Best Online MBA Programs in Business Analytics

Last Updated: November 30, 2020

An MBA in business analytics prepares students for careers in business intelligence and data mining. As business and marketing industries become increasingly dependent on data, these industries also experience increasing demand for experts who can analyze data.

Professionals looking to advance their careers can position themselves for success and growth with an MBA in business analytics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an 18% job growth rate for market research analysts from 2019-2029, with positive growth also projected for many similar analytics careers.

To meet the growing demand for qualified data analysts, many business schools offer online programs for MBAs in business analytics. Our list of top programs offers a helpful starting point for prospective students searching for their ideal school.

The 10 Best Online Business Analytics Degrees

Rank	School	Location
1	Oklahoma State University	Stillwater, OK
2	Villanova University	Villanova, PA
3	Babson College	Wellesley, MA
4	West Chester University of Pennsylvania	West Chester, PA
5	University of Nebraska-Lincoln	Lincoln, NE
6	University of Wisconsin-Whitewater	Whitewater, WI
7	Ohio University	Athens, OH
8	Saint Joseph's University	Philadelphia, PA
9	Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville	Edwardsville, IL
10	Stevens University of Technology	Hoboken, NJ

See Detailed Rankings

What Is Business Analytics?

The study of business analytics involves data collection and interpretation. Students pursuing an MBA in business analytics learn to evaluate statistical research and manage teams of researchers. Professionals in data analysis play a significant role in the success of their organizations.

Advances in technology and data collection continue to boost the growth of big data, or statistical market information gathered across industries. Analysis and proper application of big data helps companies gain a competitive edge, improve customer engagement, and increase market influence.

Although machines complete some of the work associated with big data, professional analysts must collect, process, and analyze data to improve organizational decision-making. Careers in this industry include financial analyst, marketing analyst, director of analytics, business intelligence analyst, and business systems analyst.

Job opportunities in data analytics continue to grow as the expert interpretation of data becomes necessary across industries.

Graduates with an MBA in data analytics possess the ability to make decisions and draw wisdom from current events. Business professionals can make a positive impact with expert analytic training.

Why Get a Business Analytics MBA?

Many professionals consider the possibility of returning to school to earn an advanced degree. While a graduate education requires a significant investment of time and money, an MBA may offer significant career and salary advancement opportunities.

An MBA degree can provide a quality education and a positive return on investment. Additionally, prospective students pursuing an online MBA in business analytics can take advantage of the savings and professional benefits while completing their virtual courses on their own time.

• Competitive Edge: Earning an MBA demonstrates a candidate's ambition and competency to employers. Graduates can make themselves especially competitive in the job market if they hold a specialization or concentration like business analytics.
• Career Advancement: Advanced industry knowledge and an analytics speciality can help professionals advance their careers and qualify for senior management roles.
• Flexible Program Options: Many learners complete their MBA online on a part-time schedule. Thanks to the flexibility of the online MBA format, enrollees can learn at their own pace while maintaining work-life balance.

Ranking the Top 10 Online MBAs in Business Analytics

#1 Oklahoma State University — Stillwater, Oklahoma

An online Master of Business Administration with a Marketing Analytics specialization is featured at the Spears School of Business located at Oklahoma State University. One of the most impressive features of this 100% online MBA is its affordable tuition cost. The 42-credit hour program is priced at just $196 per credit hour making the total cost of tuition an attractive $8,232. The Spears School of Business does not sacrifice in the area of accreditation however, receiving it by the AACSB and The Higher Learning Commission. The school makes the grade with a #67 rating among the nation's top programs according to U.S. News online. Two more noteworthy characteristics of this online MBA degree with a concentration in Marketing Analytics are its pay scale salary of $70,700 and the graduation rate of 61% reported by the institution. Some requirements needed for this degree that can be completed in a 42-hour part-time track or a 43-hour full-time schedule include, a four-year undergraduate degree from an accredited university, a qualifying GMAT score, and a 3.0 GPA. While previous work history in the field is not required, it is encouraged as is experience in calculus and quantitative skills.

Founded on Christmas day in 1890, Oklahoma State University educates over 35,000 students at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels at their five campuses and online. The school has earned many distinctions over its illustrious career, just a few of which include its being named the first Truman Honor Institution in the state, trailblazing the very first Unmanned Aerial Systems doctoral program in the United States, and offering the nation's first executive business Ph.D. The Oklahoma State sports programs compete at the NCAA Division I level and have a seasoned tradition of success including 50 championship team titles. Even their mascot is nationally known, as Pistol Pete has been voted crowd favorite by college and professional sports organizations.

