The Best Online MBA Programs in Business Intelligence of 2023
Updated September 26, 2023
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An MBA in business intelligence blends business fundamentals and data analytics, helping students build practical and technical skills. Top online MBA programs in business analytics integrate coursework in statistics, data modeling, and database architecture.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 7% growth between 2021 and 2031 for business and financial occupations, which bodes well for professionals with an MBA in business intelligence. The BLS projects 715,100 new jobs over the next decade in this field.
To find out more about business intelligence programs and careers, scroll down for information on rankings, scholarships, and professional organizations.
The Top Online Business Intelligence MBAs of 2023
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Villanova UniversityLocation
Villanova, PA
Tuition$36958
Graduation Rate91%
Steeped in Augustinian Catholic tradition, Villanova offers a 48-credit online MBA in business intelligence. Students complete fundamental, functional, and pillar coursework, plus electives and specialized classes. Nine credit hours of business intelligence classes explore international finance, global marketing, and international business management.
Villanova's MBA degree incorporates nine hours of capstone requirements as well. Learners study global strategic management and complete practicums in social enterprise consulting and global business. During the global practicum, students participate in an international or domestic immersion.
Students complete the MBA in business intelligence in two years. Program applicants submit a resume, two essays, and transcripts for consideration. Additional application materials include two letters of recommendation plus GRE or GMAT scores. Online students pay $1,350 per credit hour. Tuition covers on-campus residency and international immersion accommodations, though students must cover travel expenses.
Other Concentrations
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Saint Joseph's UniversityLocation
Philadelphia, PA
Tuition$35344
Graduation Rate80%
Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, SJU's top online MBA in business intelligence and analytics requires 33-53 credit hours, depending on learner background. Full-time students complete the program in as few as 12 months, while part-time learners do so in 24-30 months. Most eight-week online classes include at least one live session each week.
The business intelligence and analytics MBA at SJU integrates 20 credit hours of foundation coursework, six credit hours of gateway classes, and 15 credit hours of core requirements. Students complete nine credit hours of specialized business intelligence courses to enhance their understanding of current information technologies and how they impact corporate decision-making and strategic planning.
On-campus and online students pay $1,075 per credit hour tuition. Applicants submit transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal statement, plus GRE or GMAT scores.
Other Concentrations
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Creighton UniversityLocation
Omaha, NE
Tuition$31317
Graduation Rate81%
Founded as a Jesuit college in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1878, Creighton offers a 33-credit hour online MBA in business intelligence and analytics. Learners complete the program in just over two years. Core MBA coursework emphasizes leadership and organizational behavior; business, ethics, and society; business intelligence and analytics; and business policy and managerial action.
Students without undergraduate degrees in business or previous related work experience must also complete 15 credit hours of functional core classes. Experienced business professionals and learners with bachelor's degrees in the discipline may substitute concentration coursework for functional core requirements as appropriate.
Business intelligence and analytics learners complete at least nine hours of specialized courses in topics such as predictive analytics, data governance, and machine learning. To apply, students must hold a minimum 3.0 GPA in a bachelor's program and previous statistics coursework. Additional application requirements include a resume, a personal statement, and two letters of recommendation.
Other Concentrations
- Accounting
- Finance
- Financial Psychology and Behavioral Finance
- Leadership
- Personal Financial Planning
- General MBA
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University of North Carolina at Chapel HillLocation
Chapel Hill, NC
Tuition$11649
Graduation Rate89%
The flagship institution of the University of North Carolina system, UNC-Chapel Hill holds distinction as the nation's first public university. It offers an online MBA in data analytics and decision making that requires 62 credit hours of coursework. Learners participate in two in-person immersive summits, as well, completing the degree in 18-36 months.
