Master in Information Science/Studies (Master's)

Tuition is Tuition is $1,089 per credit for 11 or fewer credits per semester, or $13,062 per semester for 12 or more credits. Rates for the 2027–28 academic year are $1,111 per credit for 11 or fewer credits, or $13,323 per semester for 12 or more credits.. The deadline to apply for the Jan 2027 intake is Nov 1, 2026.

This master's programme prepares students for roles in business analytics, focusing on data-driven decision-making across business functions. Students learn to apply descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analytics to real-world business problems. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills in data collection, modeling, and visualization using tools like R, Python, Power BI, and Excel.

Focus areas include Descriptive Analytics, Diagnostic Analytics, Predictive Analytics, Prescriptive Analytics, Business Intelligence, Data Visualization.

The programme requires 30 credits, including 9 credits in core courses, 9 credits in prescribed business analytics courses, 9 credits in electives, and a 3-credit capstone experience. The business analytics courses must be taken in sequence starting with BAN 830.

Graduates enter roles such as business analyst, analytic system designer, data analyst, or information architect in industries requiring data-driven decision-making.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or a comparable international degree. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required. International applicants must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. No GRE or GMAT scores are required.

The programme totals about 30 credit hours. 100% online, part-time or full-time, with flexible pacing; typical completion in 1 to 4 years depending on course load. For international students, tuition is around the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 80% of applicants.

Penn State World Campus has provided online education for more than two decades. The program offers more than 200 degrees and certificates, including bachelor's, associate, master's, and doctoral degrees, along with undergraduate and graduate certificates and minors. Coursework is designed for flexibility, allowing students to complete their studies at times that fit busy schedules.

Academic options cover arts and humanities, business and management, criminal justice, cybersecurity, education, energy and sustainability, engineering, GIS and geospatial studies, health, homeland security, public policy, social sciences, sports and recreation, technology, and turfgrass. Courses use curriculum developed by the same Penn State professors who teach on campus. Bachelor's degrees are nationally recognized through U.S. News & World Report rankings.

The program is based at Penn State's University Park location in Pennsylvania, while teaching takes place online. International students should understand that World Campus is an online study option rather than a conventional residential campus experience. Penn State provides information for transfer students, military students, and returning students, and the online format can accommodate learners managing work or other commitments. A graduate in Security and Risk Analysis describes preparing for job interviews as part of her experience, reflecting the program's connection to professional development.