Why This Matters

  • DEMAND FOR OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYSTS EXPECTED TO INCREASE BY 25%

    Business analysts are needed to assist companies as they turn to data insights to help reduce costs and improve efficiency.

  • DEMAND FOR MANAGEMENT ANALYSTS PROJECTED TO GROW BY 11%

    Smaller consulting firms that specialize in a particular industry or specific type of analysis are expected to experience the most growth. The job outlook for management analysts is much higher than the expected job growth for all other U.S. occupations.

  • 26,800 MORE FINANCIAL ANALYSTS ARE NEEDED BY 2029

    It’s estimated there will be 514,600 financial analysts by the end of the next decade. Businesses will rely on financial analysts to manage finances, capitalize on investment opportunities, and provide advanced data analysis.

Our Research

This list covers master’s degree programs in business analytics that prepare graduates for senior-level data analysis positions. Degrees offered include Master in Business Intelligence & Analytics, Master of Science in Business Analytics & Data Science, Master of Science in Business Analytics, Master of Science in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics, Master of Science in IT and Management, and Master of Science in Management Science – Business Analytics. Students can choose between in-person, online, and blended learning formats.

National and regional accreditation is given to master’s degree programs that meet specific academic criteria. The programs on our list are recognized by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the leading national accreditor of degree programs in the field of business. Schools on this list also received accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), and the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. Our top picks for the best Master’s in Business Analytics Degree program are affordable, respected, and flexible. (For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.)

  • 62 hours to write this article
  • 163 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 235 education programs we compared

The Top 50 Master’s in Business Analytics Degree Programs

Best Master's in Business Analytics Degree Programs
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What You Should Know About This Degree

When choosing a career in a business that is responsible for data analysis and management, you should also consider pursuing a graduate degree in data science. While business analytics uses data to make strategic business-related decisions, data science uses insights to improve efficiency and solve complex problems. Data scientists and business analysts both work closely with statistics, but the field of data science also relies on coding and computer programming to build algorithms and leverage data. Determine if you’re interested in making key day-to-day decisions with your analysis or are interested in building systems to better understand and organize data when deciding on a master’s degree program.

While the job outlook for graduates with a Master’s in Business Analytics is positive, the field is still competitive. Obtaining certifications can help you demonstrate your advanced knowledge to potential employers and open up additional job opportunities. Consider pursuing certifications such as the Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP), Project Management Professional (PMP), Professional Certificate in Team Leadership, and the APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) certification.

The demand for business analysts is expected to be significantly higher than that of other U.S. occupations. As more businesses go online, digitize their records, and turn to data for decision-making, they will look to analytics experts to help lead the way.

What’s Next?

Ask yourself these questions when researching graduate programs in business analytics:

  • Am I eligible for this program? Students who wish to pursue a master’s degree in business analytics must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field. Some programs may require a minimum GPA and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score, as well as letters of recommendation and professional work experience.
  • How long does it take to complete this online degree? Most graduate programs in business analytics take one to two years of full-time study to complete. The schools on our list require students to complete a minimum of 24 and a maximum of 48 credits to graduate.

Every program has specific entry requirements and application deadlines. Contact the school’s admissions department or visit the school’s website for more detailed information regarding the program to which you are applying.

Determine how you will cover the financial costs of your education. Some employers may pay for part or all of your tuition. You may also be eligible for federal student aid, scholarships, and grants.