Learn about Texas McCombs’ MS in Business Analytics and AI, including the program format, application process, and more.
Program Format
Do you offer a part-time or online MSBAi program at Texas McCombs?
Yes. In addition to a full-time, 10-month accelerated program, Texas McCombs also offers the MS in Business Analytics and AI as a part-time, online program for working professionals. Prospective students can submit one MSBAi application and decide whether they would like to pursue the online or full-time program before enrolling.
Can I enroll in MSBAi classes at Texas McCombs as a non-degree-seeking student?
No, only students admitted to the MSBAi, MSF, MSM, or MSBTAI degree programs at Texas McCombs can enroll in specialized master’s courses. Non-degree-seeking students are not eligible to register for these graduate business classes.
Is the MS in business analytics and AI program at Texas McCombs STEM-designated?
Yes, the MS in Business Analytics and AI program—along with the MS in Finance, MS in Marketing, and MS in Business Technology and AI at Texas McCombs—is STEM-eligible, which means international students may qualify for extended OPT work authorization.
Career Outcomes
Will AI replace the types of jobs MSBAi graduates pursue?
Career prospects remain strong for students pursuing a graduate degree in business analytics and AI. AI is changing how work gets done, but it is not eliminating the need for professionals who can guide decisions, interpret results, and apply judgment.
AI is most effective at automating routine and highly structured tasks. As those tasks are automated, organizations are seeking job candidates with the skills to frame the right business questions, evaluate AI outputs, manage tradeoffs, and translate analytics into action. The MSBAi prepares students for this shift by focusing on the end-to-end analytics lifecycle and utilizing AI for enterprise decision-making, rather than training for narrow, task-based roles.
How does the MSBAi prepare students for careers that may not exist yet?
Rather than training students on a single tool or job title, the MSBAi emphasizes durable skills that transfer across roles and industries.
Students learn predictive and prescriptive analytics for business impact, advanced machine learning (including deep learning), and generative AI applications for business. Just as importantly, they learn how analytics and AI function inside organizations — considering how to implement these tools alongside real-world constraints and variables like human behavior, changing markets, and regulatory policy. This approach prepares graduates to adapt as roles evolve and new opportunities emerge.
What kinds of roles do MSBAi graduates typically move into?
MSBAi graduates pursue roles that sit at the intersection of analytics, AI, and business decision-making, such as analytics consultants, business analysts, data scientists, digital marketing analysts, product managers, and supply chain analysts.
These roles often involve supporting enterprise decisions, leading analytics or AI initiatives, collaborating with technical and nontechnical stakeholders, and ensuring that analytics and AI are used responsibly and effectively. Rather than competing with AI systems, graduates are prepared to manage, interpret, and leverage them to deliver business value.
Additional information about career outcomes, including average starting salaries, is available in the MSBAi Class of 2025 Employment Report.
How does the program address concerns about responsible AI and risk?
Responsible and ethical AI deployment is a core part of the MSBAi curriculum — not an add-on.
Students learn about preserving trust, security, and privacy while implementing AI systems and workflows. They also develop an understanding of AI governance and risk-aware analytics. The MSBAi curriculum emphasizes human-AI collaboration, including when to rely on AI outputs and when human judgment is essential. This prepares graduates to work in environments where trust, accountability, and responsible decision-‑making are critical.
Application Process and Deadlines
If I submit my MS in Business Analytics and AI application by the deadline but can’t pay my fee right away, will it still count as on time?
Yes, your Texas McCombs MSBAi application is considered on time if the form is submitted by the deadline, even if you have not paid the application fee. However, your application cannot be evaluated until the fee is paid.
I‘m not sure if I want to enroll in the online MSBAi program or the full-time on-campus MSBAi program. Can I apply to both?
Yes, you can submit one application and one application fee to be considered for both the online and in-person MSBAi program formats.
Can I apply to more than one specialized master’s program at Texas McCombs?
Yes, you can apply to up to two Texas McCombs master’s programs (such as MSF, MSM, or MSBTAI). You must submit a separate application for each program, but you will only need to pay one application fee.
How are application fees and waivers handled?
Application fees are set and processed by UT’s Office of Graduate Admissions. Their website explains current fees and how to request fee waivers based on eligibility.
Can I defer my admission to the MSBAi program?
Yes. Admitted students who pay their enrollment deposit may request a one‑year deferral. After one year, a new application is required.
Test Scores
Is the GMAT or GRE optional for Texas McCombs Master of Science programs?
Yes, GMAT and GRE scores are currently optional for all Texas McCombs Master of Science programs. You will not be disadvantaged if you do not submit scores. If you think your GRE or GMAT score will strengthen your MS Marketing application, you may submit it for consideration.
If you opt to submit GMAT, GMAT Focus or GRE scores, you will need to provide your test scores in order to submit your application. While the official score report may reach the Graduate School after we have received your application, you will not be able to submit unless you have entered your scores and at least uploaded an unofficial score report. Read more on our blog.
What are the codes for GRE/GMAT/TOEFL/IELTS?
The Educational Testing Service institution code for the GRE and TOEFL is 6882.
The institutional code to submit the GMAT to the MSBA program is 396-44-73.
To fulfill the requirement with scores from the IELTS, have an official paper score report sent to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
Does Texas McCombs prefer the GRE or GMAT?
No, Texas McCombs does not have a preference between the GRE and GMAT for Master of Science program admissions. Either test is equally accepted.
What are the minimum or recommended test scores for admission to Texas McCombs MS programs?
There is no absolute minimum, but competitive applicants usually have GRE or GMAT scores at or above the 50th percentile for MSM, MSBTAI, and MSF (verbal or quantitative), and at or above the 60th percentile for MSBA. For English-language tests, a TOEFL score of 100 (or IELTS of 7) is expected. The admissions committee considers your full academic profile, including grades, test scores (if submitted), and work experience.
International Applicants
Can international students apply after the final deadline for the MS in Business Analytics and AI program?
No, international students must submit their Texas McCombs MSBAi application by the final international deadline to allow enough time for visa processing. Applications received after this date cannot be considered, due to strict timelines and high application volume.
Do international students coming to Texas McCombs on an F-1 or J-1 visa have to pay the $100,000 proclamation fee if they later switch to an H-1B visa?
No, based on current guidance from Texas Global, students who originally arrive in the U.S. on an F-1 or J-1 student visa and later change status to an H-1B visa are not subject to the $100,000 proclamation fee. Please note this policy may change depending on future legal rulings. McCombs and Texas Global will share updates as they become available.