Best Online Master’s in Business Analytics
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If you want to enhance your business analytics skills to climb the career ladder, a master's in business analytics can help you reach that goal. This degree program incorporates topics in multiple disciplines, including machine learning, business intelligence, and data science, helping you learn to extract and analyze the best data to inform business decisions.
Although offering similar studies to a business intelligence program, a master's degree in business analytics focuses more on predictive analysis, allowing you to forecast future trends. Meanwhile, business intelligence helps organizations learn more about their everyday workflows to optimize productivity and finances.
Master's degrees in STEM fields are becoming increasingly popular as technology advances, with 17% of master's degrees earned in the 2020-2021 school year belonging to a STEM field. After completing a bachelor's in data analytics, pursuing a business analytics master's degree is a natural next step, especially if you want to become a statistician or business systems analyst.
What can you expect from this degree? Do you need a master's to get a Ph.D. in business analytics? Continue exploring this guide to get your questions answered.
Featured Online Master's in Business Analytics Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Accredited Online Master's in Business Analytics Programs
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Online Master's in Business Analytics and Intelligence Programs
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Boston UniversityLocation
Boston, MA
Tuition$29154
Graduation Rate88%
BU's master's in applied business analytics program features a 40-credit curriculum with core coursework in operations management, financial concepts, and data mining for business analytics. Students personalize their degree by selecting two electives from six options, including cybercrime and terrorism.
Over 95% of recent BU graduates have found a job or started another academic program. Students can research job openings and doctoral programs and receive resume reviews on BU's website.
Prospective students must submit undergraduate transcripts, three recommendation letters, and a personal statement. Full-time and part-time students pay different tuition rates. Most learners graduate in 18-24 months. This program is accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
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University of Maryland, College ParkLocation
College Park, MD
Tuition$16790
Graduation Rate86%
Distance learners can earn UMD's online master's degree in business analytics in 20 months. Core courses include models and decisions, database management, and decision analytics. Program alumni often begin careers in healthcare and consulting.
UMD's School of Business features multiple career resources for business analytics students, including one-on-one coaching sessions. Online learners can also attend virtual career fairs and review job opportunities on HireSmith — a private job board for business students.
Admission requirements include filling out a short form, speaking with an advisor, and submitting transcripts. UMD does not charge out-of-state tuition to graduate students. The university's funding website contains links to external fellowship opportunities. This program holds specialized accreditation from The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
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Texas A&M UniversityLocation
College Station, TX
Tuition$19118
Graduation Rate82%
Texas A&M's master of science in analytics program includes a part-time curriculum that most students can complete in five semesters. The program features synchronous courses, allowing online learners to interact with their on-campus counterparts. Graduation requirements include a capstone, in which students apply data to solve a problem that affects actual companies.
The university's career center provides students and alumni with virtual advising sessions, cover letter and resume templates, and professionalism tips. Degree-seekers can also review salary negotiation best practices.
Admission requirements include three years of work experience and GMAT or GRE scores. Approximately 75% of Texas A&M learners who work while earning their degree receive some form of tuition reimbursement.
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University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignLocation
Champaign, IL
Tuition$15829
Graduation Rate84%
U of I offers an online MBA with a concentration in business analytics. In addition to the standard MBA curriculum, degree-seekers take courses like data and the firm, business data modeling, and analytics applications across business functions.
The university's College of Business offers excellent career services to business analytics students, including Handshake software, career fairs that attract over 250 companies, and resume workshops. Learners can also sign up for one-on-one interview practice sessions.
Admission requirements include undergraduate transcripts, GMAT or GRE scores, and at least three years of professional experience. Learners who live outside of Illinois do not pay a higher tuition rate for this online MBA program.
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William & MaryLocation
Williamsburg, VA
Tuition$15622
Graduation Rate91%
W&M's online master's in business analytics program features a 32-credit curriculum that emphasizes four academic pillars: business acumen, math modeling, computing technologies, and communicating with impact. The university launched this online program in 2018, and students enroll as part of a cohort.
The university's recent business analytics graduates enjoy an average starting salary of almost $76,000 per year. W&M's career advisors help learners find lucrative jobs and provide one-on-one and group professional development courses.
Admission requirements include two years of professional experience or extensive academic coursework in business topics. Applicants must also submit two recommendation letters and an essay. W&M awards the Kyle J. Milliken Memorial Scholarship to eligible online students.
