Guide to an Online Master’s in Business Analytics

Admittedly, the marketing drive for all things “analytics” is so pervasive that it’s almost becoming a meaningless buzzword. Data scientists, data analysts, business intelligence professionals, and business analysts (among many other job titles) all analyze data in some form or another. While actual day to day analytical functions of any these is contingent on the individual needs of the enterprise, analytics isn’t new. However, the massive data sets being analyzed are, in fact, a new phenomenon. This is where pursing a master’s in business analytics online comes in.

At no other time in history has our species been able to collect, store, retrieve, and analyze data with the same size and scope that we’re experiencing in the 21st century. Just about everything we do on a daily basis generates data on some level — and this is only going to continue as more of us allow machine learning systems (notably, Artificial Intelligence) into our homes, cars, medical and healthcare systems, and so forth.

Regardless of whether you view this massive culling of data as positive (e.g., using AI for early detection of fatal disease and possibly lowering the cost of medical care) or as intrusive — such as Google tracking your every move — someone, somewhere, and at some point will be analyzing the data; yes, even when the AI industry matures or reaches an apex of analytical automation, humans will still be involved. So, how is business analytics any different than the myriad of other “analytics” job functions that currently exist?

What does an Online Master’s in Business Analytics Entail?

Programs do vary. But, your academic program will generally entail the following:

Data mining
Business analytics strategies
Data-driven decision making
Data modeling
Descriptive, inferential, and predictive statistics
Probability and stochastic models
Data warehousing
Industry-specific electives

Many Master’s in Business Analytics degrees are coupled with a data science course and additional MBA-type courses. Some programs can be completed in as little as 12 months either online or on campus, while others have more extensive course requirements that take 24 months to complete.

Business Analytics in a Nutshell

A majority of the job postings for business analysts highlight “performance metrics” as the focal point of their business analyst employees. Such metrics may include financial and risk analysis, business process flows, resource allocation and utilization, regulatory compliance measures, departmental performance and areas for improvement, customer attrition and retention, evaluation of current or future products and services, etc.

You may also be required to data mine, and you’ll definitely be working with SQL along with front facing BI reporting and data visualization tools: Cognos, Splunk, PowerBI, Alteryx, Crystal Reports, Salesforce Analytics, Tableau; the list is almost endless. Advanced Excel knowledge will also be nestled somewhere within the job description (yes, despite the array of fancy BI software, Excel continues to be an omnipresent tool — even with data scientists).

Hardcore tech companies — as opposed to enterprises who are not explicitly producing tech products, but are merely using technology to support and promote their products or services — will likely necessitate experience with Scrum and Agile practices along with knowledge of programming languages (usually Python or Java). Again, these requirements are contingent upon the demands of the employer’s industry. Additionally, you may be paired with a specific department, such as Sales or Marketing, or work with all stakeholders including customers. To some extent, you might be tasked with building predictive and inferential models; but, this frequently stops short of your constructing machine learning, deep learning or AI algorithms — which is one essential difference between a business analyst and a data scientist.

The typical minimum educational qualifications for a business analyst job ranges from an Associate’s degree or a Bachelor’s degree in business, computer science, statistics, finance or math. However, if you have five or more years of experience in a business analyst (or similar) role and you’ve worked with a specific BI or industry dependent software, enterprises may still consider you as a viable candidate for employment. Higher levels of education, particularly a business analytics Master’s degree, tend to push applicants towards the top of the “we should interview” pile — as long as either the education or experience is directly applicable to the job.

Business Analyst vs. Other Analytics Job Titles

To be completely forthright, there are minor differences between a business analyst and the other analytics titles previously mentioned. We’ve already covered the primary separation between a business analyst and a data scientist (machine learning, deep learning, and AI development and deployment — and the academic degree requirements are generally higher as a minimum qualification).

Data analyst positions tend to fall more into the “building queries, data modeling, and managing ETL processes” role. They frequently dig deeper into the backend database system and, consequently, there is more emphasis on programming languages. The caveat here is that smaller enterprises conflate several roles into one so there might not be a clear-cut divide between a business analyst, a data analyst, and a data engineer (who also perform analytics that focuses on database/data warehousing performance and other processes). Summarily, there can be job function crossover between a BA and other analytics roles. Furthermore, BA experience can eventually lead to data science, given the right mix of practical experience in research and algorithm design and deployment.

