Master of Business Analytics

MBAn Curriculum

The courses listed below provide a window into the MBAn academic experience. Names, numbers, instructors, and descriptions are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please see the MIT subject catalog.

Explore Approved ORC Electives

Apply Now

Courses and Units

By the end of the 12-month program, you will have completed anywhere from 111 to 147 units of classwork. MBAn students take up to 66 units per term, with a maximum of 54 units from MIT Sloan courses.

2024-2025 Course Guide

15.003 Analytics Tool (3):
Get familiar with different analytics topics, programming languages, and software tools. (Python, R, Julia/JuMP, Github, etc.)

15.072 Analytics Edge (12):
Examines how data analytics transforms businesses and industries, using examples and case studies in e-commerce, healthcare, social media, high technology, sports, the internet, and beyond.

15.C57 Optimization Methods (12):
Introduces the principal algorithms for linear, network, discrete, robust, nonlinear, and dynamic optimization. Emphasizes methodology and the underlying mathematical structures.
This subject was previously listed as 15.093/6.7200/IDS.200.

15.095 Machine Learning Under a Modern Optimization Lens (12):
Develops algorithms for central problems in machine learning from a modern optimization perspective.

15.572 Analytics Lab: Action Learning Seminar on Analytics, Machine Learning, and the Digital Economy (9):
Student teams design and deliver a project using analytics, machine learning, large data sets, or other digital innovations to create or transform a business or other organization. Culminates with presenting results to an audience that includes IT experts, entrepreneurs, and executives.

15.681 From Analytics to Action (6):
Develops an appreciation for organizational dynamics and competence in navigating social networks, working in a team, demystifying rewards and incentives, leveraging the crowd, understanding change initiatives, and making sound decisions.

+ One Optional Unrestricted Elective (0-12 units)

IAP holds great significance for MBAn students as it is a bustling and crucial period. Apart from the required courses, MBAn students are also required to engage in the Analytics Capstone Kick-Off, and Company Pitches and prepare for their Capstone interviews & matching.

15.089 Analytics Capstone Project (24 units spanning IAP, Spring, and Summer):
Practical application of business analytics problems within a real company. Teams of 1-2 students, matched with company projects, visit companies to define the project and scope.

15.287 Communication and Persuasion through Data (3):
Focuses on the strategic and tactical use of data to move others to take (the correct) action. Sharpens communication skills via practice and real-world examples.

15.630 Ethics & Data Privacy (3)

15.003 Analytics Tool (3):
Get familiar with different analytics topics, programming languages, and software tools. (Python, R, Julia/JuMP, Github, etc.)

15.089 Analytics Capstone Project (24 units spanning IAP, Spring, and Summer):
Practical application of business analytics problems within a real company. Teams of 1-2 students, matched with company projects, visit companies to define the project and scope.

+ Analytics Electives (27 minimum units must be taken from the Analytics Core, and students can enroll in up to 48 maximum elective units)

Unique Analytics Capstone Project Model

The Master of Business Analytics program includes an Analytics Capstone Project, where students collaborate with industry professionals to tackle real-world data science challenges. This seven-month project, with a tuition offset of over $22K, pairs two students with sponsor organizations in the U.S. and abroad. From February to May, students work on campus, guided by faculty advisors, and then intern full-time with their hosts during the summer. After completing the internship and submitting a final report and presentation in August, students graduate with their degree.

MIT Analytics Capstone

Want to give students real-world experience solving data challenges?

Become an analytics capstone host organization

Opportunity to Conduct Research with Faculty

Explore a diverse array of applications and methodologies in operations research and analytics by applying for a research assistantship with affiliated faculty and senior staff from MIT Sloan and MIT Operations Research Center.

FACULTY IMPACT

The Polls and the US Presidential Election in 2020 ….and 2024 (A. Barnett). Learn more.
Covid‐19 infection risk on US domestic airlines (A. Barnett). Learn more.
Redesign national lung transplant allocation system using data analytics. Learn more.
Building a predictive model to capture risk of developing infection in patients receiving chemotherapy (D. Bertsimas)
Researching a new algorithm to control user social behavior on a running app, in order to maximize usage/running (V. Farias)
Improve sales forecasting and optimize shop floor display assortment using RFIC data for Zara (G. Perakis)
Optical Character Recognition (text in images) for commodity supply chain network in Indonesia (N. Trichakis)
Optimization of the scheduling and routing of Boston School Buses (D. Bertsimas)
Predicting crop prices and optimizing network flow for rural famers of India (K. Zheng)