Professional MBA in Business Data Analytics

Houston Christian University’s Professional MBA in Business Data Analytics delivers specialized expertise for analytical leadership excellence. This structured 33-credit-hour STEM-designated program combines core business competencies with advanced specialization in business data analytics methodologies, business intelligence, and strategic decision-making. Small class environments foster direct engagement with distinguished faculty who bring decades of industry expertise in analytics and executive-level insight through hands-on, computer-based learning using industry-standard software.

A program highlight is the BUSA6395 International Management Experience course, where students engage into global business theories and practices. The class includes an optional HCU-funded international trip each Spring semester. Recent expeditions include the Czech Republic, Austria, Costa Rica, Panama, Portugal, and Spain. The trip provides students with an immersive cultural experience and direct in-country consultation and study opportunities with international executives and data leaders. This signature experience broadens perspectives on global analytical practices and cross-border business intelligence operations essential for contemporary CIO responsibilities.
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Program Distinctives

Program Flexibility: Students have the option to complete courses in online, residential, or hybrid formats. The program is sequenced to be completed in 4 contiguous semesters, but students have the choice to complete the program at their own pace. Online classes are 100% asynchronous remote with no on-campus requirements. Residential classes are taught on-campus of the evenings, Monday through Thursday, with each class in session only once per week. Hybrid classes blend the online and residential format, lessening the on-campus requirements while maintaining the on-campus learning community advantages.

Professional-Level Curriculum: Advanced coursework in practical data analytics, cases and insights, and project management prepares graduates for senior analytical leadership roles including CIO positions.

STEM Designation: Recognized program emphasizing sophisticated analytical methodologies essential for strategic decision-making with hands-on, computer-based learning.

Christian Foundation: Integration of Christian ethical frameworks with data-driven decision-making, preparing principled leaders for executive responsibilities.

Strategic Partnerships Advantage: Access to the Dunham College of Business’s dynamic business partnerships, alumni, and established networks in technology and analytics sectors.

International Management Experience: Strategic global immersion program provides direct exposure to international analytical practices and executive consultation opportunities.

Curriculum

This professional MBA curriculum focuses on essential business disciplines while developing specialized expertise in data analytics, predictive modeling and business intelligence systems. The International Management Experience component provides global perspective essential for executive-level analytical leadership. Students build foundational knowledge in core business areas including quantitative methods, management principles, accounting concepts, financial analysis, and economic frameworks. Advanced graduate-level communication, presentation techniques, and ethical decision-making form the backbone of executive preparation, while the integration of Christian principles creates leaders equipped for principled organizational stewardship.

The specialized analytics concentration emphasizes hands-on mastery of data visualization, predictive modeling, and business intelligence technologies through computer-based learning using industry-standard software. Students develop expertise in descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics applications, learning to extract meaningful insights from complex datasets and translate analytical findings into strategic business recommendations. The curriculum culminates with advanced coursework in organizational behavior, project management, and strategic policy integration, ensuring graduates possess both technical analytical capabilities and the leadership acumen necessary for executive-level success in data-driven organizations.

Graduates of the Professional MBA in Data Analytics program access diverse leadership opportunities where business strategy intersects with analytical innovation. The STEM-designated program builds expertise in designing analytical solutions, implementing business intelligence systems, and leading data-driven organizational transformation. This preparation enables graduates to pursue executive roles in business analytics, management consulting, and strategic planning across technology, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors.

The expanding field of business analytics presents significant opportunities for professionals with combined MBA-level business acumen and analytical expertise. This analytical foundation provides valuable perspectives on data-driven decision making and technological solutions to complex business challenges across industries.

Career and Salary Outcomes

Bureau of Labor Statistics data demonstrates strong earning potential for data analytics professionals:

Operations Research Analysts:
Median annual wage of $91,290
Projected growth rate of 23% (much faster than average) from 2023–2033.

Management Analysts:
Median annual wage of $101,190
Projected growth rate of 11% (much faster than average) from 2023–2033.

Information Security Analysts:
Median annual wage of $124,910
Projected growth rate of 33% (much faster than average) from 2023–2033.

The Professional MBA in Business Data Analytics also creates strong preparation for doctoral studies in business analytics, information systems, and related interdisciplinary fields. This STEM-designated analytical business background offers advantages for DBA or PhD applications by demonstrating academic versatility and advanced analytical thinking capabilities.

Graduates interested in specialized research careers can pursue advanced studies in data science, business intelligence, and management information systems. The combined business strategy and analytical background opens pathways for academic careers developing business analytics methodologies and conducting research at the intersection of business strategy and data science.

Professional MBA in Business Data Analytics students access opportunities to apply analytical expertise within real-world business environments through hands-on, computer-based learning. The program’s industry connections and Houston’s diverse business ecosystem provide access to internships, research projects, and networking opportunities with data-driven organizations across multiple sectors.

Professional Experience Opportunities

Students access internship opportunities with business analytics consulting firms, corporate data strategy departments, and technology companies implementing business intelligence solutions. The program offers structured internship experiences (MGMT 5340) for MBA students who have completed 12 credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, providing practical application of analytical methodologies to strategic business challenges.

The program’s computer-based laboratory components and case study methodologies develop technical and strategic skills valued in analytical consulting environments. Faculty connections facilitate placement in analytics projects with partner organizations, allowing students to build professional portfolios demonstrating capabilities across business strategy and data analytics disciplines.

Research

Students engage in applied research projects examining real-world business analytics challenges, often in partnership with local organizations seeking data-driven solutions. Research opportunities include business intelligence implementation studies, analytical methodology development, and strategic data governance projects utilizing industry-standard software like Analytic Solver and SPSS.

Faculty-guided research initiatives explore emerging trends in business analytics, artificial intelligence applications, and data-driven decision making. These projects contribute to the expanding knowledge base in business analytics while providing students with research experience valuable for consulting careers and advanced graduate study.

Networking

The program leverages Houston’s position as a major business hub to provide networking opportunities with analytics professionals, senior executives, and data strategy leaders. The International Management Experience creates global professional connections through direct contact with international managers, while regular guest speakers, industry panels, and networking events connect students with professionals at Fortune 500 companies, consulting firms, and technology organizations.

Alumni networks span major corporations, analytics consulting firms, and technology companies, providing ongoing career advancement opportunities. Local business partnerships facilitate relationships with Houston’s dynamic analytics and technology sectors.