Why Business Analytics?

If you’re interested in more of a front-facing analytics role that doesn’t require building or maintaining ETL pipelines, creating advanced ML/DL/AI algorithms, and spending roughly 80% of your time cleaning data (note: this may still be a core job function of a business analyst), then a career as a business analyst might be the right fit.

Online Master’s in Business Analytics Listings

The compilation provided below aims to include all schools offering an online Master’s in Business Analytics available throughout the U.S. As is always the case, some are costlier than others, and the admission requirements may or may not include a minimum score on the GRE or GMAT. Application fees also differ. Thus, close analysis of time and cost is the first step towards determining whether such an undertaking is feasible for you.

It’s becoming easier than ever to earn a Master’s in Business Analytics (and many other data/tech oriented graduate degrees) from the comfort of your home — or while you’re traveling. Still uncertain if business analytics is a solid career trajectory for you? Head on over to Coursera or edX and search for business analytics mini-courses and specializations. These are generally much lower in terms of financial outlay, and many of the universities offering Master’s in Business Analytics also provide these shorter certifications via their partnership with the aforementioned MOOCs.

American Sentinel University – Aurora, Colorado
MSBIA
At American Sentinal University, students in the Master of Business Intelligence and Analytics Program enhance their professional career by learning to make strategic decisions and identify opportunities to improve business process and operations. Throughout the program, students will learn to assess healthcare cases for business intelligence and analytics systems. They will be able to formulate and organize the business intelligence, analytics systems and teams, and process requirements. Students will also be able to coordinate business and health care function and processes related to said business intelligence and analytics applications. American Sentinal offers competitive tuition rates and flexible payment options so that more of their students graduate debt free. Plus, with the Life Experience and Transfer Credit program, up to 50% of the degree requirements can be earned through prior completed college coursework and life experience transfer credit. Lastly, with a 100% online format, working professionals can earn their MSBIA at their own pace and convenience.

Program Length: 36 credits
GRE: Not Required
Delivery Method: Online
Tuition: $530 per credit
Course Offerings

Arizona State University – Tempe, Arizona
Master of Science in Business Analyitics
One of the shorter academic programs for a Master’s in Business Analytics (it’s a mere 9 months), Arizona State University graduates have attained jobs at Amazon, Microsoft, and Intel. As with most of the analytics degrees throughout all of the university’s listed, this is a STEM-designated program. Furthermore, international students may qualify for three years of full-time employment in the U.S. post-graduation. Arizona State’s full-time tuition rate is comparable to Carnegie Mellon’s: $23,994 for 9 hours per semester.

Program Length: 9-16 months
GRE: Not Required
Delivery Method: Online or Campus
Tuition: $10,522 per year (Arizona Resident), $26,470 per year (Non-resident)
Course Offerings

Bellevue University – Bellevue, Nebraska
Master of Science – Business Analytics
Bellevue University’s Master of Science in Business Analytics allows working professionals to excel in their field by applying data to business opportunities. As a fully online degree, students may work at their own pace, on their own time. Through the program, students will learn to transform big data into strategic solutions to make risky – but successful – decisions in their organization. Courses in the Business Analytics discipline offer deeper insights into business and information systems, business administration, computer information systems, project management, and management of information systems. Students will demonstrate data mining in real-world situations with in-depth analysis of information system problems. Additionally, students will delve into advanced technical, quantitative, and qualitative analytics techniques of accounting, advanced data mining, marketing, enterprise data and information management, and IT infrastructure. Lastly, students will have the opportunity to obtain certifications such as SAS Base Programmer and SAS Data Mining.

