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.

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.

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
• Hybrid programs
• Campus programs

Related degrees

• Master’s in data science programs
• Master’s in information systems programs
• Computer science programs

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.