Accreditation and Approvals
- AACSB International Accreditation — Earned by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide. The Jack C. Massey College of Business is AACSB-accredited at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
- SACSCOC — Belmont University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- STEM Designation — CIP Code Grad. 30.7001. Qualifies international graduates for a two-year OPT extension (three years total post-graduation work authorization).
Program at a Glance
- Format: 100% online, asynchronous
- Credit Hours: 30
- Program Length: 5 semesters | 21 months
- Tuition: $865 per credit hour; scholarships available
- Program Start: Fall 2026
- STEM Designated: Yes (extended OPT eligibility for international students)
- Accreditation: AACSB-accredited
- Weekly Faculty Meetings: 1:1 virtual sessions with professors
- Capstone Projeget: Required
- Career Pathways: Data Analyst | Data Engineer | Data Scientist
- WiTT Discount: 20% tuition discount for Women in Technology of Tennessee members
Why choose a Master of Science in Applied Analytics at Belmont University?
Belmont's M.S. in Applied Analytics prepares early- and mid-career professionals to lead with data. Through a curriculum designed by industry experts and delivered in an executive-style online format, you'll gain hands-on skills in Python, SQL, machine learning, AI and data visualization — all while working full time. The AACSB-accredited program blends technical depth with ethical frameworks and business strategy, equipping you to translate complex data into decisions that drive results. Weekly virtual meetings with faculty provide the personalized support of a traditional classroom within a flexible, asynchronous structure.
Program Distinctions
Industry-Designed Curriculum: Coursework built by analytics professionals and subject matter experts — not adapted from a textbook. You'll work with tools and techniques used in the field today.
Applied, Ethical Framework: Every course integrates ethical decision-making alongside technical skill-building, preparing you to lead responsibly in a data-driven world.
Executive-Style Learning: Top-tier asynchronous instruction paired with weekly 1:1 faculty meetings gives you the flexibility of online learning with the accountability of an in-person program.
Massey for Life: Alumni can audit any Massey Graduate School of Business course for free and retain lifelong access to the Career Development Center.
Is the MSAA the Right Fit for You?
The MSAA serves professionals seeking to grow or pivot at every career stage:
Career Advancer: Mid-career professionals in business, health care, finance or operations who want to add analytics and AI expertise to their leadership toolkit.
Career Launcher: Early-career professionals or recent graduates looking to enter the data analytics field with a competitive, STEM-designated credential.
Career Pivoter: Professionals in non-technical roles — marketing, supply chain, HR, education — who want to transition into data-focused positions.
International Professional: STEM designation provides up to three years of post-graduation work authorization in the U.S. through extended OPT eligibility.
No business or tech undergraduate degree required. The Summer Business Institute helps students from any background complete prerequisites.
What You'll Learn
Each course is built for immediate application. You'll build technical expertise and strategic thinking in the context of real-world data challenges.
By the end of the program, you'll be able to:
Analyze Data: Clean, prepare and interpret data using Python, SQL and visualization tools to support business decisions.
Engineer Solutions: Design and build data pipelines, database systems and cloud-based architectures that convert raw data into usable formats.
Model and Predict: Develop, train and tune machine learning and AI models to solve problems and generate actionable insights.
Communicate with Data: Tell compelling data stories through visualization, dashboards and narrative techniques that influence stakeholders.
Think Strategically: Leverage analytics as a business strategy tool, integrating data governance, ethical frameworks and organizational goals.
Lead Ethically: Navigate data privacy, bias and governance challenges with integrity and professional responsibility.
Three Career Pathways
The MSAA curriculum builds three career pathways through 30 credit hours of coursework in statistics, computer science, data science and business strategy.
Data Analyst Python, SQL, data visualization and storytelling techniques to translate business needs into data-driven solutions.
Data Engineer Database systems, data architecture, ETL tools, cloud deployment and pipeline optimization to convert raw data into usable formats.
Data Scientist Machine learning, AI, predictive modeling and large language models to solve problems, make predictions and generate actionable insights.
Program Details
Core Curriculum (30 Credit Hours)
- BSA 6010: Understanding the Data Environment
- BSA 6050: Database Modeling, Design and Analysis
- BSA 6100: Fundamentals of Programming with Python
- BSA 6150: Visual Analytics and Data Storytelling
- BSA 6350: Regression Analysis
- BSA 6650: Data Engineering
- BSA 6750: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- BSA 6900: Analytics as a Business Strategy (includes capstone presentation)
Plus two electives from options including health care analytics, predictive analytics, enterprise model deployment, marketing analytics, entrepreneurship, negotiation and more.
Online and Asynchronous: Learn on your schedule. All coursework is available online with no required campus visits outside of the final capstone presentation.
Weekly Faculty Support: Meet virtually with your professor each week for questions, feedback and guidance.
Industry Expert Faculty: Professors bring real-world experience in data analytics, AI and business strategy — not just theory.
Executive-Style Format: High-quality asynchronous instruction developed with Belmont's instructional design team, combined with weekly synchronous sessions for engagement and accountability.
Capstone Presentation: All students present their capstone projects on the Belmont University campus, sharing insights and accomplishments with peers, faculty and industry professionals.
Massey for Life: MSAA alumni can audit any Massey Graduate School of Business course for free and retain lifelong access to the Career Development Center.
