Elon Launches Part-Time STEM MSBA Flex in Charlotte for Professionals

Elon University announced an expansion of its Master of Science in Business Analytics through a part-time MSBA Flex pathway at the university’s National Campus in Charlotte, a move aimed at working professionals seeking applied skills in analytics and artificial intelligence. The Charlotte program combines evening classes, hybrid instruction and weekend immersive sessions to allow employed students to pursue graduate study without leaving the workforce.

The MSBA Flex Charlotte pathway is STEM-certified and emphasizes analytics, artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship, with an associate dean describing the curriculum as "AI in action". Coursework is project-based, taught in small classes and paired with faculty mentorship. Students will participate in a 3-4 day domestic immersive experience at no extra cost to observe how organizations deploy analytics and AI in real settings.

Elon framed the Charlotte expansion as part of its broader National Campus strategy under the Boldly Elon 2030 plan. The placement in Charlotte positions the program near employers in finance, health care, consulting and technology, which Elon says will support networking and applied learning opportunities for students balancing careers and study.

For Alamance County residents, the Charlotte MSBA Flex creates an additional pathway to graduate training in a high-demand field without requiring relocation to a full-time program. Alumni and professionals in Burlington, Graham and the town of Elon who already work in regional offices or commute to Charlotte may find the evening and hybrid schedule compatible with existing jobs. The program’s immersive site visits and proximity to industry hubs also create potential connections between local talent and Charlotte employers looking for analytics and AI skills.

The part-time structure and STEM certification may appeal to professionals seeking measurable, project-centered outcomes rather than traditional research degrees. Small classes and faculty mentorship suggest a model focused on applied competencies and employer-relevant portfolios. Elon’s National Campus strategy ties the Charlotte pathway to broader institutional goals to expand access and deepen regional engagement through targeted program growth.

Elon announced the Charlotte MSBA Flex on January 26, 2026. Details on application deadlines, tuition and start dates were not released in the initial announcement. For Alamance County voters, taxpayers and local employers, the program signals a continued investment in workforce development by a university rooted in the county, and it could affect hiring pipelines and continuing-education options in the region.

The practical takeaway for readers is clear: working professionals in Alamance have another local option to gain applied analytics and AI skills while employed, and employers across the county may gain access to graduates trained for roles in finance, health care, consulting and technology as the program ramps up.