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Stevens Institute of TechnologyLocation
Hoboken, NJ
Tuition$39862
Graduation Rate87%
Stevens' online master's degree in business analytics and intelligence includes a robust core curriculum with courses in financial decision-making, process analytics and optimization, and experimental design. After completing the core, students select two electives from five options. The program blends synchronous and asynchronous coursework.
The university's career center provides learners and alumni with numerous virtual resources, including advising sessions and workshops through Zoom. Degree-seekers can also sign up for InterviewStream — a free service that helps users hone interviewing skills.
Prospective students must submit recommendation letters and GMAT or GRE scores. Stevens uses a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA cutoff. The university allows accepted students to sign up for a monthly tuition payment plan.
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Worcester Polytechnic InstituteLocation
Worcester, MA
Tuition$43815
Graduation Rate87%
WPI is one of only a few colleges that offers an online master's degree in data science. The 33-credit curriculum includes required coursework in integrative data science, data analytics and mining, and business intelligence and case studies. Although the curriculum does not offer a concentration, degree-seekers gain knowledge and skills that relate to five data science subfields.
WPI's career advisors connect students with virtual resources that include advising, workshops, and career fairs. These services have helped over 92% of WPI's recent data science alumni find jobs, and these workers earn an average salary of more than $88,000 per year.
Admission requirements include undergraduate coursework in data science, calculus, and statistics. Applicants must also submit GRE scores. WPI charges the same tuition rate to all learners, and incoming students may qualify for the Gateway Scholarship.
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Southern Methodist UniversityLocation
Dallas, TX
Tuition$38562
Graduation Rate78%
SMU's master's in data science program builds upon learners' previous education in computer science and data visualization. Participants can choose a specialization in business analytics or machine learning. Courses in the business analytics pathway include machine learning, network security, and time series analysis. The program culminates in a capstone course.
SMU provides data science students career coaching sessions, in which advisors teach interviewing skills and resume best practices. The university's Virtual Career Hub hosts live webinars and maintains a job board.
Applicants can have a bachelor's degree in any subject, but they should have some sort of academic or professional background in mathematics and programming. Prospective students must also submit a recommendation letter and a resume.
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American UniversityLocation
Washington, DC
Tuition$33034
Graduation Rate80%
AU's online master's in analytics program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The curriculum features coursework in business insights through analytics, big data, and statistics. Program graduates often begin careers in management and consulting.
Nearly 95% of AU's School of Business graduate alumni achieve a positive career outcome just months after graduation. The university's Office of Career Engagement provides online students with virtual webinars and access to Handshake software.
This program does not require GRE scores for admission. Applicants must submit a personal statement and two recommendation letters. Financial aid opportunities include federal loans and institutional scholarships.
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The Ohio State UniversityLocation
Columbus, OH
Tuition$18694
Graduation Rate84%
Ohio State's specialized master's in business analytics program is delivered through a blend of asynchronous and synchronous learning. Students can complete all of their coursework online; however, they must attend 25% of their courses either on campus or through synchronous livestreams on Saturdays.
Notable courses in the curriculum include prescriptive analytics, predictive analytics, and descriptive data analysis and visualization. Students can earn their degree in 10 months.
Applicants must submit letters of recommendation, GMAT or GRE scores, a resume, and a personal statement. A committee evaluates these materials and invites certain applicants to participate in an interview. Prospective students with a minimum 3.2 GPA and at least four years of work experience do not need to submit test scores. All students in the program pay the same tuition rate, regardless of residency.
What Can I Expect From an Online Master's in Business Intelligence Program?
Learners with strong mathematical abilities and an interest in business can thrive in business intelligence programs.
Data can be meaningless without interpretation. Graduates with a master's in business intelligence degree understand how collected information can drive critical business decisions. Learners with strong mathematical abilities and an interest in business can thrive in business intelligence programs.
Pursuing a degree at an online college allows students flexibility while completing their studies. Most online master's in business intelligence programs require 30 credits and take 1-3 years to complete. Setting your own pace can allow you to continue working full time while earning your degree.
Prospective students can choose different degree paths, including a master's in business administration (MBA) with a concentration in business intelligence or a master of science in business intelligence and analytics. Some schools may also offer a business intelligence certification program.
Learners enrolled in any master's in business intelligence program will complete courses in qualitative and quantitative data, programming languages, data management, and analytics. However, additional topics of study will change depending on which degree you pursue. For instance, an MBA offers a well-rounded business education, whereas a master of science program may focus more on math and data.
Admission Requirements for Online Master's in Business Intelligence Programs
Although admission requirements vary between schools, applicants to online master's in business intelligence programs will typically need to possess a bachelor's degree and submit official transcripts. Some programs may require an undergraduate degree in a related field, while others may accept unrelated degrees but expect learners to take additional prerequisite courses.