UNC-Chapel Hill's top online MBA in data analytics and decision-making integrates 34 core credit hours with elective and concentration coursework. Data analytics and decision-making MBA students enhance their strategic business decisions by building critical data analysis, communication, and data-driven strategic skills.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and two years' professional work experience. Application materials include two letters of recommendation, a personal interview, two essays, and GRE or GMAT scores for learners with fewer than six years of professional experience.
Other Concentrations
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Carnegie Mellon UniversityLocation
Pittsburgh, PA
Tuition$30847
Graduation Rate89%
Founded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1900, CMU's top online MBA in business analytics blends synchronous and asynchronous content with in-person weekend sessions. Designed as a part-time degree, learners participate in weekly, live online classes, supplemented by pre-recorded lectures and online materials. Access Weekends bring cohorts of students together for classes, presentations, exams, and networking events.
Students complete 48 credit hours of coursework, including required classes in modern data management and data mining. Learners choose from application courses in optimization, finance, and marketing. During their capstone in business analytics, students solve a real business problem using visualization, data mining, and optimization skills.
Applicants submit a resume, one professional recommendation, an essay, and GMAT or GRE scores for consideration. Once enrolled, students may receive waivers for core coursework through exemption exams.
Other Concentrations
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University of ScrantonLocation
Scranton, PA
Tuition$36725
Graduation Rate82%
One of 27 Jesuit institutions of higher learning in the United States, Scranton offers an online MBA in business analytics through the Panuska College of Professional Studies and the Kania School of Management.
Students complete 4-8 core courses in accounting, economics, and finance; operations, analytics, and information; and management and marketing. Twenty-one credit hours of business analytics coursework emphasizes data mining, business forecasting models, business simulation, and business database management systems. A capstone in responsibility, sustainability, and justice unites teams to students in a final project, linking sustainable development and financial success in the global marketplace.
Scranton offers six start dates each year. Most learners earn a degree in 24 months. Applicants must hold an accredited bachelor's degree and demonstrate a minimum 3.0 GPA. They should also have completed at least three years of professional work experience for consideration.
Other Concentrations
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Syracuse UniversityLocation
Syracuse, NY
Tuition$39005
Graduation Rate83%
Situated in the hills of central New York, Syracuse offers an online MBA in business analytics that requires 54 credit hours. Students complete 36 core business classes in data analysis, managerial finance, leadership in organizations, and microeconomics.
Business analytics MBA learners take 15 credit hours of elective courses in technical and data topics. Technical coursework emphasizes data analytics, database management, and data warehousing, while business electives focus on accounting, financial, and marketing analytics. During an additional three-credit hour domestic or international residency, learners gain practical experience in the discipline.
Online students earn an MBA in business analytics in as few as 24 months. Admission requirements include two essays, two letters of recommendation, a resume, and GRE or GMAT scores. Applicants with five or more years of professional experience may receive a GRE or GMAT waiver.
Other Concentrations
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Clemson UniversityLocation
Clemson, SC
Tuition$19508
Graduation Rate83%
Clemson — located in Greenville, South Carolina — offers a part-time online MBA in business analytics. The degree requires 36-55 credit hours, depending on work experience and prior education. Students complete foundation, core, concentration, and internship requirements.
Core and foundation coursework in Clemson's online business analytics MBA explore fundamentals of business function, ethics, and leadership. Nine hours of business analytics classes emphasize statistical modeling, application development, and data management and warehousing. Students also explore business forecasting techniques and applications.
Clemson's online MBA in business analytics brings together learners two weekends each semester for in-person activities and networking opportunities. At the end of the two-year degree, students complete an internship to gain practical experience and apply program concepts.
Online students pay $1,264 per credit hour tuition. Applicants submit a personal statement, GMAT scores, a resume, and letters of recommendation. They may have to complete interviews on a case-by-case basis.
Other Concentrations
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Santa Clara UniversityLocation
Santa Clara, CA
Tuition$41545
Graduation Rate91%
Offered through SCU's Leavey School of Business, the online MBA in data science and business analytics requires 70 credit hours of coursework. The MBA core curriculum integrates 42 credit hours of classes in accounting, finance, management, and marketing.
