Master of Business Data Analytics (MBDA)

The MBDA program will launch in Spring 2026. 

The Master of Business Data Analytics (MBDA) is a fully online graduate program designed to integrate business acumen with advanced analytical skills. This interdisciplinary program equips graduates with the tools and techniques to effectively apply data-intensive methods to analyze and make informed decisions across various fields of business and economics. 

The program prepares students to become business analysts who play a crucial role in conducting research and assuming key business functions in both the public and private sectors.

Program Goals

The MBDA program prepares graduate students to demonstrate:

• an understanding of how to apply numerical, graphical and statistical concepts to make informed decisions in business settings and enhance overall decision-making capabilities
• proficiency in utilizing machine learning techniques, conducting web analytics, understanding artificial intelligence applications and analyzing unstructured data 
• in-depth knowledge to apply database management principles, including the design of logical data models, database structuring and the practical application of SQL for managing and retrieving data 
• expertise in the use of data visualization and digital strategy techniques for exploration, sensemaking and presenting analysis 

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the MBDA program will be prepared to: 

• integrate knowledge from different business-related disciplines to solve complex business problems, using a research-informed approach
• critically examine principles of ethics and social responsibility to analyze and reflect on the management of relationships between a business enterprise and its key internal and external stakeholders
• demonstrate graduate-level cognitive, creative and leadership competences in team collaborations, effective writing and presentation delivery
• utilize, with justification, appropriate research methods/approaches to critically analyze business problems
• formulate, evaluate and select from competing alternative courses of action, and design relevant implementation options for solving business problems

Admission Requirements

Admission to the MBDA program is competitive. In addition to fulfilling  the university’s general graduate admission requirements, applicants must either take the MBDA Admissions Test (administered through the AUS Testing Center) or provide a GMAT score. Test scores are evaluated alongside the applicant’s work experience and undergraduate GPA, with particular emphasis on the last two years of study. These factors help the SBA Graduate Committee determine the applicant’s admission status.