Do you want to gain technical skills in business analytics and, thus, boost your career advancement opportunities as a business professional or increase your business profits? Then, you should consider earning the best online MBA in analytics management or business analytics degree! With business analytics being among the fastest-growing fields in the digital world, earning an MBA in Business Analytics will be your competitive edge.

An MBA in Analytics Management combines the analytical capabilities and business acumen of an MBA degree with real-world experience in analytics management. Students of this highly specialized program learn to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret data in order to create practical solutions to business problems. After gaining an understanding of the latest analytics technologies, students use their analytical skills to develop strategies and guide decision-making processes. This program teaches how to use data for maximum efficiency, which leads to better-informed management decisions, improved customer understanding, and improved performance of the organization as a whole.

The increasing popularity of online MBA programs with a business analytics concentration is due to the widespread use of digital technology in everyday activities. Individuals, groups, and organizations use mobile apps, debit and credit cards, and websites for nearly everything, from sales and purchases to entertainment and recreation. These digital activities result in what’s known as Big Data, the structured and unstructured data with such a large, complex, and fast nature that traditional methods cannot be used in processing it.

Big Data is a potential goldmine for for-profit and nonprofit organizations, so much so that it’s considered an asset that must be stored, secured, and maximized. But while it’s easy enough to gather big data, it’s another story to turn it into actionable information.

This is where business analytics come in! At its core, business analytics refers to the process, procedures, and technologies that use quantitative methods to transform raw data into reliable, relevant, and actionable information. Business analytics in itself is an umbrella term that covers advanced analytics and business intelligence, both of which are useful in predicting future outcomes.

Best Online MBA in Analytics Management Schools - fact

MBA students in business analytics programs learn the four primary methods used in business analysis, namely:

Descriptive analytics, which interprets historical data in the identification of trends and patterns
Diagnostic analytics, which interprets historical data in the determination of the reasons for an event or outcome
Predictive analytics, which uses statistics to predict future outcomes
Prescriptive analytics, which applies testing and other techniques in determining the outcome with the best results

These methods of business analysis can be used separately or in combination depending on the desired outcomes.

Many online schools offer business analytics MBA programs, but most are offered by colleges and universities with physical locations. The online MBA programs offered by these brick-and-mortar colleges and universities usually have the same curriculum, admission and graduation requirements, and quality of instruction as their on-campus counterparts. Most, if not all, of these outstanding MBA programs, also have the same on-campus faculty members teaching the online students.

Online MBA Business Analytics programs usually have small class sizes, and thus, students benefit from the personalized attention from faculty members. Such one-on-one attention can be a lifesaver, so to speak, considering the technology-heavy program of study. MBA students in business analytics programs can use several data analytics software and programming languages, such as Python, Tableau, and SQL.

While the exact courses and their course descriptions and outcomes in business analytics programs differ, the typical curriculum consists of core business administration courses, including:

Managerial accounting
Strategic management
Operations management
Managerial economics
Business law and ethics
Traditional and digital marketing management

Of course, MBA programs with a business analytics concentration also train students in business analytics with courses like:

Big data analytics
Data management
Business intelligence
Data mining
Predictive analytics

Business analytics programs take between two and three years to complete, but many also have a shorter time to complete, which can be as short as 12 months. The time-to-completion varies depending on the program of study (i.e., traditional or accelerated), type of enrolment (i.e., full-time or part-time), and transfer credits.

The number of credit hours in MBA in Business Analytics programs ranges from 30 to 54 credits. Many also require a capstone project and/or a master’s degree thesis, while others may also have on-campus, in-person requirements like orientations, seminars, and immersion experiences.

The best MBA with a concentration in business analytics programs have a selective admissions process that considers the applicant’s credentials and potential with a holistic perspective. Aside from a bachelor’s degree in business administration, business analytics, or other recognized fields, applicants may also be required to show proof of relevant professional work experience, management skills, and industry knowledge.