Students take a required course in challenges in leading and managing strategic change, alongside 26 credit hours of elective and concentration courses. Data science and business analytics classes emphasize analysis of customers and markets, business intelligence and data warehousing, and econometrics for business analytics.
The online MBA at SCU brings cohorts of students to campus for weekend networking and learning opportunities. Through SCU's Silicon Valley Professional experience, online learners gain access to innovative progress-tracking and networking tools.
SCU's online curriculum blends five- and 10-week classes, allowing students to begin the program at several points each year. Applicants need at least three years of professional work experience. Application materials include three essays, two letters of recommendation, a resume, and GRE or GMAT scores.
Other Concentrations
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St. Bonaventure UniversityLocation
Saint Bonaventure, NY
Tuition$21613
Graduation Rate68%
Established as the first Franciscan university in the United States in 1858, SBU occupies 500 acres in southwest New York. SBU offers an online MBA in business analytics, which integrates 39 credit hours of foundation, business core, and concentration coursework.
Learners earn an online MBA in business analytics at SBU in as little as 20 months. Foundation classes emphasize quantitative management, accounting and finance, and economics. Twelve credit hours of core business courses in organizational behavior, business policy, and management accompany business analytics coursework in data visualization, project management, financial modeling, and marketing analytics.
Applicants to SBU's online business analytics MBA submit a resume, transcripts, and GRE or GMAT scores. Individuals with a minimum 3.3 GPA from previous college coursework, or two years of relevant experience and a minimum 3.0 GPA, receive GRE/GMAT waivers.
Other Concentrations
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University of St. FrancisLocation
Joliet, IL
Tuition$19418
Graduation Rate62%
Initially a women's college in Joliet, Illinois, USF offers academic programs rooted in Catholic traditions and the liberal arts. USF's online MBA in data analytics includes 36 credit hours of core, competency area, and concentration coursework. Learners can transfer up to nine credit hours into the online MBA, earning a degree in 12-18 months.
MBA core courses at USF emphasize managerial economics, finance, and accounting. Competency area requirements allow students to choose 12 credit hours of coursework in topics such as business research methods, international business, and information technology. Twelve credit hours of business analytics courses include business forecasting and econometrics, enterprise resource computing, business intelligence and analytics, and data mining.
To apply, learners need a bachelor's degree in business, economics, or a related field, and two years of full-time employment or military service in management. Online students pay the same tuition ($798 per credit hour) as their on-campus counterparts.
Other Concentrations
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University of DelawareLocation
Newark, DE
Tuition$15883
Graduation Rate81%
Established in Newark, Delaware, in 1743, UD's online MBA in business analytics prepares learners to integrate data science, business strategy, and management science in as few as 16 months. Students also complete 44 credit hours of core and business analytics coursework, each offered along a seven-week format.
Core courses in the online MBA in business analytics at UD include financial reporting and analysis; managing people, teams, and organizations; and ethical issues in domestic and global business environments. Learners also study economic analysis for business policy and corporate strategy. They participate in professional development seminars on emotional intelligence and business communication and networking, as well.
Nine credit hours of business analytics classes focus on data mining, decision analytics, and visualization. Learners complete a business analytics capstone, during which they take on the role of a business data analyst through the entire analytics process. Online students pay $900 per credit hour. Application materials include documentation of a minimum 2.8 GPA, two years of professional work experience, and GRE or GMAT scores. Applicants may qualify for GRE/GMAT waivers based on GPA, work, and education history.
Other Concentrations
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American UniversityLocation
Washington, DC
Tuition$33034
Graduation Rate80%
Located in the District of Columbia, AU offers an online MBA in business analytics through the Kogod School of Business. Most students complete 48 credit hours of coursework and two in-person immersions in two years, though AU offers accelerated 12-month, 15-month, and 18-month options.