Program Length: 36 credit hours
GRE: GMAT Required
Delivery Method: Online
Tuition: $564 per credit
Course Offerings

Brandeis University – Waltham, Massachusetts
Master of Arts and Science of Data Strategic Analytics
With Brandeis University’s Master of Arts and Science of Data and Strategic Analytics program, students don’t just learn to be an analyst. Students master both the art AND science of data. Brandeis University ranks #35 among national universities by U.S. News and World Report and boasts a long history of educating change makers. The 100% online curriculum gears towards professionals who desire to increase their value in the business world. The 30-credit program consists of seven required courses and three electives. A sample course schedule involves Foundations of Data Science and Analytics, Business Intelligence, Analytics and Strategic Decision Making, Statistics and Data Analysis, Strategic Analytics and Visualization for Big Data, Predictive Analytics, Data Quality and Governance, and Analytics Strategy and Management as the required courses. Sample electives include Project Management for Analytics, Data Security, Privacy and Ethics, Marketing and Customer Analytics, and Project Management for Analytics.

Program Length: 10 courses
GRE: Not Required
Delivery Method: Online
Tuition: $1,179 per credit
Course Offerings

Boston University – Boston, Massachusetts
Master of Science in Applied Business Analytics
Boston University ranks in the highest-rated research universities for its Master of Science in Applied Business Analytics program. Before beginning the program, students may participate in a non-credit Pre-Analytics Laboratory to test their aptitude in the field of business analytics. Boston offers four formats of earning the Master of Science in Applied Business Analytics degree: evenings on campus, online, part-time, and full-time. Also, Boston does not require the GRE or GMAT. With the flexibility of the degree program, students can continue working in their industry while building their career values. Learning from Boston University’s faculty proves profoundly fulfilling with professors who are engaged in current research and have hands-on experience in high-tech business industries. Additionally, Boston University offers comprehensive financial assistance services to make furthering your education completely affordable.

Program Length: 48 credits
GRE: Not Required
Delivery Method: Online
Tuition:
Course Offerings

Capella University – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Master of Science in Analytics
Capella University offers a Master of Science in Analytics program that is 100% online and consists of 11 core courses plus a capstone project. The program hones the skills of data mining, statistics, applied analytics, modeling, and forecasting, plus finding critical information, interpreting it, and using it to refine organizational strategies to encourage more informed decision-making. Capella University provides a sample course schedule of Concepts of Data Mining, Applied Forecasting, Text Mining, Advanced Analytics and Modeling, and Visual Analytics. Each class consists of readings, discussions, and other activities that are entirely manageable via online classrooms.

Program Length: 48 credits
GRE: Not Required
Delivery Method: Online
Tuition: $675 per credit
Course Offerings

Carnegie Mellon University – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Online Master of Science in Business Analytics
Heinz College offers a fully online Master’s of Science in Information Technology with a Business Intelligence and Data Analytics option. Recent GRE or GMAT standardized test scores are required unless applicants have already earned a graduate degree in a similar discipline and within the last 10 years. Full-time tuition is $24,100 (as of the 2018-2019 school year), but there are numerous scholarships available to qualifying students. Thus, earning your graduate degree from this highly regarded academic institution may very well be within reach.

Program Length: 48 months
GRE: Required
Delivery Method: Online or Campus
Tuition: $24,100 per year
Course Offerings – Business Analytics

Columbia University – New York, New York
Master of Science in Applied Analytics
Their Master’s in Applied Analytics is — technically — Columbia University’s version of a Business Analytics graduate degree. However, this program is one of the pricier options: current per “point” tuition is $2,118, and the total program is 36 points (their version of a single credit hour). There is a less expensive option: in partnership with edX, Columbia University offers a MicroMasters in Business Analytics, which is a 12-week program for right around $1,300.

Program Length: 36 credits
GRE: Required
Delivery Method: Online or Campus
Tuition: $2,018 per point
Course Offerings

Duke University – Durham, North Carolina
Master in Quantitative Management: Health Analytics
At Duke University, the Master in Quantitative Management: Health Analytics program is self-paced through an online classroom with real-time virtual sessions and team projects. The 19-month curriculum consists of courses in business functions, data science and quantitative methods, different health sectors and policies, and a capstone project. Throughout five terms, students participate in courses such as Managerial Economics for Health Care, Life Sciences Strategy, Analysis of Healthcare Effectiveness and Outcomes, Navigating Organization, and a two-part capstone project. The first part of the capstone involves working in teams to apply the MQM program to the real world which focuses on problem formulation and data preparation. Part two of the capstone involved continuing the project but with a focus on analysis, report writing, and presentation.

