You can learn how to transform vast quantities of data into compelling stories with a masters in business analytics.
Business analytics uses statistics and machine learning to interpret data and help organizations make strategic decisions. For example, a business analyst could gather data about consumers’ shopping habits and recommend that their company develops new products to meet their clients’ needs.
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An online master’s in business analytics can help unlock advanced career opportunities in business, finance, retail, and many other industries.
Online Masters in Business Analytics Programs
Business analytics is a rapidly growing field that uses data science, digital tools, and applied statistics to make meaning from large amounts of information. Experts in this field use technology to harvest, clean, organize, and interpret many types of data, including financial records, search histories, and customer surveys.
Analysts use this information to learn more about an organization’s operations and gain new insights into customers, markets, and systems. They also make predictions about future trends and suggest strategies that businesses can use to improve performance and increase profits.
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For instance, a company could use business analytics to detect inefficient processes that slow down its supply chain or identify the marketing strategies with the biggest return on investment. A masters degree in business analytics focuses on helping students develop quantitative skills and technical proficiency.
Each program has a unique curriculum, but coursework typically covers these subjects:
- Applied statistical modeling
- Big data analytics
- Cloud computing
- Customer analytics
- Data mining
- Data visualization
- Decision analysis
- Experimental design
- Forecasting methods
- Operations management
- Predictive modeling
- Programming and scripting languages
- Supply chain analytics
In addition, you can develop interpersonal skills like communication, critical thinking, and decision-making. These abilities allow you to collaborate with other professionals and solve problems when gathering and analyzing data.
Most organizations rely on data to make informed decisions, so graduates can apply their business analytics knowledge in numerous industries and roles. Here are a few potential career paths graduates may pursue:
- Business consultant
- Business intelligence analyst
- Data architect
- Data manager
- Data scientist
- Enterprise architect
- Financial analyst
- Market research analyst
- Operations analyst
- Product analyst
- Supply chain analyst
Additionally, many graduates use their master’s degrees to secure management and leadership positions. For instance, some professionals apply their digital and interpersonal skills as chief technology officers or computer and information systems managers.
Some graduates continue their education by completing doctorates in business analytics, data analytics, and related fields. A PhD can help you qualify for academic roles, like a researcher or professor of business analytics.
Common Online Master of Science in Business Analytics Concentrations
You can prepare for a career in a specific industry by adding a concentration to your graduate degree. Here are some common business analytics concentrations:
- Algorithms in Analytics. This concentration focuses on using artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms in business analytics. You’ll learn how to use these tools to automate tasks and generate new insights from big data. Coursework may cover business intelligence, data science and analytics, and predictive data analytics.
- Financial Analytics. This specialization teaches you how to use data and statistical methods to solve problems in the financial industry. You may study topics like corporate valuation and strategy, economic analysis, and international financial management.
- Healthcare Analytics. You can learn how to interpret medical data to improve patient outcomes and make healthcare more accessible. You could take classes on health data visualization and statistics for healthcare analytics.
- Human Resource Management Analytics. This concentration explores how business analytics can help manage people and resources. Course topics could include human resource analytics and organizational behavior.
- Supply Chain Analytics. You’ll use business analytics to make supply chains more efficient. You could study topics like operations management and strategic sourcing.
Choosing a concentration allows you to gain specialized knowledge and may help your resume make a strong impression on potential employers.
Business Analytics Careers & Salaries
All industries need data-savvy professionals who can help decision-makers better understand their clients, competitors, and internal operations. As a result, graduates can use their online master degree in business analytics to pursue jobs in many sectors.
Many current professionals work as business analysts and consultants for private corporations. They use data to analyze a company’s daily operations and recommend ways to improve performance. For instance, they might identify employees who need additional training or suggest eliminating a product that doesn’t appeal to customers.
Similarly, graduates can work as logisticians and operations analysts in the retail and transportation sectors. These professionals use data to move products through the supply chain as efficiently as possible.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the median salaries of careers associated with business analytics.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Data Scientists | $103,330 |
| Database Administrators | $99,890 |
| General and Operations Managers | $98,100 |
| Project Management Specialists | $95,370 |
| Management Analysts | $95,290 |
| Financial and Investment Analysts | $95,080 |
| Operations Research Analysts | $85,720 |
| Budget Analysts | $82,260 |
| Logisticians | $77,520 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | $68,230 |
Some graduates work for consulting firms or offer their services on a freelance basis. These experts gather and analyze data for clients and provide advice based on their insights.
Professionals who pursue consulting and freelance roles can work on a broad range of projects and may have more flexible schedules. But, they often need to advertise their services and search for new clients regularly. Other industries that frequently hire people with a master’s degree in business analytics include education, finance, healthcare, information services, insurance, manufacturing, and technology.
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that many careers associated with business analytics will grow at a faster-than-average rate over the next ten years. For example, 36% job growth is projected for data scientists, and the employment of market research analysts is expected to grow by 19%.
