MBA in Business Analytics Salary and Career Outlook

Is an MBA in business analytics worth it? Individuals looking for business analytics jobs in statistics or data should consider this course of study.

Updated on October 6, 2023

Candidates with an MBA in business analytics qualify for many careers in the field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an employment growth rate of 11% for management analysts from 2019-2029, more than doubling the national projected growth rate for all professionals.

Financial analysts, budget analysts, and operations research analysts — all roles with strong employment projections — often require candidates to hold MBAs in business analytics. Degree-holders can find opportunities with small consulting firms, large corporations, and nonprofits.

Potential business analytics job titles include management analyst, senior business analyst, and business development manager. This guide provides information on MBAs in business analytics, including available educational pathways and salary data for graduates.

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What Is an MBA in Business Analytics?

An MBA grows business and leadership skills in learners who often already work in the business profession. The business analytics concentration fuses general business principles with data-driven studies to enhance each learner's ability to make strategic business decisions.

Although business analytics, data analytics, and business intelligence have similar foundations, each concentration offers different methods. Data analytics and business intelligence focus mostly on data mining and reporting, while business analytics interprets that data into actionable business strategies.

An MBA in business analytics typically includes a general MBA curriculum and courses specific to analytics. Core courses explore business ethics, marketing management, and organizational behavior. Specialization classes tackle topics such as information systems, statistical analysis, and problem-solving methods.

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What Can You Do With an MBA in Business Analytics?

A business analytics degree offers several potential career pathways, including management positions and business consultant jobs. A graduate with an advanced degree, such as an MBA in business analytics, may benefit from more business analytics job opportunities with higher salaries. The BLS projects that many of these career paths will grow rapidly from 2019-2029.

Why Should You Get an Online MBA in Business Analytics?

An online MBA in business analytics offers the flexibility to accommodate students' current work schedule while advancing their career skills. Online MBA programs build on learners' business knowledge to further their leadership potential.

A business analytics specialization translates well to an online learning environment. Students can complete assignments on a flexible schedule and meet regular deadlines. This concentration combines general MBA topics, such as marketing and financial management, with business analytics topics, such as data mining and strategic management.

You may qualify for financial aid to receive a more affordable online MBA. Your employer may also offer tuition assistance to reimburse you for some or all of your MBA costs.

FAQs About MBAs in Business Analytics

What is business analytics?

Business analytics covers past and current trends and statistics in business. Using statistical methods and models, business analytics helps business leaders make strategic decisions to improve operations, finances, and marketing efforts.

What jobs can I get with an MBA in business analytics?

An MBA in business analytics opens the door to many jobs in the field. The most common business analytics jobs include management analyst, business analytics manager, senior business analyst, business systems analyst, and business development manager.

What is the difference between business analytics and data analytics?

Data analytics mines and compiles data to provide insight into trends. Not all data analytics findings relate to the business industry. Business analytics uses uncovered data from data analytics processes to use for strategic business planning.

Can I get a business analytics MBA online?

Yes. Multiple colleges and universities offer online MBAs in business analytics for students looking to pursue more flexible learning schedules.

Professional Organizations for Business Analytics

https://www.iiba.org/

Members benefit from unique networking and collaborative opportunities, members-only discounts, a database of exclusive research and resources, and supportive resources for career development.

https://www.digitalanalyticsassociation.org/

Formerly the Web Analytics Association, this organization offers professional development opportunities, sponsorships, events, and job listings.

https://www.datascienceassn.org/

This nonprofit organization sets standards for data science ethics and competency while working to grow the data science field and its professionals through research, education, and professional development.

https://www.adasci.org/

Machine learning and data science professionals primarily comprise this association's member base. ADaSci provides continuous skill advancement, a career center, exclusive events, and peer-reviewed research to members.

Feature Image: Luis Alvarez / DigitalVision / Getty Images

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