phd in business analytics online

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Analytics and Data Science

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Earn a doctorate degree in business analytics and data science, advance both your scholarly research and your career

In a competitive world, success depends on finding and maintaining an edge – and that requires making data-driven decisions. Organizations in an ever-expanding array of industries – from sports, to health care, to cybersecurity – are seeking out professionals with the expertise needed to utilize data effectively.

The Ph.D. in Business Analytics and Data Science program is designed to prepare accomplished professionals for senior positions in either public or private sectors. The mission of the Doctor of Philosophy in Business Analytics and Data Science degree is to enable professionals from the field to understand and evaluate the scope and impact of decision sciences and associated technology from the institutional as well as from an industry and global perspective. The program will provide the student an academic environment to support the development of high-level critical thinking and leadership skills as they relate to management and decision sciences, to develop high-level decision science technical skills, and to provide doctoral level research experience allowing innovative and practical contributions to the management and decision sciences body of knowledge.

Why Capitol?

Learn around your busy schedule

Our low residency requirement takes in consideration the time commitment of your established career.

Online format

The majority of our business analytics and data science doctorate is offered online.

Our classes are taught by working professionals

Capitol’s faculty are working professionals in the field – subject matter experts who apply their knowledge on a daily basis and are up to speed on emerging developments.

Key Faculty

Associate Dean

Adjunct Professor

Dissertation Chair

Career Opportunities

Market demand for business analytics and data science (PhD)

You’ll have the necessary credentials to lead local, national or global organizations & provide expert guidance on using organizational information assets.

A degree that is relevant to any and every organization

This doctorate will teach how analytics helps shape strategic plans in whatever business you are involved in.

Degree Details

This program may be completed with a minimum of 60 credit hours, but may require additional credit hours, depending on the time required to complete the dissertation/publication research. Students who are not prepared to defend after completion of the 60 credits will be required to enroll in RSC-899, a one-credit, eight-week continuation course. Students are required to be continuously enrolled/registered in the RSC-899 course until they successfully complete their dissertation defense/exegesis.

The Doctorate degree in Business Analytics and Data Science is a total of 54-66 credits, which covers a literature review, professional research and theory, professional ethics and leadership, dissertation preparation, and other topics. Students can select from several electives based on their personal focus.

Doctor of Philosophy - 54 credits

Please check with an Academic Advisor to confirm degree requirements and program electives.

Educational Objectives:

• Students will integrate alternate, divergent, or contradictory perspectives or ideas fully within Decision Science.
• Students will present scholarly data presentations via appropriate communication channels.
• Students will demonstrate advanced knowledge and competencies in data handling.
• Students will analyze various information to draw data-supported conclusions.
• Students will execute a plan to complete a significant piece of scholarly research in data analytics.
• Students will synthesize various sources of data to produce robust conclusions.
• Students will apply data analysis to determine the validity of data
• Students will compare data to determine the trends and spurious results

Learning Outcomes:

Upon graduation:

• Graduates will evaluate the legal, social, economic, environmental, and ethical impact of actions within business and data science, and demonstrate advanced knowledge and competency to integrate the results in the leadership decision-making process.
• Graduates will demonstrate the highest mastery of traditional and technological techniques of communicating ideas effectively and persuasively.
• Graduates will evaluate complex problems, synthesize divergent/alternative/contradictory perspectives and ideas fully, and develop advanced solutions to business analytic and decision science challenges.
• Graduates will contribute to the body of knowledge through data analysis.
• Graduates will apply leading edge theories to data analysis.
• Graduates will disseminate knowledge to their peers from research.
• Graduates will lead the development of data analysis to the broader community.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates are subject to change.

The following rates are in effect for the 2024-2025 academic year, beginning in Fall 2024 and continuing through Summer 2025:

• The application fee is $100
• The per-credit charge for doctorate courses is $950. This is the same for in-state and out-of-state students.
• Retired military receive a $50 per credit hour tuition discount
• Active duty military receive a $100 per credit hour tuition discount for doctorate level coursework.
• Information technology fee $40 per credit hour.
• High School and Community College full-time faculty and full-time staff receive a 20% discount on tuition for doctoral programs.

