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 below factors are essential in evaluating a business analytics program:
- A flexible GRE requirement
- A curriculum that incorporates real-world projects
- Dedicated career support
The program cards/tables featured on this page were last updated in May 2022. For the most current program information, please refer to the official website of the respective school.
Sponsored schools
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 requirement
Typically, universities that don’t require the GRE evaluate applications holistically and focus more on real-world experience, which can be especially beneficial for non-traditional students. The GRE is declining in popularity among both students and universities. In 2011, more than 700,000 people took the GRE, an all-time high, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics. Just one decade later, there were half as many test-takers — about 360,000 people completed the GRE in 2021.
A growing number of graduate programs are dropping the GRE requirement, according to Science.org. One reason cited: Preparing for the exam requires considerable time and cost. This resource prioritizes MS in business analytics programs that are either test-optional or offer a test waiver.
Curriculum that incorporates real-world projects
Real-world projects allow students to interact with professionals in their community while gaining valuable learning experiences. 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 where they collaborate with a university partner or business of their choice and use real data to help 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 their learned skills in the workplace.
Dedicated career services support
Program-specific career support services can help students take practical steps to attain 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 will typically focus on cultivating a network of employers, alums, and 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.
Sponsored Online Business Analytics Programs
The programs below meet all three factors and are available 100% online.
| University | Degree Name | Project-Based Learning | Study Length | Enrollment Type |
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MS in business analytics programs list
Master’s in business analytics programs that address the three considerations are listed by program delivery.
Sort by program delivery:
Online programs
Columbia University
Master of Science in Applied Analytics
New York, New York
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Applied Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 36
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Official transcripts
- Resume or CV
- Statement of purpose
- Video essay
- Two letters of recommendation
- TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo scores
- 3.0 GPA
- GMAT or GRE scores (optional)
California State University at East Bay
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Hayward, California
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 36
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Baccalaureate degree
- 2.5 GPA
- GRE or GMAT scores
- Official TOEFL, PTE, IELTS Academic Score Report
Clark University
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Worcester, Massachusetts
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1 year
Credits: 11 course units
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Official transcripts
- Bachelor’s degree
- Resume or CV
- Three letters of recommendation
- 3.0 GPA
- Python or SQL server programming
- One semester of math or statistics
College of William & Mary
Raymond A. Mason School of Business
Master's in Business Analytics
Williamsburg, Virginia
Name of Degree: Master’s in Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: N/A
Length of Program: Less than 1 year
Credits: 22.5
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university
- 3.0 GPA
- Unofficial/Official transcripts
- Resume
- TOEFL Score for International Students
Carnegie Mellon University
Tepper School of Business
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1.5 years
Credits: 108
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Unofficial transcripts
- Resume or CV
- Two letters of recommendation
- TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo scores
- General mathematics, statistical concepts and methods and programming in any modern language
- Interview
- Essay
- GMAT or GRE waiver available
Drexel University
LeBow College of Business
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 45
Concentrations:Information Systems, Statistics, Modeling
Admission Requirements:
- Transcripts
- One letter of recommendation
- Professional resume
- Essay
- GMAT waiver available
Georgetown University
McDonough School of Business
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Washington, D.C.
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1.25 years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Personal essay
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
- GMAT or GRE scores optional
University of Notre Dame
Mendoza College of Business
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Notre Dame, Indiana
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1 year
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree
- Resume
- Academic transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official TOEFL, PTE, IELTS Academic score report
- 3.0 GPA
- Two years Experience required
- Active Employment preferred
Iowa State University
Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business
Master of Business Analytics
Ames, Iowa
Name of Degree: Master of Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1.25 years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Resume
- College transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo
- Declare on-campus or distance program on application
Montclair State University
Feliciano School of Business
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Montclair, New Jersey
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: 1.5+ years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, science, math or similar field
- Personal Statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- Resume
Northeastern University
College of Professional Studies
Master of Professional Studies in Analytics
Boston, Massachusetts
Name of Degree: Master of Professional Studies in Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 45
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Official transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- Professional resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo
University of Montana
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Missoula, Montana
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 32
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Official transcripts
- Goal statement
- Resume or CV
- Two letters of recommendation
- IELTS or TOEFL Scores (for non-native english speakers)
- 3.0 GPA
- GMAT waiver will be considered for those applicants who meet one of the following criteria: a previously earned Graduate Degree that required GMAT/GRE scores or all foundations completed with a B or better.
