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QS Rank:

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89

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Pennsylvania State University

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Pennsylvania

United States

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Program Rank

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30

Emerge with the advanced analytics knowledge to be a future leader in your organization with the Master's in Business Analytics from the Penn State Smeal College of Business.

In just one year, learn the latest techniques and technologies to transform raw data into evidence-based decisions in today's data-rich business environment.


  • Complete in one year at Penn State's University Park campus
  • STEM-designated
  • Comprehensive curriculum covering data visualization, data mining, and descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics
  • No GMAT required
  • Taught by experienced, world-class faculty.

The Penn State Smeal College of Business Master's in Business Analytics (M-BAN) is a STEM-designated one-year immersive program into the world of business analytics. Offered in a face-to-face classroom setting on Penn State's University Park campus, the program focuses on developing the business analytics skills of professionals entering and engaged in business, non-business, and STEM career fields.

Built upon the widely-recognized progression of analytics development: descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive, students will gain the skills to apply mathematics, statistics, computer science, and operations research techniques to small and large data sets and develop insights that will enhance business decision-making capabilities.

Our STEM Designation

Our STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) designation means that M-BAN achieves the definition set forth by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and is a testament of the quality and rigor of the program.

The designation also allows international graduates on F-1 visas to work in the United States for an additional 24 months via the extended Optional Practical Training (OPT), totaling 36 months.

This extended duration and designation is attractive to employers interested in hiring international students.

Advance Your Analytics Skillset

As an M-BAN student, you will learn how to solve challenging business problems leveraging the power of popular analytics tools, such as: GAMS, KNIME, Microsoft Excel and Power BI Desktop, Minitab, Python, R, SAS, SQL, Tableau, and Weka.


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Total Tuition Fees

$57,035

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Duration

12 Months

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Median Salary

$80,000

Ranking

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#80

US World and News Report

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#89

QS World University Rankings

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Fall ( Sept - Nov )

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Spring ( Apr - June )

Class Profile

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Class Size

49

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Average Age

22

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Average Work Experience

2 Years

Language Test Scores

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Minimum Score

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6.5 / 9

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Minimum Score

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80 / 120

Diversity

International:

5%

Others:

5%

New Jersey:

15%

New York:

10%

Pennsylvania:

65%

Admissions

Application Deadlines

Fall

RoundDeadlineDecision
Space AvailableNANA

Eligibility Criteria

For international applicants to the Penn State Smeal M-BAN Program, the application process includes additional requirements:

  • Official English Language Proficiency Exam Scores: Official test scores must be submitted directly from the testing agency. To expedite your application review, you may also include an unofficial copy of scores with your supplemental documents (official scores are still required). The submission of a TOEFL or IELTS is optional for current Penn State students.
  • Visa Application: The Penn State Global Pre-Arrival Advisers will help with your immigration questions and needs. You can request your form I-20 (Certification of Eligibility for F-1 visa) after you are admitted to the program and have paid your enrollment deposit.
  • Application Deadline: International applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by the third round deadline, Feb. 1, 2024, in order to account for the visa process. 


Application Requirements

What Really Matters When Applying

  • Transcript

    Required

  • Resume

    Required

  • Academic LOR

    Required

  • Professional LOR

    Required

  • Academic LOR

    Required

  • TOEFL

    Required

  • IELTS

    Required

  • Interview

    Required

  • Essay

    Required

  • Application Fee

    65

Career Outcomes

The Master's in Business Analytics program at the Penn State Smeal College of Business is designed to meet the growing demand for professionals who can effectively analyze data and make informed decisions in today's dynamic business landscape. Our program equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in this field and attract top employers.

Preparation and Development

At Smeal, we understand the importance of positioning yourself for success. Our dedicated Career Services team provides personalized guidance and a wide range of resources to help you develop your own Personal Career Strategy. This framework helps you map out your career goals and create a plan to achieve them.

Career Resources

Throughout your M-BAN experience, our Career Services team will support you with various resources to enhance your job prospects:

  • Career Inventories: Assess your skills, interests, personality type, and work values to align with future business opportunities.
  • Virtual Coaching: Tap into the expertise of Smeal alumni and partners through platforms like Zoom and WebEx.
  • Resume Evaluation: Receive feedback from coaches to optimize your resume and effectively showcase your talents to employers before starting your program.
  • Interview Practice: Hone your interview skills by practicing responses to commonly asked questions in a virtual setting.

Connecting with Companies

Our team is structured to forge and maintain close relationships with recruiters, and we are committed to building the foundation for your career success. By facilitating on-campus interviews, networking opportunities, and more, we ensure that the recruitment process is user-friendly and efficient for both students and our network of recruiters. 

Corporate Connections

The Penn State Smeal College of Business is a magnet for recruiters from diverse companies, non-profits, and governmental agencies. Our Employer Relations team provides the infrastructure and opportunities for you to connect with these organizations and position yourself for future success.

  • Recruitment Management System: Access job openings, post your resume, schedule interviews, and stay updated on recruiter visits through our online platform.
  • On-Campus Recruiting: Meet with recruiters who visit our campus, whether you are pre-selected or attending an open interview session.
  • On-Site and Remote Interviews: We coordinate interviews at the recruiter's site or provide facilities for phone, teleconference, and videoconference interviews.

Additionally, as a Smeal student, you can participate in our career fairs, where a wide range of organizations seek to hire students for various functions, including analytics, marketing, and supply chain.

Embrace the opportunities offered by the Master's in Business Analytics program at Penn State Smeal and pave the way for a successful career in the field of analytics. 

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Median Earnings After Graduation

$80,000 / year

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Job Placement

93%

Prospective Job Roles

Financial Analyst

Data Scientist

Business Analyst

Business Consultant

Head of Department

Business Development Manager

Marketing Associate

Data analyst

Supply Chain Manager

Top recruiters

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Fees and Funding

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Tuition Fees

$57,035 / year

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Overall Cost

$87,032 / year

Funding Options

Department Funding

The Penn State Smeal College of Business Master's in Business Analytics program has merit scholarships available for admitted students. All applicants are automatically considered for funding, and there is no additional application necessary. For full consideration, candidates should apply by the third round deadline. If you have additional questions, please contact the admissions team at [email protected].

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