Master of Science in Business Analytics and AI

The Master of Science program in Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (BA&AI) equips students with the advanced analytical, technical, and strategic skills needed to thrive in a data-driven world. Designed for business leaders, data professionals, and innovators, this program bridges cutting-edge artificial intelligence techniques with practical business applications to prepare graduates for high-impact roles across industries.

Students gain expertise in data management, statistical modeling, prescriptive analytics, machine learning, and AI-driven decision support, while also developing a deep understanding of how these tools transform business processes and strategy. Through hands-on projects and real-world case studies, students learn not only to generate insights but also to translate them into actionable solutions that drive organizational success.

With its blend of technical depth and business relevance, a degree in BA&AI positions graduates for career advancement in roles such as data scientist, business analytics manager, AI consultant, or specialized analytics professional addressing function-specific business challenges.

Graduate Program Learning Modality: The program is offered in a fully online format to cater to a wide range of potential graduate students who may not be able to commit to a full-time or location-based program to pursue an advanced degree.

The program consists of two phases. Phase One (6 semester hours) is designed to address deficiencies in undergraduate course work considered to be prerequisite for the Phase Two (30 semester hours) graduate course work. Students with significant undergraduate course work in business may be waived from some, or all, of the Phase One requirements. Phase Two consists of 10 courses to ensure an in-depth study in business analytics and AI.

Check departmental information for additional requirements.

Learning Outcomes

Master of Science in Business Analytics and AI Program Learning Competencies

Graduates from the Master of Science in Business Analytics and AI program will be able to:

Identify business problems that require data-driven solutions
Collect and modify data in preparation of statistical analysis
Create analytical models using software and AI-driven tools
Evaluate and deploy analytics and AI-driven solutions for business problems
Communicate the results of analytic projects to a non-technical business audience
Explain the ethical implications of using AI-driven business solutions

Admission

Requirements for Admission

In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School at NIU, the M.S. in Business Analytics and AI (BA&AI) program also requires that applicants must have a minimum 3.00 overall grade point average (GPA), based on a 4.00 system, in their undergraduate program. Applicants whose GPA is below the required level may be recommended for admission if they satisfy the following criteria:

Applicant earned an undergraduate or graduate degree from NIU College of Business or a closely related NIU program

Application for Admission

Admission to the M.S. in BA&AI program is competitive and limited to candidates who demonstrate high promise of success in this graduate program. Applicants must submit the following materials:

A resume
A statement of purpose (500-word outline of your goals for the M.S. in BA&AI program and beyond)

Phase One (6)

The Phase One foundations consist of three 2-semester-hour courses. Phase One foundation courses will be required in students’ program of study unless the student has met the requirements by completing course equivalents at a university, community college, or select approved online provider. The department program advisor will determine which Phase One courses will be included in students’ program of courses. Credits earned in Phase One will not count toward the Phase Two requirements. Phase One consists of the following courses:

OMIS 505 - Principles of Operations Management Credits: 2
OMIS 507 - Business Information Systems Credits: 2
OMIS 524 - Business Statistics Credits: 2

Phase Two (30)

MSDA 599 - Degree Completion Seminar Credits: 0
OR OMIS 599 - Degree Completion Seminar Credits: 0
MSDA 628X - Supply Chain Business Analytics Credits: 3
OR OMIS 628 - Supply Chain Business Analytics Credits: 3
MSDA 631X - Artificial Intelligence Strategies and Applications in Business Analytics Credits: 3
OR OMIS 631 - Artificial Intelligence Strategies and Applications in Business Analytics Credits: 3
MSDA 645X - Applied Statistics for Business Analytics Credits: 3
OR OMIS 645 - Applied Business Analytics Credits: 3
MSDA 649X - Python for Business Credits: 3
OR OMIS 630 - Python for Business Credits: 3
MSDA 652X - Data Management in Business Credits: 3
OR OMIS 652 - Data Management in Business Credits: 3
MSDA 661X - Business Intelligence Applications and Tools Credits: 3
OR OMIS 661 - Business Intelligence Applications and Tools Credits: 3
MSDA 673X - Business Data Visualization Credits: 3
OR OMIS 673 - Business Data Visualization Credits: 3
MSDA 681X - Machine Learning for Business Credits: 3
OR OMIS 681 - Machine Learning for Business Credits: 3
MSDA 683X - Business Applications of Text Mining with AI Credits: 3
OR OMIS 683 - Business Applications of Text Mining with AI Credits: 3
MSDA 691X - Business Applications of AI with Deep Learning Credits: 3
OR OMIS 691 - Business Applications of AI with Deep Learning Credits: 3

Total hours (30-36)

Accelerated B.S. in Operations and Information Management (O.I.M.)/M.S. in Business Analytics and AI (BAAI)

Admission

This program leads to both the B.S. in O.I.M. and M.S. in Business Analytics and AI degrees. Students who want to complete this program must identify themselves to the Department of Operations Management and Information Systems as majors who will complete the accelerated program. Students must apply for admission to the M.S. in Business Analytics and AI program under the special provisions of this program and meet the application deadline. They must also have achieved the credit-hour and GPA requirements as specified by the Graduate School.

 With this program, M.S. courses can be taken three semesters prior to earning the B.S. degree and have up to 15 semester hours count towards both the M.S. and B.S. degrees. An admissions exam, such as the GMAT or GRE, is not required. Students must meet Graduate School application deadlines. Interested students should meet with an academic advisor as early as possible and are encouraged to apply during the second semester of their junior year.

 Curriculum

Once admitted into the B.S. in Operations and Information Management/M.S. in Business Analytics and AI (BAAI) program and having completed all course requirements for entry, students will start taking classes in the BAAI program (up to 15 semester hours) which will also count toward 15 semester hours in the undergraduate degree. All students enrolled in this sequence must have their course schedule approved by their academic advisor each semester. Any deviation from an approved course schedule may delay graduation. Upon receiving their undergraduate degree, students will then follow the standard timetable for receiving an M.S. in BAAI.