Meeting Demand For Business Analytics Talent: Georgetown Expands MSBA

The growing demand for business analytics talent creates new opportunities for early-career professionals to accelerate their trajectory. As a wide range of industries seek experts who “speak the language of data,” Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business has created a top-ranked business analytics program to prepare students to become the next generation of data translators. McDonough recently announced the decision to expand its successful online Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program to a full-time format on campus in Washington, D.C. 

 “The launch of the full-time MSBA underscores Georgetown McDonough’s commitment to analytics, AI, and preparing students for the future of business,” said Michael O’Leary, senior associate dean of graduate and executive degree programs. “The full-time option offers an accelerated, immersive pathway for students to benefit from our renowned analytics curriculum, connect with D.C.’s vibrant professional networks, and draw on the strength of the Georgetown community — ensuring they make an immediate and lasting impact in their careers.”

The MSBA curriculum blends advanced technical training with the strategic insight needed to lead in data-driven environments. Expanding upon the success of the part-time online MSBA — ranked #2 in the U.S. by Fortune — the new on-campus, cohort-based program is designed for recent graduates and early-career professionals who want to accelerate their careers in data-driven business leadership. The curriculum equips students with the technical expertise and business acumen to explain complex data models to stakeholders and translate them into values-based, actionable strategies that drive results.

In addition to this strong foundation, the full-time format offers flexibility: students who begin on campus can transition into the online program if their plans change (and if visa requirements allow). Both pathways prepare graduates to become the next generation of data-informed leaders, ready to combine technical skills — including AI, Python, SQL and R, data visualization, and cloud computing — with core business functions to meet the growing demand for analytics talent across industries.

“AI is no longer an emerging trend — it is a central force reshaping every industry,” said Babak Zafari, academic director of the MSBA program. “By embedding AI and machine learning into the core of our curriculum, we ensure our students graduate with the ability to apply these skills strategically and responsibly to solve complex business challenges and lead organizations into the future.”

The MSBA program expansion accommodates students where they are on their professional journeys. “Whether students are just launching their careers or balancing studies with professional commitments, Georgetown McDonough now offers a business analytics degree that fits their goals,” said Nita Swinsick, associate dean for graduate and executive degree programs admissions

The program’s impact is clear: the online Class of 2024 reported an average salary increase of 30%, with 70% of graduates moving into new roles after completing their degree. Students also benefit from lifelong career support that extends well beyond graduation, including networking opportunities, industry-specific career coaching, and the school’s robust mentorship program —

“The career outcomes from the 2024 MSBA Employment Report reflect the strong demand for data-driven decision makers and the value that Georgetown MSBA students bring to these industries,” said Christy Murray, associate dean and managing director of the McDonough Career Center. “Whether they’re pursuing new jobs or advancing in their current roles, our graduates are turning their analytics expertise into meaningful, high-impact careers.”

Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business welcomes its first full-time MSBA cohort in fall 2026, on campus in Washington D.C. The round one application deadline for the full-time MSBA is November 20, 2025. Learn more about the full-time MSBA.

Located in Washington, D.C., and Dubai, UAE, Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business offers world-class academics, hands-on learning, and impactful research that prepare students for today’s careers—and tomorrow’s. With a values-based approach to business and a global mindset, McDonough empowers students to tackle complex challenges and drive meaningful change worldwide.   

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