The MBA curriculum includes 12 core courses in areas such as financial accounting, management of organization and human capital, and strategic thinking for decisions. Learners also study core business concepts like managerial statistics, managerial economics, and managers in the international economy.
Business analytics classes emphasize data analysis skills to prepare learners for data-driven decisions and business challenges. The degree requires classes like predictive analytics, business intelligence, and database and big data. Students can complete in-person immersions in Washington, D.C., or at one of the international cities that hosts the events each year. To apply, learners submit a personal statement, a resume, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. GMAT and GRE test scores remain optional.
Other Concentrations
- Finance
- Consulting
- Cybersecurity
- Marketing
- Legal Studies
- General MBA
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Azusa Pacific UniversityLocation
Azusa, CA
Tuition$29152
Graduation Rate63%
With nine campuses in Southern California and online, APU prepares students through 200 academic program offerings. The online MBA in institutional research at APU builds conceptual and methodological knowledge and skills to facilitate decision-making in business and marketing contexts.
Core classes in APU's 42- to 43-credit hour MBA curriculum include managing human capital, current issues in business and management, and organizational performance improvement. Learners also study ethical leadership, global business management, and applied research and analysis.
Ten credit hours of institutional research courses explore non-experimental research methods, program evaluation, and analysis of variance. A required analysis of variance lab course builds practical experience with statistical software as students apply analysis knowledge to computational procedures.
Online students can earn an MBA in as little as one year. Online and on-campus students pay $662 per credit hour tuition. To apply, students submit transcripts, an application essay, a resume, and GMAT scores. Applicants may receive a GMAT waiver based on their previous academic performance.
Other Concentrations
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University of DaytonLocation
Dayton, OH
Tuition$34718
Graduation Rate79%
Located in Dayton, Ohio, UD operates as a research university steeped in Marianist and Catholic traditions. It offers three online MBA curriculum options for learners at various stages of their academic and professional careers.
The one-year MBA requires 30-32 credit hours, which students with undergraduate business degrees can complete in 12 months. The 15- to 18-month accelerated path accommodates individuals with bachelor's degrees in business or professional experience through 31-39 credit hours. The foundational MBA comprises 36-45 credit hours of coursework, which business novices complete in 18-24 months.
The online business analytics MBA at UD builds on core and foundation coursework for learners in all programs. It emphasizes marketing analytics, analytic processes and applications, and project management. Online students participate in at least two in-person immersions during their program to build practical skills and engage in collaborative learning activities.
To apply, learners must submit a formal essay, letters of recommendation, a resume, and GMAT scores. Applicants may receive a GMAT waiver based on academic performance and work experience.
Other Concentrations
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University of Massachusetts-AmherstLocation
Amherst, MA
Tuition$21740
Graduation Rate80%
As the flagship university of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, UMass Amherst offers an online MBA in business analytics, which comprises 39-45 credit hours. Core classes include strategic information management, economic analysis for managers, and organizational strategy. Students also explore leadership and organizational behavior, corporate finance, and business law.
Learners choose nine credit hours of business analytics courses, studying concepts such as digital marketing, artificial intelligence and business, and quality analytics. Through flex electives, business analytics can also complete coursework in data management for business leaders, project management, or personal finance.
Students complete their degrees entirely online, or they alternate between online and on-campus coursework at one of UMass Amherst's satellite locations in Boston, Shrewsbury, or Springfield, Massachusetts. Tuition remains the same for both options at $900 per credit hour. Learners earn their degrees in less than three years. Applicants submit a personal essay, two letters of recommendation, GMAT or GRE scores, and a resume.
Other Concentrations
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DeSales UniversityLocation
Center Valley, PA
Tuition$28244
Graduation Rate71%
Chartered in 1964 and located in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, DeSales offers academic programs grounded in Catholic, Salian traditions. DeSales' online MBA in data analytics includes seven core courses, four concentration classes, and one integrated capstone requirement.