Estimated Program Tuition: $8,232

#2 Villanova University — Villanova, Pennsylvania

The School of Business housed within Villanova University features an online Master of Business Administration with an Analytics specialization. This 48-credit hour MBA program is priced at $1,320 per credit making the entire cost of tuition $63,360. Students in this program can accomplish the hybrid-online degree in as little as two years. One requirement for the program includes an on-campus residency during the first or second semester of the six total semesters needed for completion. Two practicums are also required at the middle and end of the coursework for students. The School of Business at Villanova has designed this blended MBA experience to offer students the flexibility within their virtual education without sacrificing the face-to-face networking benefits of an on-campus experience. The degree itself is broken down into areas including three credit hours of fundamentals, 15 functional core hours, six credit hours of VSB Pillars, nine capstone hours, and 15 elective credits that offer the specialized coursework in Analytics. The 90% graduation rate matched with the higher-than-usual pay scale salary of $85,800 of this program reveals its exceptional quality and value.

Over 10,000 students call Villanova University their academic home. The four-year not-for-profit school offers degrees for associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students attending coursework at their campus located in Villanova, Pennsylvania and those distance learners around the world. The mascot at Villanova is the beloved Will D. Cat, while the school itself was established as a Catholic institution of higher learning in 1842 by the Order of St. Augustine. The student body is characterized by 52% male and 48% female, while 45 states and 48 foreign countries are represented by those seeking degrees there. The average class size is small at 22 and the student-to-faculty ratio is 12 to one.

Estimated Program Tuition: $63,360

#3 Babson College — Wellesley, Massachusetts

The F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson College offers a blended/online MBA program with a Business Analytics concentration. Like many of our top 10 programs the F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business benefits from excellent accreditation, themselves being accredited by the AACSB, New England Commission of Higher Education. This hybrid MBA program is a real stand-out with its excellent $96,900 pay scale salary matched by a very impressive 89% graduation rate for its students pursuing their online degree. The Princeton Review has awarded Babson College their eighth place for quality among the nation's top programs. The 46-credit hour hybrid MBA degree comes in at a cost of $1,790 per credit hour making the entire cost of tuition $82,340. Identified as the "Blended Learning" MBA, the school sees this program as one ideal for the working professional who would like to complete the program through wed-based learning matched with cohort groups on campus. Students accepted into this program must attend two residency visits on the university's Wellesley campus. This hybrid online MBA program begins each March and October and takes 21 months to complete.

Located in Wellesley, Massachusetts, Babson College currently educates 3,057 students seeking degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Of this relatively small student body, over 80 countries are represented, showing the school's priority for diversity and global representation. Babson College, named after Roger and Grace Babson, who housed the first classes within their home in 1919, got its start when a meager group of 27 students combined to form the Babson Institute in Wellesley Hills. Today the school prides itself on the ability to generate a high level of diversity on campus and to make a social and entrepreneurial impact in their community and around the world.

Estimated Program Tuition: $82,340

#4 West Chester University of Pennsylvania — West Chester, Pennsylvania

The College of Business and Public Management at West Chester University of Pennsylvania offers an online Master of Business Administration degree with a focus on Business Analytics. This 100% online MBA degree featuring a Business Analytics specialization has recently been awarded both the ranking of #55 of their top 100 programs by U.S. News and World Report, and #62 by U.S. News online. The 30-credit hour program is priced at $1,449 per each three credit course making the total cost of tuition $14,490. The graduation rate listed for the College of Business and Public Management is set at 71%, while the pay scale salary is $50,000. The program is accredited by the AACSB and Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The Business Analytics track of this MBA degree is one of three focuses the school offers. The degree is awarded to students once they complete seven core courses and three elective courses, which include Business Information Systems, Business Analytics, and Business Forecasting. The online coursework for this MBA degree utilizes the Desire2Learn courseware and follows the same eight-week schedule as on-campus coursework, however offers the flexibility of students completing many of the assignments according to their personal schedule.

A little known fact about West Chester University is that it is the fourth-largest institution of higher learning in the region of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 400+ acre campus is located in the Borough of West Chester, just 25 miles to the west of Philadelphia. The school was first established in 1871 in order to meet the need of teachers needing to be trained for their profession. Today, the 16,597-member student body has over 118 undergraduate and 103 graduate degrees within 50 fields of study to choose from. West Chester University is no stranger to recognition for academic excellence shown by the recent acknowledgement of being named #18 Top Public School in the Regional University North by U.S. News Best College Rankings.

