10 Popular Master’s in Data Analytics Programs
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- Research shows the demand for qualified data analytics is high.
- Businesses use data analytics to increase efficiency and improve decision-making.
- A master's in data analytics provides skills and knowledge to interpret data.
- Data analysts in one survey earned between $109,900-$166,800.
Data analytics may not have the same level of hype as artificial intelligence, but it's becoming as important in the business world.
Research shows that using data analytics increases efficiency, improves decision-making, and drives financial performance. Most enterprises recognize data and analytics as crucial to their business growth.
The upside? Business leaders need to hire more data analytics professionals who understand how it all works.
In Dufrain's 2023 survey of 200 data and analytics leaders from the U.S. and U.K. , 60% believe their biggest challenge is finding people with the right skills.
A master's in data analytics is one way to gain the necessary skills and talents to qualify for roles in this growing industry.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What is a Master's in Data Analytics?
A master's in data analytics provides skills to analyze and interpret large quantities of data. Data analytics combines statistics, computer science, data mining, and business intelligence to extract insights from data and make data-driven decisions.
Most master's in data analytics programs take 1-2 years to complete, including core and elective coursework and a capstone project. Graduates are eligible for many career paths in healthcare, business, national security, and more. Data analytics jobs you can get with a master's degree include:
-
Data Analyst: Data analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to gain insights and support decision-making. -
Information Security Analyst: Information security analysts protect and secure an organization's data assets. -
Business Intelligence Analyst: Business intelligence analysts use data analytics techniques to provide insights and recommendations for strategic business decisions and organizational efficiency.
10 Popular Master's in Data Analytics Programs
Carnegie Mellon University
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Private research university
- Master of Science in Data Analytics for Science
- Average graduate tuition and fees: $48,557
- In-person
CMU's master of science in data analytics for science teaches students how to use data analytics techniques to solve modern scientific problems. Course topics include applied linear algebra, programming, and machine learning. Admissions may be competitive. Ideal applicants have:
- An undergraduate degree in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics or a related science-based major/minor.
- Completed a beginner Python programming course or equivalent knowledge
- Completed an undergraduate-level introductory linear algebra course
Long Island University Brooklyn
- Brooklyn, New York
- Private university
- Master of Science in Data Analytics
- In-person
- Average graduate tuition and fees: $23,850
LIU Brooklyn's master of science in data analytics program focuses on the intersection between business and analytics.
Students learn how to leverage data, information technology (IT), and analytic methods to help organizations make data-driven business decisions.
Ideal candidates have basic quantitative and IT skills and knowledge.
Western Kentucky University
- Bowling Green, Kentucky
- Public university
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity Data Analytics
- Average graduate tuition and fees: $12,140 (in-state) | $18,340 (out-of-state)
- Online
WKU's master of science in cybersecurity data analytics provides skills and knowledge to improve an organization's security using data analytics methods.
Coursework includes techniques in data management, data mining models, and data visualization.
Admissions requires the completion of an introductory statistics course and intermediate-to-advanced spreadsheet course.
Ferris State University
- Big Rapids, Michigan
- Public university
- Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics
- Average graduate tuition and fees: $8,532
- In-person and online
Franklin University
- Columbus, Ohio
- Private university
- Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics
- Average graduate tuition and fees: $16,080
- Online
George Mason University
- Fairfax, Virginia
- Public research university
- Master of Science in Data Analytics Engineering
- Average graduate tuition and fees: $17,035 (in-state) | $38,986 (out-of-state)
- Online
Kennesaw State University
- Kennesaw, Georgia
- Public research university
- Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics
- Average graduate tuition and fees: $6,664 (in-state) | $20,524 (out-of-state)
- In-person
Maryville University
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Private university
- Master of Science in Analytics
- Average graduate tuition and fees: $15,696
- Online
North Carolina A&T State University
- Greensboro, North Carolina
- Public historically black land-grant research university
- Master of Science in Analytics
- Average graduate tuition and fees: $7,938 (in-state) | $20,738 (out-of-state)
- In-person and online
Purdue University
- West Lafayette, Indiana
- Public university
- Master of Science in Analytics
- Average graduate tuition and fees: $10,352 (in-state) | $11,493 (out-of-state)
- Online
Is a Master's in Data Analytics Worth It?
One way to decide if a master's in data analytics is worth it is the return on investment or the cost vs. reward. Let's start with the price tag.
National data on tuition costs for master's in data science programs is unavailable. But data analytics overlaps several fields, including information technology, statistics, and business.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average tuition cost for master's degrees in fields related to data science in 2020 was:
- Mathematics and statistics: $19,649
- Computer and information sciences: $16,750
- Business, management, and marketing: $16,120
Cost vs. Earning Potential of a Master's in Data Analytics
Average Tuition Cost Range
$16,120-$19,649
Data Analyst Salary Range
$109,900-$166,800
Now, onto earning potential. We'll use data analysts as the first example, a common career path for grads.
The average base salaries of data analysts were between $109,900-$166,800 in a 2023 survey by Burtch Works. Work experience contributed to higher salaries.
The salaries of data analysts with 4-8 years of experience were $145,200. Those with three years or less made $109,900.
Burtch Works concluded that gaining real-world experience while pursuing a master's in data analytics is key. Finding a program with internships, capstone projects, corporate partnerships, and other opportunities can increase the marketability of graduates seeking entry-level roles.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the 2022 median salaries of other careers related to data analysts include:
- Computer and information systems managers: $164,070
- Information security analysts: $112,000
- Financial analysts: $96,220
Master's in data analytics may lead to higher-paying careers than a typical master's degree. BLS statistics from 2021 show a master's degree leads to a weekly median salary of $1,574, roughly equating to $81,848 annually.
How Long Does a Master's in Data Analytics Take?
It generally takes 2-3 years to finish a master's degree, but every program is different. An accelerated degree program can take about one year to complete, though it requires a strict time commitment. Others, such as part-time programs for working adults, take longer but have more flexible schedules.
Prerequisites for a Master's in Data Analytics
Admission requirements for data analytics graduate programs vary. Most programs require at least a bachelor's degree. Many also require it to be in a STEM or business-related field, such as engineering, accounting, or quantitative analysis. Relevant work experience, certifications, or coursework may also count toward eligibility.
Common Prerequisites for a Master's in Data Analytics
- Bachelor's degree
- Basic background in mathematics and computing
- Relevant coursework (calculus, probability/statistics, basic linear algebra, etc.)
- Minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Master's in Data Analytics Programs
Is a Master's in Data Analytics Hard?
Learning data analytics is not easy, but that's true for most skills. It's easier if you have a bachelor's degree in a related field such as computer science or information technology. Being comfortable with programming languages, business analytics, and mathematics helps, too.
If you're interested in testing the waters, there are several ways to learn data analytics without making a huge time commitment. They include coding bootcamps and online courses, which are often self-paced and short-term.
Is Coding Required for Data Analytics?
Coding skills are generally not a requirement for data analysts. It's more common to need skills in machine learning, analytics tools, and programming languages, such as Python.
But, coding still may be part of a data analyst's day-to-day job. Some data analysts may need basic coding skills for data extraction or performing more advanced data analysis.
Will AI Replace Data Analysts?
It's no surprise data analysts wonder if AI will replace them. AI can super-charge efficiency across industries, automating tasks that save time and money with tools like ChatGPT.
But, most experts agree that AI is unlikely to replace data analysts. Instead, AI tools will speed up data analysts' work and handle tasks that don't need a human touch. This may involve using machine learning-based modeling to understand, describe, or predict patterns in data.
