Tepper Master of Science in Business Analytics: Program Analysis

The Tepper School Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program is a rigorous, STEM-designated, nine-month full-time program tailored to meet the demand for data analysts—forecasted to grow by 25% until 2030 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

In this in-depth analysis of the Tepper MSBA program, we cover:
•    Class Profile
•    Tuition Fees and Scholarship
•    Financial Aid
•    Curriculum
•    Employment Statistics

Class Profile

The Tepper MSBA Class of 2024 represents a diverse and academically accomplished group of 123 students with strong analytical and quantitative backgrounds. The cohort comprises individuals with undergraduate degrees in disciplines such as Business, Economics, Engineering, and Mathematics/Physical Science, reflecting the program’s emphasis on technical and problem-solving skills. With an average GPA of 3.56 and GMAT scores ranging between 640 and 700, the students bring exceptional academic credentials, demonstrating their readiness for the program's rigorous curriculum.

The class is globally representative, with 80% of international students contributing to a rich multicultural learning environment and diverse perspectives on analytics challenges. Notably, 46% of the class identifies as female, emphasizing Tepper’s commitment to fostering gender diversity in a traditionally male-dominated field. On average, the students bring 1.3 years of professional experience, balancing fresh academic knowledge with practical insights. 

Tuition Fees and Scholarship

The tuition and expenses for the Tepper MSBA program reflect the comprehensive resources and high-quality education provided by Carnegie Mellon University. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the total cost of attendance for a single graduate student is estimated at $108,160, while married students can expect an estimated cost of $118,706.

Tuition for the program is $74,736, consistent across both single and married students. Living expenses, including housing and food, vary based on marital status, with single students budgeting $9,976 for housing and $4,274 for food, while married students should allocate $11,340 and $5,642, respectively. Additional costs include $1,450 for books and course materials, $2,900 for travel for single students, and $5,046 for married students. Miscellaneous personal expenses are projected at $9,240 for single students and $11,920 for married students, reflecting differences in household needs.

Standard fees include an activity fee of $238, a transportation fee of $256, and a technology fee of $460. Health insurance is estimated at $3,130 for single students and $6,118 for married students. Additionally, loan fees are estimated at $1,500. 

Financial Aid

The Tepper MSBA program offers structured and targeted financial support, ensuring students from diverse backgrounds can access and complete the program successfully. Below is an analytical overview of key financing options:

Yellow Ribbon Program

The Tepper School supports veterans through the Yellow Ribbon Program, covering tuition costs exceeding the GI Bill allowance. This initiative helps bridge the funding gap for eligible students. Annual participation levels may vary, and detailed rates are available on the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs website.

Department of Defense (DoD) SMART Scholarship

This program provides full tuition, stipends, summer internships, and guaranteed post-graduation DoD employment for STEM-focused students. It supports Tepper MSBA’s emphasis on technical skills and aligns with students pursuing impactful, analytics-driven careers in defense and research sectors.

CMU Financial Aid Support

CMU’s Student Financial Aid Office and The HUB offer resources to simplify the financial aid process. They assist with scholarships, loans, and personalized financing plans, enabling a diverse pool of candidates to access the MSBA program.

Curriculum

The Tepper MSBA program's curriculum is designed to equip students with cutting-edge knowledge in business analytics while fostering practical skills through experiential learning. The program's structure, spanning four mini-semesters (9 months), emphasizes a balanced mix of technical expertise, business acumen, and communication proficiency. Below is an analysis of the curriculum and experiential learning components.

Technical Methodology

•    Core courses in Machine Learning, Optimization, and Modern Data Management equip students with advanced tools to solve business problems.
•    Key topics include linear and nonlinear programming, big data systems (e.g., Hadoop, Apache Spark), and predictive modeling.
•    Practical applications, such as vehicle routing, scheduling, and network design, highlight the real-world relevance of technical training.

Business Knowledge Integration

•    Foundational courses like Business Fundamentals and advanced classes such as Business Value for Integrative Analytics bridge analytics and strategic decision-making.
•    Students gain exposure to multiple domains, including marketing, operations, finance, and HR analytics, preparing them for cross-functional roles.

Corporate Communication
•    Courses like Managing People and Teams and Business Communications focus on interpersonal and presentation skills. Students learn to construct compelling arguments and communicate insights to non-technical stakeholders.

Data Visualization
•    The Data Exploration course introduces principles from fields such as cognitive psychology and information design.
•    Students gain hands-on experience with visualization tools like Tableau, Excel, and R, enhancing their ability to present complex data effectively.

Programming Proficiency
•    Early exposure to Python and R ensures that students are adept at leveraging industry-standard programming languages for analytics tasks.
•    Skills like modular programming, algorithm design, and data structures lay a strong technical foundation.