Find additional information for 2024-2025 doctorate tuition and fees.

I was drawn to the practical and goal-oriented approach, which also seemed like the natural next step in my academic career. Ultimately, my aim is to pursue teaching and research work in the future.

-James Tankard PhD in Business Analytics and Data Science

Need more info, or ready to apply?

Tippie College of Business

Phd in business analytics - phd programs.

PhD in Business Analytics

Data science. machine learning. optimization..

Data—namely, the generating of data—has exploded. All that data creates a great challenge. Businesses need better ways to get insights from the data. We help make that happen.

Here at Tippie, we’re a leader in business analytics research and education. In 2021 the Business Analytics Department won the prestigious UPS George D. Smith Prize that is awarded annually by INFORMS, the largest international association of analytics and operations research professionals.

Working hand-in-hand with our faculty, you’ll take your analytical and modeling skills to the next level through one of three specializations. Our grads are in high demand by academia, sure, but the private sector is also clamoring for business analytics PhDs. That means you can map out your own perfect-fit career path.

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What do you do?

Professor Beste Basciftci talks business analytics research.

Big data, big market demand for analytics PhDs

Analytics expertise is in big demand at top universities and companies around the world.

Recent grads have joined as tenure-track assistant professor or post-doc at universities including:

• Michigan State University
• University of North Carolina-Charlotte
• University of Tennessee-Knoxville
• State University of New York-Buffalo
• Georgia Institute of Technology (post-doc)
• University of Michigan (post-doc)
• University of Minnesota (post-doc)
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (post-doc)
• Arizona State University (post-doc)

Others have taken positions as analysts and data scientists at companies including:

• DIA Associates
• Bloomberg Industry Group
• Duke Energy Corporation

“Being able to leverage data to make really informed decisions gives a company an edge on competition. Analytics is becoming very key in managing a world-class supply chain, and it touches all aspects of a business.” Jen Blackhurst, Business Analytics Professor & Associate Dean for Graduate and Professional Programs Read Jen's story

Guided by great

Iowa's PhD in business analytics maximizes mentorship and collaboration. You're in great hands. Besides your designated advisor, you’ll meet with six more professors your first semester to talk about research interests you share. Leading thinkers and researchers—including INFORMS fellows and National Science Foundation award winners—will guide you from day one through graduation.

Thinkers like Ann Campbell , an international expert in vehicle routing. Or Kang Zhao , whose social network analysis has uncovered the secret to finding your perfect online date. Or Nick Street , a pioneer in using machine learning algorithms to make medical diagnoses. (Bonus: get more from our experts on our Twitter feed .)

Ann Campbell

Nick Street

See faculty research

STEM designation

The PhD in business analytics carries a STEM designation, which is particularly good news for international PhD candidates. Typically, after completing the degree, those in the U.S. on a student F1 visa have 12 months to work without an employer-sponsored visa. This period is called Optional Practical Training (OPT). The STEM designation extends OPT from 12 to 36 months.

Three specialization areas

Thanks to Tippie’s rich faculty roster, the PhD program in business analytics provides multiple areas in which you can choose to concentrate:

Information systems

Identify patterns and insights in data, like user behavior in Twitter or Facebook posts; identifying business competitors by mining webpages; and using health data to diagnose medical issues.

Faculty researching in this area include Patrick Fan , Feng Mai , Nick Street , and Kang Zhao .

Quantitative methods

Develop tools to find optimal strategies to tackle mathematical problems, including "big data" problems. Quagmires like monitoring physician performance, identifying players to select in the NFL draft, and balancing cost and risk in trade.

Faculty in this area include Beste Basciftci , Sam Burer , Mojtaba Hosseini , Qihang Lin , Buddhika Nettashinghe , Jeff Ohlmann , Thiago Serra , Mengxiao Zhang , and Renbo Zhao .

