Explore business analytics master’s degree programs

A master’s in business analytics degree can help you prepare for career opportunities in data-centric businesses and industries. This resource can help you weigh the options and choose the right program.

The following factors are essential in evaluating a business analytics program:

• A flexible GRE or GMAT requirement
• Current coursework in AI, analytics automation, data governance, and responsible use of data and AI models, and one that incorporates real-world projects
• Dedicated career support

The program cards/tables featured on this page were last updated in June 2026. For the most current program information, please refer to the official website of the respective school.

Additionally, we’ve organized programs by delivery format so you can easily identify options that best suit you.

Master’s in business analytics program considerations

Flexible GRE or GMAT Requirement

Business analytics master’s programs vary in how they use standardized testing. Some require GRE or GMAT scores, while others are test-optional, test-blind, or offer waivers based on academic background, quantitative coursework, professional experience, military service, or a prior graduate degree. Applicants should verify the current testing policy on each program’s official admissions page before applying.

Testing requirements have changed across graduate education, but the trend is not uniform across business schools or analytics programs. ETS maintains GRE snapshot reports through the July 2019–June 2024 testing period, and GMAC’s 2025 Application Trends Survey covers current graduate management education trends across MBA and business master’s programs. Because policies can change by admissions cycle, this resource prioritizes MS in business analytics programs that are either test-optional or offer a test waiver.

Applied Curriculum

Real-world projects allow students to apply analytics methods to business problems, stakeholder questions, and messy or incomplete data. With project-based learning, students are placed in a dynamic, fast-paced learning environment where they are trained to adapt to change. Students may complete capstone projects or project-based curricula in which they collaborate with a university partner or a business of their choice and use real data to solve a business problem. This resource prioritizes MS in business analytics programs that offer projects based on real-world data and cases because they help students apply technical, analytical, and communication skills in workplace-like settings.

AI is increasingly relevant to business analytics education, but students should look beyond a single “AI” course title. A current MS in business analytics curriculum may include coursework or projects involving machine learning, generative AI, analytics automation, model evaluation, data governance, privacy, bias, explainability, and responsible use of AI tools. GMAC’s 2025 Prospective Students Survey notes that candidates are more interested in hands-on AI classroom experiences, while NIST’s Generative AI Profile identifies issues such as data privacy, harmful bias, information integrity, information security, intellectual property, and overreliance as key risks of generative AI. This resource prioritizes programs that help students understand not only how to use analytics and AI tools, but also how to evaluate their limits and communicate results responsibly.

Dedicated career services support

Program-specific career support services can help students take practical steps toward their professional goals. Career services can be one of the most important resources of a master’s business analytics program. A program-specific career support team can more effectively help students develop the mindset, skills, network, and toolkit to adapt to the changing marketplace and land an analytics role after graduation. A program with dedicated career support typically focuses on cultivating a network of employers and alumni, as well as mentorship opportunities in data science and analytics. In addition, students can use resources such as résumé writing, communication workshops, and access to a career advisor. This resource prioritizes business analytics programs that offer program-specific career support.

Explore Business Analytics Programs

The programs below meet all three factors and are available 100% online.

MS in business analytics programs list

Master’s in business analytics programs that address the three considerations are listed by program delivery.

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Related degrees

• Master’s in data science programs
• Master’s in information systems programs
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What is a master’s in business analytics degree?

In a master’s in business analytics program, students learn to analyze data to help businesses understand their past, current, and projected performance. They also learn to make critical, data-based decisions, from determining how to market a new product to the best way to position an organization for faster growth.

Wondering how business analytics is different from fields like data analytics, applied analytics, or accounting analytics? While they all encompass similar topics, including predictive analytics, data visualization, and statistics, a master’s in business analytics specifically focuses on applying these skills in the business world, helping students understand how to leverage them. In 2026, students may also want to compare how programs cover AI-assisted analytics, responsible AI use, data governance, and communication with business stakeholders.

Master’s in business analytics vs. MBA

Thanks to the growing number of interactions, activities, and purchases that take place online, businesses have access to more data than ever. Using this data, companies can unlock valuable insights into customer habits and preferences, growth opportunities, and more — but they need trained professionals to help them gather and interpret it. That’s where business analytics comes in.

Trying to decide between a master’s in business analytics or an MBA? Both degrees can prepare you for a business career. MBA programs teach leadership and management skills, typically for mid-career professionals, while master’s in business analytics programs tend to focus on technical data skills.

Business analytics programs are generally geared toward people with a background in information systems, computer science, business, economics, mathematics, statistics, engineering, or another quantitative field. Students without this technical foundation might be better suited to a traditional MBA program with a concentration in data science or business analytics, or to a business analytics program that offers prerequisite, bridge, or foundation coursework.

Is a master’s in business analytics worth it?

Enrolling in a graduate program involves a considerable investment of time and money. You may be wondering, “Is a master’s in business analytics worth it?” These steps can help you decide:

Step 1 – Consider your long-term career goals before enrolling in a graduate program. Do as much research as possible about your preferred job’s requirements, growth outlook, average salary, and whether a master’s degree can help make you more competitive.

A business analytics degree may help prepare you for roles that use data to support business decisions, such as business analyst, financial analyst, operations research analyst, analytics manager, product analyst, marketing analyst, or business intelligence analyst positions. O*NET describes business intelligence analysts as professionals who produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories, generating reports, and identifying patterns and trends. Business intelligence analysts are grouped under the data scientist category in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational data.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual salary for data scientists was $120,230 in May 2025, with the top 10% earning $199,130 or more and the bottom 10% earning $67,240 or less. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook projects that data scientists will grow 34% from 2024 to 2034.

Step 2 – Compare as many MS in business analytics programs as possible to find a program that fits your circumstances and needs. Some programs require GMAT or GRE test scores for admission, while others do not. Also compare prerequisite expectations, programming and statistics requirements, AI and machine learning coursework, data visualization tools, capstone requirements, internship or project options, and whether the curriculum is more technical, business-facing, or management-focused.

Step 3 – Assess the number of courses and semesters required. If you’ll be working full-time while completing your master’s degree, you may want to consider a part-time or online master’s in business analytics program. Programs can last between one and five years, depending on how quickly you complete your courses.

Step 4 – Compare the costs of the programs you’re interested in and be realistic about what you can afford. While you might be tempted to only look at popular business analytics programs, you might discover more affordable tuition or scholarship opportunities when exploring a range of options — even if they didn’t make your initial list. Review total tuition, fees, required technology costs, residency or campus visit requirements, employer tuition assistance, scholarship options, and whether the program offers enough career support and applied experience to justify the investment for your goals.