To study the latest innovations in data analysis and business decision-making, consider earning your PhD in Business Analytics.
This degree program can help you advance to the top of this field and prepare you for exciting job opportunities in business or academia.
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Business analytics professionals know how to evaluate data and base sound decisions on their findings. It’s a skill that’s greatly in demand in today’s business world, so earning this doctoral degree may help you qualify for a position in a top school or a leading organization.
Online PhD in Business Analytics Programs
Experts in business analytics use data to inform business decisions. They work with large sets of data, run analyses, and produce models.
The idea is to gain information that will lead the best decisions about future growth and development. For example, business analytics may help leaders make decisions about workflow schedules, transportation routes, cost management, and advertising strategies.
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If you want to be a business leader in this field, an analytics master’s degree can help you achieve that goal. But perhaps your ambition is to be on the cutting edge of business analytics research. In that case, you may want to earn a Ph.D. in Business Analytics instead. Having a doctoral degree could help qualify you for a variety of leading academic or research positions.
Your areas of study for this degree might include:
- Academic writing
- Big data
- Business intelligence
- Data science life cycle
- Data structures
- Decision-making
- Information systems
- Modeling
- Quantitative analysis
- Research skills
As you go through a PhD program, you may have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of this field. Some people focus on business analytics for certain industries, such as manufacturing, construction, or healthcare.
Others want to learn as much as they can about optimizing a certain aspect of business, such as personnel management or supply chains. It’s very common to complete a dissertation as part of this degree program. You’ll likely conduct an original research project, write an extensive paper on your findings, and present your research to a panel of academics. This impressive undertaking may span several years.
Business analytics PhD programs are available online. With distance learning, you might be able to divide your time between working and going to school. Your program options might include fully online studies as well as hybrid programs that include some on-campus requirements. No matter which approach you choose, you’ll likely have opportunities to take interesting classes, engage with faculty, and connect with industry leaders.
Your primary goal with this degree may be to work as an academic—such as a college professor. Some graduates choose to keep working as practitioners with leadership roles in a large corporation.
Business Analytics Careers and Salaries
Earning a PhD can help prepare you for a career in academia. Most universities require that level of education for tenure-track positions. Your job responsibilities as a college faculty member might include both teaching and research opportunities.
You don’t have to work at a university to become a researcher, though. Data scientists may work for tech companies, research and development firms, insurance companies, and corporations. The job may involve collecting data, analyzing it, and visualizing the findings.
While a PhD is often considered an academic degree, that doesn’t mean you can only choose a teaching or research career if you have this job. Your advanced credentials can also be applied to a variety of business leadership roles.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, management occupations overall produce a median annual salary of $107,360. While that’s certainly not the only job category in which graduates can work, it is a popular one.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Chief Executives | $189,520 |
| Industrial Production Managers | $107,560 |
| Data Scientists | $103,500 |
| General and Operations Managers | $98,100 |
| Project Management Specialists | $95,370 |
| Management Analysts | $95,290 |
| Postsecondary Business Teachers | $88,790 |
| Operations Research Analysts | $85,720 |
| Logisticians | $77,520 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | $68,230 |
Many management roles call for industry experience as well as advanced education. Many organizations hire various analysts, and business analytics experience could make you a fit for one of those roles. For example, there are management analysts, operations research analysts, and market research analysts.
Often, analysts don’t just evaluate data. They also make decisions based on their evaluations, or they share their recommendations with those who will make the final decisions. Operations management and project leadership are other places where people with this degree can shine.
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Possible operations roles could include production manager, logistics manager, operations manager, or chief operating officer (COO). Someone interested in project leadership might work as a project management specialist or director.
Business Analytics PhD Curriculum & Courses
You’ll probably take classes for a few years before focusing all of your attention on your PhD dissertation. Doctoral students often have a lot of flexibility in course selection, but your curriculum may include some of the following classes:
- Applied Statistics: In this advanced statistics course, you’ll cover regression analysis, statistical computing, model diagnostics, and statistical inference.
- Big Data: As a business analytics student, it’s beneficial to learn how to work with, organize, and glean information from large data sets.
- Data in Decision-Making: You can take a class that equips you for conducting predictive analysis—making decisions about the future based on past data.
- Decision Technology Platforms: As you check out decision technologies on the market today, you’ll discuss the benefits and drawbacks of this type of software.
- Doctoral Research Methodologies: This course, which will cover both quantitative and qualitative research, can help you prepare for your dissertation.
- Data Visualization: You can learn how to turn sets of data into graphs and other visual models.