Program Length: 17 months
GRE: Required
Delivery Method: Online
Tuition: $65,975 per program
Course Offerings

Full Sail University – Winter Park, Florida
Master of Science in Business Intelligence
Full Sail University teaches a Master of Science in Business Intelligence program with an intense course load threaded throughout with capstone thesis projects to truly hone newly acquired skills. In the 12-month online program, students learn data visualization and creative reporting by presenting complex results to a wide range of audiences across an organization. Students study process modeling and analysis to address how business intelligence systems are utilized to support the analysis and development of business processes. Through enterprise data management, students are introduced to management-level information systems that support enterprise resource planning, decision support systems, and supply chain management. Financial aid is available, including up to $3,000 from the Online Mastery Scholarship.

Program Length: 36 credit hours
GRE: Not Required
Delivery Method: Online
Tuition: $850 per credit hour
Course Offerings

Golden Gate University – San Francisco, California
Master of Science in Business Analytics
At Golden Gate University, the Master of Science in Business Analytics degree applies to multiple audiences in varying fields of study. Students from varying disciplines will complete 39 units, including three units of graduate statistics. Students are not guaranteed a position in the program upon application. First, students must submit all required materials to receive full consideration. A committee will review applications on a weekly basis and admit qualified students until the incoming class is full. The ideal student is well-rounded with a diverse educational and professional background. The admissions committee prefers a student with a balance of both quantitative skills and business skills. Selection of students is based on academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, and a resume. The Master of Science in Business Analytics is offered in San Francisco and online.

Program Length: 39 credit hours
GRE: Required or GMAT
Delivery Method: Online or Campus
Tuition: $3,045 per 3-unit course
Course Offerings

Grantham University – Kansas City, Missouri
Master of Science in Business Intelligence
Grantham University designed a Master of Science in Business Intelligence program with a designated class schedule for the most effective learning process. Grantham University weaves together functional business application with modern technological concepts that will allow students to obtain the most rewarding jobs on the market with business practices and technological growth. At 37 credit hours, the Business Intelligence program should be complete in 24 months. Exact length could vary depending on the number of transfer credits and number of classes taken each semester. Military members, veterans, and members of military families receive discounted tuition rates. Scholarship and financial aid are available for those who qualify.

Program Length: 36 credit hours
GRE: Not Required
Delivery Method: Online
Tuition: $325 per credit hour
Course Offerings

Indiana University Bloomington – Bloomington, Indiana
Online MS in Business Analytics
Through their Kelley School of Business, Indiana University at Bloomington offers a 15-month online program with an option to add an MBA as well. Please note, if you choose to complete the dual Master’s program, the university has a “Kelley Connect Week” requirement for first and second year MBA students. As such, you’ll be spending seven days on the Bloomington campus once per year for two years. In terms of tuition for the most current school year, Indiana doesn’t upcharge for out of state tuition (for online students). At $1,330 per credit, for a total of 30 credits, you’ll be spending just under $40,000 when all is said and done.

Program Length: 30 credit hours
GRE: Required
Delivery Method: Online
Tuition: $1,330 per credit hour
Course Offerings

Iowa State University – Ames, Iowa
Master of Business Analytics
Iowa State University’s Master of Business Analytics degree is an interdisciplinary graduate program for employed professionals, designed to overcome challenges of big data analytics and business intelligence so that business leaders may move companies forward with the use of data sets. In 18 credits of core courses and 12 credits of elective courses, students choose between on-campus classes and online classes to best fit their working schedule. To qualify for the program, students must submit academic records, GPA, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. Neither the GRE nor the GMAT is required. Students need one, two, or three letters of support from an employer or supervisor, plus a personal statement, and a resume. For international students, English Proficiency is required at a minimum of TOEFL Paper (PBT) 600, TOEFL Internet (iBT) 100, IELTS 7, and PTE 68.

