Master of Science in Business Intelligence

Introduction

About the Program

Become a Business Intelligence Leader.

Empowering data-driven leaders for a smarter future

At the forefront of digital transformation, the Master of Science in Business Intelligence (MSBI) at the American University in the Emirates stands as a future-focused graduate program. The MSBI program is designed to develop professionals into fluent curators of actionable intelligence and architects of data-driven solutions. It blends academic rigor with hands-on application, equipping graduate students with advanced technical expertise and sharp analytical acumen to take on complex, analytical-based challenges across a wide range of industries. Designed for aspiring data professionals, managers, and analysts looking to advance their careers in today’s fast-evolving digital economy, the program empowers a new generation of business intelligence leaders to shape the future of data-driven innovation. Graduates are well-positioned to meet industry demands and contribute to strategic business priorities by leveraging business intelligence tools and insights to drive performance, foster innovation, and deliver lasting impact. The MSBI program at AUE provides graduate students with real-world experience through the college’s strong industry ties and globally accredited curriculum. From hands-on projects and access to the latest tools and technologies, the program is tailored for applied learning and measurable results. Its flexible blended learning format combining on-campus lectures with virtual self-paced modules caters specially to working professionals. Under the guidance of faculty with both academic expertise and industry insight, graduates will be prepared to lead in data analytics, strategic decision-making, and business intelligence across sectors including government, finance, healthcare, and e-commerce.

Curriculum
The program encompasses core courses, elective courses and a mandatory thesis. These courses align with the program learning outcomes, ensuring a cohesive and targeted educational experience. The program encompasses 30 credit hours, representing a well-balanced curriculum. This structure gives students a holistic and in-depth understanding of the subject matter while allowing for flexibility through elective courses.

Program at a glance

Total Credit Hours

30 Credit Hours

Duration

2 Years

Instruction Language

English

Tuition Fees

52,500 AED/Yearly

Quality assured

Accreditations

Accredited by AACSB

Accredited by CAA

Program Director

Dr Ahmed Salman

Associate Professor / Acting Program Director of Master of Science in Business Intelligence

Credit breakdown

Program Structure

Course Category	Total Number of Courses	Total Number of Credit Hours
Core Courses	6	18
Elective Courses	2	6
Thesis	2	6
Total (Excluding Bridging Courses)		30 Credit Hours

Curriculum

Courses & Descriptions

General Education Courses

Bridging Courses

Core Business Courses

Core IT Courses

Core Courses

MBI 604 Applied Projects - Business Intelligence 3 CH

MBI 602 Big Data Analytics 3 CH

MBI 600 Business Intelligence Fundamentals 3 CH

MBI 601 Predictive Analytics 3 CH

Research Methodology 3 CH

MBI 603 Strategic Intelligence and Decision Making 3 CH

College Mathematics and Science Courses

Concentration Courses

Cybersecurity Engineering Core Courses

Mechatronics Engineering Core Courses

Engineering Core Courses

Thesis

Thesis 1 3 CH

Thesis 2 3 CH

Electives

Data-Driven marketing Strategies 3 CH

Effective Data Presentation and Storytelling 3 CH

Social Media Analytics 3 CH

<p>This advanced course explores the strategic role of social media analytics within the Master of Business Intelligence program. Positioned at the intersection of marketing, data science, and consumer behavior, it equips students with both theoretical foundations and hands-on skills. The course enables students to extract, monitor, and interpret real-time social media data using tools such as Hootsuite, Sprout Social, and Google Analytics. Learners gain deep insights into sentiment analysis, influencer mapping, brand health tracking, campaign optimization, and competitive benchmarking. Designed for students pursuing careers in marketing intelligence, digital analytics, and brand strategy, the course emphasizes how social listening and behavioral data can drive actionable business decisions. Upon completion, students will be able to transform unstructured online interactions into structured insights that support tactical and strategic marketing decisions across industries. The course emphasizes relevance to emerging trends such as Al in social media, ethical concerns around digital privacy, and crisis monitoring.</p>

Special topics in BI 3 CH

MBI 607 Stock Market Analytics 3 CH

Comprehensive Exam

Dissertation

Research Seminar

Basic Health Science Courses

College Core Courses

Clinical Placement Courses

Semester by semester

Study Plan

Credit hours: 30
Duration: 2 years
Terms: 4

Swipe to see each year →

Year 1
Semester 1
- MBI 600 3 CH Business Intelligence Fundamentals Core Courses
- MBI 601 3 CH Predictive Analytics Core Courses
- MBI 603 3 CH Strategic Intelligence and Decision Making Core Courses
Semester 2
- MBI 602 3 CH Big Data Analytics Core Courses
- MBI 604 3 CH Applied Projects – Business Intelligence Core Courses
- — 3 CH Research Methods Core Courses
Year 2
Semester 3
- — 3 CH Elective
Semester 4
- — 6 CH Thesis

Study Plan - Master of Science in Business Intelligence

What we aim for

Program Goals

Develop advanced analytical proficiency in graduates, enabling them to navigate complex datasets, employ statistical methods, and utilize cutting-edge tools for insightful decision-making in business intelligence.
Enable graduates to master predictive modeling techniques, foresight methodologies, and data-driven analysis to accurately anticipate challenges in business environments.
Foster an environment that encourages innovation in creating and implementing business intelligence solutions, empowering graduates to devise and deploy novel approaches for addressing evolving business challenges.
Cultivate graduates ability to provide strategic decision support by integrating business intelligence methodologies into organizational processes, ensuring graduates contribute to informed an effective decision-making at various levels.

