Department of Operations and Analytics

The Department of Operations and Analytics offers the Master of Science in Business Analytics and the Graduate Certificate in Operations and Supply Chain Management. For more information about the bachelor's degrees, minors, and undergraduate certificates offered by the department, please visit the undergraduate catalog.

Master of Science Degree in Business Analytics

The Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program within the Alvarez College of Business (ACOB) at the University of Texas at San Antonio is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving field of data-driven decision-making in business. Following an interdisciplinary approach, this STEM MSBA program integrates concepts from statistics, computer science, and business domains to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of extracting actionable insights from complex data sets. Therefore, the program provides students with a solid foundation in data visualization, statistics, data mining, predictive modeling, and effective communication skills required for making optimal business decisions. The program also teaches important critical thinking and problem-solving skills through hands-on experience and analytical software to solve real-world business problems.

Program Admission Requirements

For admission to the MSBA program, applicants must meet the University-wide graduate admission requirements. Applicants are further considered based on their demonstrated potential for success in graduate study in business analytics, as indicated by a combination of prior academic achievement, personal statement, résumé, and references. The MSBA Graduate Program Committee evaluates each applicant individually based on the complete package of submitted materials.

A complete application package will include:

  • A completed application form.
  • Transcripts from all universities attended.
  • A personal statement.
  • A current résumé with employment or other experience.
  • Two optional letters of reference.
  • International applicants are required to prove proficiency in the English language by taking either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Duolingo English Test (DET). The minimum acceptable scores for admissions consideration are 79 TOEFL iBT, 6.5 IELTS, and 100 DET. Scores may not be more than two years old.

Degree Requirements

The MSBA program requires 30 semester credit hours of work. Students seeking the MSBA degree may select between two options to complete the required 30 semester credit hours.

Option 1: General MSBA Non-Thesis Option

Non-thesis students are required to complete the 18 semester credit hours of Required Business Courses and 9 semester credit hours of electives or concentration coursework. These electives may be taken either in the Alvarez College of Business or in areas outside of the college as approved by the Graduate Program Committee. Students completing the Non-Thesis Option are required to complete BAN 6703 Capstone Project in Business Analytics  in one of their final two semesters of the program with a grade of "B" (3.0) or better.

Concentrations

Students may choose to fulfill all 9 semester credit hours of elective coursework through concentration courses. Concentration options include: Accounting, Economics, Finance, and Marketing.

Option 2: General MSBA Thesis Option

Thesis students are required to complete the 18 semester credit hours of Required Business Courses and 6 semester credit hours of elective coursework. These electives may be taken either in the Alvarez College of Business or in areas outside of the college as approved by the Graduate Program Committee. Students completing the Thesis Option are required to complete 6 SCH of BAN 6983 Master's Thesis  in consultation with their advisor.   See the University's requirements for a thesis in the Master's Degree Regulations.

A. Required Business Courses18
Introduction to Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligen ce
Data Management and Analytics Integration
Data Visualization and Communication for Business Applicatio ns
Decision-Making in Business
Machine Learning for Business Analytics
Text Analytics for Business
B. Business Electives or Concentration Coursework6-9
Depending on the choice of Capstone or Thesis, students may fulfill the elective requirement by completing a minimum of 6 credit hours from the list of approved electives below or by selecting a designated concentration and completing 9 credit hours.
General Elective Options
Introduction to Statistics for Business Analytics
Marketing Analytics
Analytics for Finance and Economics
Capstone Project in Business Analytics
Business Analytics Internship
Independent Study
Special Topics in Business Analytics
Options for a Concentration in Marketing
Marketing Management
Marketing Research Design and Application
Advertising and Promotion Management
Social Media Marketing
Digital Marketing Foundations
Data Visualization and Marketing Analytics
Options for a Concentration in Economics
Applied Econometrics I
Applied Econometrics II
Causal Inference and Machine Learning
Data Analytics with Python
Options for a Concentration in Finance
Financial Management
Select an additional 6 semester credit hours from the courses below to complete this concentration.
Investment Theory and Problems
Derivatives Markets and Instruments
Modeling of Financial Decision Making
Financial Data Analytics and FinTech Lab
Credit Analysis
Options for a Concentration in Accounting
Advanced Financial Accounting
Data Analytics for Accountants
Management Control Systems
C. Capstone or Thesis3-6
Students should select either the Capstone Project or Master's Thesis. For the Capstone option, 3 semester credit hours are required. For the Thesis option, 6 semester credit hours are required.
Capstone Project in Business Analytics (with a grade of "B" or better)
Master's Thesis (repeated for 6 semester credit hours)
Total Credit Hours30