Program Length: 30 credits
GRE: Required
Delivery Method: Online or Campus
Tuition: $1,767 per class on campus, $3,606 per class online
Course Offerings

Jacksonville University – Jacksonville, Florida
Master of Science in Applied Business Analytics
As an online degree, Jacksonville University’s Master of Science in Applied Business Analytics allows business students with a technical background to build their skills without interrupting their current career path. Subject-matter experts deliver the course material online in 30 credits of core courses and three credits of a capstone course. Jacksonville University offers a sample course schedule of Foundation Courses: Essentials of Accounting, Essentials of Economics, Essentials of Quantitative Methods, and Essentials of Finance. Core courses could include: Intro to Applied Business Analytics, Applied Statistical Modeling and Analysis, Applied Data Visualization and Analysis, Applied Data Management, Data Mining and Predictive Analytics, and Management of Analytical Projects. Students take the capstone course last, which is titled Applied Managerial Analytics.

Program Length: 35 credits
GRE: Required
Delivery Method: Online
Tuition: $700-$750 per credit hour
Course Offerings

Lewis University – Romeoville, Illinois
Business Analytics, M.S.
Students of Lewis University’s Business Analytics M.S. learn to analyze and leverage data to make powerful and profitable business decisions. The course curriculum is specifically designed to encompass both managerial functions and technical details in varying areas. Students learn quantitative methods as they apply to specific problems of business management, marketing, finance, and economics. They design, deploy, manage, and secure database systems. Students utilize data mining and business intelligence tools for use in informed decision making in situations from finance, CRM, operations, social media marketing, and information systems. From a management perspective, students learn corporate finance theory. Lewis University designates a list of graduation requirements including a degree candidacy admission standard, foundation course requirements, core course requirements, concentration course requirements, a capstone requirement, minimum 3.0 GPA, the satisfaction of all financial obligation to the university, and an application for graduation.

Program Length: 36 credit hours
GRE: Not Required
Delivery Method: Online
Tuition: $948 per credit hour
Course Offerings

Maryville University – Saint Louis, Missouri
Online Master of Science in Business Data Analytics
Maryville University offers a competitive online Master of Science in Business Data Analysis degree program which is 100% online for working students with no GMAT or GRE requirement, nine courses plus a capstone, and three start times per year. Courses of the Master of Science in Business Data Analysis program touch on data analytics, database principles, data visualization, and forecasting and predictive modeling. Students study the use of data, programming language, and how to build insight from what they discover. Students become comfortable utilizing database tools and architecture and current security issues. Students learn to transform data into charts, graphs, and maps to affect and inform business decision-making. Lastly, immerse themselves into the field of predictive analytics to learn forecasting and predictive modeling.

Program Length: 30 semester hours
GRE: Required
Delivery Method: Online
Tuition: $700 per credit hour
Course Offerings

Mercer University – Macon, Georgia
M.S. in Business Analytics
Mercer University’s Master of Science in Business Analytics combines business education with data retrieval, analysis, and presentation skills that push students toward becoming subject matter experts. No business analytics background required. Mercer’s program gives students enhanced exposure to the most current software and techniques available in the field of business analytics. Students learn statistical and visualization software including SPSS, STATA, R, and Tableau. The program is a hybrid degree offered through Mercer’s Atlanta campus and geared towards busy working professionals. The 15-month program begins in January. Delivered through the Cohort model, it fosters collaboration and networking. Most classes occur online with Saturday classes on campus.

Program Length: 30-39 credit hours
GRE: Required
Delivery Method: Online or Campus
Tuition: $727 per credit hour
Course Offerings

Merrimack College – North Andover, Massachusetts
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Merrimack College offers a Master of Science in Business Analytics in collaboration with the School of Science & Engineering and the Girard School of Business. Professors from both schools team up to teach students the engineering skills needed to function as a business analyst with the business acumen needed to translate data sets into actionable insights presentable to stakeholders. The projects and assignments in the program curriculum were designed with input from a leading industry council to ensure students receive the best business analytics knowledge and skills for which employers may look. This degree is 100% online for the working adults in the business industry to learn at their own pace with live, online and instructor-led sessions. Merrimack College ranks among the top colleges and universities in the country according to U.S. News & World Report and the Princeton Review.