Core coursework in the online MBA in data analytics emphasizes marketing, organization, and financial management. Learners explore executive skills development, business computing, and business and society, as well. Data analytics courses include database management, statistical analysis and predictive modeling, and data analytics. During the capstone class, learners integrate business policy and strategy with analytic knowledge and skills through a culminating activity.
With rolling admissions, MBA students apply to DeSales at any time during the year. Online learners pay $855 per credit hour. Applicants submit a resume, three professional references or recommendation letters, and a personal statement. DeSales requires GMAT scores or an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher for admission.
Other Concentrations
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La Salle UniversityLocation
Philadelphia, PA
Tuition$24473
Graduation Rate67%
Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, La Salle was founded in 1863 as a Catholic, Lasallian college. La Salle's online MBA in business systems and analytics, which requires 33-39 credit hours. Learners earn their degrees in as few as 14-16 months.
Core coursework emphasizes managerial accounting for decision-making, financial performance, and business analytics for informed, effective decision-making. Specialization classes focus on business systems analysis and database design, data warehousing and data mining, and emerging trends and technologies in the field.
La Salle's MBA curriculum also covers executive perspective classes to build leadership, decision-making, and analytical skills. During a culminating, integrated capstone requirement, learners apply tools and techniques to gain practical experience in domestic and global market strategy formulation and implementation.
Online MBA students at La Salle pay the same tuition as in-state learners. Applicants submit a resume, GMAT or GRE scores, and transcripts for consideration. Individuals may receive a GMAT waiver or deferral based on their GPA and previous work experience.
Other Concentrations
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University of DallasLocation
Irving, TX
Tuition$25609
Graduation Rate66%
Founded as a Catholic, coeducational institution in 1956, UD offers a 42-credit hour online MBA in business analytics through the Satish & Yasmin Gupta College of Business. Learners complete 14 required core and concentration classes in 2-3 years.
Core coursework includes accounting for managers, business and society, and managerial finance. Learners explore data analysis for decision-making, value-based marketing, and effective leadership alongside business analytics classes in quantitative methods, data visualization, and forecasting methods.
During a capstone experience, students integrate degree knowledge while working with organizations on comprehensive consulting projects.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a 2.0 minimum GPA. Graduate-level coursework requires a minimum 3.0 GPA. UD's online MBA program requires prerequisite coursework in management, marketing, and business economics, as well. Online MBA students can complete coursework on-campus, creating a hybrid degree in the process. All on-campus and online MBA students at UD pay $1,250 per credit hour.
Other Concentrations
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Capitol Technology UniversityLocation
Laurel, MD
Tuition$21816
Graduation Rate48%
Located in Laurel, Maryland, Capitol strives to build opportunities in engineering, computer and information sciences, and business professions. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs based in STEM and business fundamentals, including an online MBA in data analytics.
Capitol's online data analytics MBA combines 27-30 credit hours of core coursework with nine hours of concentration classes. Core courses emphasize technology personnel management, federal contract project management, and organizational behavior in a technical environment.
Data analytics classes build include analytics and decision analysis, applied statistics and visualization for analytics, and big data warehousing and analytics systems. Online students and learners at one of Capitol's satellite campuses pay $618 per credit hour tuition, while active military personnel receive $350 per credit hour tuition.
Applicants must hold an accredited undergraduate degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Individuals with undergraduate degrees in business receive a waiver from Capitol's required fundamentals of professional management course.
Other Concentrations
- Aviation
- Critical Infrastructure
- Cybersecurity
- Engineering Technology
- Unamanned and Autonomous Systems
- Aviation Cybersecurity
- General MBA
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Saint Mary's College of CaliforniaLocation
Moraga, CA
Tuition$35332
Graduation Rate77%
Established in 1863, SMC emphasizes Lasallian core values through its commitment to education, faith, and respect. SMC fosters a collaborative, collegial learning environment, offering an online professional MBA in business analytics to prepare leaders in the field.
