: Summer
38
Class Size
3.64
Average GPA
MSBA Industries
- AI/Machine Learning
- Data Science
- Supply Chain Analytics
- Healthcare Analytics
- Finance
- Marketing Analytics
- Consulting
Ready to Apply for the MSBAi program?
Careers – What CAN I Do With AN MSBAi Degree?
Discover the many career paths available to graduates, including potential job titles and industries where you can apply your analytics and AI skills.
What do Data Analysts do?
Data analysts collect, process, and interpret large datasets. They increasingly use AI and machine learning tools to help businesses make data-driven decisions.
How do I become a Data Analyst?
An MSBAi degree provides advanced skills in data analysis, AI, statistical methods, and business insights, positioning you as a top candidate for data analyst roles in various industries.
What salary do Data Analysts earn?
Data analysts with an MSBAi degree can expect competitive salaries, with a median salary of $84,731 annually, with higher earning potential in tech and finance sectors.
Data Analyst
What do BI Analysts do?
Business intelligence analysts use data and AI-powered tools to generate dashboards, reports, and predictive insights, helping companies understand market trends and customer behavior.
How do I become a BI Analyst?
An MSBAi degree with a focus on business intelligence and AI equips you with the technical and analytical skills to excel as a BI analyst, helping companies leverage data for strategic decisions.
What salary do BI Analysts earn?
BI analysts with an MSBAi degree have a median salary of $97,963, with the potential for higher salaries in industries that prioritize data-driven decision-making.
BI Analyst
What do Data Scientists do?
Data scientists build predictive models and use advanced AI techniques, including deep learning, NLP, and generative AI, to solve complex business problems.
How do I become a Data Scientist?
Pursuing an MSBAi degree can fast-track your path to becoming a data scientist by teaching you advanced skills in AI, deep learning, NLP, data mining, and predictive modeling.
What salary do Data Scientists earn?
Data scientists with an MSBAi degree have a median salary of $108,020, with even higher salaries in sectors like technology, healthcare, and finance.
DATA SCIENTIST
What do Operations Analysts do?
Operations analysts examine business processes and workflows, using data and AI-driven modeling to identify inefficiencies and recommend improvements.
How do I become a Operations Analyst?
An MSBAi degree prepares you for a career as an operations analyst by teaching you to apply data analysis and AI to optimize business processes and improve organizational efficiency.
What salary do Operations Analysts earn?
Operations analysts with an MSBAi degree have a median salary of $83,640, with earning potential increasing in larger organizations and specialized industries.
OPERATIONS ANALYST
MSBAi
Admissions
Applications for the MSBAi program are submitted through Haslam College of Business’s Application Portal.
MSBAi
Key Dates
Admission opens in August and applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the class is full.
International applicants must meet the Graduate School’s deadlines as follows:
- October 15: Application submission key date
- December 15: Recommended application completion date
- February 15: Final application completion date for funding consideration
- May 1: Final consideration date
International applicants must follow the Graduate School deadlines for summer start programs:
- October 15: Application Submission Deadline
- December 15: Application Completion Deadline
Applications submitted by December 15 will receive priority consideration for merit-based scholarships and assistantships.
MSBAi
Requirements
Prerequisite Coursework
All undergraduate degrees are accepted, but the most successful students have a strong quantitative aptitude and have taken courses such as math, statistics, engineering, computer science and calculus. Due to the lock-step nature of our program, transfer credits are not accepted.
Interview
The program requires a brief (30 minute) interview and can accommodate both in-person and virtual interviews.
GPA
Applicants with undergraduate GPAs below 3.0 are not typically considered. The average GPA varies with each incoming class, but is 3.64 on average.
GRE/GMAT
GRE/GMAT tests are required, but waivers will be considered. All students are expected to demonstrate quantitative abilities either through undergraduate coursework or by completing a quantitative assessment test, such as the Canvas Exam or GRE/GMAT test. Haslam’s MSBAi program has designed a custom Canvas Exam, which costs $9. Students interested in the Canvas Exam should contact admissions director Alec Merkle for further information.