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is at the heart of the Tepper MSBA curriculum. Through various Experiential Learning opportunities, students apply their analytical skills to solve real business problems. The program features projects that involve managing large data sets, developing quantitative models, and interacting with business stakeholders. In the final mini-semester, students work on a capstone project where they tackle a complex business problem and present their findings to company executives and faculty. This hands-on experience ensures that graduates are prepared to make immediate contributions to the field of business analytics.

Capstone Project

In the final stage of the program, students complete a Capstone Project, which involves integrating their learning to solve a real-world business challenge. This project enables students to apply the analytical skills they’ve developed throughout the program, from data exploration and machine learning to optimization and communication. It is a culmination of their academic training, where they design, analyze, and present solutions to business problems. By working directly with industry partners and faculty, students gain practical experience and leave the program with a portfolio of work demonstrating their business analytics capabilities.

Employment Statistics

The Tepper School of Business' Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program offers its graduates excellent employment outcomes, with an average base salary of $80,555. Graduates in North America see an even higher average base salary of $89,233, and those with 1-3 years of work experience earn an average base salary of $98,177. This demonstrates the strong demand for professionals with expertise in business analytics. 

Graduates of the program secure roles across various industries, including positions as Applied AI Analysts, Business Analysts, Data Engineers, Logistics Analysts, Management Consultants, Operations Data Analysts, Risk Strategy Analysts, and Senior Data Analysts. 

By Industry

Tepper MSBA graduates find employment in a range of industries, with the largest share going to Consulting, which accounts for 24.24% of placements. Financial Services follows closely behind, with 21.21% of graduates entering this sector. Technology makes up 12.12% of placements, reflecting the growing demand for data-driven roles in tech companies. Other notable industries include CPG (9.09%), Healthcare (9.09%), Advertising/Media/Entertainment (6.06%), and Retail/Merchandising (3.03%).

 

By Function

In terms of function, the largest group of graduates enters the IT field, comprising 36.36% of the placements. The Finance function follows with 21.21%, as companies in various sectors seek professionals with strong analytical and data management skills. Consulting also remains a popular choice, accounting for 15.15% of placements. Other functions include Marketing (12.12%) and Logistics (9.09%), which reflects the versatility of the MSBA degree in catering to different business needs.

 

Top Employers

Tepper MSBA graduates are recruited by some of the most prestigious companies across industries. Among the top employers are UPMC, a leading healthcare provider, and Deloitte, a global consulting firm. Other notable employers include IBM - a major player in technology; Chime - a fintech company; Capital One - a financial services leader; and McKinsey & Company - a top consulting firm. These companies seek Tepper MSBA graduates for their deep analytical expertise, ability to solve complex problems, and strong business acumen.

•    UPMC
•    Deloitte
•    IBM
•    Chime
•    Capital One
•    McKinsey & Company

Application Process

The Tepper MSBA application process is designed to evaluate candidates comprehensively, ensuring a diverse and capable cohort. While no single component holds fixed weight, all parts contribute to assessing the applicant's readiness and alignment with the program’s rigorous curriculum.

Application Deadlines

With four rounds of admissions—October 21, January 13, March 10, and May 12—applicants can plan their submissions strategically. Early applications may provide an advantage in securing spots and scholarships.

Application Components

The process includes several essential elements:
•    Online Application Form: A straightforward yet crucial starting point.
•    Resume: A 1–2 page document showcasing educational and professional achievements, formatted professionally for clarity.
•    Essays:
A written essay (500 words) on the philosophy of helping others achieve their potential, its professional application, and how it influences leadership aspirations.
o    An optional essay allows applicants to address resume gaps or unique contexts.
o    A video essay provides a platform to articulate post-MSBA career goals with specifics about industries, roles, and long-term plans.

Additional Requirements:
•    Professional Recommendation: One letter, preferably from a supervisor, highlighting professional competencies and work ethic.
•    Academic Credentials: Unofficial transcripts showcasing expertise in mathematics, statistics, and programming.
•    Test Scores: GMAT, GRE, or English proficiency tests (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo) are required unless waivers or exceptions apply.

Test Waiver Policy

Candidates can request GMAT/GRE waivers, evaluated case-by-case based on academic readiness. Importantly, a waiver does not imply admission, but applying with one will not impact scholarship eligibility.

Application Fee

A $125 fee completes the submission.

Tepper evaluates applications with a broad perspective, considering professional experience, academic preparation, and personal narratives. This process ensures the selection of candidates who align with the program’s STEM-focused, analytics-driven objectives while fostering a collaborative learning environment.

 Reference

• Tepper MSBA