Quinnipiac University
Master in Business Analytics
Hamden, Connecticut
Name of Degree: Master in Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 33
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Official transcripts
- Bachelor’s degree
- 3.0 GPA
- Resume
- Personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- Undergraduate coursework in computers and statistic
Pennsylvania State University
Master in Business Analytics
State College, Pennsylvania
Name of Degree: Master in Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Official transcripts
- Bachelor’s degree
- Prior quantitative coursework
- Prior introductory computer programming coursework
- Personal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- CV or Resume
- GMAT/GRE waiver available
Rochester Institute of Technology
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Rochester, New York
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1 year
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Unofficial transcripts
- Official transcripts
- Resume or CV
- GRE/GMAT Scores
- 3.0 GPA
- IELTS or TOEFL Scores (for non-native english speakers)
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Master of Science Business Analytics
Troy, New York
Name of Degree: Master of Science Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Official transcripts
- Resume or CV
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal Essay
Rutgers University
Master of Business and Science (MBS) in Analytics
Piscataway, New Jersey
Name of Degree: Master of Business and Science (MBS) in Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1.5+ years
Credits: 43
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Official transcripts
- Resume or CV
- Two letters of recommendation
- 3.0 GPA
Saint Joseph's University
Master of Science in Business Intelligence & Analytics
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Business Intelligence & Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Official transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Professional resume
- Personal statement
- GMAT or GRE scores
Seattle University
Albers School of Business and Economics
Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA)
Seattle, Washington
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1.5+ years
Credits: 48
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Transcripts
- GMAT or GRE scores optional
- Optional personal statement
- English language proficiency for international students
Seton Hall University
Stillman School of Business
Master of Science (M.S.B.A.) Business Analytics
South Orange, New Jersey
Name of Degree: Master of Science (M.S.B.A.) Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1.5+ years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Official transcripts
- Resume
- Personal statement
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- 3.0 or higher GPA
- GMAT/GRE waiver available
St. Bonaventure University
St. Bonaventure University Online
Master of Science in Business Analytics
St. Bonaventure, New York
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: 1.5 years
Credits: 33
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
Texas A&M University
Mays Business School
Master in Analytics
College Station, Texas
Name of Degree: Master in Analytics
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 36
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Resume
- Unofficial transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- Completed one course of statistics with a grade of “B” or better
- Minimum of 3 years of full time work experience
- GRE waiver available
University of Colorado
CU Denver Business School
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Denver, Colorado
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- GMAT/GRE score
- Official transcripts from each college or university attended
- Essay responses
- Resume
- English language proficiency—international applicants only
University of Houston-Downtown
Master of Science in Data Analytics
Houston, Texas
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Data Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university
- Personal Statement
- 3.0 GPA
- Unofficial/Official transcripts from all programs attended
- Interview
- Resume
- GRE Required (Waivers available)
- Two References
- TOEFL Score for International Students
University of Nevada, Reno
Online Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA)
Reno, Nevada
Name of Degree: Online Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: N/A
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- One-page personal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Bachelor’s degree
University of Pittsburgh
Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business and College of Business Administration
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1 year
Credits: 33
Concentrations:Accounting, Finance, Finance, Marketing Science, Supply Chain Management
Admission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree – Official transcripts from all programs attended
- TOEFL/IELTS Score for International Students
- Prerequisite courses
- Professional resume or CV
- 3.0 GPA
University of Scranton
Kania School of Management
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1.5+ years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal Statement
- Professional Resume
- Transcripts
- 3.0 GPA
University of Texas at Dallas
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Dallas, Texas
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: Less than 1 year
Credits: 30+
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university
- 3.0 GPA
- Unofficial/Official transcripts from all programs attended
- Interview
- Resume
- One reference
- GRE/GMAT Scores
- TOEFL Score for International Students
University of Utah
David Eccles School of Business
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Salt Lake City, Utah
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1 year
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university
- Personal Statement
- 3.0 GPA
- Unofficial/Official transcripts from all programs attended
- Interview
- Resume
- Two References
- TOEFL Score for International Students
West Virginia University
Masters in Business Data Analytics
Morgantown, West Virginia
Name of Degree: Masters in Business Data Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Resume
- One letter of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Work or additional experience in an analytics field preferred
Hybrid programs
Fairfield University
Charles F. Dolan School of Business
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Fairfield, Connecticut
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Professional resume
- Personal statement
- Official transcripts
- Two recommendations
Providence College
Providence College School of Business
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Providence, Rhode Island
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: N/A
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Personal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
University of Washington, Tacoma
Milgard School of Business
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Tacoma, Washington
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1 year
Credits: 40
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Four-year bachelor’s degree
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- GRE or GMAT optional
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
The Business School
Business Analytics Master’s Degree
Worcester, Massachusetts
Name of Degree: Business Analytics Master’s Degree
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1.5+ years
Credits: 33
Concentrations:Advanced Business Analytics Method, Marketing Analytics, Operations Analytics,
Admission Requirements:
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Professional resume
- Transcripts
- 3.5 GPA
On-campus programs
Adelphi University
Robert B. Willumstad School of Business
Master in Business Analytics Program
Garden City, New York
Name of Degree: Master in Business Analytics Program
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Official transcripts
- Video statement
- Letter of recommendation
- Resume
George Washington University
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Washington, D.C.