Estimated Program Tuition: $14,490

#5 University of Nebraska-Lincoln — Lincoln, Nebraska

The College of Business Administration at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln features an online Master of Business Administration program with a Business Analytics specialization. The school receives high marks from Princeton Review who places it at #16 on their list of top programs, while U.S. News online ranks it at #76 among their best. Accredited by the AACSB and The Higher Learning Commission, this 48-hour program costs $531 per credit hour giving the entire degree a total tuition cost of $25,488. Students completing this degree can expect a pay scale salary of $57,200 while the graduation rate among students within the College of Business Administration is 67%. The four courses required for completion of this 100% online MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics include Business Analytics, Intro to Econometrics, Strategic Database Marketing, and Data Mining Applications.

The University of Nebraska – Lincoln has a long-standing reputation as an institution offering a quality education at a good value. Their list of awards and recognitions include being named a Best Value Public University in 2014 by the Princeton Review, Kiplinger's Best Values in Public Colleges, 2016, The National Jurist's 2015 #1 Best Value Law Schools in the U.S., and the status of Low Cost, High Graduation Rate by the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The four-year public school, located in Lincoln, Nebraska, offers degrees for associate through doctoral programs for the 25,000+ students pursuing a higher education.

Estimated Program Tuition: $25,488

#6 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater — Whitewater, Wisconsin

An online Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Data Analytics is featured at the University of Wisconsin—Whitewater within their College of Business and Economics. This award-winning online MBA program has been recognized for years as one of the best buys for students pursuing a higher education through distance learning. The European named the school as their Best in Distance Learning in 2014. Military Times named the College of Business and Economics their Best for Vets: Business Schools 2013. The 36-credit online MBA program with an emphasis in Data Analytics is priced at only $637.43 per credit making the entire cost of tuition $22,947. The school receives their accreditation through the AACSB and The Higher Learning Commission and reports a 60% graduation rate among its students. The pay scale salary for this degree is $56,300 and U.S. News online places it at #73 among the top schools in the nation.

Home to the Warhawks, the University of Wisconsin—Whitewater currently educates 12,360 students seeking degrees ranging from associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. The four-year public school was established in 1868 as Whitewater Normal School and received its current name in 1951 when its liberal arts programs were put in place. Today the school rests on 400 acres sprawled out in southeastern Wisconsin. The university, also known as UW-Whitewater, receives its accreditation through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and features 47 majors for undergrads, 13 programs for graduate students, and over 1,000 course options for students seeking a higher education.

Estimated Program Tuition: $22,947

#7 Ohio University — Athens, Ohio

Ohio University features an online Master of Business Administration with a Business Analytics specialization through their College of Business. The Business Analytics focus is just one of four concentrations the School of Business offers its graduate students. This program boasts several advantages for students including a 100% online format, no need for GMAT testing, and a consistent priority of quality based on awards and recognitions accepted by the school in recent years, including U.S. News and World Reports, Best Colleges among business programs in 2014. The 35-credit hour program is priced at $1004 making the total cost of tuition $35,140. Graduate students completing this online MBA with a focus on Business Analytics can expect a pay scale salary of $60,000 while the program reports a 67% graduation rate among students. Of the 35 credits required for this degree nine are concentration courses including Prescriptive Analytics, Predictive Analytics, Data Management, Business Intelligence & Analytics. Of all our top 10 schools, Ohio scores the highest rank as determined by U.S. News online at #42.

Only one year after the state of Ohio was established in 1803, the University of Ohio was founded as a result of the passing of an act by the Ohio General Assembly. The school opened its doors four years later in 1808 to an underwhelming number of three students and one instructor named Jacob Lindley. By 1895, the school would already reveal itself as progressive for its time with the graduations of John Newton Templeton, only the third black man to receive a degree in U.S. history, Margaret Boyd, the first female graduate of the school, and the first international graduate in Japan's Saki Taro Murayama. Today there are over 29,000 students pursuing degrees at the associate through doctoral levels at Ohio University.