Operations management

Use analytical tools to make data-driven business decisions, like routing vehicles to nail same-day delivery deadlines, strategizing a sugar cane harvest, or designing supply chains to mitigate risk.

Faculty studying operations include Jennifer Blackhurst , Ann Campbell , Renato de Matta , Qi Luo , and Barrett Thomas .

If you've got a technical background, like engineering, math, and computer science, and want to develop analytics skills and solve real-world business problems, this is your place. Our program is small—just two to four students start each year—and accordingly competitive. We give preference to those with strong GPAs, prior graduate work, and research experience in a relevant field.

First, you need to meet the minimum PhD admission requirements . Other criteria for admission include:

Academic record

The minimum GPA is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. We also consider the rigor of your undergrad or master's institution(s) and grades you earned in quantitative courses.

GMAT or GRE score

There isn't a specific minimum score, but successful applicants typically have very strong quant and analytical scores.

Financial support

To ensure that you have more than enough time to focus on your research, each admitted student is guaranteed a  research-assistantship (RA) or fellowship funding for at least six fall and spring semesters during their first five years in the program.

Letters of recommendation

We're interested in their assessment of your strengths, weaknesses, motivation, and ability to succeed.

Statement of purpose

Content and overall seriousness are considered.

English proficiency

This requirement applies only to international applicants whose native language is not English. We follow the Graduate College's  English proficiency requirements . 

Curriculum and sample plan of study

The PhD in business analytics requires 72 semester hours of credit, in addition to a dissertation. The typical time to complete the degree is five years.

The plan of study is very flexible. You can take elective coursework in any year of the program. The outline below is a sample for demonstration purposes; we'll work with you to outline a plan of study that aligns with your goals.

Business Analytics Department Handbook

PhD in Business Analytics and Operations

• Academics Overview
• Collaborative Research
• Job Placements

The PhD Program in Business Analytics and Operations focuses on research in areas such as supply chain management, business analytics, operations, and project management. Research foci include methodology development, empirical analysis, and analytical modeling. Tools from a broad base such as operations research, probabilistic modeling, statistics, econometrics, and data mining are utilized to address real-life operational issues. Students are expected to develop a strong foundation and publish in top journals. The program mentors students with an apprenticeship model, providing an early start in independent research as well as joint work with faculty.

We are a small, highly selective program, and work closely with our students to make sure that those who join our program complete it successfully and are placed appropriately.

Katz offers a breadth of research topics–many students can find a home here. Recent PhD dissertation topics have included:

• Revenue Maximization Using Product Bundling
• Business Analytics for Non-profit Marketing and Online Advertising
• The Analytic Network Process Applied in Supply Chain Decisions, in Ethics, and in World Peace
• Modeling Patient Flow in a Network of Intensive Care Units (ICUs)
• Managing Outsourcing Decisions: Government Policy, Firm Options, and the Economic Impact
• Applications of Revenue Management in Healthcare

Our collaboration frequently results in articles that are published in top journals .

External Funding

Since 2010, our program has had very close ties with the Veterans Health Administration, and has engaged in a wide variety of healthcare analytics projects with them. FY 2018 funding on VHA projects exceeds $995,000.

We are a leading program with respect to placement. Over the last decade, all students who actively sought university positions obtained them, and our recent alumni were placed as faculty members at major universities in the U.S. and Canada, and in research positions in the industry. 

Year 1 Curriculum: Fall Term

An exploration of critical thinking.

Year 1 Curriculum: Spring and Summer Terms

A thorough examination of research methods.

Year 2 Curriculum: Fall Term

A continued study in critical thinking and research methods.

Year 2 Curriculum: Spring Term

A further dive into major concentrations, critical thinking, and research methods.

Year 2 Curriculum: Summer Term

A comprehensive independent study.

Year 3 Curriculum: Fall, Spring, and Summer Terms

Fully concentrated work on dissertation and service as teaching assistant.