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1.5+ years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- No GMAT or GRE scores
- TOEFL/IELTS (International Applicants)
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Two letters of recommendation
- Resume
Babson College
Master in Business Analytics
Wellesley, Massachusetts
Name of Degree: Master in Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Short answer questions
- One letter of recommendation
- Resume
- Transcripts from all institutions
- Video interview
Brandeis University
International Business School
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Waltham, Massachusetts
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 51
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Transcripts
- Written essay and video essay
- Resume and experience
- GMAT or GRE waiver available
- Two letters of recommendation
- TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test or PTE Academic Score
Lasalle University
School of Business
Master of Science in Business Systems and Analytics
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Business Systems and Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 30-33
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Official transcripts
- Resume
- GPA of 3.2
- GMAT waiver available
Loyola University Chicago
Quinlan School of Business
Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBDA)
Chicago, Illinois
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBDA)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1 year
Credits: 36-45
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Official transcripts
- Resume
University of Iowa
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Iowa City, Iowa
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1.3+ years
Credits: N/A
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university
- Unofficial university transcripts
- Resume or CV
- Statement of purpose
- TOEFL (for non-native english speakers)
- 3.0 GPA
Miami University
Farmer School of Business
Master of Science in Business Analytics (M-BAN)
Oxford, Ohio
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics (M-BAN)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: Less than 1 year
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Four-year baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
- Undergraduate transcript
- Resume/CV
- Personal statement
- One letter of recommendation
Sacred Heart University
Jack Welch College of Business and Technology
Master of Business Analytics
Fairfield, Connecticut
Name of Degree: Master of Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 30
Concentrations:Business Analytics, Intelligence Computing, Healthcare
Admission Requirements:
- Official transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Written personal statement
- Current resume
Southern Utah University
Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Cedar City, Utah
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 33
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts
- Resume
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- GPA of 3.3+ preferred
University at Buffalo, SUNY
School of Management
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Buffalo, New York
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1 year
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Personal statement
- Resume
- Transcripts
- GMAT/GRE waiver available
University of California, Irvine
Paul Merage School of Business
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Irvine, California
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: Less than 1 year
Credits: 52
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Official transcripts
- Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Two essays
- Resume
- Official TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS (international applicants)
University of California San Diego
Rady School of Management
Master of Science in Business Analytics
San Diego, California
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 50
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Transcripts
- Resume or CV
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- GMAT or GRE scores
- TOEFL, IELTS or PTE Score (for international applicants only)
- More than 5 years of Work experience
University of Georgia
Terry College of Business
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Athens, Georgia
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1 year
Credits: 33
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Unofficial transcripts
- GMAT and/or GRE score report
- TOEFL or IELTS (only required for non- native English speakers)
- 1+ internship and/or full- time Work experience
University of Louisville
College of Business
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Louisville, Kentucky
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1 year
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Two letters of reference
- Resume
- Personal statement
- Official transcripts
- GMAT/GRE waiver available
University of Michigan – Dearborn
College of Business
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Dearborn, Michigan
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1 year
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Grade of “C” or better in undergraduate coursework in algebra, finite math, pre-calculus, or calculus
The University of Texas at Arlington
College of Business
Master of Science – Business Analytics (MSBA)
Arlington, Texas
Name of Degree: Master of Science – Business Analytics (MSBA)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1.5 years
Credits: 36
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
N/A
University of Washington
Foster School of business
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Seattle, Washington
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1 year
Credits: 46
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Essay
- Resume
- Transcripts
- Official GMAT or GRE Score Report
- TOEFL or Proof of English language proficiency
- 2+ Letters of Recommendation
- Self- Review of Qualifications
- Video Interview
Related degrees
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 the industry.
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 related to customer habits and preferences, growth opportunities, and much more — but they need trained professionals to help them gather and make sense of 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, or engineering. Students without this technical foundation might find themselves better suited for a traditional MBA program with a concentration in data science or business analytics.
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 qualify you for a number of roles in the field, like business analyst, financial analyst, and business intelligence analyst positions. Business intelligence analysts are grouped under the data scientist category in U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) occupational data. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for data scientists was $108,020 in May 2023. Employment in this field is expected to grow 35% between 2022 and 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the same data.
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.
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.
Last updated August 2024.