Columbia University Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA)

The Columbia University Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program is a 12-month, full-time, STEM-designated program offered jointly by Columbia Business School and the Department of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research (IEOR) at Columbia Engineering in New York City. The program allows students to combine advanced technical, data-driven methods with core business strategy to prepare for data-driven business careers.

The three-semester Columbia University Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program offers a flexible curriculum that allows students to both learn advanced analytical and data science tools as well as specialize in one of four areas: Financial Analytics, Marketing Analytics, Healthcare Analytics, or Analytics Algorithms & Methodology.

The MSBA program requires a total of 36 credit points (equivalent to 12 three-credit courses) structured across three terms. Students take core foundational courses during the initial terms, including Optimization Models and Methods and Analytics in Practice, alongside a zero-credit Business Analytics Practitioners Seminar Series. The remaining coursework consists of specialized electives chosen from either the Columbia Business School (CBS) pre-approved list or the Industrial Engineering and Operations Research (IEOR) department. The program requires that students take a minimum of 15 CBS credits and 18 IEOR credits to graduate.

In order to complete one of the four focus areas/concentrations offered, MSBA students need to complete at least 9 credits of elective coursework within their chosen specialization area. For example, if a student wants to concentrate in Financial Analytics, the student needs to complete specific advanced electives such as Stochastic Models, Machine Learning for Financial Engineering & Operations Research, or Big Data in Finance, alongside other approved courses.

The Columbia University Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program has approximately 100 to 120 students enrolled, of which a high majority are international students. On average, these students possess strong quantitative undergraduate records with a competitive GPA. Their most common undergraduate majors are engineering, mathematics, computer science, statistics, economics, and business.

The Columbia MSBA program offers comprehensive career guidance and professional development via the IEOR Career Placement Team and the Columbia Engineering Professional Development & Leadership Team. Students can also access specialized business career resources through Columbia Business School’s Career Management Center (CMC).

Students receive individual career counseling from dedicated career placement officers, helping students to clarify their career goals and navigate their job search from entry through to completion and beyond. The career team provides students with effective job search strategies, resume and interview preparation, as well as access to departmental networking events, employer meet-and-greets, on-site visits, and the extensive Columbia alumni network.

For the 2026-27 academic year, the Columbia University MSBA program tuition is $93,024 ($2,584/point * 36 credit points). This does not include other fees, university services, and living expenses which are estimated to be about $16,455 for housing, food, and other personal expenses (or around $41,751 total including mandatory fees, health insurance, and student living expenses for the entire program).

Regarding financial aid, all MSBA applicants are evaluated for merit-based fellowships and scholarships, and all eligible applicants can explore private or federal student loan options. Prospective students are also encouraged to seek external funding sources, philanthropic scholarships, or government-sponsored programs.

To apply to the Columbia University MSBA Program, applicants need to submit the following materials:

• Online Application Form
• $85 non-refundable application fee
• Transcripts from every post-secondary institution attended (with certified English translations if applicable)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Resumé or Curriculum Vitae
• Personal statement
• Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test Scores (Optional for the 2026 Admission Cycle; School Code: 2111)
• Official English language test scores (TOEFL iBT/Home Edition, IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or Duolingo English Test) if applicable
• Publications (optional)
• Interview (may be requested)

The Columbia University MSBA Program Application Deadlines are as follows:

• Priority Deadline: January 15
• Regular Deadline: February 15 (final round for international and domestic applicants)