Estimated Program Tuition: $35,140

#8 Saint Joseph's University — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Erivan K. Haub School of Business located at Saint Joseph's University features an online Master of Business Administration with a focus on Business Intelligence and Analytics. U.S. News online has ranked this 100% online MBA at #60 among their nationally top-ranked schools. With excellent accreditation through the AACSB and Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the Erivan K. Haub School of Business reports a 79% graduation rate for its students and a $64,000 pay scale salary. The 53-credit hour online MBA specializing in Business Intelligence and Analytics is priced at $1,003 per credit hour for a grand total of $53,159 in tuition. For students with transferable credit coming into this degree, up to eight hours of foundational coursework can be waived. Saint Joseph's University also enjoys the distinction of being one of the few institutions of higher learning in the United States to establish a Phi Beta Kappa chapter on campus.

Dating all the way back to 1851, Saint Joseph's University was established in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by the Society of Jesus. The two main schools housed within the university are the College of Arts and Sciences and the Erivan K. Haub School of Business. Saint Joseph's University is a four-year private not-for-profit institution of higher learning which offers degree plans at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. 8,625 students currently seek degrees at the university and have 55 undergraduate majors, 50 minors, and over 40 graduate fields of study.

Estimated Program Tuition: $53,159

#9 Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville — Edwardsville, Illinois

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offers an online Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Business Analytics through their School of Business. The 42-credit hour 100% online MBA program comes in at a cost of $305 per-credit hour making this one of our most affordable degrees on the list at a tuition total of $12,810. The institution's stellar accreditation comes through the AACSB and The Higher Learning Commission, while the graduation rate for this program is 49%. This degree with an emphasis in Business Analytics is divided between 30 required core courses and four specialized courses that include Quantitative Methods, Information Fundamentals, two minor electives of the student's choice, and Business Analytics Capstone. Besides the required online coursework, students are given the opportunity to take part in the school's Global Experience which includes a study-abroad program lasting 10 or 14 days in international locations like France, Hong Kong, China, Germany, and Italy. Admission requirements into this Business Analytics program include a completed application, application fee, GMAT results, and previous academic transcripts.

It's a little known fact that Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's over 2,500 employees make it one of the largest employers in the entire Southwest area of Illinois. The four-year public university is located in Edwardsville, just 25 minutes from St. Louis, and offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees for its student body of over 14,200. Of the students attending SIUE, or the "e" as it's called, 7,765 are female, 6,500 are male, and 23% are ethnic minorities.

Estimated Program Tuition: $12,810

#10 Stevens Institute of Technology — Hoboken, New Jersey

The School of Business at Stevens Institute of Technology features an online Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Business Intelligence and Analytics at their School of Business. Accredited by the AACSB and Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the School of Business offers this 48-hour program for $1,501 per credit making the total cost of tuition $72,048. The pay scale salary a graduate can expect upon completion is $73,000 while the school enjoys an 82% graduation rate for its students. U. S. News online ranks this 100% online MBA with a specialization in Business Intelligence and Analytics at #51 of its top programs in the nation. This specialized online MBA features core courses and some elective courses offered with the oversight of an advisor which includes classes like Data Stream Analytics: Internet of Things, Big Data Seminar, Supply Chain Analytics, Curriculum Practical Training, and Web Mining.

With a student body of just over 6,300, Stevens Institute of Technology is a four-year not-for-profit private institution situated in Hoboken, New Jersey. Of the entire student body, 2,976 are undergraduates while 3,623 are students working through graduate degrees. The faculty size of Stevens is just under 300, which affords the school to enjoy a ratio of 10 to one between students and instructors at the undergraduate level. Of the 2015 Stevens Institute of Technology graduates, over nine out of 10 students reported securing their career outcomes before graduating.

Estimated Program Tuition: $72,048

What to Expect From Business Analytics MBA Programs

MBA in business analytics programs prepare learners for successful careers in business and data analysis. Like other graduate-level business programs, MBA programs provide students with foundational knowledge in core subjects. However, a specific concentration in business analytics also readies graduates for lucrative careers analyzing, forecasting, and using data to solve problems.

Analytically minded students should consider either a master of science in business analytics or an MBA with a concentration in business analytics. These degrees offer slightly different career paths and require their own skill sets, so candidates should select a program based on their professional goals.

Business analytics programs generally take 1-2 years to complete and require a minimum of 30 credits, often including a capstone project requiring additional time and research. Tuition cost varies by program, so students should identify affordable programs that match their lifestyles and learning needs.

Prospective analysts can take advantage of flexible program options to complete their degree. Many online MBA in business analytics programs allow students to complete their degree part time. Others offer accelerated paths for students to finish their studies in 12-18 months.

