FAQs
Core management, finance, and accounting knowledge are essential, but tech innovations are challenging leaders to add new skills to their teams. The ability to capture, organize, analyze, and use data to make better business decisions is now at the forefront of our world. Our 100% online AACSB-accredited MSBA degree will prepare you to exceed these data-driven challenges and maintain a competitive edge.
There are many benefits of earning Villanova’s Master of Science in Business Analytics degree compared to a general analytics certificate. Villanova’s top-ranked online MSBA expands students’ proficiency with courses covering data models and structured analysis, data, text and web mining, optimization, and simulation, along with programming in R and Python — rather than specializing in one industry topic. These hands-on skills are transferable, allowing you to expand your expertise while exceeding your career aspirations.
The MSBA is a 100% online program that allows for the flexibility of starting in the Fall or Spring semester. Our MSBA offers part-time classes designed for working professionals. Villanova’s MSBA program does not have a residency requirement.
The MSBA can be completed in five semesters (18 months). Students follow a prescribed matriculation path to complete the degree in this time period.
The MSBA program is designed to provide flexibility to busy working professionals while letting students stay fully engaged with faculty and classmates. Courses are primarily delivered in an asynchronous environment using a combination of tools such as recorded presentations, discussion forums and interactive case studies to let students learn according to their own schedule. However, select synchronous elements, including online discussion sessions (all recorded so you can watch them on your own schedule) and virtual office hours, are also incorporated into each course.
All students are required to have a Windows PC with Excel 2010 or newer. Throughout the program, faculty members will employ a variety of different software packages, some of which do not work on a Mac. To avoid issues with conflicting security requirements and administrative settings, it is also highly recommended that students do not use a work computer.
Villanova University has joined the Data Analytics Association. As a benefit of this, all students receive a free membership to the DAA. Membership provides individuals with an array of benefits focusing on:
Professional Development
Career Resources
Community and Networking
To fulfill the requirements of the MSBA curriculum, candidates must complete 30 credits. Courses cannot be waived based on undergraduate coursework.
The ideal MSBA candidate has a technical, quantitative background that has been demonstrated in a professional and/or academic environment. Emphasis during the admissions process will be placed on performance in courses such as Statistics, Research Analysis, and Business Intelligence. Responsibilities in roles that require data analysis, data mining, statistical analysis, and interpretation are indicators of preparedness for success in Villanova's MSBA program.
Prospective students will be required to complete an online application, inclusive of two essays and a professional resume, and submit two letters of recommendation and an official transcript from each institution attended. The GMAT or GRE is optional, but strongly recommended for individuals with a non-technical background or an undergraduate GPA lower than 3.0. In addition, international applicants must submit a TOEFL score and a transcript evaluation.
The application deadline for Fall is July 15 and Spring is November 30. Students can expect a decision within 5 business days.
Yes. All students must have completed an undergraduate or graduate course in statistics (with a minimum grade of B) prior to starting the MSBA program.
The GMAT or GRE is not required for admission into the program. However, under the following circumstances the GMAT or GRE is strongly recommended:
Candidates with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of under a 3.0.
Candidates with less than 2 years of post-graduate work experience.
Candidates who have been out of school for more than 10 years and do not have technical work experience.
Tuition for the MSBA is $1,765 per credit. Financial assistance in the form of student loans is available. Please note that costs and fees are subject to change. In addition, the university assesses a $100 general fee each semester.
The Villanova School of Business is pleased to offer merit scholarships to academically and professionally accomplished students. Scholarship offers and award amounts will be determined by a holistic review of your application for admission and thorough evaluation of a variety of indicators, including (but not limited to) rigor of coursework, undergraduate GPA, your professional accomplishments, and standardized test scores. Students will be evaluated for scholarship awards during the evaluation process. Once admitted, if you are not awarded a scholarship, you can submit a Scholarship Request Form, which will appear on the Application Status Page. Once submitted, the request will be reviewed for merit award eligibility. An additional essay will be required when submitting this form.
Scholarship decisions are typically made within a week of submitting the form. If you have any questions about the scholarship process, please reach out to our admissions representatives.
Villanova University’s Office of Veterans and Military Service Members is committed to guiding each individual from admissions to graduation, and beyond. Review the VA Education Checklist for a step-by-step guide on how to utilize your benefits. For any additional questions, you can reference the Office’s FAQ, or send an email to veterans@villanova.edu.