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MS in Data Science/MBA Combined Degree

The MS in Data Science and MBA program offers a thorough understanding of data science concepts alongside business management strategies.
 
Program Type: MSDS, MBA
Department: Graduate Business
School: School of Business
 

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Transform Your Future with CBU’s M.S. in Data Science/MBA Combined Degree Program

A combined MS in Data Science/MBA from Christian Brothers University pairs business management skills with applied data science training to meet one of the fastest-growing demands in the U.S. economy. The program is built for professionals who want to lead with both analytical precision and strategic judgment, two capabilities that rarely exist in the same person and that employers are actively seeking. 

Our innovative combined degree program enhances every aspect of your professional and personal life by developing:

Your Professional Identity

  • Move from a functional role into a data-driven leadership position
  • Build executive presence with technical credibility
  • Develop a leadership approach informed by real analytical work, not just theory

Your Strategic Mindset

  • Learn to see opportunities in data where others see only challenges 
  • Build problem-solving skills through analytical frameworks applied to real business cases 
  • Gain a global business perspective enhanced by data science expertise 

Your Community Impact

  • Join a network of ethical business and data science leaders 
  • Learn to balance profit with purpose through responsible data practices 
  • Build skills to mentor and develop others in data-driven decision making 

The Perfect Balance of Flexibility and Community

Unlike many programs that have moved entirely online, CBU’s combined degree program maintains the vital community aspect of business education while providing modern flexibility. Our approach combines: 

  • Hybrid format with both online and on-campus options 
  • 8-week terms that allow for focused learning 
  • Small class sizes averaging 10-15 students 
  • Strong student-professor relationships 
  • Expert faculty with extensive professional experience in both business and data science 

Program Structure

  • Duration: 2+ years, depending on course load per 8-week term 
  • Total Credits: 57 credit hours 
  • Tuition:  $740 per credit hour ($42,180 total, with discounts available for partner organizations & alumni) 

Curriculum Overview

The M.S. in Data Science/MBA degree program curriculum efficiently combines the strengths of both programs, allowing you to complete two valuable degrees with reduced time and credits through overlapping coursework.

VIEW MASTER OF SCIENCE IN DATA SCIENCE COURSE REQUIREMENTS* VIEW MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION COURSE REQUIREMENTS

*Students will take three Data Science courses as MBA electives, with the option to choose between CMBA 655 (Data Analytics and Visualization) or DASC 602 (Data Visualization).  

What You Will Learn

The program builds two skill sets simultaneously rather than treating them as separate tracks. 

By the time you complete the combined degree, you will be equipped to work across the full data-to-decision pipeline, from extracting and analyzing raw data to communicating findings to executive stakeholders and leading organizational strategy. 

Core Courses

  • Data Visualization (DASC 602) — Translate complex datasets into clear visual outputs that support business and scientific decision-making
  • Statistics for Data Science (DASC 626) — Apply quantitative and statistical methods to real-world data problems across industries
  • Neural Networks for Machine Learning (DASC 629) — Build and evaluate predictive models using neural network architectures
  • Database and Cloud Computing (DASC 637) — Manage large-scale datasets across distributed systems and cloud environments
  • Data Science (DASC 638)—Apply the full data science pipeline, from data collection and cleaning to analysis and insight
  • Software Programming (DASC 639) — Develop programming skills for data-intensive applications and analytical workflows

Thesis

Students apply data science tools and techniques to a dataset from a specific knowledge domain. The thesis is a capstone research project, not a traditional written dissertation. 

