UT Austin McCombs MSBA or USC Marshall MSBA?

Graduate School Business School - MBA
1

I recently got accepted into the MS in Business Analytics program at the University of Texas at Austin (McCombs). I’m still waiting for a response from the admissions committee at USC (Marshall) for their MS in Business Analytics program.

Given the potential situation in which I get accepted into USC’s program as well:

What is the overall ‘better’ school to attend, academically?
Which business school has a better reputation (Marshall or McCombs)?
Which school has the better Business Analytics program?

2

Both business schools have excellent reputations although UT-Austin (McCombs) is ranked slightly higher by US News.

How many years old are these masters programs in “business analytics” ?

3

Had to research the difference between “business analytics” & “data analytics”.

Found a ranking from 2017 of business analytics programs:

  1. MIT
  2. UT-Austin (McCombs)
  3. USC-Marshall
  4. Minnesota-Carlson

Followed by 3 forign schools.

  1. Michigan State

  2. Purdue

  3. Arizona State Univ.

  4. RPI

  5. Notre Dame

  6. GWU

Another website noted that USC-Marshall admits (not sure if still accurate) a much smaller cohort than does UT-Austin (McCombs). On this basis alone, I would choose Texas over USC as more contact & more perspectives = a richer & more rewarding experience. Employers will be attracted to the larger program (54 students versus 18 in 2015).

4

Honestly, what matters most with these 2 options is where you want to work, not which is “better” or higher ranked (they’re essentially the same anyway). So do you want to work in TX or SoCal?

No cost differences or issues with paying?

5

Whether it makes any difference or not, the 2020 edition of US News Ranking of MBA programs has USC Marshall #17 and UT McCombs #19. The 2018 edition had UT McCombs at #17 and USC Marshall #24.

6

^ It doesn’t make a difference. Again, what matters more is where you want to work.

7

Hey what did you eventually decide and why?? I got into both programs and I’m trying to make a decision. Both are of similar levels imo so it’s really tough.

8

Though it’s worth noting that the MSBA program at USC is 18 months while the one at UT Austin is 10 months!

9

Thanks everyone for your input! I ended up compiling three separate ranking lists, comparing USC and UT Austin in regards to their Overall School ranking, Business School ranking and Business Analytics program ranking. I added every ranking list I could find into this sheet for each of the three categories. After averaging numerous ranking sources for each category, I found the following:

Overall School Ranking (Global): UT-Austin (46.7), USC (47.7)
[Avg of 11 Global ranking sources]

Business School Ranking (Global): USC - Marshall (17.7), UT-Austin - McCombs (19.6)
[Avg of 10 Global Business School ranking sources]

Business Analytics Ranking (Global): UT-Austin (3.2), USC (3.8)
[Avg of 6 Global Business Analytics ranking sources]

Overall Notes:
UT-Austin - Ranked 1 above USC Overall as a school; Ranked 1 above USC in Business Analytics
USC - Ranked 2 Above UT-Austin as a business school.

Although UT-Austin seems to be a slightly better program, I ended up deciding to accept USC’s offer. The programs are so close in every ranking source that I ultimately ended up choosing based on location. In addition, both programs/business schools have extraordinary networking opportunities, so as ‘PurpleTitan’ mentioned, location should be considered as a deciding factor. I would much rather live in LA after graduating, as opposed to Austin. Thanks everyone for your input, I really appreciate it!

10

In the case of a masters degree in “business analytics”, I doubt that the location of the school is a significant factor with respect to location of job opportuities beyond east coast & west coast–and maybe not even that restrictive due to high demand. Especially so when graduating from one of the top 3 MSBA programs in the country.

In OP’s case, more important to distinguish the two offers based on COA & on length of the program.

11

@Publisher, most recruiting is still pretty local (outside of a handful of industries) and the alumni bases for these 2 schools definitely are.

12

Analytics is a sought after specialty. Should be reasonably easy to get opportunities throughout the US with a masters degree in business analytics from either Texas or USC.

13

@Publisher, arguably.

However,

  1. You’ll see stronger representation by local companies among those who come on campus to recruit.
  2. Obviously it would be easier to job hunt in the area around your school.
  3. Obviously the alumni base of these 2 schools are stronger in some locales compared to others.
  4. If you’ve noticed, the economy is cratering. I’m not sure any specialty will be heavily sought after in the near future.

There is a difference in length, which may make a difference, though the economy may do better farther out in the future.

14

Not sure that I understand your last paragraph.

Disagree as both schools have alums nationwide, plus I know firms that offer a choice of location throughout the US.

15

@Publisher, the USC degree is 3 semesters and for the OP will end 2021 year-end while the UT degree is 12 months and will end the summer of 2021.

As for what you said, yes, alums of both schools are nationwide, but 60+% of the grads in the UT MSBA program ended up starting a job in the Southwest (essentially TX and environs) while I’m sure the percentage of USC grads who end up on the West Coast is as high or higher.

16

In this case, location may also be due to personal preference.

I can assure you that any with a masters degree in data analytics/data analysis/business analytics from a major US university will most likely enjoy a choice of locations throughout the US in major cities. I am not speculating.

17

@Publisher: In which economic environment? Are you speaking of 2019 or now?

18

Now is a time of uncertainty, but certain lines of business are quite robust currently. Most is being done remotely, however, which pretty well eliminates new hires. (Although many are conducting abbreviated summer internships remotely.)

Analytics is a high demand area. Opportunities also depend upon BA/BS major. But major companies do not want to lose recruits–although it varies by firm.