Graduate Certificate in Operations and Supply Chain Management

The Graduate Certificate in Operations and Supply Chain Management is a 12-semester-credit-hour program offered by the Department of Operations and Analytics. The Graduate Certificate in Operations and Supply Chain Management (OSCM) is designed to provide specialized training to help expand students' areas of expertise, learn about new developments in their fields, augment their professional skills, and provide credentials that help advance their careers. It certifies to employers that students awarded the certificate have completed coursework that help them understand a myriad of issues, challenges, problems, and decision tools that relate to the internal and external flow of materials and requisite knowledge. Production/operations management, logistics management, and procurement topics are included to resolve the myriad of complex problems. Moreover, this certificate program will help students discover cutting edge techniques and best practices to leverage their operations and supply chain complexities to achieve competitive advantage.

The operations and supply chain management certificate program provides specialized skills in supply chain management for:

  • Students who seek foundational knowledge of supply chain complexities, as well as a strong understanding of how companies leverage their supply chains to achieve competitive advantage
  • Experienced professionals who wish to update their knowledge of current thinking and best practices through interaction with faculty
  • Working professionals who want to supplement their undergraduate or graduate degree with graduate courses in supply chain management

Supply chain management is a broad career field where professionals are involved in every function of global commerce, including marketing, procurement, production and service operations, logistics, and inventory management. The certificate program provides students with a thorough understanding of integrated supply chain and operations activities while emphasizing skills in problem solving, communication, and teamwork.

Certificate Program Requirements

To earn a Graduate Certificate in Operations and Supply Chain Management, students must complete 12 semester credit hours from the following courses, one of which is required:

A. Required course:3
Integrated Global Supply Chain Management
B. Select three courses from the following:9
Decision Analytics for Managers
Logistics Systems Management
Pricing and Revenue Management
Supply Chain Analytics
Advanced Production and Operations Management
Service Management and Operations
Effective Project Management
Management and Control of Quality
Lean Operations and Six Sigma
Total Credit Hours12

Applicants for the Graduate Certificate in Operations and Supply Chain Management program who are currently enrolled in a graduate degree program at UT San Antonio have already met University requirements for admission. Thus, no formal application process is necessary. The applicant should contact the Certificate Program Advisor and complete a form requesting permission to enter and complete the certificate program. If the request is approved, the form will be signed by the Certificate Program Advisor and the Dean of the College of Business.

Applicants who are not currently enrolled in a graduate degree program at UT San Antonio will be required to apply for admission to UT San Antonio as a special graduate (non-degree seeking) student and to indicate their intent to seek admission into a certificate program. Applicants will be required to meet University admission requirements for special graduate students. If admitted as a special graduate student, the applicant should contact the Certificate Program Advisor and complete a form requesting permission to enter and complete the certificate program. The form will be signed by the Certificate Program Advisor and the Dean of the College of Business. A copy of this form will be sent to the Graduate School.

If it is determined by the Certificate Program Advisor that an applicant requires prerequisite background courses to adequately prepare for the courses included in the certificate program, this will be noted in the applicant's file. The applicant will be notified that the prerequisite courses must be taken before enrolling in certificate program coursework.

Any applicant who is admitted into a certificate program without being currently enrolled in a graduate degree program is considered to be a special graduate student. If the applicant wishes to be admitted into a degree program, they will be required to apply to that program as a degree-seeking student. Admittance into or completion of a certificate program is not considered to be qualification for entry into a graduate degree program. Applicants who are admitted into a certificate program while also pursuing a graduate degree will be classified as degree-seeking students.

Management Science (MS) Courses

MS 5003. Quantitative Methods for Business Analysis. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This is an introductory course in business data analytics as it applies to managerial decision-making. Topics include, but are not limited to, exploratory data analysis, probability and probability distributions, inferential statistics, chi-square tests, analysis of variance, simple and multiple linear regression, time series data analysis, and forecasting. Computer software is used to illustrate all data analytics techniques. This course has Differential Tuition.