Curriculum: Years 4 and 5

Teach and enter the job market to defend your dissertation.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

My advisors unselfishly devoted their time and energy to mentor me, but also gave me the freedom to pursue the ideas I was curious about and develop myself as an independent researcher. I could have not asked for a better start to my career than my time as a PhD student at Katz.

Coughlin Sesquicentennial Assistant Professor of Marketing at Boston College

If you’re naturally curious, observing phenomena, and wondering when they occur and what drives them, a PhD can let that curiosity become your full-time job.

is Gerald I. Susman Professor in Sustainability Professor at Penn State University

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• Scholarship FAQs
• Student Experience
• Academic Accommodations
• Enhance your Business Analytics Skills
• Career Services
• Professional Development Benefits
• Apply Now External link: open_in_new

The Online Business Analytics Program

Three harvard schools. one innovative curriculum..

Get Admissions and Program Fees Information

Answer a few quick questions to get more information about the program.

Scholarships Available *

Applicants admitted to the upcoming cohort have the opportunity to apply for income-based scholarship awards of up to 30% of program fees. Military scholarship awards of up to 20% of program fees are also available.

Get More Information

*Please note that scholarships are not available for the January 2025 start date.

Earn a Certificate on the Cutting Edge of Data Analytics and AI

The Harvard Business Analytics Program (HBAP) is an online certificate designed by the top minds in AI and data analytics, and offered jointly by three renowned Harvard schools: Harvard Business School (HBS), the John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), and the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS).

Online Ahead of the Curve  Launched in 2018

An Influential Global Network  1,100+ Students and Graduates

We launched HBAP when it became clear that the importance of business analytics had shifted from the periphery to an essential part of strategic decision-making in a technology-centric world.

Since then, we’ve updated sections of the curriculum to focus on AI and machine learning to help you adapt to current industry changes. Our online business analytics program is designed for data-driven professionals across the globe. Participants will benefit from a rigorous program that transforms them into next-level leaders who are prepared for the ever-evolving world of data analytics.

Over the years, we have seen the power of HBAP in action: Award-winning scholars, researchers, and educators have shared their insights with hundreds of business leaders; our students—or HBAPers—are industry disrupters who live around the world, but form unbreakable bonds that span time zones; and HBAP graduates have founded companies together, started nonprofits, and connected each other with countless career opportunities.

Built by three Harvard schools with unique strengths, the HBAP community is unstoppable .

Transform as a leader in as few as ten months. Start your certificate in January, April, or September .

The HBAP Class Profile

HBAPers come from various backgrounds and industries, but they are brought together by their determination to positively upend business as usual.

HBAP Graduates

Industries Represented

Average years of work experience of students in the program

Underrepresented minorities

Average student age

Based on self-reported data from enrolled students across 2018-2023 cohorts.

A True Harvard Experience, Delivered Online

Our innovative approach to teaching business analytics online features a mix of live, virtual classes and seminars, self-directed coursework, and two in-person immersions. Every component of the program ties into the cornerstone of our curriculum—the hallmark Harvard case study—preparing you for real-world business analytics challenges.

Rigorous Curriculum Meets Interactive Learning

Learn to leverage data analytics tools like predictive analysis, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to uncover game-changing business insights, improve operations, and advance your organization’s position in the global market. 

You will engage with course topics by examining case studies, watching lectures, and collaborating in group projects. During live, face-to-face classes, you will discuss coursework with fellow HBAPers and esteemed faculty.

• six courses  • two seminars  • 7–11 hours of coursework per week 

Explore the curriculum.

Convene on Our Historic Campus

After building close connections with classmates and faculty online, you will meet during two immersions at Harvard Business School’s campus in Boston . During the immersions, you will have the opportunity to cement friendships, learn from industry-leading guest speakers, tour the Harvard campus, and network at evening events.

Learn more about the hybrid learning experience.

Work Smarter: Master Analytics for Business

Earn your certificate in as few as 10 months full time or 24 months part time.

