In this special edition of our Real Humans: Students series, we meet some members of the Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business Part-time Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) Class of 2026. The curriculum of the STEM-designated program blends cutting-edge analytical skills (machine learning, optimization), business knowledge (finance, marketing, operations), and communication skills. In an era where data-driven decision-making defines success across industries, the part-time MSBA at Tepper is proving to be a launchpad for professionals eager to merge technical acumen with strategic leadership—without pressing pause on their careers.
From recent graduates like Bhari Cowlagi, who’s building on early momentum in marketing and sales to deepen her data toolkit, to seasoned engineering leader Cheryl Jennings, who’s leveraging the program to enhance product analytics at Twilio, Tepper’s part-time MSBA attracts a remarkably diverse cohort. Pharmacist-turned-analytics-enthusiast Justin George is using his learnings to drive real-time healthcare decisions, while entrepreneur Michelle Wu integrates cutting-edge concepts into her AI-powered startup—all while maintaining their professional and personal commitments.
What unites them is not just a shared passion for analytics, but also Tepper’s ability to deliver a rigorous, tech-forward curriculum in a flexible, virtual format. Students praise the program’s immediate real-world applicability, collaborative community (yes, even online), and the school’s deep roots in both innovation and support. Whether balancing 80-hour work weeks, leading cross-functional teams, or pivoting careers post-undergrad or post-PhD track, Tepper’s part-time MSBA equips professionals to do it all—thoughtfully, strategically, and data-informed.
In the following profiles, we dive into the stories of four current students, offering a closer look at how the Tepper experience is reshaping careers, redefining impact, and reimagining what’s possible in the world of analytics.
