A typical MBA in Business Analytics program involves the collection of data and its interpretation. The program emphasizes data collection, data management, data analysis, and statistical research for businesses to gain a competitive edge over their rivals, improve customer loyalty and engagement, and increase their presence and influence in the market.

The study of Business Analytics relies heavily on algorithms and techniques derived from statistics and machine learning, prescriptive analytics, modeling techniques, and programming and application development to optimize, simulate and assist in decision making. Further emphasis is given to the integration of applications with business operations and analyzing, forecasting, and using data to solve business problems. Graduates are trained to make data-driven decisions by working with different analytical tools and data sets.

MBA in Business Analytics programs can be synchronous, asynchronous, or hybrid in their delivery and instruction, which determine or influence the duration of the program.

MBA in Business Analytics Degree Types

In a nutshell, an online MBA Business Analytics is a concentration of a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). It is similar to other MBA concentrations, such as Entrepreneurship, Finance, Healthcare Management, Human Resources, International Business, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, Project Management, Supply Chain Management, etc.

As for Business Analytics, there is also the Master of Science or MS in Business Analytics, which is a compelling alternative to its MBA counterpart. In addition, there are also alternatives in related subjects of Business Analytics, such as Master’s in Data Analytics and Master’s in Data Science, that students can explore before applying to an MBA in Business Analytics online program.

By and large, the MBA degree imparts the fundamentals of business and business administration, and the concentration in Business Analytics builds upon that with data management, modeling techniques, programming, data analysis, data science, and a whole lot more.

Specializations in MBA in Business Analytics Programs

Specializations can help online MBA Business Analytics programs develop tightly focused, career-ready skills that fulfill personal and professional goals. In addition, they offer a level of depth in a particular area of Business Analytics that would otherwise not be attained through regular coursework. Here are a few concentrations and specialization for students to choose from:

Note: Specializations and concentrations listed here are coursework that can be taken up in addition to basic coursework that a Business Analytics program offers. However, many of these specializations are also independent MBA or other Master’s programs.

Curriculum and Skills Gained in Online MBA Business Analytics Programs

An MBA program, like other graduate-level business programs, provides students with a solid base in core subjects. However, the online MBA Business Analytics program goes a step further. It prepares students for lucrative careers in analyzing, interpreting, forecasting, and leveraging big data to drive business growth and solve real-world business problems. The curricula of Business Analytics MBA are largely split into two distinct sections – business and technical – and usually consist of the following courses:

Business-related:

Technically oriented:

Leveraging the knowledge and skills they would have picked by the end of an MBA in Business Analytics, and graduates would be primed to:

• build a taxonomy of problem-solving techniques based on the types and quantum of data and the essence of the business decision-making context;
• develop data strategies for businesses and utilize data in organizational decision making;
• understand and effectively use state-of-the-art data science and data analytics techniques that are contextual to business and its functions;
• devise reliable ways to collect, analyze, interpret, and visualize data;
• detect accounting fraud, develop marketing and pricing strategies, and optimize supply chain operations using analytical tools used for complex and big data;
• effectively use different analytical tools and data sets, and mine data;
• understand data modeling and predictive analytics in greater detail; and
• use analytics to improve profitability and competitiveness, minimize risk, and maximize profits across key functional areas in business such as finance, marketing, supply chain management, human resources, and project management.

Accreditation for Online MBA Business Analytics Programs

Accreditation is granted to colleges or programs that continuously meet certain established quality standards in academics, faculty qualifications, and student services. Online MBA Business Analytics programs that are accredited ensure students and employers that the knowledge and skills gained from such programs are credible and valuable. In addition, third-party organizations provide accreditation, either programmatically or regionally, some examples of which are:

Students must always consider accredited programs or colleges when applying for an MBA in Business Analytics. More information on accreditation can be found in the Accreditation Guide.

Timeline for graduation from Online MBA Business Analytics Programs

Typically, an online MBA in Business Analytics takes anywhere between 16 and 24 months to complete. But part-time students and working professionals can tailor their programs and complete them within up to 5 years. In addition, a program often includes a capstone project that requires additional time and research, which may lengthen the duration.

Online MBA Business Analytics Programs Admission Requirements

The most basic MBA in Business Analytics eligibility criterion is the requirement for a candidate to hold a Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States. Additional criteria may vary by college and program (students are advised to check with the college and/or program guide) but are largely the same, such as:

• An Application Form and the Requisite Application Fee.
• A Professional Résumé.
• A Letter of Intent or Personal Statement
• At least 2 Letters of Recommendation.
• A cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or better in undergraduate work.
• A minimum of 2 Years of Professional Work Experience

Important Points to Note:

(a) Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 must demonstrate professional experience/advancement that highlights progression since graduation and show how they will contribute to the MBA program. However, not all schools require a GPA of 3.0; some make do with 2.7 but against certain other conditions.

(b) Candidates must have prior education in economics, accounting, statistics, and finance, failing which they are suggested to take these up as prerequisite courses.