The MBA in business analytics combines core coursework in business and management disciplines with specialized analytics courses. Students learn about econometrics, marketing intelligence, and financial reporting analysis. MBA programs typically provide relevant business-oriented instruction while incorporating real-world internships and capstone projects.
This degree path prepares graduates for the business world, which increasingly relies on big data to inform decisions and enhance revenue. Graduates that have an online MBA in finance, marketing or manufacturing have versatile analytics and management skills applicable in various industries.
The MBA in business analytics is an option for professionals seeking salary advancement and promotion to management positions. Graduates can pursue high-paying managerial jobs such as financial manager, management consultant, or marketing manager. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), financial managers earned a median annual salary of $131,710 in 2021.
Careers for Business Analytics MBA Graduates
The MBA concentration in business analytics opens up career possibilities in diverse sectors, including banking, insurance, and government. Business analytics programs equip students for positions as marketing managers, management consultants, big data advisors, or intelligence administrators.
Many graduates with a business analytics MBA become analysts in operations, supply chains, customer insights, or finances. Additional analyst areas include business intelligence, pricing, and revenue optimization, and quantitative data.
Most of the business analytics careers sampled below enjoy above-average projected job growth outlooks. According to the BLS, job prospects for operations research analysts appear particularly promising, with employment projected to grow 23% from 2021 to 2031.
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How to Choose an MBA in Business Analytics Program
MBA in business analytics programs differ widely in features such as format, focus, location, and curriculum, which can make narrowing down choices a challenging endeavor.
Prospective students should take the time to establish priorities and compare programs carefully. Some MBA in business analytics programs allow further specialization in economics and communications, so choose a program that offers coursework closely aligned with your interests.
MBA programs also vary widely in cost and quality. Depending on available resources, students should choose programs with a realistic price range and substantial return on investment (ROI). The list below features important considerations, steps, and tips for choosing the right MBA in business analytics program.
Consider Accredited Programs Only Top MBA programs usually are offered by schools that are accredited by agencies approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation[/hen-ui-link]. Regionally accredited schools meet high academic standards, and credits and degrees earned at these schools often transfer well to other programs at nationally and regionally accredited schools. Credits and degrees from nationally accredited schools typically do not transfer as easily, and students may face more difficulty obtaining financial aid. Attending a regionally accredited program is particularly essential for students planning on pursuing additional degrees in the future.
Reflect on Interests and Career Goals Clarifying your academic interests and career goals can help narrow your search to programs with a corresponding curriculum. Select from MBA in business analytics programs that offer courses or specializations directly relevant to your desired role, field, or industry.
Decide on Desired Timeline Busy working professionals often benefit from self-paced, part-time MBA programs, while students with considerable free time may opt for full-time or accelerated MBA programs that reduce graduation timelines. Consider your availability meticulously, narrowing your search to programs with pacing that fits your schedule.
Consider School Location Learners seeking to find work in a specific area can benefit from the networking and job prospects offered by MBA programs in their preferred region. On-campus programs may feature partnerships and internship opportunities with local organizations and businesses. These opportunities often prove useful to recent college graduates and young professionals. Consider your networking needs as you decide whether to prioritize schools in your preferred living location. Additionally, some online programs require occasional on-campus components such as workshops, networking events, or a thesis defense. Online learners considering these programs might evaluate whether they can easily access campus from their current residence.
Choose Preferred Lesson Delivery Format Many of today's MBA programs allow students to complete their degree online by reviewing lectures and completing assignments asynchronously on their own schedule. This approach suits motivated, independent learners. Meanwhile, students who prefer more interactive experiences often choose on-campus programs or online coursework featuring live virtual classes during evenings or weekends. Consider your learning style, preferences, and networking needs as you compare formats and choose where to apply.
Weigh Program Costs Against School and Program Reputation and Outcomes MBA programs can get expensive, so make sure to weigh tuition costs against program performance statistics. Checking student outcomes such as graduation, employment, salary, and ROI data can help you assess program quality. Well-reputed programs with high institutional or programmatic performance achievements can prove worth the money, since MBAs typically translate into career and salary advancement, but avoid high-priced programs with poor ROI.
Compare Academic and Career Resources Many programs provide tutoring, career counseling, and internship opportunities to help students realize their ambitions. Well-established MBA programs may also offer access to corporations, organizations, study abroad programs, and events to enhance students' cultural and career opportunities.
Review Program Rankings Consulting our MBA program rankings can guide prospective students to identify top-quality programs and gain an overview of available options. Rankings pages also summarize the overall efficiency of each program, enabling a quick comparison of features.
Business Analytics Curriculum
MBA in business analytics curricula differ by school, program, and concentration. Most programs entail about 30-36 credits of core courses and 15-21 credits of electives.