Once accepted into MBA Business Analytics programs, graduate students must meet academic requirements and expectations. These can include meeting minimum individual course grades and overall GPA and submission of a capstone project or thesis. MBA students should also participate in discussions and contribute their real-world experiences, a give-and-take dynamics that increase the value of an MBA education.

At A Glance

The best online MBA in Business Analytics programs are excellent training grounds for business professionals who want to use Big Data in making informed business decisions. The technical skills in data analytics complement the hard and soft business administration skills vital to success in competitive industries.

Admission into the best online business analytics MBA programs is selective, with a bachelor’s degree and a minimum cumulative GPA being the minimum requirements. Applicants may also be required to demonstrate their readiness for graduate studies, their management know-how, and mathematical skills.

Learning outcomes in online business analytics MBA programs include the competent ability to turn raw data into actionable information, collaborate with other professionals in using business analytics, and promote business analytics through research and other activities. Graduates have excellent employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, too, in business, finance, and economics occupations, among others.

Best Online MBA in Analytics Management Schools

The online MBA programs featured here have business analytics as their concentration or specialization instead of being a master’s degree in business analytics (e.g., Master of Science in Business Analytics or Master’s in Business Analytics). This is because there are significant differences between these two master’s degree programs.

On the one hand, graduates of MBA in Business Analytics programs are business leaders and professionals who use data analytics software and other business analytics tools for their business decisions. Their business administration expertise is strengthened by their business analytics know-how.

On the other hand, graduates of MS in Business Analytics programs have more technical skill sets that include programming languages and algorithms. Their technical skills can also be used for business analysis, but their lack of business administration training and experience will preclude them from making business decisions themselves.

The MBA Business Analytics programs featured here are accredited by one of the three accrediting agencies for business schools and their degree programs. These are the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), and the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).

Indiana University Bloomington

Online MBA in Business Analytics Program

Business professionals will find the balanced workload of the MBA in Business Analytics program to their advantage. Real-time hour-long sessions are conducted for two courses every week, thus, allowing students to meet their non-academic obligations while making meaningful connections during online classes.

This is the best online MBA in business analytics program, in our opinion, because of its rigorous curriculum with an excellent balance between business administration expertise and business analytics fundamentals. Students not only learn through didactic coursework but also benefit from immersive experiences that build their skill sets and boost their interdisciplinary perspective of these related fields.

The 54-credit online MBA Business Analytics program covers business administration courses like operations management, financial management, and economics for managers. Business analytics courses cover the fundamentals that business professionals can use in their workplaces. The extensive curriculum consists of a 12-week Integrated Core series of courses.

This is among the more unique online programs, thanks to the two Kelley On Campus sessions at the start and end of the program. Students have the opportunity to explore the career services offered by experienced career coaches and expand their professional network during these in-person sessions.

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Online MBA in Business Analytics Program

Students in the outstanding MBA in Business Analytics program can look forward to plenty of career advancement opportunities for which their knowledge and skills are sought-after by employers. With their technical skills in business analytics, their value as business administration professionals increase – or if they are business owners, their decision-making skills become better.

The online MBA in Business Analytics program can be completed in 12 months of full-time study. Students must complete 36 credit hours in one of the accelerated AACSB-accredited online programs. The curriculum covers a wide range of business administration topics, including strategic management, accounting, operations and marketing management, and business analysis. As a business analytics program, the concentration courses focus on prescriptive and predictive analytics, modeling techniques, and statistical analysis.

There are no foundation courses or other prerequisites required. But admission to the Cameron School of Business is competitive, with the minimum requirement being a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 or better GPA, at least two years of full-time professional work, and letters of recommendation. The GMAT score requirement can be waived under certain conditions.

University of North Texas

Online MBA in Business Analytics (STEM) Program

Unique among the online programs featured here for its STEM designation, the MBA in Business Analytics program enables students to gain more advanced technical skills in data-based decision-making for businesses. These technical skills include the creation and application of complex data structures, business models, and business forecasts. Students also develop their transferable skills, which are just as vital in their professional success, and these include effective communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills.