SMC's online MBA curriculum includes three types of courses. Students complete foundation courses in accounting, economics, communication, and quantitative methods. Core classes build analytical skills by focusing on management in operations, marketing, finance, and international business.
Concentration coursework in data analytics trains learners to work with large data sets to make informed business decisions. Classes include programming for analytics, advanced data analysis, and data visualization and storytelling. Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Learners with a 3.0 or higher GPA receive waivers from GMAT or GRE requirements. Additional application materials include a personal statement and resume.
Students participate in the career advantage series during the MBA program, attending two workshop events and a global immersion experience. Most students earn their MBAs in 24 months. SMC may waive foundation or core requirements based on previous coursework and professional experience.
Other Concentrations
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Rider UniversityLocation
Lawrenceville, NJ
Tuition$29284
Graduation Rate65%
Once known as Trenton Business College, Rider moved to its current location in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, in 1920. Rider offers a 39-credit hour online MBA in business analytics learners complete in less than two years.
Thirty credit hours of core courses include applied corporate finance, marketing analysis and decision-making, executive communications, and advanced organizational behavior. Students complete nine credit hours of business analytics classes in business intelligence technology and data mining, applied data management, and business analytics for managers.
Applicants to Rider's online data analytics MBA must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Individuals with GPAs of 3.3 or higher from schools accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International receive GMAT and GRE waivers. Students with comparable academic and professional experience may receive waivers.
Other Concentrations
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Robert Morris UniversityLocation
Moon Township, PA
Tuition$25690
Graduation Rate64%
Originally called the Pittsburgh School of Accounting, RMU changed its name to honor founding father Robert Morris in 1935. RMU offers more than 80 academic programs, including an online MBA with a certificate in business analytics.
Learners earn RMU's 30-credit hour online business analytics MBA in five semesters. Core coursework includes leading the business enterprise, financial management and accounting, and strategic knowledge integration. Learners also study how to create customer value in the digital world and analytical methods for decision-makers alongside three business analytics elective classes.
Online and on-campus MBA students at RMU pay $975 per credit hour. RMU's MBA courses feature team-teaching, combining experts from two disciplines to enhance degree knowledge and skills.
Applicants submit transcripts and letters of recommendation for consideration. RMU may request additional test scores and an interview.
Other Concentrations
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University of RedlandsLocation
Redlands, CA
Tuition$29226
Graduation Rate74%
Redlands offers academic programs from eight regional locations and online. Redlands' online MBA in location analytics comprises 36-48 credit hours of foundational, core, and capstone coursework, plus concentration content. Learners can earn their MBAs in 18-24 months, depending on previous education.
Business foundations coursework includes data-driven decision-making, management and organizational behavior, and information and knowledge management. Core classes emphasize managerial finance, marketing, and human resources. Learners studying location analytics complete 12 credit hours of coursework in marketing and decision-making in location analytics, spatial analytics of global business, and managing and leading the contemporary spatial business.
Applicants submit transcript information, a resume, and additional supportive information for consideration. Online learners pay $874 per credit hour and can transfer up to two courses into the online MBA in location analytics at Redlands.
Other Concentrations
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Colorado State University-Fort CollinsLocation
Fort Collins, CO
Tuition$17914
Graduation Rate71%
CSU, located in Fort Collins, Colorado, represents the flagship institution of the Colorado State University System. CSU offers a 42-credit hour online MBA in marketing data analytics, preparing business professionals to apply analytical concepts and methods to datasets.
Learners complete 37 credit hours of core coursework in database concepts, information management, and applied data analytics. Classes include quantitative business analytics, leadership and teams, and business economics. Students also participate in an analytic practicum, analyzing a large dataset to solve business problems.
Elective course options allow learners to explore advanced marketing, finance, and computer information systems concepts. Students can also complete professional enrichment classes in sustainable venturing, contemporary issues in business, and career management and placement strategy. Students can earn an online MBA in marketing data analytics from CSU in 21 months. Online learners pay $998 per credit hour, but they may qualify for tuition discounts through the school's corporate partner program.