The MBA Admission Process

Candidates must satisfy several prerequisites before applying for an MBA in business analytics program.

• Prior Education: An MBA in business analytics builds on general business knowledge, so applicants need to hold a bachelor's degree in business.
• Work Experience: Since the MBA is a professional degree, many programs prefer students with work or internship experience. The ideal MBA candidate possesses at least two years of work history.
• Required Tests: MBA program admission generally requires successful completion of the GMAT, though some programs accept GRE scores. Required test scores vary by school, but students should prepare for the exam by setting a goal and developing a study plan.
• Application Process: Candidates generally need to create an account with the school they wish to attend and provide additional materials like transcripts, resumes, letters of recommendation, and admission essays.

Business Analytics Degree Options

Students who want to develop a graduate-level understanding of business analytics can pursue an MBA or a master of science in business analytics. The MBA helps students prepare to manage businesses and make data-driven decisions. The MS focuses on technical skills and builds experience using analytic tools.

An MBA in business analytics teaches business professionals to lead and manage data analytics projects within an organization. MBA programs generally offer business analytics as a concentration rather than the main focus of the degree. Coursework for the MBA degree focuses on the general application of data analytics to improve business outcomes.

Students interested in technical careers in data science often pursue an MS in business analytics. The MS degree offers more practical experience in using software engineering and predictive modeling.

Comparing Business Analytics and Data Analytics Degrees

Due to the variety of degree options, prospective students should compare programs carefully to select the right graduate program for their needs. Students with a business background may consider programs in business analytics or data analytics, but should ultimately decide based on their skills, experience, and goals.

Both master's programs generally require 30 credits, which may take 1-2 years to complete. However, the degrees vary in their academic focus and support slightly different career paths. Business analysts frequently work collaboratively, while data analysts often work independently.

	Business Analytics	Data Analytics
Focus	Analysis of information to make data-focused business decisions, implement data-driven changes, and use insights to identify business problems and solutions	Analysis of datasets, systems design, discovery of business trends and insights, and data-driven organizational decision-making
Program Length	1-2 years	1-2 years
Course Load	30 credits	30 credits
Student Demographics	Students with business background and industry experience	Students with technical or STEM backgrounds and software or engineering experience
Goal	Prepare students to use data to inform strategic business decisions	Prepare students to operate and analyze data systems and databases

Popular Business Analytics Courses

Although curricula vary by school, most MBA programs share core requirements like foundation courses in finance, marketing, operations, and ethics. An MBA with a concentration in business analytics also includes elective courses that prepare students for specific analytics scenarios.

In addition to the core and elective MBA courses, degree-seekers must also complete an internship, practicum, or thesis. These capstone experiences provide opportunities to apply classroom skills to real-world scenarios.

• Finance: This core course focuses on financial concepts, capital markets, and investment decisions. Financial management coursework explores risk, funding, and shareholder value through the study of realistic business problems. Participants also learn to analyze financial statements and manage cash flow.
• Marketing: This core course covers pricing, campaign creation, public relations, sales, branding, and digital marketing. General marketing coursework prepares students to satisfy a variety of industry needs. In addition to studying consumer behavior, enrollees may also create products and test their market success.
• Accounting Analytics: This elective course explores the connections among financial statement data, non-financial metrics, and financial performance. Participants learn to use performance metrics to forecast future scenarios. Accounting analytics coursework also includes consumer behavior predictions, risk management, and corporate strategy.
• Data Mining: This elective course covers the process of extracting information and knowledge from data sets. Students practice data mining techniques using commercial software. Topics include discriminant analysis, neural nets, logistic regression, clustering, and other methods of interpreting output from artificial intelligence.
• Practicum: MBA programs typically require an applied practicum. Prospective business professionals work closely with faculty to identify and explore industry problems. Participants may conduct client interviews, complete research, perform data analysis, and prepare presentations offering solutions to these industry problems.

How Much Will a Business Analytics MBA Cost?

The cost of earning an MBA in business analytics may vary based on the prestige of the school, program length, and instruction style. MBA candidates should expect to spend 1-2 years studying business analytics, including a practicum. MBA degrees typically comprise 30 credits and cost $10,000-$45,000.

Students should also factor in the opportunity cost of any lost earnings. Few degree-seekers can combine full-time study with full-time employment.

Although elite private schools often charge steep tuition costs, learners can take advantage of accredited programs available through more affordable public schools. Some online MBA in business analytics programs cost less per credit, and allow degree-seekers to maintain full-time employment.

