Curriculum Overview

The Master of Science in Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence for Working Professionals offers electives in AI, Marketing Analytics, Supply Chain Analytics and Finance Analytics. Browse courses and credits by semester:

Summer: Year 1

6 Credits in Total

Core: Data Science and Agentic Programming (3 credits)

Data-driven analysis has wrought a quiet revolution in business. As disk storage and computing power have become cheaper, companies have started maintaining detailed logs of inventories, sales, and customer activity, among others. Yet, this is only half the job; the real need is for insights, and this course teaches you the tools for that. This course uses Python & Pandas.

Core: Information Management (3 credits)

In this course, you will develop core skills through hands-on experience with database technologies, data transformation, and query tools, while building a strong conceptual foundation in information management. You will also gain exposure to how data supports modern AI systems, enabling you to prepare, manage, and utilize data effectively for both traditional analytics and emerging AI-driven applications.

Fall: Year 1

6 Credits in Total

Core: Introduction to Machine Learning and Neural Networks (3 credits)

Selected topics in the applications of data science to business problems. Topics include regression analysis, including linear, logistic, and multinominal regression; tree models for regression and classification; concepts surrounding model building and model validation, including the bias-variance trade-off, cross-validation, and variable selection; basic data wrangling and data visualization; factor models, including principal components analysis and partial least squares regression; clustering; networks; and text.

Core: Financial Management (3 credits)

Recent advances in cost accounting, inputs into the design of cost systems, maximizing shareholder value through the investment decision and the financing decision; time value of money to value projects, bonds, stocks, and an entire firm.

Spring: Year 1

5 Credits in Total

Core: Advanced Machine Learning (3 credits)

This course will involve the study of a variety of machine learning techniques for predictive analytics. Particular emphasis will be given to approaches that are scalable to very large data sets and/or those that are relatively robust when faced with a large number of predictors, and algorithms for heterogeneous or streaming data. Many of these capabilities are essential for handing BIG DATA. Connections to relevant business problems shall be made via example studies. We will mostly be using Python (especially Scikit-Learn). The central goal of this course is to convey an understanding of the pros and cons of different predictive modeling techniques so that you can (i) make an informed decision on what approaches to consider when faced with real-life problems requiring predictive modeling, (ii) apply models properly on real datasets so to make valid conclusions. This goal will be reinforced through both theory and hands-on experience.

Core: Analytics for Unstructured Data (2 credits)

Unstructured data – text, images, video, and voice — is everywhere, and yet businesses have started leveraging these newer forms of data only recently. This 2-credit hour course largely focuses on the analytics of text and images and their business applications. Starting with basics, students learn the cutting edge in natural language processing and computer vision analytics. All assignments and the final project are designed to apply technical concepts and principles to solving real-world problems and creating new opportunities. Specifically, students learn to:

  • Use Python to conduct analysis of text and images to improve business outcomes
  • Build text and image-based recommender systems
  • Derive insights about customers, brands, products, and features
  • Perform advanced sentiment analysis
  • Use generative models for text
  • Use computer vision to increase engagement in social media

Summer: Year 2

6 Credits in Total

Core: Optimization for Decision Making (2 credits)

This course deals with optimization methods that help in decision-making. It will cover a broad range of relevant quantitative techniques for decision-making. Each technique will be motivated using important applications and discussed along with some relevant theory. The focus however will be on formulating and solving problems. Specific topics/techniques will include linear, quadratic, nonlinear, and integer programming. The course will use python extensively.

Core: Unsupervised Learning (2 credits)

Unsupervised statistical learning techniques and their role in creating actionable information. Measures of information, principal components analysis, factor analysis, cluster analysis, dimensionality reduction and related techniques.

Elective (2 credits)

Fall: Year 2

7 Credits in Total

Core: Dynamic Optimization for Decision Making (2 credits)

This course deals with optimization methods that help in decision-making. It will cover a broad range of relevant quantitative techniques for decision-making under uncertainty. Each technique will be motivated using important applications and discussed along with some relevant theory. The focus however will be on formulating and solving problems. Specific topics/techniques will include advanced simulation methods, stochastic programming, dynamic programming, and reinforcement learning. The course will use Python extensively.

Elective (2 credits)

Elective (2 credits)

Spring: Year 2

6 Credits in Total

Core: Capstone Project (2 credits)

This industry-sponsored practicum course has students solve real-world analytics problems by applying skills acquired throughout the program on behalf of a business sponsor. Students develop skills across data modeling, functional business knowledge, technology, and analytical storytelling through iterative team-based project work.

Elective (2 credits)

Elective (2 credits)

Blended Learning Format

Asynchronous Online Learning

Self-paced, online coursework completed on your schedule.

Synchronous Weekly Meetings

Live online meetings with peers and faculty.

In-Person Immersives

5 on-campus immersives in Austin, Texas.

Hear from Associate Dean of MS Programs, Jade DeKinder, on what makes the online format unique and to learn more about the program’s blended learning format.

Core and elective Courses

Core Courses

 The following are core courses in the MS Business Analytics and AI program for working professionals:

  • Data Science and Agentic Programming
  • Information Management
  • Introduction to Machine Learning and Neural Networks
  • Financial Management
  • Advanced Deep Learning and Machine Learning
  • Analytics for Unstructured Data
  • Optimization for Decision Making
  • Dynamic Optimization and Reinforcement Learning
  • Unsupervised Learning
  • Business Intelligence Capstone Project

Elective Courses

The following are elective courses in the MS Business Analytics and AI program for working professionals:

  • Introduction to Finance Analytics 
  • Promotion Analytics and Demand Modeling
  • Data Analytics for Operations and Supply Chains
  • Financial Technology
  • Data Driven Revenue Management
  • Pricing Analytics and Business Strategy
  • AI in the Enterprise
  • Applied Data Visualization and Storytelling
  • Time Series 
Immersives to Supplement Online Learning
Five required in-person immersives provide an opportunity for you to engage with industry leaders; apply what you learn to real-world industry problems; engage with colleagues and faculty; interact with Career Management to receive career support; and network with your cohort, peers, colleagues, faculty, and industry leaders.
Capstone and Practicum Experience
All MS Business Analytics and AI students participate in a capstone project. This industry-sponsored practicum course has students solve real-world analytics problems by applying skills acquired throughout the program on behalf of a business sponsor. Students develop skills across data modeling, functional business knowledge, technology, and analytical storytelling through iterative team-based project work.
Industry Engagement
Working professional students in the MS Business Analytics and AI program interact with industry sponsors through five on-campus immersives, virtual speaker events, networking receptions, and many other opportunities.
Master's students interacting with industry professionals

Dr. Jade DeKinder

Associate Dean of MS Programs

Dr. Anitesh Barua

Professor, Unstructured Data

Dr. Garrett Sonnier

Associate Professor, Marketing

Learning Outcomes

Apply Data Science Algorithms and Optimization Models

Generate Business Value by Correctly Applying Business Techniques

Apply Data Science Algorithms in at Least 1 Business Discipline

Manage a Business Analytics Project End-to-End

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