These rapidly expanding occupations could lead to plentiful job opportunities for new graduates. It’s helpful to remember, though, that job availability and salary can also vary depending on geographical region, education level, and other factors.
Business Analytics MS Curriculum & Courses
All programs that offer a masters degree business analytics have different classes and requirements, but you may have the opportunity to take common courses like these:
- AI and Machine Learning: You’ll practice using artificial intelligence and machine learning to interpret data and create innovative solutions to complex business problems.
- Customer Analytics: You’ll learn how to use predictive analytics to better understand consumer behavior and use your findings to make marketing decisions.
- Data Mining for Business Analytics: This course explores methods to gather, prepare, and understand business data, such as market basket analysis and support vector machines.
- Data Visualization and Analytics: You’ll learn how to transform data into accessible and interactive graphics that communicate insights and stories.
- Human Resources Analytics: You’ll study computational and mathematical approaches that organizations use to recruit, train, and promote employees.
- Introduction to Business Analytics: This course provides an overview of critical approaches and practices used in data mining and shows you how to use this information to solve real-world issues.
- Managing Big Data: This class teaches you how to collect, store, and model vast quantities of raw data.
- Sports Analytics: You’ll analyze the tools and methods that sports leaders use to make informed decisions, such as linear regression and Markov chains.
- Statistics for Business Analytics: This course covers foundational statistical concepts and methods for analyzing business data, such as simple and multiple regression analysis.
- Supply Chain Analytics: You’ll study how business analytics can improve all aspects of supply chain management, from sourcing materials to distribution.
Additionally, many programs require graduate students to complete a capstone project or master’s thesis showcasing their knowledge of business analytics.
How to Choose an Online Master in Business Analytics Program
As you compare masters in business analytics online programs, here are a few factors to consider:
- Curriculum. Business analytics programs offer varying courses, so it’s beneficial to research each school’s curriculum before applying. You can look for a program with classes and concentrations related to your professional goals.
- Program length. Typically, it takes 1 to 2 years to complete a master’s degree in business analytics if you enroll full-time. A shorter program may have a heavier workload but could enable you to advance your career faster.
- Faculty credentials. Faculty with years of industry experience may help students network and find job openings more effectively than faculty without business connections.
- Available resources. The field of business analytics evolves quickly, so it’s essential to learn the latest methods and technologies. You can research each program’s available resources to see if students can access new software and other digital tools.
- Networking opportunities. Some graduate programs encourage students to attend virtual career fairs, participate in internships, or conduct informational interviews with current professionals. These activities allow you to build valuable relationships with people in the field who could later help your career.
- School-specific financial aid. Many colleges and universities offer grants and scholarships for eligible graduate students.
These factors can help you select a business analytics program that fits your academic and professional goals.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions criteria can differ significantly between colleges and programs, but here are a few standard requirements for a master’s degree in business analytics:
- Official undergraduate transcripts with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- GRE or GMAT scores (if required)
- Statement of purpose or personal essay
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
In addition, some online master’s in business analytics programs require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in business, mathematics, or another relevant field. Other programs accept students with a bachelor’s degree in any subject.
Business Analyst Masters Degrees Accreditation
As you compare master’s programs in business analytics, it’s beneficial to research each school’s accreditation status.
Colleges and universities can apply for regional accreditation from an external organization. The regional accrediting body evaluates the quality of each school’s educational services, faculty, graduation rates, and other factors. Institutions that meet pre-established quality standards receive accreditation.
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Attending an accredited school makes it easier to transfer colleges or enroll in a doctoral program later on. Also, many financial aid organizations, like the federal government, only offer resources for students who attend accredited schools.
You can visit the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s website to learn more.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
You may qualify for financial assistance that can help cover some of the costs of earning a masters in business analytics online. Colleges and universities frequently offer grants and scholarships for graduate students. You may be required to complete a separate financial aid application in addition to your admissions application.
You can also look into grants and scholarships from non-academic organizations, like professional associations and community groups. The federal government provides several kinds of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. You could also see if you qualify for student loans, which require repayment.
You can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out if you’re eligible for government assistance. Your current employer could be another source of support. Many companies have tuition assistance or reimbursement programs to help employees continue their education.
What Is a Masters in Business Analytics?
A masters in business analytics is a graduate degree that teaches students how to assess and apply data in business environments.
Students take courses on advanced analytical approaches, theories, and tools. For example, you can learn to use artificial intelligence algorithms, financial forecasting, and predictive analytics. You’ll also study ethics and laws governing data privacy and security. Additionally, this master’s degree enables you to develop crucial soft skills that are useful for many roles.
You can strengthen your critical thinking and problem-solving skills by using data to develop solutions for business problems. Also, you can develop communication and collaboration abilities through group projects.
What Can You Do with a Masters in Business Analytics?
A master degree in business analytics can help you qualify for positions in nearly every industry. Many graduates use their degrees to become business analysts and data analysts for finance, insurance, and retail companies. These professionals help organizations better understand their clients and operations by collecting, managing, analyzing, and visualizing data.