- Econometrics: The field of econometrics uses ideas from math and statistics to conduct economic analyses.
- Information Security: The focus of this class is on protecting data and making sure that it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
- Mathematical Programming: You’ll use what you know from calculus and linear algebra to produce linear programming models.
- Microeconomics: While you may have studied this topic during earlier programs, your PhD-level microeconomics course will explore advanced theories and applications.
Your program might include a smaller research project in addition to your major dissertation.
PhD in Analytics Admissions Requirements
Getting into a PhD program can be competitive. It’s beneficial to present a strong application packet that showcases why you would be a good addition to the program. Common admissions requirements include:
- GMAT or GRE scores (not required by all colleges)
- Recommendation letters from professors or supervisors
- Resume that shows your professional experience
- Transcripts from all colleges you have attended
- Written statement about why you have chosen to apply
It’s helpful to pay attention to the application deadline so that you can submit your materials well ahead of time.
Accreditation
It’s beneficial for your business intelligence and analytics PhD to come from a regionally accredited college. That’s the best way of ensuring that you will receive a respected education, whether you enroll online or in a campus-based program.
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Regional accreditation may have a say in whether you qualify for scholarships or other financial aid. It can affect whether your coursework transfers or you get into a post-doc program as well. Also, regionally accredited degrees are typically preferred by employers and can make a difference in getting the job that you want.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
With the right financial aid in place, PhD programs in business analytics may be more affordable than you’re expecting.
One thing to remember is that many PhD candidates are able to study for free in exchange for teaching or research help. Colleges may even provide a stipend. This arrangement is more likely for students who are attending school on-campus, but some online programs may offer such benefits as well.
If you need alternative funding, government loans, whether state or federal, may be able to help. You can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to learn more about your eligibility. Some students also get scholarships or fellowships. Scholarship money might go toward your tuition costs.
Fellowships could help pay for your research or another educational endeavor, such as travel or conference registration. You can also look into whether your employer is willing to cover any of your costs.
What Is a Business Analytics PhD Degree?
A PhD in Business Analytics degree is a terminal degree for students who want to investigate the idea of using data to inform business decisions.
Big data is emphasized in this program. Students study topics like regression analysis, linear programming, and data visualization. Completing a PhD usually requires undertaking a major research project. Students often have to write and defend a dissertation.
As a research-focused program, this degree often leads to a future in academia. It could also be a useful degree for business analysts or managers, particularly those in operations or project leadership.
What Can You Do with a Doctorate in Business Analytics?
Business analytics PhD programs are beneficial for people who want to teach at the college level. This terminal degree puts some students on the path to becoming tenured professors. Working as a data scientist is another possibility.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people in this math-heavy line of work often earn above average salaries. The expert knowledge acquired in a PhD program could also be useful for the field of business operations—such as an operations analyst, a production manager, or a chief operating officer. Other ideas include working in management analytics or market research analytics.
Can You Get a PhD in Business Analytics Online?
There are online programs available for students who want to study business analytics at the doctoral level. You can look for fully online programs, or you can consider ones with limited on-campus requirements. In that case, you’d do most of the work online but might occasionally go to campus for intensive courses, face-to-face meetings, or your dissertation defense.
This PhD program is not as common as others, though. If you’re having trouble finding the business analytics program that’s the perfect fit for you, you might consider a related field, such as data science or business intelligence.
How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Business Analytics Online?
It might take you around 5 years to earn an online business analytics PhD. There’s variation, though. Some students get done in about 3 years. Others take more than 5 years, especially if they are part-time students.
Typically, students spend about 2 to 3 years doing coursework. The next year is focused on preparation for the dissertation. It may take a few years beyond that to carry out and complete the project. While it’s not a guarantee, online classes sometimes help students get through the coursework portion more quickly.
Should I Get a PhD in Business Analytics?
If you want to be thought of as an expert in the field of business analytics, then this could be a strategic degree for you. It can take a lot of work, though, so it’s necessary to be willing to commit for several years. Also, having math and programming skills can benefit you a lot.
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This degree is aimed toward people who want to work in academia. If your main goal is to be a manager or a business executive, then your preferred role might not require as much training. A master’s degree is often sufficient for such roles.
What’s the Difference Between a PhD in Business Analytics vs. Data Analytics?
If you want to work with data, then you may be thinking about studying either business analytics or data analytics.
| PhD in Business Analytics | PhD in Data Analytics |
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If you want to be directly involved in the decision-making process, then you might consider a degree in business analytics.
What’s the Difference Between a PhD in Business Intelligence vs. Business Analytics?