This is also the best online MBA in Business Analytics program because of its rigorous curriculum that reflects the contemporary landscape of business administration and business analytics and intelligence. Students can complete the coursework in 12 months but can also extend their studies up to 24 months.

The 36-credit curriculum of the online MBA in Business Analytics program consists of business administration core courses as well as business analytics core and elective courses. These include model-based business intelligence, data mining, big data analytics, predictive analysis, and business forecasting.

Applicants must work with the Ryan College of Business to meet deficiencies in background content (e.g., calculus) that the online program requires.

University of Illinois Chicago

Online MBA in Business Analytics Program

The AACSB-accredited MBA in Business Analytics online program enables students to gain technical and transferable skills in data-driven decision-making to boost operational efficiency. Graduates become sought-after business professionals in leadership roles in database management, supply chain management, and corporate finance occupations. There’s an emphasis on the effective and efficient use of big data tools in business settings.

The business analytics MBA online program can be completed in as few as 14 months but allows students flexibility in their time to degree. Students must complete the academic requirements of the 42-credit curriculum with comprehensive coursework that combines business administration and business analytics know-how.

This is among the best online MBA programs with a business analytics concentration because its graduates aren’t just competent in extensive data analysis and business analytics but are also influential leaders. Their communication, collaboration, and negotiation skills steer their teams in the right direction.

Graduates of the online MBA in Business Analytics program become successful database managers, business analysts, and financial analysts, among other career paths. Many also pursue post-graduate credentials like a Doctor of Business Administration or a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration degree.

Florida Atlantic University

Online MBA in Business Analytics Program

Being on top of the latest in business analytics and intelligence is the best thing about the MBA in Business Analytics program! Students learn the best and newest about Big Data, data mining, web, and social media analytics, data management and analysis with Excel, and database management, among others.

The online MBA in Business Analytics program can be completed in 16-23 months, depending on course load, meaning it’s a flexible program that welcomes working professionals. The program of study consists of 8-week terms, with all classes conducted 100% online, but students may also choose to meet with their peers and professors in person. The combination of convenient online classes, flexible time-to-degree, and rigorous curriculum – and affordable tuition and financial aid, to boot – made it one of the best online MBA programs on our list.

This excellent business analytics MBA online program has a cohort model where students learn and progress as a group, thus, allowing them to establish lifelong connections. There are three start dates for applicants to choose from, and the tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. A bachelor’s degree, preferably a business administration degree, and at least four years of professional work experience are required.

Syracuse University

Online MBA in Business Analytics Program

Syracuse University, a private research university known for its excellent degree programs, offers an MBA in Business Analytics online program at its Martin J. Whitman School of Management. Students in the master’s degree program prepare for leadership roles in the public and private sectors by learning about effective marketing strategies, accounting fraud detection methods, and profit optimization combined with risk management practices.

Students in the business analytics MBA program also develop their skills in data visualization, data collection, and data mining, as well as gain a working knowledge of complex data analysis and their tools. Their strong business administration foundation gained from years of work experience becomes stronger with these skills in business analytics.

This is possible through an extensive and challenging business analytics curriculum consisting of 36 credit hours of core courses. Students choose from interdisciplinary electives not just from Whitman but also from the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the School of Information Studies.

The business analytics courses in the online MBA in Business Analytics program include data science, data analytics, and marketing analytics. The entire coursework can be completed in 24 months. Students progress through the online MBA Business Analytics program with top-notch student support and career services.

University of West Florida

Online MBA in Business Analytics Program

The MBA in Business Analytics program has an accelerated time-to-degree of 16 months for full-time students, but the rigorous curriculum is fast-paced and challenging. UWF’s College of Business offers the AACSB-accredited online MBA program.

The curriculum of the business analytics MBA program consists of 36 credit hours, with most courses in business administration and three courses in business analytics. The latter are Advanced Business Intelligence Applications, Advanced Business Data Management, and Big Data Mining: A Managerial Perspective.

