That’s a massive amount of data to analyze and use, and it continues to grow.
Market research analysts help companies use data to understand marketing trends, develop sales strategies, and improve customer service. The projected growth for these jobs is faster than average.
Nearly every industry uses data analysis in some way, but it is especially popular in fields like communications, retail, insurance, and healthcare. Specialized coursework can prepare you for analytics in these areas.
This list features some of the best online Master’s in Business Analytics programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions. Many of the schools on our list have been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, which assesses the objectives, quality, and overall effectiveness of business-related programs.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for online students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online Master’s in Business Analytics programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
The coursework for all of the programs included on this list is offered fully online. However, some programs have field experience requirements, like practicums or internships, that require in-person attendance. If you are currently working in business analytics or a related field, you may be able to fulfill these requirements at your job, but you should verify the specifics with your program of interest and confirm that this component fits into your schedule and budget.
In your research, you may see information about degrees in data science. This is a closely related field that focuses on the development and implementation of data-collecting algorithms and tools. Business analytics is more concerned with analyzing and using data once it’s collected. There is a high demand for data scientists as well as business analysts, so consider what your ultimate career goals are when choosing which type of degree is right for you.
Because so many different industries employ analysts for the data they collect, specializing in an area or earning a dual degree can give you an edge as a job candidate. If you want to go into a specific industry like healthcare, management, or marketing, it may be worthwhile to explore schools that offer dual degrees that you can complete simultaneously, saving you time and money.
Here are some questions to ask when researching Masters Business Analytics programs:
Once you have identified the programs that interest you, research their application deadlines and admissions requirements. This information is typically available on the program’s webpage; you can also contact the program directly.
Funding your graduate education is another important consideration. Ask about scholarships and financial aid opportunities. If you are currently employed, find out if your job offers any type of tuition assistance benefits.