Before deciding whether to get your PhD in the field of business intelligence or business analytics, you may want to make sure you understand how these two areas differ.
| PhD in Business Analytics | PhD in Business Intelligence |
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Business analytics is a newer field than business intelligence.
What’s the Difference Between a PhD in Business Analytics vs. Data Science?
Business analytics experts often use data science techniques, but PhDs in these two areas have slightly different areas of focus.
| PhD in Business Analytics | PhD in Data Science |
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If you want to be a decision-maker, then business analytics could be a fitting choice. If you want to be a technical expert, then you might consider a data science degree.
Is a PhD in Business Analytics Degree Worth It?
Yes, a PhD in Business Analytics degree is worth it for many students. This is an up-and-coming field with a good deal of growth potential. Many cutting-edge companies are eager to hire business analytics professionals.
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For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 23% growth rate for operations research analyst positions over the next ten years. Also, if you want to become an academic in the field of business analytics, it may be necessary to have this degree. Most full-time university teaching and research positions require holding a doctorate.
Universities Offering Online PhD 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.
Belhaven University offers a Doctor of Business Administration. Concentrations are available in Business Intelligence and Analytics, Cybersecurity, Health Administration, Human Resources, Project Management, and Strategic Management. Classes meet fully online and are 7 weeks long. The program requires 12 credits in the chosen concentration and 60 total credits.
Belhaven University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Capitol Technology University offers an online Doctor of Philosophy in Business Analytics and Data Science. This curriculum aims to teach the skills applicable to a broad range of industries and fields. Depending on prior education, the program requires 54 to 66 credit hours to graduate. On average, the required coursework can be completed in 3 years.
Capitol Technology University is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Universities and Schools.
Colorado Technical University offers a Doctor of Computer Science in Big Data Analytics. Potential courses include Futuring and Innovation, Tools for Big Data Analytics, and Qualitative Research Methods. The curriculum is 100% online and requires 100 credits. Incoming applications are reviewed 3 times each year in summer, fall, and winter terms.
Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
George Fox University offers a Doctor of Business Administration. Those passionate about leveraging data to innovate and grow business may find an ideal fit in the Business Analytics concentration. Classes meet online, though periodic on-campus residencies may be available. On average, the 56 required credits can be completed in 3 years.
George Fox University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Golden Gate University offers a Doctor of Business Administration. The program can be customized with concentrations in Business and Data Analytics, Digital Strategy, Finance, Leadership and Strategy, and Marketing. The curriculum consists of 56 credits. Classes can be attended asynchronously online or traditionally in-person.
GGU is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Grand Canyon University offers a Doctor of Business Administration in Data Analytics. Common careers for graduates include chief data officer, data scientist, business intelligence director, or strategic innovation manager. Classes are entirely online and are 8 weeks long. Up to 9 credits may be transferred into the program.
GCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Indiana Wesleyan University offers a Doctor of Business Administration in Data Analytics. The curriculum covers topics like business writing, ethical leadership, marketing, research methods, data mining and visualization, and analytic systems. The program consists of 20 courses that meet conveniently online. On average, the required coursework can be completed in 36 months.
Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Marymount University offers a Doctor of Business Administration in Business Intelligence. This program boasts a convenient online learning format, numerous networking opportunities, and expert faculty. Potential courses include Strategy in Changing Business Climate, Ethical Leadership for Success in Uncertain Times, and Maximizing Digital Transformation. The program requires 36 credits.
Marymount University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Oklahoma offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Data Science and Analytics. The curriculum covers key concepts like statistical analysis, intelligent data, metaheuristics, computing structures, algorithm analysis, and database management systems. The program is entirely online. Up to 30 of the 90 required credits may be transferred into the program.
The University of Oklahoma is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of the Southwest offers a Doctor of Business Administration in Data Analytics. To qualify for admission, applicants must have more than 3 years of industry experience, a master’s degree, and a 3.0 GPA or higher. Classes meet primarily online with the option to attend residencies or 8 week seminars on campus.
The University of the Southwest is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your PhD in Business Analytics Online
Business analytics is a growing field that requires expert leadership. If you are interested in studying data, performing statistical analyses, and making business decisions, then you may want to earn your PhD in Business Analytics.
You could put your education to work for you in an academic career or as a business leader. You don’t necessarily have to leave the workforce to earn your PhD. Rather, you can choose an online program for your doctoral studies. You can get an online degree in business analytics through an accredited school.
You can check out prestigious online PhD programs today and start imagining where this degree could take you.