Applicants must hold an accredited undergraduate degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, plus four years' of professional work experience.
Other Concentrations
Online MBA Programs for You
Grow your career, leadership, and business acumen with an accredited online MBA program.
What Is an MBA in Business Intelligence?
An MBA in business intelligence emphasizes data analysis and reporting. Business intelligence professionals use their findings to make effective, efficient business decisions.
Specific business intelligence MBA curricula vary, but all programs train learners to gather and organize data, analyze quantitative and qualitative information, and develop new systems and procedures based on the results. With an MBA in business intelligence, individuals can thrive as management, financial, or market research analysts.
Management analysts develop plans for businesses and organizations to improve profits, reduce costs, and increase efficiency. Financial analysts review economic and business records and trends to guide investment decisions, while market research analysts assess market conditions to identify consumer demand, pricing, and sales trends.
Is an MBA in Business Intelligence Worth It?
General MBA programs focus on broad and transferable skills. They offer versatility but lack specialization. MBAs in business intelligence concentrate specifically on analytical skills that help companies identify opportunities and gain advantages over competitors.
In the 21st century, MBA programs in business intelligence have adopted an increasing focus on data science and analytics. Some such programs have science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) designations. This reflects their core focus on applied technical and mathematical concepts.
As a field, business analytics has bright growth prospects. Fortune Business Insights projects that the $271.8 billion global business analytics market of 2022 will nearly triple in value to $745.15 billion by 2030.
Tuition costs for MBA business intelligence programs vary widely. Some programs charge less than $1,000 per credit, while other programs cost more than $80,000 per year. However, business intelligence MBAs generally deliver a strong return on educational investment. According to Payscale, professionals with an MBA earned an average annual salary of $95,000 as of April 2023.
Why Should You Get an Online MBA in Business Intelligence?
Building business and technical expertise, an online MBA in business intelligence prepares learners to make informed, ethical, and profitable decisions. Business intelligence combines data collection and analytics with coursework in economics, management, and occupational leadership.
An MBA in business intelligence facilitates business careers in industries such as healthcare, finance, and information technology. Experts in business intelligence may also pursue careers as entrepreneurs. Many business intelligence professionals work as consultants, brought in by companies and organizations to provide objective analysis.
With an MBA in business intelligence, entry-level business professionals can gain a competitive advantage within the field. According to Payscale, entry-level management analysts earned average annual salaries of just over $57,200 as of March 2023, while their experienced counterparts earned base salaries of more than $85,200.
Similarly, an online business intelligence master's degree can open up career opportunities in computer science and information technology. Payscale reports that general data analysts earn average annual salaries exceeding $65,000 in 2023, while business intelligence analysts earn more than $72,000.
What Can You Do With an MBA in Business Intelligence?
Data Analyst
According to Payscale, data analysts earned average salaries of $65,110 as of March 2023. Data analysts apply data collection, assessment, and reporting techniques to quantitative and qualitative information. With knowledge and skills applicable across economic sectors, data analysts may work for corporations, organizations, or educational institutions.
Data analysts gather information by conducting interviews, administering surveys, and taking polls. They typically store data in computer databases and enterprise data warehouses, interpreting and reporting their findings based on client goals.
Business Intelligence Analyst
Business intelligence analysts focus on data related to business management. Within an organization, business intelligence analysts design models to collect data about departmental activities.
Business intelligence analysts work closely with managers to gather data and, after analysis, develop plans for more efficient collaboration among organizational entities. Business intelligence analysts exhibit technical proficiency with query and reporting analysis tools.
Payscale reports that entry-level business intelligence analysts earned an average annual salary of nearly $62,000 as of March 2023. Meanwhile, senior-level business intelligence analysts earn more than $94,000 per year.