Of course, the online MBA in Business Analytics is a business administration degree at its core, and it’s reflected in the comprehensive coverage of relevant topics. Students learn about business process integration, management and organizational behavior, accounting for decision-making, and more.

This is among the best online MBA programs because students learn about using data and business analytics to find answers involving operations and strategic management-related questions. Such an ability requires the right balance between technical and transferable skills – and it’s precisely what the intensive curriculum seeks to achieve.

Prospective students must meet foundational proficiencies to be considered for admission into the online MBA program with a business analytics concentration. A bachelor’s degree in any field is acceptable, but other factors will be considered for admission.

University of Maryland College Park

University of Maryland - Robert H. Smith School of Business

Online MBA in Information Systems and Business Analytics Program

The MBA in Information Systems and Business Analytics offered at the University of Maryland’s College Park campus has broader coverage than the usual MBA in Business Analytics program. The difference lies in its coverage of information systems, a complementary field of study to business analytics. The online MBA program also offers other specializations in addition to the general MBA track.

The online business analytics MBA program has a 54-credit curriculum with a 24-month time-to-completion. Note that there are two 24-credit courses (Foundation One and Foundation Two for a 48-credit total), a choice between an International Business or Global Study course, and opening and capstone residencies. The combination of coursework and residencies develop the students’ business leadership skills and business acumen in a way that a bachelor’s degree alone can’t.

Since it’s an online MBA in Business Analytics program, there are challenging courses in Data Mining and Predictive Analytics, Social Media and Web Analytics, and Managing Digital Businesses and Platforms. The coursework is delivered via weekly live online classes.

Lamar University

Online MBA in Business Analytics Program

Lamar University offers many of the best online MBA programs in the country – and among the most affordable, too, resulting in great value for the money. Among its MBA programs is the MBA in Business Analytics program, which trains students in contemporary business administration practices underlined by robust knowledge of business analytics. Such training enables them to make informed decisions that boost overall business performance.

Students can earn the business analytics MBA degree in just 12 months on full-time matriculation. The 30-credit online MBA in Business Analytics curriculum consists of core and concentration courses that result in a well-rounded MBA education. The core courses include strategic management, financial management, and managerial economics, among others. The concentration courses cover market analytics, data mining, predictive analytics, and data analytics in accounting. Students learn about data visualization software, too.

Prospective students with a non-business bachelor’s degree must meet leveling requirements before being considered for admission into the online MBA program. There’s even a pre-MBA program for this purpose.

Regent University

Online MBA in Business Analytics Program

The ability to drive business growth through business analytics is the underlying philosophy of the program of study in Regent’s MBA in Business Analytics online program. Students build their business leadership skills first through an intensive series of business administration courses, a must for MBA programs. Then, the specialization courses strengthen their business analytics skills that enable them to make data-driven business decisions.

Note that Regent is a Christian university, and the business analytics MBA program has a solid Christian-centric worldview. Prospective students don’t have to possess previous knowledge about data analytics, data science, or computer science but must possess strong math skills.

The concentration courses in the 42-credit curriculum are Foundations of Analytics, Descriptive Analytics, Decision Models, and Enterprise Data Management. Depending on the type of enrolment, students can take between one and two courses every eight weeks. Full-time students can earn the online MBA in Business Analytics degree in 16 months.

Seton Hall University

Online STEM MBA in Business Analytics Program

Seton Hall University, a private research university, offers its rigorous STEM MBA in Business Analytics program through its Stillman School of Business. The AACSB-accredited online MBA program emphasizes business ethics and leadership with a purpose underlined by Catholic values. In a STEM-designed MBA program, students learn the best use of the technologies used in data and business analytics toward informed decisions.

Graduate students in the online MBA in Business Analytics program complete 40 credits to earn a master’s degree. By getting a well-rounded business education, students become more competitive in the job marketplace or in their business performance.

The business analytics specialization courses include Introduction to Data Analytics and Business Intelligence, Databases, and SQL, and Exploratory Data Analysis and Data Visualization. These courses are in addition to the core business administration courses and electives that students can choose from other departments.