Access Your Application

Become a data-driven leader with the Harvard Business Analytics Program. Take the next step today.

Demand for Business Analytics Across Fields

The disruption of big data in the global economy has placed analytics technologies and skills at the forefront of business success. As more data becomes available and demands evaluation and management, analytics-focused leadership is essential to gaining a competitive edge in any industry.

That’s where you come in. As a graduate of the program, you will be able to meet modern demands for data analytics expertise in any field. And with the AI and machine learning knowledge you will gain throughout the program, you’ll be ready to pivot as the industry changes. HBAP students apply their new knowledge in more than 13 industries, including consulting, pharmaceuticals/health care, manufacturing, technology, financial services, and petroleum/energy.

Prepare for the Future of Business Analytics

In the 21st-century business world, it’s not enough to simply incorporate data analytics into your organization; you must have an in-depth understanding of technologies like AI and machine learning, too . Our online business analytics certificate is designed to give executives and leaders a comprehensive understanding of useful tools and emerging technologies like data mining, predictive analytics, machine learning, data aggregation, blockchain analytics, and AI —so that they can improve strategy, production, marketing, and operations throughout the supply chain. You will learn not only how to understand analytics for business but how to translate your findings and effectively communicate them to your teams.

This certificate program will help you develop a strategic mastery of languages and platforms, such as:

Learning Outcomes at a Glance

HBAP courses are designed and taught by Harvard faculty who are actively shaping the future of business analytics. Informed by their insights, our courses equip you with the business analytics expertise that you need to enhance your leadership for years to come.

Competing in the Age of AI: Learn about new AI-based business strategies and operating models.

Foundations of Quantitative Analysis: Discover how to use statistical approaches to solve business problems, make sound decisions, and become an effective manager.

Programming and Data Systems: Add AI skills to your data analytics toolkit and gain the skills you need to make technological decisions—all of this through technical instruction, discussion of case studies, and weekly programming projects.

Data-Driven Marketing: Examine how technologies like AI and machine learning have revolutionized marketing, and learn how you can use these technologies to succeed in the now data-driven field.

Learn more about courses on the Curriculum page .

Earn a Future-Focused Business Analytics Certification Online

“I am no longer restricted to one method of analysis: I use multiple methods to make strategic decisions because of this remarkable program.” – Ruby Arce, HBAP ’21

More Than a Certificate—A Community

To get the most out of your Harvard certificate, you need the long-lasting connections that enable you to grow and share your analytics expertise. That’s why the HBAP experience hinges on community. 

When you join Harvard’s business analytics program online, you don’t simply earn a certificate. You become an HBAPer for life: a transformed global business leader with a strong network of classmates who feel like family.  

Networking opportunities are embedded in the curriculum, too. You will find them in lively class discussions, collaborative coursework, and on-campus immersions. Beyond connecting with peers who are just as driven as you are, you will have access to resources that further support your growth as a business analytics leader: our highly engaged faculty, professional development tools, and continued learning opportunities during and after the program.

Faculty You’ll Know on a First-Name Basis

Students agree that being able to connect with Harvard faculty is what makes HBAP a priceless experience. Faculty not only teach every single class—they become people you know on a personal level. They are readily available during live classes, virtual office hours, and in-person networking events held during and after the program.

Start getting to know your future teachers and mentors now: Meet our all-star faculty.

Support for Your Career Goals

The Career Success team is your resource for discovering your professional path and confidently achieving your goals. They offer:

• self-paced courses through a Virtual Career Center • expert, dedicated career coaching • group coaching sessions in our Virtual Career Studios • informational professional development webinars

Never Stop Learning: The HBAP Forum

The discussion doesn’t have to end when classes are over. As a student, you can participate in HBAP Forum short courses, guest speaker webinars, and Tech Talks to dive deeper into the business analytics topics that fascinate you.

Become Part of Our Data-Driven Community

The final deadline for the January 2025 cohort is November 25, 2024.

