As the years go by, the business environment seems to be changing rapidly, calling for business leaders to quickly adapt and stay ahead. Doing business is one thing but understanding how it is done and how it should be done is more of importance and a challenge. Companies spend millions of dollars to dig deep into their businesses and look for patterns, trends, and factors affecting their revenue. A Master’s in Business Analytics online not only provides an executive or student with fundamental skills and cutting-edge business knowledge but also equips them to think out of the box and innovatively. According to a study by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), by 2023, 69% of employers expect candidates with Data Science and Analytics skills to get preference for jobs in their organizations. Read on to discover more about what a Master’s in Business Analytics is all about, what it entails, and the career prospects it offers.
Quite obviously, the best Business Analytics Programs are those that offer an entire package of targeted subjects, along with robust curricula. Finding the ‘best’ analytics degree is hard for an individual to do, which is why we have made out a list of Colleges that make the Rankings Table based on factors such as quality, faculty, infrastructure, range of subjects, reputation, value for money and more. Here are some of the best Colleges for an online MSBA Program:
<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/masters-in-business-analytics-online/">Business Analytics Online</a>
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College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
---|---|---|
#1 Massachusetts Institute of Technology 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 | $53,450 | 95% |
#2 Clemson University 201 Sikes Hall, Clemson, South Carolina 29634 | $10,600 | 84% |
#3 Carnegie Mellon university 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213 | $46,441 | 90% |
#4 Purdue University Hovde Hall of Administration, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907 | $9,208 | 82% |
#5 University of Dayton 300 College Park, Dayton, Ohio 45469 | $17,730 | 82% |
#6 New york University 70 Washington Sq South, New York, New York 10012 | $34,704 | 85% |
#7 Pepperdine University 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, California 90263 | $36,200 | 86% |
#8 Syracuse University 900 South Crouse Ave., Syracuse, New York 13244 | $40,392 | 83% |
#9 Indiana University 107 South Indiana Ave., Bloomington, Indiana 47405 | $9,786 | 79% |
#10 University of North Carolina 601 South College Road, Wilmington, North Carolina 28403 | $4,719 | 72% |
#11 Maryville University 650 Maryville University Drive, Saint Louis, Missouri 63141 | $14,346 | 71% |
#12 American University 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20016 | $34,533 | 79% |
#13 Iowa State University 1750 Beardshear Hall, Ames, Iowa 50011 | $9,758 | 74% |
#14 Lewis University One University Parkway, Romeoville, Illinois 60446 | $14,580 | 67% |
#15 University of Nebraska 1400 R Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588 | $6,138 | 66% |
#16 Rutgers University 249 University Avenue, Blumenthal Hall, Newark, New Jersey 07102 | $17,736 | 69% |
#17 Ohio University 020 Chubb Hall, Athens, Ohio 45701 | $9,444 | 65% |
#18 Golden Gate University 536 Mission Street, San Francisco, California 94105 | $19,620 | NA |
#19 Arizona State University University Drive and Mill Avenue, Tempe, Arizona 85287 | $11,720 | 63% |
#20 University of Nevada North Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada 89557 | $5,657 | 61% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
With the rising cost of advanced education, it is of course imperative to find a College that is of satisfactory repute and one that offers an affordable Business Analytics master’s. There are several such Colleges across the country, some of which have made it to our list depending on a host of key factors. Here is an online Master’s in Business Analytics ranking list of some most affordable Colleges:
<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/masters-in-business-analytics-online/">Business Analytics Online</a>
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College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
---|---|---|
#1 University of North Carolina 601 South College Road, Wilmington, North Carolina 28403 | $4,719 | 72% |
#2 University of Nevada North Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada 89557 | $5,657 | 61% |
#3 University of Nebraska 1400 R Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588 | $6,138 | 66% |
#4 Cedarville University 251 N. Main Street, Cedarville, Ohio 45314 | $9,065 | 75% |
#5 Purdue University Hovde Hall of Administration, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907 | $9,208 | 82% |
#6 Ohio University 020 Chubb Hall, Athens, Ohio 45701 | $9,444 | 65% |
#7 Iowa State University 1750 Beardshear Hall, Ames, Iowa 50011 | $9,758 | 74% |
#8 Indiana University 107 South Indiana Ave., Bloomington, Indiana 47405 | $9,786 | 79% |
#9 Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota 700 Terrace Heights, Winona, Minnesota 55987 | $10,260 | 64% |
#10 Grand Canyon University 3300 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, Arizona 85017 | $10,528 | 41% |
#11 Clemson University 201 Sikes Hall, Clemson, South Carolina 29634 | $10,600 | 84% |
#12 University of North Dakota 264 Centennial Drive, Stop 8193, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202 | $11,060 | 61% |
#13 Arizona State University University Drive and Mill Avenue, Tempe, Arizona 85287 | $11,720 | 63% |
#14 Kent State University Executive Office, 2nd Floor Library, Kent, Ohio 44242 | $11,766 | 62% |
#15 University of Colorado Regent Drive at Broadway, Boulder, Colorado 80309 | $11,826 | 69% |
#16 University of Maryland College Park, Maryland 20742 | $13,158 | 87% |
#17 Maryville University 650 Maryville University Drive, Saint Louis, Missouri 63141 | $14,346 | 71% |
#18 Lewis University One University Parkway, Romeoville, Illinois 60446 | $14,580 | 67% |
#19 Mercer University 1501 Mercer University Drive, Macon, Georgia 31207 | $14,964 | 66% |
#20 University of Dayton 300 College Park, Dayton, Ohio 45469 | $17,730 | 82% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
The fundamental purpose of a Master’s in Business Analytics online program is to use analysis and reporting to help formulate current and future business strategies, set targets and goals, create value for shareholders and stakeholders, and also maximize profits while increasing revenue. To do all of this, it is essential for business leaders to understand what factors drive growth and financial performance, how to align and adjust products and services, and how to capitalize on every available opportunity to expand the company’s footprint in the business world.
