MSBA Prerequisites
What you need before you apply
The Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) is a rigorous, STEM-designated program built for those ready to dive deep into data. Successful candidates bring strong skills in three core areas: computing, mathematics, and statistics and probability.
Before enrolling, applicants should have completed coursework in each of these areas. This coursework may come from undergraduate or graduate studies, or from extension programs offered online or in person.
More than background knowledge, we’re looking for drive. Candidates should have a clear appetite for quantitative coursework and a strong interest in analytics-focused careers.
Explore foundational concepts and recommended courses below.
For questions about specific course work please send transcripts or questions to: gsm-msba-admissions@ucdavis.edu.
Computing
- Principles and use of programming. Basic knowledge of Python or R. Understanding data structures, flow of control, iteration and functions. Additional Python support provided to students who need it when they arrive.
Mathematics
- Differential Calculus: Functions, limits, continuity, derivatives. Differentiation of algebraic and transcendental functions.
- Integral Calculus: Techniques of integration. Application to area, volume, arc length, average of a function.
- Linear Algebra: Matrices, determinants, eigenvalues, eigenvectors.
Statistics
- Basic probability, densities and distributions, ordinary least squares, multiple regression.
- Online course suggestions (Course 1: Introduction to Probability and Data and Course 3: Linear Regression and Modeling)