Small class sizes, client consultations, and the Launch Experience contribute to memorable learning experiences in the online MBA program with a business analytics specialization.

Radford University

Online MBA in Business Analytics Program

The AACSB-accredited MBA in Business Analytics program offered by Radford University can be completed in 12 months of full-time study. The accelerated program is among the best MBA programs due to its challenging curriculum, impressive graduate outcomes, and affordable cost of attendance.

Graduate students in the online business analytics MBA program must complete the academic requirements of the 36-credit curriculum and enjoy a well-rounded business education. The business administration courses include accounting from the managerial perspective, organizational behavior, and traditional and digital marketing management.

The business analytics courses are just as challenging and comprehensive in their scope. Students learn about financial analytics and their applications for data analysis, business forecasting, and prescriptive analytics and modeling. These courses are designed to enable graduates to gain skills in solving diverse business problems using business analytics.

The online MBA in Business Analytics program has a unique aspect to it – students earn the SAS Business Analytics Graduate Certificate along with the master’s degree.

Admission into the MBA in Business Analytics program requires a bachelor’s degree and GMAT/GRE scores. The scores will be waived for applicants with at least five years of relevant professional work experience.

Pennsylvania Western University – California

Online MBA in Business Analytics Program

Accredited by the ACBSP, the MBA in Business Analytics program at PennWest prepares you for diverse careers, such as business analyst or financial analyst. The best part is that it can be completed in as little as 12 months! But you can choose to enroll as a part-time student and earn the master’s degree in 24 months.

Students in the online business analytics MBA program develop in-demand skills in both business administration and business analytics. Among their skill sets are data aggregation and the creation of effective business strategies.

The online MBA in Business Analytics program has a 36-credit curriculum. With its business analytics emphasis, the courses focus on big data analytics, data mining, and simulation modeling, and forecasting and predictive modeling. The business administration courses are in corporate finance, marketing management, strategic management, and international business management.

Montclair State University

Online MBA in Business Analytics Program

Montclair’s Feliciano School of Business offers its top-notch MBA in Business Analytics program to business professionals who want to develop their decision-making skills using business analytics. But it’s also among the most diverse online MBA Business Analytics programs, with students coming from non-business backgrounds, such as career changers. Graduates leave the program equipped with practical business leadership skills in general and business analytics technical skills in particular.

But admission to the online business analytics MBA program is a tough challenge! Aside from a bachelor’s degree, prospective students must complete the GMAT/GRE as well as submit a personal essay, professional resume, and two letters of recommendation. There’s a substantial application fee.

The business data analytics concentration has three semesters, and every semester has two eight-week terms. The two-year time-to-completion can be achieved with a full-time course load of 1-2 classes per term.

MBA students in the business analytics concentration program complete 30 credits of core courses, just like MBA students in other specializations, and then take nine credits (i.e., three courses) of specialization courses. Business analytics students take the Introduction to Business Analytics, Advanced Business Analytics, and Data Analytics and Visualization courses.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Online MBA in Business Analytics Program

The accredited and accelerated MBA in Business Analytics program at SIU provides business professionals and other interested individuals with the opportunity to gain top-notch business education for career advancement purposes. Full-time business analytics students can earn the master’s degree in as few as 12 months; part-time MBA students earn the master’s degree in 24 months.

While the 36-credit curriculum has a heavy emphasis on business analytics, applicants aren’t required to complete foundation courses regardless of their academic background. But strong math skills are a must since business analytics uses a wide range of math-based tools and techniques.

The program of study in the online business analytics MBA program follows a sequential model. Students first gain foundational knowledge and skills in marketing analytics and marketing management, accounting for MBAs, strategic management, and more. Then, the online MBA Business Analytics curriculum gets into the thick of business analytics courses, including database design, business intelligence and analytics, and customer relationship management.

The online MBA in Business Analytics program requires the completion of a business analytics capstone course.

