The University of Arizona Masters of Business Analytics Interview

Bruce Watson PortraitBruce Watson, Manager of Graduate Program Recruitment at Eller College of Management with The University of Arizona joins us today to discuss their Master of Science in Business Analytics degree program.

Bruce offers a fantastic insight into the University of Arizona’s accredited data analytics master’s program with a number of dual-degree options taught by world-class faculty.


1. Can you tell us about the business analytics program offered at The University of Arizona? *

Our Master’s in Business Analytics program provides students with a dive deep into advanced analytics to explore real-world applications for data-driven decision making. Using actual company data sets to solve business problems, build marketing strategies and identify new opportunities, students are able to work with top researchers who teach methods so new that they’re not in any textbooks. After our program, students are prepared to make an impact wherever their career takes them.

2. Is the GMAT & GRE required for acceptance into the program? Do international students have the same requirement? *

Yes, we require GMAT or GRE scores from all applicants, regardless of their residency. Students make take the exam of their choice. We do not have a preference for one over the other.

3. How long does a typical business analytics program take at The University of Arizona? What is the maximum and minimum time of completion? *

Our program is offered in either a 10 or 16 month format. The 10-month program begins in August each year with students graduating the following spring. The 16 month program begins in August each year and ends in December of the next year.

4. What do you think makes The University of Arizona business analytics program stand out from other programs offered by similar schools in your region*

In addition to being taught by our world-class faculty, students in Eller’s MSBA program are able to select from a number of dual degree options and can combine our MSBA degree with our MBA , MS in Accounting, MS in Finance, MS Management Information Systems, or MS in Marketing. This allows our students to tailor their experience to fit their goals. We also offer the option for students to take the program in two formats, either 10 or 16 months to fit their needs.

5. How important would you say accreditation is when choosing a business analytics program? *

Accreditation can play a crucial role in a student’s academic future. Often, universities and colleges will prefer or require that a student’s degree comes from a school with certain accreditation standard. Accreditation is a college’s or university’s way to show that they comply with rigorous standards of quality. As such, it is important for each student to do their research when selecting a program, regardless of what field they choose.

6. What are the advantages of earning a business analytics degree in general and where are you seeing employer demand with this degree? *

Analytics is one of the fastest growing and highest-demand fields today. The application for this type of degree is quite broad, with graduates going on to retail, supply chain, healthcare, business, fashion, and many other sectors and industries. The quantitative skillset that a student can gain in this area can open doors to so many possibilities. At Eller, we pride ourselves at having some of the best faculty in the world who bring their many years of industry experience with them to keep our student’s on the cutting edge.

7. Does The University of Arizona offer job placement for students who graduate with a business analytics degree? *

While we are not able to guarantee job placement as part of our graduate programs, we are here to set you up for success. Our graduate programs staff can assist students with resume reviews, mock interviews, letters of recommendation, and networking to connect with industry partners.

8. What type of financial aid packages are available for students in business analytics? Are there any fellowships, grants, and scholarships available? *

At this time, we are not able to offer scholarships or fellowships. Students may qualify for financial aid or loans through public, private, or governmental pathways depending on their individual situation.

9. Do you have any advice for students enrolling in a business analytics program at your university? *

Business Analytics is a constantly evolving field with a demand for students with strong quantitative skills. My advice is to do your research, select a program that is a good fit for you, and have a passion for math, statistics, data, and most importantly learning. Data is increasingly used to make a major decision in all industries and students who are interested in this area should be naturally curious and dedicated to staying informed.

10. What do you enjoy most about your position at The University of Arizona? *

I enjoy the diversity of the student population here at Eller. It is very fulfilling to see students from all walks of life take the steps necessary to achieve their goals and I enjoy being a part of that journey.

SEE ALSO: Arizona Masters in Business Analytics Degrees

For more information on the business analytics program offered at Eller College of Management at The University of Arizona, visit them online. Thank you for sharing and participating in this piece.

That concludes our interview!

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Business Analytics Interview

Dr. Murad Moqbel, Director, Master of Science in Business Analytics Program and Assistant Professor of Information Systems at the Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship, joins us today to discuss their Online Master of Science in Business Analytics degree program.

Dr. Moqbel offers fantastic insight into UTRGV’s AACSB accredited data analytics master’s program offered with an Online option.


1. Can you tell us about the Online business analytics program offered at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley? *

The 100% online Master of Science in Business Analytics program from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) AACSB-accredited Robert C. Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship will prepare students to solve problems in business and organizational contexts which require the application of information systems to carry out sophisticated business analytics techniques. Students will be knowledgeable and skilled in data selection, collection, preparation and storage, visualization, and analysis using data analytics techniques such as data mining, machine learning, text mining, social media analytics, big data, and enterprise analytics. Students will obtain hands-on experience with cutting-edge analytics tools and software such as R, Python and Tableau. Students can take 7-week courses in a 100% online format with a total of 33 credit hours. Courses include 24 core credit hours and nine elective credit hours.

2. Is the GMAT & GRE required for acceptance into the Online program? Do international students have the same requirement? *

A GMAT or GRE scores are required, but a waiver is available if a student has either of the following (1) a graduate degree (Masters of doctoral), (2) 3.25 or higher overall undergraduate GPA or 3.5 or higher GPA in last 60 hours, (3) Holds a professional certification of high standards (e.g., CPA, CFA). Yes.

3. How long does a typical Online business analytics program take at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley? What is the maximum and minimum time of completion? *

The average student graduates in approximately one year and a half. However, students can graduate in one year as well or take as much as two years to graduate.

4. What do you think makes the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Online business analytics program stand out from other programs offered by similar schools in your region*

We have the following:

1- Affordable tuition
2- AACSB-Accredited program
3- STEM-Certified program
4- Accelerated 7-week courses
5- GMAT waiver available
6- High salary potential after graduating from the program

SEE ALSO: Best Online Master’s in Business Analytics Degree Rankings

5. How important would you say accreditation is when choosing an Online business analytics program? *

Very important because it indicates the quality of the program.

6. What are the advantages of earning a business analytics degree in general and where are you seeing employer demand with this degree? *

There is a high demand for individuals with analytics skills. For example, by 2020, it is predicted that there will be 2.7 million job postings for data science and data analytics roles.

7. Does the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offer job placement for students who graduate with a business analytics degree? *

We are working on it.

8. What type of financial aid packages are available for students in business analytics? Are there any fellowships, grants, and scholarships available? *

Students admitted into the program as full-time students are eligible to apply for graduate assistantships and any other scholars available at UTRGV.

9. Do you have any advice for students enrolling in a business analytics program at your university? *

I would say it is a commitment to pursue such a degree. Although it will be challenging at times, it will be rewarding at the end.

10. What do you enjoy most about your position at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley? *

Working with and helping students succeed.


For more information on the online business analytics program offered at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, visit them online.

Thank you for sharing and participating in this piece.

That concludes our interview!