Program Length: 32 credits
GRE: Not Required
Delivery Method: Online
Tuition:
Course Offerings

Northeastern University – Boston, Massachusetts
Online Master of Professional Studies in Analytics
Northeastern University offers an online Master of Professional Studies in Analytics that meets the increasing demand for knowledge, skills, and dispositions of analytics through behavior directly related to performance goals: Statistics/Mathematics, Analytics Systems Technology, Business Intelligence, Advanced Analytics, Business Process/Management, Business Analytics Agility, Communicating with Data, and Leadership/Data Governance, Policy and Ethics. Graduates of the program will possess a strong portfolio of work samples that thoroughly demonstrate the range and depth of their new skills. Throughout their studies, students will gain an extensive network of analytics professionals which they can connect with for employment and mentorship. The online delivery of the program allows students to be interactive while remaining flexible with their work schedule.

Program Length: 1 year (full time) 2 years (part time)
GRE: Not Required
Delivery Method: Online
Tuition: $31,095 per year
Course Offerings

Notre Dame of Maryland University – Baltimore, Maryland
Online MBA in Business Analytics
Notre Dame of Maryland University offers a 100% online MBA in Business Analytics that prepares existing professionals to manage knowledge from both traditional and online resources. The MBA curriculum focuses on multidisciplinary competencies in knowledge management technologies, qualitative processes and economic principles of change risk management. At 36 total credits, the Business Analytics program consists of computer studies courses and mathematics courses with business economics courses chosen explicitly by each student and an advisor. Upon graduation, students will be able to enter employment opportunities in corporations, medical enterprises, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations.

Program Length: 36 credits
GRE: Not Required
Delivery Method: Online
Tuition:
Course Offerings

Ohio University – Athens, Ohio
Online Master in Business Analytics
For those who loathe standardized tests (or you may be a brilliant scholar, but don’t fare well under standardized testing conditions), Ohio University’s Master’s Degree in Business Analytics doesn’t ask for a GRE or GMAT score. International students, however, will need to send their TOEFL or IELTS scores along with their application.

Program Length: 36 credit hours
GRE: Not Required
Delivery Method: Online
Tuition: $1,028 per credit (Ohio Resident) $1,047 per credit (Non-resident)
Course Offerings

Pace University – New York, New York
Master of Science in Enterprise Analytics
Pace University’s Master of Science in Enterprise Analytics requires two years of study with 30 credits which consist of nine core credits, nine concentration credits, nine elective credits, and three capstone credits. The curriculum includes classes such as Big Data Warehousing, Data and Text Mining, and Enterprise Intelligence. Potential career paths for graduates include market research and management analysis. In such a highly data-driven world, graduates of the Enterprise Analytics program are destined to excel in high-risk decision making in their given organizations.

Program Length: 30 credits
GRE: Required
Delivery Method: Online or Campus
Tuition: $1,230 per credit
Course Offerings

Pennsylvania State University – World Campus – University Park, Pennsylvania
Master of Professional Studies in Data Analytics – Business Analytics Option
At Pennsylvania State University’s World Campus, students may earn a 30-credit online Master of Professional Studies in Data Analytics with a Business Analytics option. While continuing to work with their given organization, students learn to apply big data analytics, data mining techniques, and predictive analytics to move the business forward with intelligent data-driven decisions. The expert faculty at Penn State can teach students to collect, classify, analyze, and model data at large scales and across domains using statistics, computer science, machine learning, and software engineering. Course include but are not limited to Demography, Analytics Programming in Python, Decision and Risk Analysis in Engineering, and a capstone experience titled Implementing Analytics for Business which sets business analytics in a real-world context. The course explores the project lifecycle from business problem-framing to model lifecycle management.

Program Length: 30 credits
GRE: Required
Delivery Method: Online
Tuition: $11,160 per semester
Course Offerings

Quinnipiac University – Hamden, Connecticut
Master of Science in Business Analytics
At Quinnipiac University, the Master of Science in Business Analytics degree is a 33-credit online program that prepares working professionals to lead an organization within their field through courses that focus on visualization, mining, management, warehousing of data, and statistical analysis. Students also learn information technology project management, predictive modeling, and other highly specialized and sophisticated analytical skills. Quinnipiac ranks high for national accreditations in U.S. News and World Report and the Princeton Review. On-campus students and online students both have full access to the same dedicated, full-time faculty. To apply for the program, students must fill out an application form, pay the application fee, write a personal statement, present a current resume, deliver official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work completed, and obtain three letters of recommendation including one from a professional contact.