Business Analytics fundamentally includes quantitative and analytical skills to look into Data – past, present, and projected, employ complex formulae for analysis and interpretation of such data, and use what is known as ‘Data Science’ to identify emerging trends, create value and provide direction for decision making.
In broad terms, there are two main Business Analytics Degrees – one being a Master’s of Science or MS in Business Analytics and the other being a Master’s in Business Administration or MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics. Both Degrees offer an in-depth study of Business Analytics and Data Science and present excellent career prospects in the corporate world.
Master of Science or MS in Business Analytics is a largely specialized degree in the field of Analytics and Data Science and is more technical in its approach. An MS in Business Analytics emphasizes more on Data than on Business and is therefore considered to be more ‘technical’ than ‘applied’.
Master’s in Business Administration or MBA in Business Analytics (sometimes also referred to as MBA in Business Intelligence) is a traditional Master of Business Administration Degree with a concentration in Business Analytics. What this means is that MBA Business Analytics graduates will be administration professionals, but with added and enhanced knowledge of data analysis tools. This Program is more ‘applied’ than ‘technical’.
Since Business Analytics and Data Science are by themselves a specialized subject, broken down from the larger dimension of Business Studies, there are only a few further specializations available for a deeper insight into a granular topic. Some such specialization programs that complement a Master’s in Business Analytics online program are:
A typical Master’s in Business Analytics course curriculum offers a wide range of interesting and targeted subjects. Depending on the College and the Program, about 8 core courses are mandatory, along with anywhere from 3 to 6 electives. Typically, an MS in Business Analytics syllabus contains:
The list of electives is rather exhaustive, but include modules such as:
Note: Core Subjects and Electives vary by College and Program. It is always advisable to read the Program Prospectus to see specific subjects/courses on offer.
Upon graduating from a Master’s in Business Analytics Program, students would have developed industry-sought skills such as:
Although accreditation is as important as the Degree itself, most students tend to overlook who the Program is endorsed by. Accreditation adds credence to the Degree Certificate and is a sure means of landing plum jobs in reputed companies.
Typically, Master’s Programs offered by Universities are accredited by some accrediting body or the other, but one should ensure that such is the case. AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business is one such body that awards recognition to Master’s in Business Analytics Online Programs.
Know and understand why accreditation is very important when applying for a Master’s in Business Analytics Online Program.
Generally, Master’s in Business Analytics online Programs take anywhere from 1 year to about 3 years to complete, depending on whether they are part-time or full-time. However, most Online Programs last an average of 12-15 months. Students can choose from 4 intakes: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer, but most Colleges make do with 2 to choose from – Fall & Spring.
The Master’s in Business Analytics requirements, when it comes to admission, are quite the same as what is required for any other Master’s Degree. Apart from a completed application form, MS in Business Analytics prerequisites include academic transcripts, letter(s) of recommendation, standardized test scores (GMAT or GRE), a professional resumé, and a personal statement or statement of purpose. It is not uncommon for Colleges to ask for a GMAT score of 570 or above or a combined GRE score of 310 or above. Of course, there is the customary Application Fee that needs to accompany an application to a Master’s in Business Analytics online program.
Get a deeper insight into GMAT and GRE to see how they influence the admission process.
For students who are averse to taking up a standardized test, a Master’s in Business Analytics No GRE program is a compelling proposition. Some Universities do provide an option for a waiver of a GMAT or GRE score. These are highly dependent on individual Universities and/or their Programs, so those looking for such a waiver should always read the University Prospectus or Program Guidelines for details or make a request to the College for a waiver.
There are a plethora of Colleges, Educational Institutions, Private Tutors, and Educational Websites that offer online courses, but none of which are considered accredited Business Analytics courses. However, there are certain trade-offs that one must consider if one opts for such a course. A key downside to free Business Analytics courses is the certification of the program that is usually not very well accepted or recognized by the job market. Secondly, free courses typically do not have a structured curriculum or well-formatted instruction. Although most of these courses do not award a ‘Master’s Degree’ or equivalent, they are excellent for those who want to specialize in a particular topic of Business Analytics and take up Certificate Programs to add value to their pursuant degree. Here are a few options to choose from:
Several Universities across the United States that offer a 1 year MS in Business Analytics as well as a 1 year MBA Business Analytics. These accelerated programs provide working professionals with the option to take a sabbatical off work and fast-track their studies to better their career prospects. While the upper limit to complete a shorter-term program is typically 3 years, some students have done so in as little as 10 months as well. The College’s program prospectus is the best place to know and understand timelines and other related requisites.
