Master of Science in Business Intelligence
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.
- Goal 1: 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. - Goal 2: Enable graduates to master predictive modeling techniques, foresight methodologies, and data-driven analysis
to accurately anticipate challenges in business environments. - Goal 3: 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. - Goal 4: 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.
- 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 BI concepts to address complex real-world business challenges, offering strategic solutions that contribute to the advancement of the organization.
Program Overview
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 over a standard semester.
4. What makes the MSBI program unique?
The program directly aligns with the 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.
Admissions & Eligibility
5. What are the admission requirements for the MSBI program?
- 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.
Program Structure & Curriculum
7. What are the main components of the MSBI curriculum?
- 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 the final submission (Thesis II).
9. What are examples of elective courses available?
- Stock Market Analytics
- Social Media Analytics
- Effective Data Presentation and Storytelling
- Data-Driven Marketing Strategies
- Special Topics in Business Intelligence
Research & Academic Support
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, and opportunities for real-world projects with industry partners.
11. What are the learning outcomes of the program?
- 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
Graduation & Career
12. What are the MSBI program’s graduation requirements?
- 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?
- 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.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
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GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
For graduate degree completion, graduate students must satisfy the following requirements:
- Earn a minimum CGPA of 2.00 on a scale of 4.00.
- Successfully complete all courses as described in the study plan.
- The Degree Completion requirements must be met within the timeframe of the program.
- Successfully complete the “Thesis” course.
ACCREDITATION
The American University in the Emirates is licensed by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research – Commission for Academic Accreditation | caa.ae
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Course Category
Total Number of Courses
Total Number of Credit Hours
Core Courses
6
18
Elective Courses
2
6
Thesis 1
1
3
Thesis 2
1
3
Total (Excluding Bridging Courses)
10
30 Credit Hours
PROGRAM Courses
CORE COURSES
6 COURSES | 18 CREDIT HOURS
ELECTIVE COURSES
CHOOSE TWO COURSES | 6 CREDIT HOURS
This course focuses on the art and science of presenting data effectively to diverse audiences. Students will learn the principles of data visualization, storytelling techniques, and persuasive communication to convey complex insights derived from business intelligence. The course emphasizes hands-on exercises and real-world case studies to enhance students’ ability to craft compelling narratives using data. In this course the student will be able to transpose all the findings from data analytics into representable figures, charts and visual ques.
This course explores advanced and emerging topics in business intelligence, providing students with an in-depth understanding of specialized areas within the field. Topics may vary each semester based on industry trends and developments. Students will engage in hands-on projects, case studies, and discussions to deepen their knowledge in specific BI domains. The course will assist in exposing students to different applications, concepts, tools and new technologies that are related to the field of Business Intelligence.
Program Director

Dr. Ahmad Salman
Associate Professor / Acting Program Director of Master of Science in Business Intelligence