Management - Business Analytics MS

50 units of course work are required for the degree. All courses must be at the graduate level. In exceptional circumstances, a maximum of four units of 500-series graduate course work may be applied to fulfillment of the total course requirements. The curriculum consists of four components: (1) core courses; (2) a summer internship; (3) an applied business analytics project; and (4) industry applications (electives).

The Master of Science in Business Analytics requires all students to complete core courses in four broad areas: Programming and Data Management methods, Model Development and Construction, Business Analytics, and Industry Applications. The first three quarters (Fall, Winter, Spring) are completed on-campus at UCLA Anderson with 36 units required over these three terms. The summer is dedicated to an internship, supervised by an Anderson faculty member. The four-unit summer internship, MGMTMSA 411, is intended to provide students with practical experience applying their business analytics knowledge in a real-world setting and strengthening their competitive position in the marketplace upon graduation. In addition, it is expected that the internship provides the basis for the student’s required applied business analytics project course (four units), which is completed during the second fall quarter. During the second fall quarter, students are also required to take six units of industry applications courses. The final two weeks of the second fall quarter features project presentations and the graduation ceremony for students.

Teaching Experience

Not required.

Field Experience

Summer internship required.

M.S. in Business Analytics students are required to do an internship with a company in their proposed area of study (business analytics). Students should expect to devote at least 80 hours during the term to their internship, and should be prepared to provide regular activity reports to their faculty adviser. Students considering research positions may also discuss their plans with the M.S. in Business Analytics program faculty director in order to develop alternative fieldwork opportunities. Students who, due to exceptional circumstances, are unable to complete an internship as part of their M.S. in Business Analytics program may work with the faculty director to develop a special research project to meet this requirement. Students’ summer internship experiences are evaluated by their faculty adviser through enrollment in MGMTMSA 411 (four units). Evaluation may consist of any combination of written or oral presentations.

Capstone Plan

The capstone plan requirement is fulfilled by successful completion of the applied business analytics four-unit project course, MGMTMSA 412, with a grade of “B” or better. Teams of students complete a project that is designed to provide an in-depth exposure to at least one major task they will be expected to fulfill in the workplace. The project must develop or utilize existing business analytics tools and techniques. Three UCLA faculty members supervise the project to ensure that the students’ work and contribution adhere to the rigorous academic requirements of the program. Evaluation consists of a combination of a written and oral presentation based on individual and team efforts.

Thesis Plan

None.

Time-to-Degree

Approximately 15 months (4 quarters) from graduate admission to award of the degree, plus a summer internship.

MAXIMUM TTD

Termination of Graduate Study and Appeal of Termination

University Policy

A student who fails to meet the above requirements may be recommended for termination of graduate study. A graduate student may be disqualified from continuing in the graduate program for a variety of reasons. The most common is failure to maintain the minimum cumulative grade point average (3.00) required by the Academic Senate to remain in good standing (some programs require a higher grade point average). Other examples include failure of examinations, lack of timely progress toward the degree and poor performance in core courses. Probationary students (those with cumulative grade point averages below 3.00) are subject to immediate dismissal upon the recommendation of their department. University guidelines governing termination of graduate students, including the appeal procedure, are outlined in Standards and Procedures for Graduate Study at UCLA.

UCLA is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and by numerous special agencies. Information regarding the University's accreditation may be obtained from the Office of Academic Planning and Budget, 2107 Murphy Hall.