18 months
With ever-increasing tuition fees and the overall cost of Master’s Programs, students are well-advised to explore funding opportunities that are available for Master’s in Business Analytics Online Programs. From Scholarships to Grants to Government Aid such as FAFSA, the options are many. Business Analytics programs cost a lot and external funding goes a long way in reducing student debt. Here is a quick list of funding options to explore:
Many Colleges offer Scholarships either as a lump sum or as a waiver if a student meets certain criteria and conditions.
Working professionals should check with their employers for schemes and internal programs that fund their advanced education. Some Companies pay in full or in part for the Master’s Degree but may require some form of work commitment to be fulfilled.
Federal Loans are another good funding option to explore. The Government typically offers Unsubsidized Loans and Direct PLUS Loans for qualifying/eligible students.
Some Colleges split up the tuition fee into equated or incremental installments, making it easy for a student to pay for their education over an extended length of time, rather than having to pay in one go.
You can get more information on funding with the best Financial Guide.
One of the best ways to fund a Master’s in Business Analytics online is through scholarships. Most Colleges generally have their internal scholarships up for grabs, but some students can also tap in to aid from philanthropists or professional organizations. Here are a few to Scholarships and Grants to consider:
New York University’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business has an exhaustive scholarship database along with a few tools to assist with finding scholarships and applying for them. [Application Deadline: Varies]
Carlson School of Management, affiliated to the University of Minnesota, offers $400,000 in merit-based scholarships for qualifying students opting to join a full-time Master’s in Business Analytics Program. [Application Deadline: Varies]
Affiliated to the University of Utah, David Eccles School of Business offers scholarships of varied types from $2,500 to $19,000. [Application Deadline: Varies]
Fisher Family Fund Fellowship has been set up by Tom and Judy Fisher with a typical award amount of $2,000, for students pursuing Data Science and Business Analytics within the College of Computing and Informatics. [Application Deadline: April 16, 2023]
MinneAnalytics offers scholarships to current undergraduate students pursuing a degree in a field related to data analytics. The award for each applicant amounts to $1,000, from a total pool of $100K. [Application Deadline: All Year]
Note: One should always stay vigilant and be aware of scholarship scams that are doing the rounds on the internet. Always trust known sources and resources and be careful when sharing personal information via e-mail or on an untrusted website.
Master’s in Business Analytics is a graduate program for students and working professionals who want to improve their decision-making in business using insights derived from data analysis.
There are a host of Colleges that offer Master’s in Business Analytics Online Programs with varied subjects and specializations. Refer to the Rankings Table in this article.
Students who have completed a Master’s in Business Analytics are usually recruited without much deliberation or delay. According to a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), some 2.7 million new data science and analytic jobs are supposed to have been created by 2020. The demand for Business Analytics graduates seems to be increasing due to a shortage of people who combine expertise in their industry with the ability to understand, analyze, use and leverage big data to solve today’s business’ complex problems and assist in data-backed strategic decision making.
Some of the many career choices tied to a Master’s in Business Analytics online program are high-paying with enviable professional growth. A quick list of jobs available in the market includes:
As far as pay and salary outlook is concerned, a Master’s in Business Analytics salary is enviable, with substantial pay-packets along with the promise of an optimistic rise each year. A Management Analyst’s median salary was $85,260 in 2019, with a high of $1,13,770. Similarly, a Data Scientist’s median salary in 2023 is $96,494 and substantially higher for those with more experience.
In most cases, the degree certificate awarded on completing a Master’s in Business Analytics is more than adequate to qualify for jobs in most industries. There are no special licensing requirements as such, but some in the medical or scientific fields may require a specialized certification by way of undertaking a short course and exam. Some sensitive government jobs may require a candidate to undergo additional training and certification, specific to the job profile.
Certification always adds value to a Business Analytics Degree by opening up even more career paths and ensuring better job prospects.
In addition to a Master’s in Business Analytics online program, students can be certified by third-party organizations for furthering their knowledge in one or more aspects of Business and Data Analytics. For example, IIBA (International Institute of Business Analysis) offers the “IIBA Certified Business Analysis Professional” certification, IQBBA (International Qualifications Board for Business Analysts) offers “IQBBA Certified Foundation Level Business Analyst” certification and PMI (Project Management Institute) offers “PMI Professional in Business Analysis” certification.
In a fast-paced and well-connected world, it is important for students and working professionals of a Master’s in Business Analytics online program to keep up to date with the latest in their field and also stay connected with important people in the industry. With businesses no longer restricted by geographical and physical boundaries, tapping into all resources available at one’s disposal to enhance knowledge and gain better perspectives is crucial for one’s education and career.
Here are a few resources on the internet that every Business Analytics professional should explore:
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