Please ensure your official scores are sent to the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. GMAT ID: 8GR-KN-71, GRE ID: 2834
Letters of Recommendation
In the application, please enter the name and email address of your recommender. When you submit the application, they will receive an email with the recommendation to complete. The admissions committee prefers to see one academic (faculty) in a quantitative field and one professional (current/previous supervisor) recommendation.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants whose native language is not English must score at least 80 overall on the TOEFL IBT or 6.5 overall on the IELTS and submit official test scores. Test scores are valid for two years. Please refer to the Graduate School’s website for more details.
Get Started
How To Apply
Take the next step toward advancing your career in analytics and AI with Haslam’s MSBAi program. The application process is straightforward – simply gather your required documents, including your resume, essay responses and references, to begin.
Curriculum
What You’ll Learn
Total Program Hours – 36
36 credit hours across 3 semesters. The MSBAi retains the foundational strengths of the MSBA while adding dedicated AI coursework that you won’t find in other programs.
Summer Semester
6 Hours
BAS 532 – Communication and Storytelling with Data
1.5 Hours
BAs 533 – Probability Models for Customer Analytics
1.5 Hours
BZAN 545- Data Engineering for Busines
3 Hours
Winter Semester
3 Hours
BAs 557 – Business Analytics Experience
3 Hours
Fall Semester
13.5 Hours
BAS 531 – Decision Optimization
3 Hours
BAS 535 – Statistical Methods for Business
3 Hours
BAS 542 – Machine Learning for Business
3 Hours
BAS 546 – Simulation Modeling
1.5 Hours
BAS 554 – Deep Learning For Business
3 Hours
Spring Semester
13.5 Hours
BZAN 544 – App Development for Business Analytics
1.5 Hours
Electives
12 Hours
Electives
- BZAN 548 – Time Series Forecasting
- BZAN 551 – Causal Inference
- BZAN 553 – A/B and Multivariate Testing
- BZAN 555 – Supply Chain Analytics
- BZAN 558 – Deep Reinforcement Learning for BusinesS
- BZAN 559 – Generative AI
Meet Our Student Ambassadors
The Student Ambassador Program enables students to pursue innovative endeavors and develop skills while also equipping them with the skills and resources to be successful. Student ambassadors share a passion for analytics and AI and serve as representatives for the MSBAi program.
MSBAi
Tuition & Financial Aid
Estimated Program Cost1
- In-State: $26,606
- Out-of-State: $54,371
You can find an up-to-date schedule of tuition and fees for in and out-of-state students on One Stop Student Services’ website. The tuition and fees listed do not include room, board, books and supplies or other living expenses.
Financial Aid
Learn about federal student loans and other need-based financial aid for graduate students at the financial aid for graduate students at One Stop Student Services. Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by February 15.
Out-of-state candidates in the Southeast region may be eligible to obtain in-state tuition rates through the Academic Common Market. Students using Post-911 GI Benefits are particularly likely to benefit.
Funding
Over 70% of our admitted students receive some form of funding opportunity.
Admitted applicants are automatically considered for merit-based, program-funded graduate assistantships and scholarships. Assistantships and scholarships are highly competitive and not all applicants receive these funding opportunities. The graduate assistantships include a tuition fee waiver and a stipend for the semester awarded. No additional application is necessary for financial consideration. However, you can apply for graduate assistantships that are outside of the MSBAi program. UT’s Graduate School website lists open assistantships that differ from BAS and Haslam listings.
1for students entering Summer 2025
MSBA
Featured Faculty
Courses in the MSBAi program are taught by Haslam’s award-winning faculty who hold doctorates in the field and are subject matter experts in AI, analytics, and a variety of methodological areas.
Michel Ballings
Associate Professor, Douglas A. and Brenda Horne Faculty Fellow
Adam Petrie
Teaching Associate Professor
Michael Galbreth
Pilot Corporation Chair of Excellence