*Based on 2025–2026 Boston University tuition and fees. Merit scholarship may reduce cost.
Learn to Leverage Data into Strategy
According to a recent report by McKinsey, data needs to be treated as one of the products produced within the organization rather than as a raw material that supports decisions. As data-driven business models change the face of industry, developing the ability to capitalize upon this valuable resource is compulsory.
In a recent analysis, PwC determined that 67 percent of job openings requiring data science and analytics competencies are for “analytics-enabled” roles, such as chief executive officer, chief data officer, director of IT, human resources manager, financial manager, and marketing manager. While the jobs are there, there is a shortage of analytics-enabled personnel who combine expertise in their industry with the ability to understand and leverage big data to engage in predictive analytics or make data-informed business decisions.
To help close this skills gap, Boston University’s Metropolitan College offers an online Master of Science in Applied Business Analytics Management degree program. Students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with a variety of analytical models and decision-support tools, which they can apply to interlinked data-inputs and large data sets in the areas of marketing, operations, product and technology innovations, financial services, and others. Boston University’s applied business analytics curriculum covers advanced software tools and functions, such as descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive modeling; text and data mining; visual analytics; and business simulations. Graduates of the program will be able to analyze data-driven business processes, select appropriate analytical methods to monitor and identify performance issues, prescribe possible outcomes, and propose optimal data-based solutions.
The MS in Applied Business Analytics is also available on campus in Boston. Learn more.
Curriculum
The online Master of Science in Applied Business Analytics consists of 8 required courses (32 units).*
*Degree requirements may vary for those students transferring credits from previous coursework at Boston University or receiving course waivers due to professional designations.
Prerequisites
Students must complete the degree core courses, specialization courses, and general elective as indicated.
As a prerequisite to the course MET AD 571 Business Analytics Foundations, students are required to complete MET AD 100 Pre-Analytics Laboratory and MET ADR 100 Introduction to R for Business. Some courses may have additional prerequisites.
Degree Core Courses
(Four courses/16 units)
Specialization Courses
(Three courses/12 units)
Elective Courses
(One course/4 units)
One elective in the area of management or data science chosen with the advice and approval of an academic advisor.
Learn about application requirements for BU MET graduate degree and certificate programs.
How You Benefit from a Boston University Education
A BU credential can help lay the foundation for career advancement and personal success.
Benefit from a 15:1 student-to-instructor ratio.
By focusing on practical, hands-on education, program ensures you develop expertise in integrating the “5 Vs of big data”—volume, velocity, variety, veracity, and value of information—into sound analytics-based business decisions.
Work closely with highly qualified faculty who draw from active research and substantial professional achievements in areas such as descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics.
The ABA advisory board actively engages with students, alumni, and industry veterans, providing access to the latest industry trends in data science and business analytics and facilitating learning about career pathways through seminars and talks.
US citizens and permanent residents are automatically considered for Merit Scholarships during the application process and nominated based on eligibility. Learn more.
#10
Ranked #10 in the nation
Member
Accredited member of AACSB International―The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Graduate with Business Analytics Expertise
Students who complete the master’s degree in Applied Business Analytics will be able to demonstrate:
The knowledge and skills necessary to better utilize available information in operational, tactical, and strategic decision-making in organizations.
Experience with various powerful emerging technologies and techniques for increasing the value of both in-house and third-party data sets.
An understanding of how organizations are using interlinked data-inputs, analytics models, and decision-support tools to better understand their operations, customers, and markets.
Expertise in web analytics and metrics, and the ability to procure and process unstructured text, and delve into hidden patterns within data sets.
The ability to facilitate knowledge discovery using data-mining and visualization techniques over vast amounts of data.
Advance Your Career
BU MET’s Applied Business Analytics master’s prepares you for a wealth of different roles, such as business analyst, data analyst, financial analyst, project and program managers, business intelligence analyst, sports statistical analyst, among others.
Take Advantage of Career Resources at BU MET
You will find the support you need in reaching your career goals through MET’s Career Development office, which offers a variety of job-hunting resources, including one-on-one career counseling by appointment for online students. You can also take advantage of tools and resources available online through BU’s Center for Career Development.
Recent graduates have found job opportunities and career paths at companies such as:
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Boeing
Collins Aerospace
Huawei
Procter & Gamble
PUMA Group
The Kraft Heinz Company
Greg Parker
To me, the best part of the ABA program is the balance between the technical aspects of data analytics/science and the broader implications of those methodologies to the underlying business at large. Read more.
Greg Parker (MET’23) Vice President of Business Intelligence, Rockland Federal Credit Union MS, Applied Business Analytics
As more students and professionals turn to online education for flexibility and accessibility, BU Virtual has been at the forefront of delivering high-quality, engaging, and supportive virtual learning environments. If you’re considering enrolling in an online program—or just curious about how to thrive in this format—this article will walk you through common challenges and strategies […]
As more students and professionals turn to online education for flexibility and accessibility, BU Virtual has been at the forefront of delivering high-quality, engaging, and supportive virtual learning environments for students in Boston University’s Online Degree programs. If you’re considering enrolling in a BU or just curious about what the experience entails, this article will […]
Balancing education and a career might seem like an impossible juggling act in today’s fast-paced world. You don’t need to take time off of school to work; and you certainly don’t need to take time off of work to go to school. With Boston University’s 100% online graduate programs, achieving this balance is not only […]