Apply to Join the HBAP Brain Trust

Our business analytics program is defined by the diversity of backgrounds our students bring to the classroom. Our admissions requirements are intentionally broad to continue to cultivate unique cohorts and perspectives. Learn more about admissions and application deadlines.

• Bachelor’s degree required • Significant professional experience preferred

“HBAP gave me newfound confidence, knowledge, and [a] supportive network so that I can dream big and push my career forward. My salary increased by 39% and I was listed as top talent for next-level roles in a $18 billion dollar company.” – Annie Wang, HBAP ’22

Make history with the Harvard Business Analytics Program.

MIT Sloan is the leader in research and teaching in AI. Dive in to discover why.

Which program is right for you?

Through intellectual rigor and experiential learning, this full-time, two-year MBA program develops leaders who make a difference in the world.

Earn your MBA and SM in engineering with this transformative two-year program.

A rigorous, hands-on program that prepares adaptive problem solvers for premier finance careers.

A 12-month program focused on applying the tools of modern data science, optimization and machine learning to solve real-world business problems.

Combine an international MBA with a deep dive into management science. A special opportunity for partner and affiliate schools only.

A doctoral program that produces outstanding scholars who are leading in their fields of research.

Bring a business perspective to your technical and quantitative expertise with a bachelor’s degree in management, business analytics, or finance.

Apply now and work for two to five years. We'll save you a seat in our MBA class when you're ready to come back to campus for your degree.

Executive Programs

The 20-month program teaches the science of management to mid-career leaders who want to move from success to significance.

A full-time MBA program for mid-career leaders eager to dedicate one year of discovery for a lifetime of impact.

A joint program for mid-career professionals that integrates engineering and systems thinking. Earn your master’s degree in engineering and management.

Non-degree programs for senior executives and high-potential managers.

A non-degree, customizable program for mid-career professionals.

PhD Program

MIT Sloan PhD Program graduates are leaders in their fields, conducting research with global impact on the complex organizational, financial, and technological issues that characterize an increasingly competitive and challenging business world.

PhD studies at MIT Sloan are intense and individual in nature, demanding a great deal of time, initiative, and discipline from every candidate. But the rewards of such rigor are tremendous: MIT Sloan PhD graduates go on to teach and conduct research at the world's most prestigious universities.

Behavioral & Policy Sciences

Economic Sociology

Institute for Work & Employment Research

Organization Studies

Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Strategic Management

Economics, Finance & Accounting

Accounting  

Management Science

Information Technology

System Dynamics  

Those interested in a PhD in Operations Research should visit the  Operations Research Center .

What We Seek

The MIT Sloan PhD Program looks for a small number of people who will successfully complete our rigorous and demanding program and then thrive in academic research careers. The admission selection process is highly competitive; we aim for a class size of nineteen students, admitted from a pool of hundreds of applicants.

Read about our admissions process and requirements

Program Structure

Coursework PhD students fulfill their coursework and methodology requirements by taking advantage of the more than 150 subjects offered at MIT Sloan — in addition to hundreds more offered across MIT. Students may also avail themselves of courses at other local universities. Course selection is made under the guidance of faculty in the student's research group.

Master’s Thesis In addition to taking elective classes, students in the second or third year of the program are expected to complete their first major research paper which will be a master’s thesis, earning them an SM in Management Research.

General Examinations The single most important hurdle in the PhD experience at MIT Sloan is the General Examinations. The exact form of these exams can vary according to the faculty and students involved, but they always involve written and oral parts given by the area faculty covering all of the relevant material.

Dissertation After students complete the General Examinations, the stage is set for them to begin work on a dissertation or thesis, the most unstructured and difficult part of doctoral studies. Students must choose a topic, define it to the satisfaction of a faculty committee, investigate it thoroughly (including gathering data at field sites), and write the dissertation.

Dissertations typically take one of two forms, either book-style chapters or separate essays. They are usually completed within two to three years of passing the General Examinations. The final step before achieving the doctorate is a public defense seminar, which is open to the entire MIT Sloan community.