To reduce their overall debt burden, graduate students can also pursue financial aid sources such as grants, scholarships, loans, and fellowships.

Jobs for MBAs in Business Analytics

Many business careers begin with a bachelor's degree, but candidates can make themselves more competitive in the job market by pursuing a graduate education and specialization.

As algorithms and machine learning continue to proliferate, so does the need for professionals who can interpret and analyze data. Students interested in lucrative business careers can benefit from graduate training in business analytics.

Professionals with an MBA in business analytics enjoy a variety of job opportunities with comfortable salaries. According to PayScale, the average annual salary for graduates with this degree is $77,180. An MBA also qualifies professionals for management roles, which can fetch even higher salaries.

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Financial Analyst: Careers in financial analysis require proficiency in analyzing data, determining risk, and developing solutions that benefit businesses. Senior financial analysts may also manage and train analyst team members.

• Required Education: Bachelor's degree, master's preferred for advancement
• Job Outlook: +5%
• Median Annual Salary: $81,590

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Financial Manager: Careers in financial management entail developing budgets and creating reports for an organization. Financial managers make investment forecasts, collaborate with other managers, and establish company budgets.

• Required Education: Bachelor's degree, master's preferred
• Job Outlook: +15%
• Median Annual Salary: $129,890

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Management Analyst: These professionals find ways to improve efficiency in their organizations. They use methods for reducing cost and increasing revenue, recommending changes to management through written reports or presentations

• Required Education: Bachelor's degree, MBA often preferred
• Job Outlook: +11%
• Median Annual Salary: $85,260

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Selecting Your Business Analytics MBA Program

MBA candidates can begin their college searches with our ranked school lists, but they should also consider the following educational factors in their research.

• Accreditation: Students should look for programs at accredited schools to ensure high academic quality. For business degrees, the best programs hold accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
• School Size: Learners may find that the size of the student body affects their course and concentration offerings. While smaller schools may offer smaller class sizes, larger schools can offer a greater variety of classes and specializations.
• Cost and Financial Aid: For many working professionals, financing a graduate degree can present difficulties. However, students can pursue financial aid opportunities to make an online MBA in business analytics more affordable.
• Extracurricular Activities: Prospective students should consider the opportunities that an MBA program can offer outside the classroom. Extracurricular activities can enhance a resume and boost business networking opportunities.
• Program Length: Credit load and capstone requirements vary by school. To select a program that meets their needs, learners should carefully consider how much time they can invest in earning a degree.

Why You Should Get Your MBA in Business Analytics Online

Some ambitious business professionals hesitate to return to school due to budget and time constraints. Fortunately, online MBA programs can help address many of the obstacles that working professionals encounter.

Many MBA online programs provide opportunities to gain workforce experience while pursuing a degree. Employers often value work experience as highly as educational achievement, and an online degree may provide an efficient option for professionals looking to advance their careers.

Online MBA programs may lessen the financial burden on enrollees with lower tuition rates. Online learners can also save on campus-related fees like parking, technology, facilities, and health centers. Many professionals pursuing a degree online also enjoy the ability to maintain their regular income.

Some prospective students feel limited in their choice of graduate schools due to their location. Attending a traditional on-campus program often requires a daily commute or relocation. Online programs eliminate the costs and hassle of attending school away from home, as virtual learners can study from anywhere on their own time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scope of an MBA in business analytics?

An MBA in business analytics prepares students to make data-driven business decisions. Enrollees learn to use statistical models and pattern analysis to transform data sets into business information and help solve problems.

Is an MBA in business analytics worth it?

An MBA degree can provide a quality education and a positive return on investment. Graduates may also benefit from a competitive edge in the job market, increased earning potential, and opportunities for career advancement.

What can I do with an MBA in business analytics?

Business analysts collect, process, and analyze big data. Careers in this industry include financial analyst, marketing analyst, director of analytics, business intelligence analyst, and business systems analyst.

What kind of data analytics degrees are there?

Students who want to develop a graduate-level understanding of business analytics can pursue an MBA or an MS in business analytics.

Which is better — an MBA or MS in business analytics?

Both degrees provide advanced analytics education, but they lead to slightly different career paths. The MBA helps students prepare to manage businesses and make data-driven decisions. The MS provides technical skills and experience with analytic tools.

Related Reading

• Guide to Business Analytics
• Most Affordable MBAs
• Fastest Online MBAs
• See all our MBA Rankings Here