The MBA with a major in business analytics is a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) designated program. The STEM designation allows international students to have access to a 3-year OPT. The program provides students the depth of analytics expertise and broad business applications to tell the stories, identify opportunities and threats, and solve business problems by using data. The classes are led by professors from multi disciplines who are passionate about analytics. Students learn from an intensive curriculum across a range of business courses and explore the latest technology and methods of transforming and translating data into meaningful information to make decisions. Specific tools include Tableau, Python, R, SAS, SQL, and Excel.
Based on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), the courses are designed to create these marketable skills:
- Perform model estimation, inference, and forecasting
- Use descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive methods to solve business problems.
- Practical usage of the latest methods and tools, translating data into information
- Improve quantitative and analytical aptitudes
- Use data mining and data visualization methods to make decisions
- Experience in Tableau, Python, R, SAS, SQL, and Excel.
- STEM approved
- Flexible duration: It can be done in one year or at your own pace.
- Credit hours : It requires 33 credit hours, where core courses comprise 24 credit hours and Business Analytics courses comprise 9 credit hours
- Format: Online, hybrid, or in the classroom
- Affordable: One of the most affordable MBAs in the nation and the second-lowest cost MBA in Texas
ACCT 5213 Cost Analysis and Control (3 hrs)
Management control systems, profit performance, standard and direct costing, investment control, and long-range planning.
BUAD 5603 Advanced Applied Business Statistics (3 hrs)
This course teaches students the application of statistical methods and interpretation of statistical analysis. The statistical methods include descriptive statistics, one-and two-sample tests, ANOVA, correlation, linear and multiple regression, and analysis of categorical data. The course gives students the statistical background to analyze data to solve business problems.
ECON 5143 Data Modelling and Forecasting (3 hrs)
This course teaches students to analyze and model time series data. Students will analyze data, create forecast models, assess forecast models, and forecast future data values. This includes learning about autoregressive models, autoregressive moving average models, the ARIMA model, conditional heteroscedasticity models, vector autoregressive models, and vector error correction models. These methodologies can be used to forecast business data and data from other areas.
FINC 5713 Financial Administration (3 hrs)
Theoretical and procedural consideration in administering business firm financial planning, fund raising, and controlling of firm’s finances. Specific emphasis is given to capital budgeting and cost of capital.
MGMT 5443 Current Issues in Organizational Behavior (3 hrs)
Behavioral factors relating to issues such as automation, ethics, labor-management relations, and similar problems, with emphasis upon research and current literature.
MGMT 6883 Graduate Seminar in Business Policy (3 hrs)
Analytical study of business decision making, the creation of business strategy, and the creation of sound business objectives and policies. Takes an integrating or interdisciplinary approach to the role of the organizational executive. Should be taken during student’s last spring semester.
MIS 5113 Introduction to Business Analytics (3 hrs)
This course provides an overview of the business analytics ecosystem with introductions on three types of analytics: descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive. Applications and tools of business analytics are the focus. In addition, data foundations, as well as big data concepts, are also discussed.
MKTG 5513 Graduate Seminar in Marketing (3 hrs)
An intensive study of specific marketing concepts, theories, and strategies used to market goods and services. Emphasis is placed on reading current journal articles and other related marketing publications.
BUAD 5623 Model-based Problem Solving (3 hrs)
This course teaches students to use mathematical programming modeling to develop models that lead to making better decisions based on optimization given some constraints. This includes learning about linear programming models, dynamic programming models, integer linear programming models, and nonlinear programming models. Learning about these methodologies provides students a set of tools that can be used to make decisions about the optimal use and allocation of limited resources by businesses and government institutions.
BUAD 5633 Applied Analysis of Business Process (3 hrs)
This course applies business process concepts, methodologies, and tools to solve real-world problems in business, government, and academic contexts. Students will develop and present solutions to problems they analyze, including business process software use, six sigma analysis, and statistical software. The course emphasizes analytical thinking in structuring problems, creating solutions, and effectively communicating those solutions to a broad audience.
BUAD 5643 Machine Learning Applications in Business (3 hrs)
The course teaches students statistical learning based on the application of modern methods and relevant statistical software. It includes supervised and unsupervised machine learning methods. Supervised machine learning refers to making predictions of a variable based on models that require input variables. Unsupervised machine learning refers to identifying relationships and patterns among a group of variables. The methods include linear regression, resampling methods, model selection, tree-based methods, vector machines, deep learning, survival analysis, and multiple testing.
MIS 5603 Data Visualization (3 hrs)
This course will introduce data visualization - the art and science of turning data into readable figures and graphics. Multiple techniques and algorithms for creating more effective and clearer visualization will be introduced. Students will go through the process, including data modeling, data preparation, mapping data attributes to graphical attributes, and visual encoding based on known properties of visual perception as well as the tasks at hand. Students will also learn the value of visualization and how to best leverage visualization methods. The learning process will emphasize design and practical business applications.
MIS 5613 Data Mining and Text Analytics in Business (3 hrs)
The course will provide an overview of data mining, text analytics, and their applications to business problems. Details on the theories and algorithms will be discussed, together with their applications to real business solutions. Hands-on exposure to different data mining methods will be obtained through case studies using mainstream data mining tools. The modern text analytic framework will also be introduced.