Graduates qualify for high-demand roles including:
- Data Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Data Engineer
- Business Analyst
- Market Research Analyst
- Health Care Data Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Sports Analyst
All students must complete prerequisite courses before entering the program:
- Accounting I and II
- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomics
- Statistics
Need to complete prerequisites?
The Summer Business Institute (SBI) covers all prerequisite coursework in 12 weeks with classes two weeknights per week and asynchronous Saturday sessions.
TO APPLY FOR SUMMER to the MSAA to complete your prerequisites - Contact the admission coordinator for a special invitation code.
The following items are required to complete the application:*
- Submit an application and a $58.00 fee through BusinessCAS (Belmont does not charge an additional fee)
- Upload a one-page essay on personal and professional goals
- Upload a current résumé
- Send official university transcripts from schools you attended to BusinessCAS (not Belmont)
- Provide the names and email addresses of two recommenders (no family members, pastors or friends)
- Optional: GMAT or GRE score (encouraged, but not required)
- Complete an interview in person or via Zoom
International Applicants who attended college outside the U.S. may need to provide an official transcript evaluation and English Proficiency test score.
View requirements for international applicants
Tuition: $865 per credit hour; scholarships available
Scholarship Priority Deadline: March 1
Funding Options
- Merit scholarships (no seperate application required; GMAT/GRE scores encouraged)
- Graduate assistantships
- Belmont Bruin Alumni Grant (20% tuition reduction for Belmont graduates)
- WiTT member discount (20%)
- Employer tuition assistance / Corportate Partners Program
- Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans (up to $20,500/year)
- Interest-free payment plans through Nelnet
Ready to take the next step?
Sample Course Sequence
| Semester | Courses |
|---|---|
| Fall Year 1 | BSA 6010: Understanding the Data Environment, BSA 6050: Database Modeling, Design and Analysis |
| Spring Year 1 | BSA 6100: Fundamentals of Programming with Python, BSA 6150: Visual Analytics and Data Storytelling |
| Summer Year 2 | BSA 6350: Regression Analysis, BSA 6650: Data Engineering |
| Fall Year 2 | BSA 6750: AI and Machine Learning, MBA Elective |
| Spring Year 2 | BSA 6900: Analytics as a Business Strategy + Capstone, MBA Elective |
Voice of Experience
Lauren Burlet
Master of Science in Applied Analytics
Senior Data Analyst, Broadcast Music Inc.
“The MSAA program has had a profound impact on my career. Not only did it give me the opportunity to change industries and find a position that made sense for me, but it also gave me the tools to become more confident and capable in my abilities as a data analyst.”
John Bruin
Applied Analytics
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The program is 100% online and asynchronous, designed for working professionals. You'll meet virtually with your professor once a week, but all coursework can be completed on your own schedule. The only on-campus requirement is the capstone presentation.
Belmont offers an MSAA/MBA dual degree that can be completed in two years. The program combines advanced data analytics and AI tools with business leadership skills, preparing graduates for high-impact careers in consulting, operations, finance and technology.
The program is 30 credit hours. The MSAA follows a lockstep course sequence that is completed across five semesters or 21 months.
No. Students from a variety of undergraduate backgrounds are welcome. However, prerequisite courses in accounting, economics and statistics must be completed before enrollment. The Summer Business Institute can help you meet those requirements.
The MSAA is designed for early- to mid-career professionals who want to build or deepen expertise in data analytics, AI and data science. It's a strong fit for professionals in business, health care, finance, marketing, operations and technology — as well as those looking to transition into data-focused roles from non-technical backgrounds.
No. Standardized test scores are encouraged but not required. Submitting a GMAT or GRE score can increase merit scholarship eligibility.
Yes. Merit scholarships are awarded automatically upon admission (no separate application). Additional funding options include graduate assistantships, the Belmont Bruin Alumni Grant (20% tuition reduction for Belmont graduates), the WiTT member discount (20%), employer tuition assistance and federal student loans. Apply and be admitted by March 1 for best scholarship opportunities.
A STEM designation means the program meets federal criteria for science, technology, engineering or math education. For international students, this qualifies graduates for a two-year extension of Optional Practical Training, allowing up to three years of post-graduation work authorization in the U.S.
Graduates are prepared for roles including data analyst, data scientist, data engineer, business analyst, health care data analyst, financial analyst, market research analyst and sports analyst across industries including health care, finance, marketing, technology and consulting.
The program is built around three career pathways — data analyst, data engineer and data scientist — with curriculum designed by industry experts. Weekly 1:1 faculty meetings, AACSB accreditation, an applied capstone project and the Massey for Life alumni benefit (free course auditing and lifelong career services) set it apart.
Learn from Industry-Expert Faculty
In the MSAA program, you'll learn from faculty who bring both academic rigor and real-world analytics experience. Each professor combines scholarship with professional practice in data science, AI, business systems and analytics — and they're committed to mentoring professionals who want to make a meaningful impact with data. Rooted in Belmont's mission to develop leaders of purpose, character and wisdom, our faculty integrate theory, ethics and applied learning to help you think critically, lead responsibly and build with data.
Gary Garrison
Email: gary.garrison@belmont.edu
Office Location: Jack C. Massey Center, Room 445
Email: alex.hoffman@belmont.edu
Office Location: Jack C. Massey Center 444
Contact Us
Jack C. Massey College of Business
Carrie Finnegan
Graduate Recruiting & Admissions Counselor
615.460.6171
Email Carrie