Other graduates use their interpersonal and time management skills to pursue careers as project managers. They plan and coordinate complicated projects, stick to a budget, and oversee teams of business analysts or other professionals. Current professionals also work as business consultants, data architects, and management analysts.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Business Analytics Masters Online?
Several factors can affect how long it will take you to graduate with a master degree in business analytics, such as your personal schedule and the college’s academic calendar.
Most programs require students to complete 30 to 36 credit hours. Typically, full-time students can complete these programs in 1 year if they take summer classes or 2 years if they only take courses in the fall and spring. Writing a master’s thesis can add more time to the program.
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Some students choose to enroll part-time and take fewer courses per semester. This option takes more time but offers greater flexibility.
What’s the Difference Between a Master of Business Analytics vs. Data Analytics?
A masters in business analytics and data analytics often cover similar topics and skills, but here are a few key distinctions between these degrees.
| Master of Business Analytics | Master of Data Analytics |
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Business analytics has a narrower focus than data analytics, but either path can lead to fulfilling careers in corporate settings.
What’s the Difference Between an MBA vs. MS in Business Analytics?
An Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Business Analytics are distinct degrees with several significant differences.
| MBA in Business Analytics | MS in Business Analytics |
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An MS in Business Analytics allows you to gain in-depth knowledge of this field, while an MBA covers a variety of business topics in addition to some specialized coursework in business analytics.
Is a Masters in Business Analytics Worth It?
Yes, a masters in business analytics is worth it for many students. This degree can unlock career opportunities in nearly every industry, including education, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and transportation.
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the demand for many careers associated with business analytics will increase over the next ten years. For example, jobs for data scientists are expected to expand by 36% during this period, and employment for management analysts will likely increase by 11%.
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Graduates can also expand their knowledge and research skills by pursuing a PhD program in business analytics or data analytics.
Universities Offering Online Masters in Business Analytics Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Arizona State University offers a Master of Science in Business Analytics. This program aims to prepare students to make strategic business decisions in advanced roles. The curriculum consists of 10 courses and 30 credits. Potential courses include Data-Driven Quality Management, Decision Models for Supply Chain Management, Business Analytics Strategy, and Data Mining.
ASU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Carnegie Mellon University offers a Master of Science in Business Analytics. The curriculum combines concepts in methodology, software engineering, corporate communication, and business domain knowledge. The program is housed fully online and can typically be completed in 9 months will full-time study.
Carnegie Mellon University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Hamline University offers a Master of Science in Business Analytics. This program seeks to prepare students to analyze data models, make data-driven decisions, and maintain ethical governance of data. The 32 credit curriculum can be completed entirely online. The 8 required courses can be completed in as little as 18 months.
Hamline University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Ohio University offers a Master of Business Analytics. Potential courses include Business Intelligence, Programming for Analytics, Strategic Use of Analytics, and Applied Business Experience. The program is 100% online. On average, the 30 required credits can be completed in 20 months.
Ohio University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Pepperdine University offers a Master of Science in Business Analytics. Potential courses include Big Data Management and Business Process Analysis and Innovation. The curriculum requires 31 credits and meets fully online. Typically, the required coursework can be completed in 16 months.
Pepperdine University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.
Purdue University offers a Master of Science in Business Analytics. This program boasts expert faculty, a STEM-centered curriculum, and industry internship opportunities with hands-on training in the field. The program requires 30 credits. All classes are housed conveniently online.
Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Syracuse University offers a Master’s in Business Analytics with the option to complete the degree as a Master of Science or Business Administration. The curriculum consists of 36 credits and meets 100% online. Potential courses include Business Analytics, Marketing Analytics, and Introduction to Data Science.
Syracuse University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The University of Maryland – College Park offers a Master of Science in Business Analytics. The curriculum typically covers key concepts like data mining, predictive analytics, database management, artificial intelligence for business, and data visualization. This 30 credit program meets using a blend of live and asynchronous online coursework. The school offers spring and fall starting dates.
The University of Maryland – College Park is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The University of Massachusetts – Amherst offers a Master of Science in Business Analytics. The program’s flexible online learning format is designed with working professionals in mind. The curriculum consists of 10 courses and 31 credits. Students can complete the program at their own pace, taking up to 4 years to complete.
The University of Massachusetts – Amherst is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
William & Mary offers a Master of Science in Business Analytics. Common careers for graduates may include data analyst, data scientist, digital strategy consultant, or business analyst. Typically, the 32 required credits can be completed in 15 months. Incoming student applications are considered 3 times each year in August, January, and May.
William & Mary is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Getting Your Master in Business Analytics Online
You can study advanced analytical approaches and digital tools with an online master’s in business analytics. You can learn how to harvest and analyze data using ground-breaking technology like artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Also, you can strengthen your decision-making and problem-solving skills as you use data to solve complex problems within organizations. Graduates who earn a master degree in business analytics may qualify for numerous roles. For example, you might pursue a career as a business consultant, data analyst, or project manager.
If you want to expand your analytical and technical skills, you can begin your graduate journey by researching online masters in business analytics programs from accredited schools.