Program Length: 33 credits
GRE: Not Required
Delivery Method: Online
Tuition: $935 per credit
Course Offerings

Saint Joseph’s University – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Online Master of Science in Business Intelligence & Analytics
In only two years, students at Saint Joseph’s University can earn an online Master of Science in Business Intelligence and Analytics. As one of the first Business Intelligence and Analytics master’s degree offered entirely online, this program offers four different tracks to customize the student learn path: General Track, Data Analysis, Cyber Analytics, or Programming Languages. Graduates of the program also receive a Business Intelligence Certificate from SAS, Inc., a credential that further distinguishes students and differentiates them from their colleagues. The curriculum of the program covers all information students will need to excel in their organization: data mining, data warehousing, solutions to big data, market intelligence, decision support, online analytics processing, and data-driven communication. Through these courses, students will be able to work in any department of a business, which is something few other schools offer.

Program Length: 39 credits
GRE: Not Required
Delivery Method: Online
Tuition: $1,023 per credit hour
Course Offerings

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota – Winona, Minnesota
Master of Science in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota teaches working professionals to become top executives through the Master of Science in Business Intelligence and Data Analysis. Students spend an intense year building real-world experience in business intelligence, big-data analytics, and presentation skills. After graduation, students will be competitive candidates for professional job openings. In class, students work with real-time data sets from Fortune-500 companies. These data sets are said to be ugly and unclean, giving students the challenge of organizing and utilizing the data so as to present results to stakeholders. As the number one skill needed to manage big data effectively, students learn programming data in either R or Python or both. At least three times through the course of study, students are evaluated by a panel of Fortune 500 experts. Students gain insight and exposure to the bare bones of the business data industry.

Program Length: 36 credits
GRE: Not Required
Delivery Method: Online
Tuition: $650 per credit per credit hour
Course Offerings

Southern New Hampshire University – Manchester, New Hampshire
Master of Science in Marketing – Marketing Research & Analytics
At Southern New Hampshire University, the Master of Science in Marketing – Marketing Research and Analytics degree is an affordable program taken entirely online with 24/7 access for your convenience. Students can earn their degree in as few as 15 weeks with two courses per 10-week term. The program does not require students to take the GMAT or the GRE. While working on the degree, students gain a nationwide network of alumni for advice and career opportunities. To apply, students work directly with an admissions counselor who will walk them through the process and assist with financial aid qualifications. In 36 credits, courses include but are not limited to Website and Search Engine Marketing, Multinational Market Strategies, Consumer Behavior, Ethical and Legal Issues in Marketing, ending with a Marketing Capstone.

Program Length: 39 credits
GRE: Not Required
Delivery Method: Online or Campus
Tuition: $627 per credit hour
Course Offerings

University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Master of Science in Marketing, Specialization in Marketing Analytics
At a glance, the University of Alabama offers a Master of Science in Marketing, Specialization in Marketing Analytics degree that is delivered online, consists of 33 credits, and it ranked 13th best in online graduate business programs by U.S. News and World Report. Students must complete courses in marketing and statistics that includes class such as Global Business, Advanced Import/Export Strategy, a Capstone Project, Statistical Methods, Advanced Statistical Data Management, and Advanced Data Mining. To apply, students must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.3 with a GMAT score of 580 or a GRE score of 308, plus a statement of purpose and a resume. Financial aid is available to those who qualify.

Program Length: 9 Months
GRE: Required
Delivery Method: Online
Tuition: $10,780 per year (Alabama Resident), $28,100 per year(Non-resident)
Course Offerings

University of Alabama in Huntsville – Huntsville, Alabama
Master of Science in Management Science – Business Analytics (MSMS-BA)
The University of Alabama in Huntsville has designed a Master of Science in Management Science (Business Analytics) for the professional who wants to identify meaningful patterns in business data, understand cause and effect, and help organizations reduce risk and make smarter decisions. Students learn to mine and analyze data, apply statistical methods, design experiments, and design solutions to business problems. Classes are taken in traditional face-to-face formats in 30 credit hours of coursework. A full-time student can complete the program in only one year. The University of Alabama suggests three learning goals for the students. Goal one: demonstrate the ability to use data management and data mining tools to improve decision making. Goal two: demonstrate the ability to deploy analytics tools to improve the efficiency of an organization’s processes or practices. And goal three: demonstrate an ability to apply analytical tools to generate useful insights for improved managerial decision-making.

