The MSBA&AI program includes a high level of industry engagement and experiential learning situations. Both offer you the opportunity to network with your peers, industry leaders and NIU alumni.
- College of Business
- Academic Programs
- Operations Management and Information Systems (OM&IS)
- Master of Science in Business Analytics and AI
Master of Science in Business Analytics and AI
Our fully online Master of Science in Business Analytics and AI (MSBA&AI) program 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 will prepare you to bridge cutting-edge artificial intelligence techniques with practical business applications to prepare you for high-impact roles across industries.
Please note that the Master of Science in Business Analytics and AI (MSBA&AI) program was called Master of Science in Data Analytics in the 2025-26 and previous editions of the catalog.
Program Advantages
The eight-week online format for each course allows you the flexibility to create a program schedule that fits into your life. You may complete the program in 12 months or select a part-time option. You may begin your program in the fall, spring or summer semester.
You'll receive one-on-one admission and advising guidance.
You'll have the opportunity to learn from the same faculty who teach in NIU’s nationally ranked operations and information management programs, as well as business practitioners who were specifically chosen for their expertise in business analytics practices.
Career Outlook
The MSBA&AI program leads to or enhances careers such as:
- Data scientist
- Business analytics manager
- AI consultant
- Specialized analytics professional addressing function-specific business challenges
- Data mining analyst
- Data engineer
- Business intelligence analyst
- Business/management analyst
- System analyst
- IT project manager
- Cyber/information security engineer/analyst
- Software developer/engineer
- Market research analyst
- Marketing/sales manager
Analytics are embedded in all industries, business functions and employee workflows. MSBA&AI graduates find career opportunities in a wide array of industries and organizations. MSBA&AI graduates also strengthen their data-driven collaboration, communication, presentation, project management and business negotiation skills.
Curriculum for NIU’s M.S. in Business Analytics and AI
Our faculty will challenge you to push the boundaries of learning by imparting knowledge derived from their research and teaching expertise, as well as best practices in the industry.
You will 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, you will learn not only to generate insights but also to translate them into actionable solutions that drive organizational success.
Our faculty will expose you to Hadoop, R, Python, SQL, SAP Predict Analytics, SAS, Tableau and other cutting-edge technologies throughout the curriculum.
Courses and Degree Requirements
The MSBA&AI program consists of two phases. Phase One courses are designed to address deficiencies in undergraduate course work considered to be prerequisite for Phase Two (30 credits) graduate course work. If you have applicable undergraduate coursework in business, some or all of the Phase One requirements may be waived.
Phase Two consists of 10 courses. Course content includes such areas as business applications of AI, deep learning, supply chain analytics, data visualization and more.
If you need to complete Phase One requirement(s), you may incur additional costs. Learn more about tuition and fees.
Phase One is designed to address deficiencies in undergraduate course work. Some or all Phase One requirements may be waived based on previous undergraduate or graduate course work. Phase One consists of the following courses:
- OMIS 505 - Principles of Operations Management (2 credits)
- OMIS 507 - Business Information Systems (2 credits)
- OMIS 524 - Business Statistics (2 credits)
Phase Two consists of 10 courses (30 credit hours):
- OMIS 599 - Degree Completion Seminar (0 credits)
- OMIS 628 - Supply Chain Business Analytics (3 credits)
- OMIS 631 - Artificial Intelligence Strategies and Applications in Business Analytics (3 credits)
- OMIS 645 - Applied Statistics for Business Analytics Using SAS (3 credits)
- OMIS 630 – Python Programming for Business (3 credits)
- OMIS 652 - Business Applications of Database Management Systems (3 credits)
- OMIS 661 - Business Intelligence Applications and Tools (3 credits)
- OMIS 673 - Business Data Visualization (3 credits)
- OMIS 681 - Advanced Predictive Analytics with Machine Learning (3 credits)
- OMIS 683X - Business Applications of Text Mining (3 credits)
- OMIS 691X - Advanced Business Applications of AI with Deep Learning (3 credits)
Admission Requirements for NIU’s M.S. in Business Analytics and AI
Admission to the MSBA&AI program is competitive. At a minimum, you must meet the NIU Graduate School admission requirements and demonstrate that you possess the following minimum qualifications:
- A baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution or one with equivalent international recognition.
- You must have a strong record of academic achievement, demonstrated by a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above. Official transcripts from all institutions attended will be required.
- The GMAT or GRE is not required but may be submitted to supplement the academic record if GPA does not fully demonstrate academic ability.
- A current résumé and a statement of purpose (500-word outline of your goals for the MSBA&AI program and beyond) are required.
"As AI and machine learning reshape business decision-making, organizations need professionals who can translate data into action and apply intelligent systems to real-world challenges. Our program is positioned at the intersection of analytics, strategy and technology —preparing graduates to effectively apply and manage AI-driven models to drive sustained competitive advantage across industries."
- Charles Petersen, Ph.D., chair and professor, OM&IS Department
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Operations Management and Information Systems
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Undergraduate
- B.S. in Operations and Information Management
- Accelerated B.S. in Operations and Information Management /M.S. in Artificial Intelligence for Business
- Accelerated B.S. in Operations and Information Management/M.S. in Business Analytics and AI
- Minor in Business Analytics
- Certificate of Undergraduate Study in Information Technology Management
- Certificate of Undergraduate Study in Supply Chain Management
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Executive Advisory Council
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Undergraduate