MS 5013. Data Analytics for Managers. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course provides fundamental statistical data analytics skills for managers who are likely to encounter business challenges that require the application of statistical techniques. Topics covered include a review of statistical principles, the logic of hypothesis testing, and the role of assumptions in statistical analysis. Several statistical techniques will be covered including chi-square tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA) including multiple group comparison tests, correlation, multiple regression including dummy variable regression, time series concepts such as stationarity, and techniques including but not limited to ARIMA models and forecasting. Statistical computer software will be utilized to provide hands-on experience in analyzing data related to real-world business challenges. Emphasis will be placed upon determining the appropriate statistical technique for the problem at hand as well as the correct interpretation of results produced by the statistical tests covered. This course has Differential Tuition.

MS 5023. Decision Analytics for Managers. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: MS 5013 or an equivalent or consent of instructor. This course is a study of the applications of decision analytics techniques used in managerial decision-making. Topics include, but are not limited to, linear programming, distribution network models, project scheduling, inventory management, waiting line models, simulation, decision analysis, and Markov processes. Students will develop spreadsheet models that enable these techniques to utilize the data available to them and apply the results to business decisions. (Formerly titled "Decision Analysis and Production Management".) This course has Differential Tuition.

MS 5323. Statistical Methods for Business Analytics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: MS 5013 or an equivalent. Introduction to multivariate statistical analysis. Typical topics include multiple regression, multiple analysis of variance, logistic regression, discriminant analysis, conjoint analysis, cluster analysis, and factor analysis. Emphasizes the use of computer statistical packages. This course has Differential Tuition.

MS 5333. Introduction to Business Analytics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course introduces the basic concepts of business analytics, principles of data mining, Structured Query Language (SQL), and Big Data. It provides students an opportunity to understand how analytics can help improve decisions throughout an organization’s value chain. Presents the most prevalent methods for descriptive (e.g., cluster analysis, association analysis), predictive (e.g., multiple regression, logistic regression, decision tree methods), and prescriptive (e.g., optimization) analytics. This course has Differential Tuition.

MS 5343. Logistics Systems Management. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Study of business logistics: the process of planning, implementing, and controlling the flow and storage of goods or services and related information from point of origin to point of consumption to achieve customer satisfaction. Focuses on the cost and value added to products or services by making them available in the desired condition when and where they are needed. This course has Differential Tuition.

MS 5363. Pricing and Revenue Management. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Revenue Management is about “providing the right product to the right customers at the right time at the right price.” The main goal of this course is to apply revenue management practices to appropriate industries successfully. Specifically, the course will provide tools to forecast customer demand successfully, identify pricing and revenue opportunities, understand the impact of constrained capacity, opportunity costs, customer response, demand uncertainty and market segmentation on pricing decisions, and accordingly formulate and solve pricing optimization problems for revenue maximization. The material covered in the course assumes a basic understanding of probability and probability distributions, some knowledge of spreadsheet modeling, and using Excel Solver or similar optimization tools to get a solution. This course has Differential Tuition.

MS 5383. Supply Chain Analytics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

The main goal of this course is to integrate data analytics with supply chain management. The course will introduce data-driven models, skills, and tools for learners to manage supply chains efficiently and effectively. Specifically, the course will provide an overview of supply chain intelligence and analytics applied in the global marketplace through real-world examples and case studies, and help develop critical thinking skills in support of competition and collaboration strategies in supply chain management. Students learn to define the right data set, ask the right set of questions to drive supply chain efficiency and business value, and use the appropriate models and tools to develop data-driven decisions. This course has Differential Tuition.

MS 5393. Advanced Production and Operations Management. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Operations management as a basic function that must be performed in all business firms involves managing the activities and resources necessary to make products and/or provide services. It can be an effective competitive weapon to penetrate into markets worldwide. The course is designed to address the key operations issues in manufacturing and service organizations that have strategic as well as tactical implications. We review the methods required for design, operation, and improvements of the systems that create products or services. Topics covered include Product/Service Design, Process Strategy and Analysis, Quality and Performance, Capacity Planning & Constraint Management, Inventory Management, Forecasting, Operations Planning & Scheduling, and Resource Planning, etc. This course has Differential Tuition.