Program Length: 30 credits
GRE: Required
Delivery Method: Online or Campus
Tuition: $487 per credit
Course Offerings

University of Nebraska–Lincoln – Lincoln, Nebraska
M.S. in Business Analytics
At the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, students in the M.S. in Business Analytics program take 8-week courses in a 100% online format with a total of 30 credit hours. Classes include 24 core credit hours of 12 business fundamentals credits and 12 analytics methods credits, plus six elective credit hours. The University of Nebraska – Lincoln boasts tuition rates $18,000 lower per year than many other schools. To qualify for the program, students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and a bachelor’s degree with official transcripts. A GMAT score of 600 is highly recommended, but a comparable GRE score may also be considered. Either score must be from the last five years. Students must obtain three reference names that are all former or current supervisors or professors. References will only be contacted if the admissions committee deems it necessary. Students are not required to present letters of recommendation. Submit a professional resume through the university’s GAMES portal. International students must take the TOEFL exam with a minimum score of 550 written, 213 computer based or 80 iBT.

Program Length: 30 credits
GRE: Not Required
Delivery Method: Online
Tuition: $630 per credit hour
Course Offerings

University of Phoenix – Tempe, Arizona
Master of Information Systems with a Graduate Business Analytics Certificate
The University of Phoenix built a Master of Information Systems program with a Graduate Business Analytics Certificate aligned with the industry-recognized assessment SAS Certified Statistical Business Analyst certification exam. Students will need to complete 42 credits to earn the degree, which can consist of varying combinations of required and elected courses. Required courses may vary based on previous experience, training, and transferable credits. The University of Phoenix has not only lowered their tuition rates but also locked them in so that your tuition never rises from beginning to graduation. Courses include but are not limited to IT Architecture, Customer Relationship Management, Enterprise Models, Emerging Technologies and Issues, CIS Project Management and Strategic Planning, and more.

Program Length: 42 credits
GRE: Not Required
Delivery Method: Online
Tuition: $698 per credit
Course Offerings

Villanova University – Villanova, Pennsylvania
Online Master of Science in Analytics
Villanova University built an online Master of Science in Analytics for a variety of people with different backgrounds. Engineering, computer science or math undergraduates with technical backgrounds may want to understand business better or develop a business focus. Business undergraduates interested in learning advanced analytics techniques may wish to apply. Mid-career analysts may want to advance their education to solidify their educational credentials. Lastly, mid-career professionals may be interested in changing or developing one area or focus on their career or may be interested in changing careers altogether. Throughout the Master of Science in Analytics program, students will learn to extract, analyze, interpret, and make confident business decisions from data while expanding their knowledge in all areas of analytics.

Program Length: 33 credit hours
GRE: Required
Delivery Method: Online
Tuition: $1,334 per credit
Course Offerings

West Virginia University – Morgantown, West Virginia
Online MS in Business Data Analytics
West Virginia University offers an online MS in Business Data Analytics degree that covers a broad subject matter. Students learn foundations of business intelligence focusing on business applications of data analytics, data science, big data technologies, and prescriptive analytics. In ethics and data collection, students are introduced to the fundamentals of big data science technologies with a focus on ethical standards in data collection. In data management courses, students dive into data storage with a hands-on opportunity to utilize database technology. The final class of the degree – Business Analytics Practicum – gives students the chance to apply various business analytics tools they’ve learned to real non-profits and businesses. Students are expected to complete a final project that integrates all analytic skills of ethical data collection, data management, advanced statistical analyses, data modeling, and simulation of data visualization.

Program Length: 30 credit
GRE: Required
Delivery Method: Online
Tuition: $525 per credit (West Virginia Resident) $1,355 per credit (Non-Resident)
Course Offerings