Specialized Master in Business - Analytics
Master the descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics skills businesses rely on to drive innovation, increase productivity and inform decision-making.
The Specialized Master in Business - Analytics (SMB-A) program is designed to develop next-generation managers capable of leveraging practical approaches to analysis, informed decision-making and systems thinking. Our program equips students with real-world knowledge of how applied statistics, applications in machine learning and data visualization tactics can be used to inform advances in productivity, market position, and business innovation.
The flexible online format consists of core course work, electives and an integrated capstone experience. Options allow professionals to acquire graduate-level knowledge and credentials in business analytics in as little as 10 months, or at a slower part-time pace.
U.S. News & World Report 2025 (non-MBA ranking)
SMB-A Highlights
With no minimum work experience required, the program is open to everyone, however, quantitative skills and/or relevant work history are highly valued. If you are already working with business data, this is your chance to accelerate your career trajectory. If you are eager to shift into the growing field of management analytics, here is your opportunity. Whatever the case, the time for your next level of mastery is now.
Thanks to the blended learning format, anyone can choose the 10-month full-time or part-time options. Busy working professionals may consider balancing work, education, and personal commitments by choosing the part-time option or opt for a more rigorous full-time schedule.
No matter which option you choose, you'll benefit from synchronous and asynchronous learning. Synchronous coursework can be completed in-person or via live-stream. Download the curriculum sheet to learn more.
Become a future data-savvy manager and leader in business analytics. Our SMB-A graduates can:
- Demonstrate fluency in working with data and an understanding of data acquisition and management in organizations to meet specified business objectives.
- Conceptualize real-world problems, identify data requirements, engage in rigorous critical thinking, and develop innovative solutions through the application of (a) descriptive; (b) predictive; and (c) prescriptive data analytic methods and techniques.
- Demonstrate competence in communicating tractable results and integrated insights that inform organizational decision-making.
- Apply business knowledge in management analytics, including team leadership.
- Identify and evaluate ethical issues surrounding data and its use in decision making.
- Learn systems thinking, which involves taking a broad and pragmatic perspective when analyzing structures, patterns, and feedback mechanisms in real-world contexts. you'll have the correct mindset to address chronic issues others may have been unable to solve.
- As technology advances and companies seek efficiency and cost savings, employment of data analysts are projected to grow 25 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- 69% of employers prefer job candidates with data science and analytics skills in 2021 compared to those without. (Gallup’s Data Science and Analytics Higher Education Survey)
- A study by Deloitte reveals that 65.2% of respondents are already utilizing some type of analytics to support their business needs.
- 87% of respondents said their organizations are facing skill shortages in areas like data analytics according to McKinsey’s survey of 1,216 executives and managers across financial, retail, health, automotive and telecom industries.
Every SMB-A student has access to a dedicated team of career services professionals including an experienced career coach, professional development coach and academic advisor. This team will work with you to understand your academic needs and professional goals. The Office of Career Management, dedicated solely to providing Fisher students and alumni with award-winning career consultation and professional development, provides lifelong career services that leverage the breadth of Fisher and Ohio State’s partner and alumni networks. Its robust career services include seminars, workshops, job fairs, networking events only available at Fisher.
Attend an overview webinar with SMB-A Co-Director, John Draper
Live streaming option: Earn the degree from anywhere
The SMB-A program has added flexibility for busy working professionals, which dramatically expands the program's reach beyond the Columbus Metro area. Students living 50+ miles away from Ohio State’s main campus can live-stream* Saturday sessions to complete the 25 percent in-person portion of each class online. This flexibility means eligible candidates can earn the degree from anywhere. Eligibility questions? E-mail fcob-smb-a@fisher.osu.edu.
The Ohio State University is authorized to offer the Specialized Master in Business - Analytics program in all 50 states. For more info on state authorization requirements and disclosures related to online programs, visit our state authorization page.
Test-optional for applicants
SMB-A program is test-optional. Test optional means we allow you to opt-out of submitting GMAT/GRE test scores to be considered for admission. Applying to the SMB-A program as test-optional does not guarantee a favorable admission decision, and your application will be reviewed holistically. We encourage prospective students (working professionals and straight out of undergrad) to take the GRE or GMAT and share their scores with us if you think they reflect your ability and potential.
Questions? I'm here to help!
Hello! My name is Amanda Willenberg, a graduate recruiter for the Specialized Master in Business-Analytics (SMB-A) program at Ohio State. Whether you’re just starting your exploration or ready to apply, I’m here to provide personalized support. Please don’t hesitate to contact me—I look forward to helping you achieve your goals!
Schedule a Meeting
Contact Fisher's Graduate Programs Office directly to schedule on-campus activities such as in-person meetings, class visits and campus tours. We will do our best to accommodate your request in-person or virtually within university guidelines.