Database Administrator
The BLS projects positions for database administrators to grow by 9% from 2021-2031. These professionals earned a median salary of $101,000 per year as of May 2021. These professionals store, organize, and assess data using specialized software programs and applications.
Database administrators create databases for personal information related to finance, healthcare, or manufacturing. They monitor permissions and train database users. Their job duties also involve maintenance of database security and efficiency, including the performance of upgrades and updates as needed.
Online MBA in Business Intelligence Curriculum
Business administration curricula vary by program, as do degrees with business intelligence concentrations. Accompanied by classes in statistics, data analytics, and database architecture, an online MBA in business intelligence incorporates core business and technology courses.
- Data Analysis and Statistics: Coursework in data analysis and statistics trains students to organize, analyze, and interpret data. Learners gain a working knowledge of machine learning, probability, quantitative methods, and randomization techniques.
- Business Performance Management: A course in business performance management focuses on techniques and processes to meet organizational goals. Students learn to link employee tasks with the overall mission of an organization. They develop tools and methods to coach employees and manage workers at all performance levels.
- Leadership and Organizational Behavior: Leadership and organizational behavior classes equip students with the tools to motivate employees, communicate effectively, and shape organizational culture. This course explores the dynamics of organizations, decision-making in the workplace, innovation and change management, and strategic planning for success.
See More Top MBA Programs
Additional Online MBA Resources
How to Choose the Right Online MBA in Business Intelligence Program
When choosing an MBA in business intelligence program, learners should take several factors into consideration. Aspiring professionals should carefully assess program length, cost, location, and curricula to choose the best MBA for their needs.
MBA programs include 30-45 credit hours. Full-time learners typically earn a master's degree in two years, while part-time students usually complete coursework in 3-5 years. Accelerated MBA programs allow students to earn a degree in as few as 18 months.
Individuals working full time or with busy schedules benefit from the convenience and flexibility of an online MBA in business intelligence. Learners who seek an MBA on a shorter timeline can take multiple classes at a time. Online classes also allow part-time students to complete courses at a slower pace.
Many colleges and universities with online MBAs in business intelligence offer flat-rate tuition. By paying a set price each semester, students may take as many courses as possible, shortening their time to complete the degree and lowering costs simultaneously. Online programs also allow students to avoid on-campus room and board expenses and commuting costs.
Business professionals earning an MBA can often complete practical and research activities at their place of work. By blending career and education, business intelligence students can apply academic knowledge directly to the workplace while completing internship, project, or thesis requirements.
Learners should also check the accreditation status of an MBA in business intelligence. Colleges and universities maintain national or regional accreditation; individual degrees and programs may also hold specialized accreditation. Accrediting bodies for business degrees include the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
Professional Organizations for Business Intelligence
As a field that blends business and technology, business intelligence facilitates collaboration and communication between industries in both sectors. Professional organizations unite business intelligence students and practitioners through networking opportunities, online communities, and annual events.
Professional organizations also offer job listings, career advice, continuing education programs, and news updates about the business intelligence field.
Common Questions About Online MBA Programs in Business Intelligence
Does business intelligence need math?
While business intelligence professionals use mathematics, their roles do not always require extensive or complex calculations. However, the vast majority of successful business management professionals have strong math and numeracy skills. Some MBAs in business intelligence and analytics carry STEM designations, indicating the importance of mathematics proficiency in the field.
Is an MBA in Business intelligence good?
Market researchers from Fortune Business Insights predict the value of the global business intelligence industry to grow by about 275% from 2022-2030. As such, experts project that MBA graduates with business analytics concentrations will benefit from strong labor market demand.
Is business intelligence a high-paying job?
According to Payscale, professionals with MBAs in business analytics earned an average salary of $84,000 per year as of April 2023.
Is business intelligence a stressful job?
Business intelligence roles can be high stress due to their importance to company success. However, professional environments differ and the stressfulness of a given business intelligence role depends heavily on workplace culture.
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