Additional requirements may include GRE scores, a minimum GPA, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. For more information, consult our Graduate Admissions Guide.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Master's in Business Intelligence Program?
An online master's in business intelligence prepares graduates to analyze and interpret data using various technical tools. Coursework focuses on programming, analytics, statistics, and information systems.
Many programs culminate in a capstone project or practicum, during which students apply their knowledge in a real-world setting. Read on to learn more about five common courses in these programs.
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Descriptive Analytics
This course leads students through the process of collecting and evaluating data to make informed business decisions. Studying historical trends, learners look at how data has shaped and changed the way businesses make decisions. -
Business Intelligence
In this course, learners gain experience using technology and software tools to collect and interpret data about customers, competitors, and suppliers. Covered topics include quality control, process simulation, and business process analysis. -
Predictive Analysis
In this course, students learn to make predictions by identifying and analyzing relationships in data using various statistical techniques. Learners use popular software tools to conduct analyses of continuous, clustering, and classification models. -
Introduction to Data Mining
This course provides a comprehensive overview of data mining methods. Students learn how to use data mining to identify patterns in large sets of data and interpret their findings. -
Web and Social Media Analytics
This course teaches learners how to apply data analysis and predictive analysis to the internet and social media platforms. Students learn how to use web-based platforms like Google Analytics to gauge site performance.
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What Jobs are Available With a Business Analytics Master's Degree?
Businesses and organizations need qualified professionals to analyze data to help influence important decisions. Given society's data-driven focus, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a much faster than average growth rate (10%) for management analysts between 2022 and 2032.
Graduates of online master's in business intelligence programs can find job opportunities in several competitive fields, including marketing, healthcare, business, and education. Although some positions require a bachelor's degree, obtaining a master's in business intelligence can set you apart from other applicants and lead to managerial positions.
Learn more about what a master's in business intelligence degree can do for you. Explore careers in business intelligence.
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Computer and information research scientists design and create new technology and invent new ways to use existing technology. Working within fields like science, business, and healthcare, computer and information research scientists earned a median annual salary of $136,620 in 2022, per the BLS.
Business Analyst
People who love to solve complex problems and have great interpersonal skills can excel as business analysts. Business analysts often work on multiple projects with many teams at once. These professionals evaluate companies' performance and create plans that help them meet business goals. These analysts earned a median annual salary of $95,290 in 2022, according to the BLS.
Database Architect
Organizations need efficient ways to store and organize data. Database architects design and create databases and make sure they work properly. These professionals must also possess good communication skills to report information to other members of the company. Database administrators and architects earned a median annual salary of $134,870 in 2022, per the BLS.
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts provide recommendations about investments to individuals and organizations. These professionals study economic and historical trends in financial data to provide guidance to clients. Many financial analysts work in banks, insurance companies, and financial departments in large corporations. According to the BLS, these analysts made a median annual salary of $96,220 in 2022.
Database Administrator
Database administrators manage the specialized software used to store and organize data. These professionals monitor database security and manage access to the database. Database administrators understand companies' specific data storage and access needs and facilitate database protocols based on those needs. Database administrators and architects made a median annual salary of $112,120 in 2022, per the BLS.
Business intelligence not for you? Check out these related careers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master's in Business Analytics Programs
What is the difference between a master's in business intelligence and business analytics?
A master's degree in business analytics helps you learn to use current data and trends to create future projections for a company. In contrast, a business intelligence master's degree focuses more on drawing conclusions from historical data to improve current business operations and workflows.
What can I do with a master's in business analytics?
A master's in business analytics opens the doors for numerous data-focused careers at private and public organizations, including data scientists, statisticians, business consultants, and financial analysts.
Do you need a master's to get a Ph.D. in business analytics?
Yes, Ph.D. in business analytics programs typically require applicants to have a master's degree. This degree level ensures that you have the foundational knowledge to succeed in a doctoral program for business analytics, including an in-depth understanding of statistical models, computer simulations, and data mining.
How much money can I make with a master's in business analytics?
According to BLS data from 2022, business analysts earned a median annual salary of $95,290. Top earners typically work in scientific and technical services, making a median wage of over $101,000 per year.
What are the highest-paying jobs with a master's in business analytics?
A master's in business analytics can lead to several high-paying roles. Business analysts, for example, earned a median salary of nearly six figures in 2022, according to the BLS. You can also find high-paying opportunities as an economist, a budget analyst, or a facility manager.
