Inside Missouri’s New MBA In Analytics Program

The University of Missouri’s Trulaske College of Business is launching a new MBA in Analytics this year to give students the mix of business strategy and technical skill that employers now expect.

These skills are essential today for new hires, says Kelly Graham with Forbes, as organizations across industries increasingly rely on data-driven insights to guide everything from their operations to their long term planning strategies.

“This achievement embodies our collective commitment to anticipating and addressing the evolving needs of industry,” said Balaji Rajagopalan, dean of the Trulaske College of Business.

The school has been steadily building toward this moment, and this new program is really a formalization of the direction the school has already been heading. Over the past several years, Trulaske has expanded analytics‑infused coursework, strengthened partnerships with employers, and invested in faculty who specialize in AI, data science, and digital transformation.

EMPLOYERS WANT GRADS WITH AI SKILLS

The new program has the essential foundational MBA coursework along with advanced analytics, AI integration, and data‑centric decision‑making. “The MBA in Analytics bridges advanced business strategy with real‑world data expertise,” says Kim Black, director of MBA and master’s programs.

Students will learn not only how to interpret data but how to apply it to real business challenges — from forecasting and automation to customer insights and strategic planning. The curriculum is designed to help them to understand the “why” behind the numbers, not just the “how.”

While many traditional MBAs emphasize leadership, this program is built to develop leaders who can lead in data‑driven environments. That means understanding how to evaluate AI‑supported recommendations and how to communicate insights to those without tech expertise.

Analytics programs have exploded across top business schools in the past few years as employers increasingly expect graduates to be fluent in data interpretation, automation tools, and AI‑supported strategy.

Mizzou’s new MBA in Analytics is joining other top undergraduate schools embracing analytics. These include Wharton, which recently revamped its analytics major, and Indiana Kelley, which has expanded its data‑driven coursework to meet employer demand.

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