Available concentrations

MBA Track: Required Courses

Managerial Economics (CMBA 602) — Apply economic analysis to organizational and strategic decisions in a business context

Accounting Principles for Financial Statement Analysis (CMBA 603)—Read, interpret, and evaluate financial statements to inform management decisions

Financial Management (CMBA 604)—Manage capital structure, investment decisions, and financial risk at the organizational level

Strategic Marketing (CMBA 607) — Develop market strategy grounded in consumer behavior, brand positioning, and competitive analysis

Corporate Social and Legal Responsibility (CMBA 635)—Navigate the legal and ethical frameworks that shape responsible business leadership

Global Leadership and Organizational Development (CMBA 636) — Lead teams and organizations across cultures, industries, and periods of change

Achieving Maximum Impact (CMBA 640)—Develop the leadership habits and decision-making frameworks that drive organizational performance

Data Analytics and Visualization (CMBA 655)—Analyze business data and communicate findings visually to executive and cross-functional audiences

Strategic Foresight for Managing Change (CMBA 680) — Anticipate disruption, lead organizational change, and build strategies for uncertain environments.

MBA Elective Series — 9 elective credits, which may be taken outside the School of Business

Industry-Specific Career Opportunities

The median annual wage for data scientists was $112,590 in May 2024, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $194,410. Employment of data scientists is projected to grow 34 percent from 2024 to 2034, one of the fastest growth rates among occupations in the U.S. economy. 

Across all computer and information technology occupations, the median annual wage was $105,990 in May 2024, with about 317,700 openings projected each year through 2034. 

  • Data Scientist — $112,590 median annual wage 
  • Computer & Information Research Scientist — $140,910 median annual wage
  • Financial Manager — $161,700 median annual wage 
  • Operations Research Analyst — $99,120 median annual wage 
  • Management Analyst — $101,190 median annual wage
  • Marketing Manager — $161,030 median annual wage 

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024–34 edition

Logistics & Supply Chain

  • Supply chain optimization through advanced analytics 
  • Predictive modeling for logistics operations 
  • Data-driven route and network planning 

Healthcare

  • Hospital administration with data science expertise 
  • Healthcare management analytics 
  • Personalized medicine data analysis 

Finance

  • Risk analysis with advanced modeling techniques 
  • Fraud detection through machine learning 
  • Customer behavior modeling and forecasting 

Technology & Manufacturing

  • Leadership roles in Memphis’s growing startup ecosystem 
  • Smart manufacturing and predictive maintenance 
  • Smart city planning and urban development analytics 

Bioinformatics

  • Computational biology and genomics 
  • Population genetics and sequencing technologies 

Certifications and Credentials You Can Pursue

The combined degree builds the technical and business foundations for pursuing several of the most recognized credentials in data science and business analytics. None of these are awarded by CBU; they are independent certifications students are positioned to pursue during or after the program. 


Students interested in certification pathways should speak with their academic advisor about sequencing coursework to align with exam eligibility requirements. Contact the School of Business for guidance.

The CBU Difference: A Personalized Experience That Leads to Powerful Professional Connections 

At CBU, you’re never just a number. Our commitment to personal attention includes: 

  • Direct advising from program directors in both MBA and Data Science 
  • Customized course scheduling to match your goals 
  • One-on-one guidance throughout your academic journey 
  • Faculty who are both experts in their field and mentors who care about each student 

Powerful Professional Network

Join a thriving community of business leaders and data professionals:

  • Access to CBU’s prestigious Business Advisory Board 
  • Networking opportunities in key professional organizations: 
    • Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) 
    • National Black MBA Association 
    • Greater Memphis Chamber Young Professionals Network 
    • Data Science community events and organizations 
  • Active alumni network eager to support current students 
  • Networking events and professional development opportunities 
  • Course projects designed to solve real challenges from your workplace 

How to Apply 

Submit the following items to apply for the M.S. in Data Science/MBA Combined Degree program. * 

  • Completed Application  
  • One official transcript of previous academic credits from each of the colleges or universities previously attended 
  • Two letters of recommendation from former teachers or immediate supervisors qualified to attest to your preparation and ability to perform graduate study. 
  • A current resume 
  • Personal statement describing the fit between your career objectives and a MS in Data Science/MBA combined degree 

*Additional admission items are required for international students seeking an F1 visa. 

Meet the Faculty

Dr. William Gundling
Assistant Professor, Biology
Dr. Lydia Rosencrants
Liaison to External Partners; Director of the MBA Program; Professor of Accounting, School of Business
Dr. Serge Salan
Associate Professor, Mathematics & Computer Science