What you will learn

Program Learning Outcomes

Outcome 1: Acquire an advanced knowledge of foundational concepts in business intelligence to support informed decision-making within organizational settings.
Outcome 2: Employ predictive analytics techniques to analyze historical data, identify trends, and generate actionable insights to forecast future business scenarios and strategically position organizations for success.
Outcome 3: Utilize big data analytics tools and techniques to extract meaningful patterns and trends to derive strategic value from massive and complex data sources.
Outcome 4: Communicate technical information and analysis results to individuals within the organization via written and verbal means.
Outcome 5: Execute practical applications of Bl concepts to address complex real-world business challenges, offering strategic solutions that contribute to the advancement of the organization.

Requirements

Program Requirements

Graduation Requirements

For graduate degree completion, graduate students must satisfy the following requirements:

1.) Earn a minimum CGPA of 2.00 on a scale of 4.00.

2.) Successfully complete all courses as described in the study plan.

3.) The Degree Completion requirements must be met within the timeframe of the program.

4.) Successfully complete the “Thesis” course.

Admission Requirements

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FAQ

1. What is the MSBI program designed to achieve?

The MSBI program equips students with advanced analytical and business intelligence skills to solve complex, data-driven business challenges. Graduates are prepared to support strategic decision-making in various industries, including finance, healthcare, logistics, and government.

2. What are the MSBI program’s credit hour requirements?

The MSBI requires 30 credit hours, comprising core courses, electives, and a thesis completed over two phases.

3. Is the MSBI program suitable for working professionals?

Yes. The program is designed with flexibility in mind. Courses are delivered in a blended format - 75% face-to-face and 25% virtual - with most sessions scheduled in the evenings or at weekends. Each three-credit course includes approximately three contact hours per week, delivered over a standard semester.

4. What makes the MSBI program unique?

The program directly aligns with UAE’s smart city and digital government initiatives. Distinct features include a hands-on, industry-relevant curriculum; and a thesis component emphasizing real-world data applications.

5. What are the admission requirements for the MSBI program?

Applicants must submit: · A recognized bachelor’s degree (minimum GPA 3.0; conditional admission possible for 2.5–2.99) · Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL iBT 79, IELTS 6.0, TOEFL ITP 550, or EmSAT 1400) · A 500-word personal statement · Valid identification documents · Successful interview with the program representative

6. Can I transfer credits into the MSBI program?

Yes. Up to 25% of the credit hours may be transferred, provided they align with AUE’s policies and curriculum standards. At least 75% of the program must be completed at AUE.

7. What are the main components of the MSBI curriculum?

The MSBI curriculum includes: · Core Courses: 18 CH (e.g., Business Intelligence Fundamentals, Predictive Analytics, Big Data Analytics) · Electives: 6 CH (e.g., Stock Market Analytics, Social Media Analytics, Data-Driven Marketing Strategies) · Thesis: 6 CH (Thesis I & II)

8. What is the focus of the thesis component?

Students conduct original research applying business intelligence tools and methodologies to real-world challenges. A public defense is required for both the proposal (Thesis I) and final submission (Thesis II).

9. What are examples of elective courses available?

Students may select from electives such as: · Stock Market Analytics · Social Media Analytics · Effective Data Presentation and Storytelling · Data-Driven Marketing Strategies · Special Topics in Business Intelligence

10. What form of academic support do MSBI students receive?

Students receive guidance from a dedicated thesis supervisor, access to the library’s databases and BI tools, along with opportunities for real-world projects with industry partners.

11. What are the learning outcomes of the program?

Graduates will: · Demonstrate proficiency in data analysis and visualization · Apply predictive and strategic intelligence tools · Support business decision-making through BI methodologies · Conduct applied research contributing to innovation and business impact

12. What are the MSBI program’s graduation requirements?

To graduate, students must: · Complete 30 credit hours · Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher · Successfully complete and defend both Thesis I and II · Meet all institutional academic and administrative requirements

13. What career opportunities are available to MSBI graduates?

Graduates can pursue roles such as: · Data Scientist · Strategic Planning Specialist · Market Research Analyst · AI & Analytics Consultant · Business Intelligence Analyst

14. What industry connections or real-world experiences does the MSBI program offer?

The program incorporates applied projects and case studies, with opportunities to engage with AUE’s industry partners. Students work on real-world business problems, enhancing job readiness and practical insight.

15. How does the MSBI program align with job market trends in the UAE and globally?

The program directly supports the UAE’s national priorities in smart governance and Industry 4.0. Globally, demand for data-literate professionals is accelerating, with business intelligence ranked among the fastest-growing fields across sectors.

When can I join?

Three intakes every year

Students can join at the beginning of any semester.

Intake 01

September

Fall Semester

Intake 02

January

Spring Semester

Intake 03

May

Summer Semester

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Master of Science in Business Intelligence

About the Program

Become a Business Intelligence Leader.

Empowering data-driven leaders for a smarter future

30 Credit Hours

2 Years

English

52,500 AED/Yearly

Accreditations

Dr Ahmed Salman

Program Structure

Courses & Descriptions

Study Plan

Year 1

Semester 1

Semester 2

Year 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

Program Goals

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Requirements

Graduation Requirements

Admission Requirements

Three intakes every year

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

Summer Semester

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