Common core courses include organizational leadership, strategic management, microeconomics, and supply chain management. Depending on their concentration, students may also take electives in brand management, marketing research, venture capital, and financial statement analysis. The sample courses below often appear in business analytics programs.
Comparison of Business Analytics Degrees and Specializations
Students interested in graduate study of business analytics can choose from several types of degree programs. The MBA in analytics prepares graduates to utilize analytical tools and principles to enhance their skills and careers as managers. The MBA in information systems and business analytics features specialized courses, including engineering and data mining.
The MBA in business intelligence and analytics resembles an MBA in business analytics, but may include more work with important data and technology applications. Meanwhile, the master of science (MS) in business analytics focuses on the practice of technical analysis tools and prepares graduates for careers as analysts. This degree includes less coursework on broadly applicable business concepts.
| Degree Type | Description | Potential Career Paths |
|---|---|---|
| MBA in Business Analytics | MBAs usually serve current or aspiring managers who wish to leverage business analytics in their position. MBA programs typically combine focused concentration courses with broadly applicable business concepts such as finance and management. MBA students often approach machine learning more theoretically than technically, examining how data analytics and machine learning can be applied to solve problems and enhance business outcomes. | Marketing manager, customer insights analyst, supply chain analyst |
| MBA in Information Systems and Business Analytics | This interdisciplinary MBA includes courses in information systems, business analytics, and core business areas. More STEM-focused than other business analytics MBA options, the MBA in information systems and business analytics covers management information systems, database management, and engineering. Students learn data mining, analysis, and visualization, plus special topics such as artificial intelligence or virtual reality. | Information systems manager, computer systems administrator, and information security analyst |
| MBA in Business Intelligence and Analytics | This degree offers excellent preparation for management and consulting careers by combining management foundations with business intelligence and analytics expertise. Curricula include analytical strategies, tools, and modeling. This degree also cultivates skills in problem-solving, collaboration, management, and technology applications. | Business intelligence analyst, business analytics/intelligence manager, management consultant |
| MS in Business Analytics | Entirely devoted to business analytics and suited to students with a technical background, MSBA programs emphasize the hands-on application of analytical tools and methods. Students spend considerable time practicing software engineering, predictive modeling, machine learning, and forecasting. | Business analytics specialist, big data consultant, data analyst/strategist |
What's the Difference Between Business Analytics and Data Analytics Concentrations?
Both data analytics and business analytics emphasize using data to influence organizational decisions. However, data analysis occurs in various sectors, including government and nonprofit organizations, and identifies trends within specific datasets. Meanwhile, business analytics often incorporates more diverse types of business information and focuses on increasing business profits.
Often suited to tech-savvy students, data analytics programs cover data systems and database design and maintenance. They also specialize in data mining and cleaning, data visualization, and reporting. Data analytics professionals usually require mastery in analytical tools and programming languages such as Python or SQL.
Business analytics programs typically spend less time on technical skills, instead emphasizing measurement and evaluation of business processes. These professionals observe operations, interview employees, and analyze financial data.
Data analytics graduates often work as data analysts who report their findings to organizations. In contrast, business analytics graduates often play more active roles in business operations and may pursue careers such as operations research analyst, business data analyst, or management analyst.
Cost and Length of MBA in Business Analytics Programs
The cost of MBA programs varies drastically, with the most affordable online MBA programs falling under $15,000 and the most expensive programs exceeding $100,000. Tuition for reasonably priced MBA programs in business analytics often lands in the $20,000-$30,000 range.
Books, supplies, and on-campus housing costs can add considerably to total MBA costs. Many students reduce housing costs by attending a local college or enrolling in an online MBA in business analytics and renting or purchasing used textbooks. Attending college part-time or online can allow students to continue working while going to school. Part-time programs may take 3-4 years, while traditional full-time programs usually last 18-24 months.
Students who want to attend full time and finish their degree quickly sometimes enroll in accelerated programs that can take just 10-15 months to complete. Accelerated programs may save students money on living expenses and university fees that accumulate per semester.
Explore financial aid options to help pay for your degree
Business Analytics Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scope of an MBA in business analytics?
Most MBA programs require around 60-66 credits and take about two years of traditional, full-time attendance to complete. These programs incorporate both business management and analytics coursework.
Is an MBA in business analytics worth it?
Earning an MBA can lead to career and salary advancement. According to Payscale, individuals with an MBA earn an yearly average of $94,000 as of January 2023 — over $20,000 higher than the average salary for degree-holders with a bachelor's in business administration.What jobs can I get with a business analytics degree?
MBA in business analytics graduates often become analysts in areas such as finance, operations research, business intelligence, or supply chain. Other job possibilities include personal financial advisor, marketing manager, and management consultant.
Which is better: an MBA or MS in business analytics?
MBA degrees best suit students interested in managerial roles, while MS degrees focus more heavily on technical skills and careers.