MS 5413. Integrated Global Supply Chain Management. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Focuses on effective supply chain strategies for organizations that operate globally with emphasis on how to plan and integrate supply chain components into a coordinated system. Specifically, the course seeks to integrate different perspectives from the practices of marketing, logistics, and operations management. The course will introduce key tactics such as risk pooling and inventory placement, integrated planning, and information sharing. One of the key objectives is to understand the relationship between a focal firm and its suppliers and customers. This course has Differential Tuition.

MS 5423. Service Management and Operations. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Focuses on understanding the variety of service industries (both profit and nonprofit) and the growing importance of the service industry to the economy. In addition to the traditional topics of quality, customer satisfaction and value creation, topics include service encounters, service design and development, service productivity, and globalization of services. Tools and techniques for management service operations are also emphasized. This course has Differential Tuition.

MS 5433. Effective Project Management. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Approaches project management from the perspective that the material is applicable to all disciplines and project types. It not only emphasizes individual project execution, but also provides a strategic perspective. It integrates the critical PMBoK elements in the context of cases and projects. The course examines the traditional concepts and techniques of project management for long-term development programs and short-term projects as well as introducing the innovative adaptive and extreme concepts. This course has Differential Tuition.

MS 5453. Management and Control of Quality. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

An examination of the fundamental nature of quality assurance, its strategic importance in business and industry, and the economic impact of quality. Theoretical and management issues relating to quality problem solving are emphasized. The contribution of the leaders in modern quality management are discussed. This course has Differential Tuition.

MS 5463. Lean Operations and Six Sigma. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Course provides an introduction to Six Sigma methodologies and is designed to present the fundamentals of Six Sigma and instill an understanding of what is required to build a sustainable Six Sigma structure. Lean tools, such as physical maps, time value, and Kanban are included as well as advanced Six Sigma statistical tools. This course has Differential Tuition.

MS 5493. Procurement and Inventory Management. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

A portion of this course focuses on the key issues related to the strategic implications of sourcing of products, the purchasing of goods and services, and the role of purchasing in a supply chain context. It provides students with an understanding of purchasing processes, issues, and best practices. Emphasis areas include supplier quality, relationship management, and global sourcing. Inventory control concepts, techniques, and strategies for effective integration with basic finance, marketing, and manufacturing objectives are topics covered in this course. Models for dependent and independent demand inventory systems, material requirements planning systems, distribution requirements, planning techniques, and the classical reorder point inventory model are also included. This course has Differential Tuition.

MS 6943. Management Science Internship. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing, 15 semester credit hours of graduate work, and consent of instructor. Internship must be approved in advance by the Internship Coordinator and the student’s Graduate Advisor of Record. Supervised full- or part-time off-campus work experience and training in management science. Individual conferences and written reports required. This course has Differential Tuition.

MS 6953. Independent Study. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing and permission in writing (form available) of the instructor and the student’s Graduate Advisor of Record. Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. For students needing specialized work not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to the degree. Differential Tuition: $387.

MS 6971. Special Problems. (1-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Problems courses may be repeated for credit when topics vary, but not more than 6 hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to the degree. This course has Differential Tuition.

MS 6973. Special Problems. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Problems courses may be repeated for credit when topics vary, but not more than 6 hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to the degree. This course has Differential Tuition.

MS 6983. Master's Thesis. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Permission of the Graduate Advisor of Record and thesis director. Thesis research and preparation. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours will apply to the Master’s degree. Credit will be awarded upon completion of the thesis. Enrollment is required each term in which the thesis is in progress. This course has Differential Tuition.

MS 7033. Applications in Causal Structural Modeling. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an overview of structural equation modeling (SEM) procedures, which includes, but not limited to, issues related to measurement evaluation, model selection and specification, model estimation, and model fit. An additional aim of this course is to provide students with the computer skills needed to analyze and interpret their data, especially as it related to factor analysis, path analysis, and SEM. This course also addresses supplemental topics commonly encouraged in SEM and applied research (sample size and power, missing data, non-normal data, order categorical data, etc.). This course has Differential Tuition.