If you want to enhance your business analytics skills to climb the career ladder, a master's in business analytics can help you reach that goal. This degree program incorporates topics in multiple disciplines, including machine learning, business intelligence, and data science, helping you learn to extract and analyze the best data to inform business decisions.
Although offering similar studies to a business intelligence program, a master's degree in business analytics focuses more on predictive analysis, allowing you to forecast future trends. Meanwhile, business intelligence helps organizations learn more about their everyday workflows to optimize productivity and finances.
Master's degrees in STEM fields are becoming increasingly popular as technology advances, with 17% of master's degrees earned in the 2020-2021 school year belonging to a STEM field. After completing a bachelor's in data analytics, pursuing a business analytics master's degree is a natural next step, especially if you want to become a statistician or business systems analyst.
What can you expect from this degree? Do you need a master's to get a Ph.D. in business analytics? Continue exploring this guide to get your questions answered.
Featured Online Master's in Business Analytics Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Accredited Online Master's in Business Analytics Programs
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you will make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering school rankings that are transparent, inclusive, and relevant for online students.
Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our Ranking Methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.
What Can I Expect From an Online Master's in Business Intelligence Program?
Learners with strong mathematical abilities and an interest in business can thrive in business intelligence programs.
Data can be meaningless without interpretation. Graduates with a master's in business intelligence degree understand how collected information can drive critical business decisions. Learners with strong mathematical abilities and an interest in business can thrive in business intelligence programs.
Pursuing a degree at an online college allows students flexibility while completing their studies. Most online master's in business intelligence programs require 30 credits and take 1-3 years to complete. Setting your own pace can allow you to continue working full time while earning your degree.
Prospective students can choose different degree paths, including a master's in business administration (MBA) with a concentration in business intelligence or a master of science in business intelligence and analytics. Some schools may also offer a business intelligence certification program.
Learners enrolled in any master's in business intelligence program will complete courses in qualitative and quantitative data, programming languages, data management, and analytics. However, additional topics of study will change depending on which degree you pursue. For instance, an MBA offers a well-rounded business education, whereas a master of science program may focus more on math and data.
Admission Requirements for Online Master's in Business Intelligence Programs
Although admission requirements vary between schools, applicants to online master's in business intelligence programs will typically need to possess a bachelor's degree and submit official transcripts. Some programs may require an undergraduate degree in a related field, while others may accept unrelated degrees but expect learners to take additional prerequisite courses.
Additional requirements may include GRE scores, a minimum GPA, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. For more information, consult our Graduate Admissions Guide.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Master's in Business Intelligence Program?
An online master's in business intelligence prepares graduates to analyze and interpret data using various technical tools. Coursework focuses on programming, analytics, statistics, and information systems.
Many programs culminate in a capstone project or practicum, during which students apply their knowledge in a real-world setting. Read on to learn more about five common courses in these programs.
Descriptive Analytics
This course leads students through the process of collecting and evaluating data to make informed business decisions. Studying historical trends, learners look at how data has shaped and changed the way businesses make decisions.Business Intelligence
In this course, learners gain experience using technology and software tools to collect and interpret data about customers, competitors, and suppliers. Covered topics include quality control, process simulation, and business process analysis.Predictive Analysis
In this course, students learn to make predictions by identifying and analyzing relationships in data using various statistical techniques. Learners use popular software tools to conduct analyses of continuous, clustering, and classification models.Introduction to Data Mining
This course provides a comprehensive overview of data mining methods. Students learn how to use data mining to identify patterns in large sets of data and interpret their findings.Web and Social Media Analytics
This course teaches learners how to apply data analysis and predictive analysis to the internet and social media platforms. Students learn how to use web-based platforms like Google Analytics to gauge site performance.
Find the Tools You Need to Get Started on Your Degree
What Jobs are Available With a Business Analytics Master's Degree?
Businesses and organizations need qualified professionals to analyze data to help influence important decisions. Given society's data-driven focus, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a much faster than average growth rate (10%) for management analysts between 2022 and 2032.
Graduates of online master's in business intelligence programs can find job opportunities in several competitive fields, including marketing, healthcare, business, and education. Although some positions require a bachelor's degree, obtaining a master's in business intelligence can set you apart from other applicants and lead to managerial positions.
Learn more about what a master's in business intelligence degree can do for you. Explore careers in business intelligence.
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Computer and information research scientists design and create new technology and invent new ways to use existing technology. Working within fields like science, business, and healthcare, computer and information research scientists earned a median annual salary of $136,620 in 2022, per the BLS.
Business Analyst
People who love to solve complex problems and have great interpersonal skills can excel as business analysts. Business analysts often work on multiple projects with many teams at once. These professionals evaluate companies' performance and create plans that help them meet business goals. These analysts earned a median annual salary of $95,290 in 2022, according to the BLS.
Database Architect
Organizations need efficient ways to store and organize data. Database architects design and create databases and make sure they work properly. These professionals must also possess good communication skills to report information to other members of the company. Database administrators and architects earned a median annual salary of $134,870 in 2022, per the BLS.
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts provide recommendations about investments to individuals and organizations. These professionals study economic and historical trends in financial data to provide guidance to clients. Many financial analysts work in banks, insurance companies, and financial departments in large corporations. According to the BLS, these analysts made a median annual salary of $96,220 in 2022.
Database Administrator
Database administrators manage the specialized software used to store and organize data. These professionals monitor database security and manage access to the database. Database administrators understand companies' specific data storage and access needs and facilitate database protocols based on those needs. Database administrators and architects made a median annual salary of $112,120 in 2022, per the BLS.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master's in Business Analytics Programs
A master's degree in business analytics helps you learn to use current data and trends to create future projections for a company. In contrast, a business intelligence master's degree focuses more on drawing conclusions from historical data to improve current business operations and workflows.