University of Saint Mary

Online MBA in Business Analytics Program

Graduate students in the MBA in Business Analytics program develop the knowledge and skills in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data for informed decision-making, whether it’s in business settings or otherwise. Students maintain an excellent work-life balance, thanks to the asynchronous format, and earn the master’s degree in 12 months of full-time studies. Transfer credits from relevant graduate-level coursework are accepted upon review.

The online MBA program has a 33-credit curriculum, with the majority of the online courses related to business administration. There are also business analytics concentration courses, including Introduction to Business Analytics, Demand and Forecasting, and Business Analytics Applications. Students may also choose to take the optional Data Analytics for Decision-Making course to expand their skills.

All courses are conducted in eight-week sessions, and students are well-advised to spend 15 hours or so per week on each course. Full-time studies mean two classes per term, while part-time studies are one class per term with a two-year target completion. Students benefit from the dedicated student services counselor and 24/7 technical support.

Admission requirements to the online MBA Business Analytics program include a bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.75 GPA, official transcripts, and a current professional resume.

Southern Oregon University

Online MBA in Business Analytics Program

The MBA in Business Analytics program at SOU emphasizes the use of statistical methods and other tools of data analytics in the improvement of business operations and performance. Students maximize their learning experiences under the guidance of professional faculty members with real-world expertise and doctorate degrees.

Time-to-completion is as little as 16 months, and students can immediately apply their virtual classroom learning in their workplaces or businesses. The online MBA Business Analytics program has a 45-credit curriculum that includes courses in financial and economic analysis as well as Lean and Six Sigma-derived statistical analysis tools.

Online students in the business analytics degree first tackle business administration-centric courses that boost their management skills. Advanced organizational behavior, strategic operations management, and managerial accounting are among these challenging courses.

The concentration courses are in GIS applications for business, process improvement, and advanced information systems. There are also courses devoted to the graduate research project and the capstone requirement. Students then gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experiences that strengthen their data visualization, presentation, and analysis skills.

Prospective students may be admitted on a full or provisional admission status depending on their GPA from their bachelor’s degree.

Southern Utah University

Online MBA in Business Analytics Program

Offered by SUU’s Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business, an accredited AACSB school, the MBA in Business Analytics program has an accelerated format. Students can earn the master’s degree in 12 months but must be prepared for a full-time commitment to the rigorous program of study.

Online students in the business analytics degree program tackle a 33-credit comprehensive curriculum with most courses in business administration (24 credits) and the rest on emphasis courses (9 credits). Depending on their academic background and professional work experience, students may or may not be required to complete a foundation course.

The core business administration courses include operations and supply chain management, advanced managerial accounting, finance and economics, and leadership. Students must take three business analytics concentration courses, including data management and visualization for business.

Students benefit from the practical approach that their professors adopt in online courses. Earning the MBA degree also requires the completion of an integrated capstone course that demonstrates the student’s mastery of the subjects.

While the GMAT scores aren’t required for admission purposes, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a 2.5 GPA or higher to be considered.

Arkansas State University

Online MBA in Business Analytics Program

Graduates of the MBA in Business Analytics program at AState keep in touch with the professors, thanks to the professional and personal connections made. The flexibility of the program of study and its affordability contribute to the online MBA program’s popularity among working professionals.

This is a 12-month online MBA program, but students must commit to full-time enrolment to earn the degree in the shortest period possible. The AACSB-accredited MBA degree program has a 33-credit curriculum with courses designed for real-world applications, particularly in finding solutions for complex business problems using business analytics and other tools.

Online students in the business analytics degree start their business education with courses in accounting, financial management, project management, and strategic management. There’s also an introduction to business analytics before the concentration courses start, and these courses are data mining, advanced data mining, and simulation for predictive decision-making. Beyond their technical skills, graduate students also develop their communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Franklin University

Online MBA in Business Analytics Program

The IACBE-accredited MBA in Business Analytics program at Franklin has a theory-to-practice approach that encourages students to apply their classroom learning to their workplaces and to share their business insights with their peers, too. The give-and-take learning contributes to the meaningful and productive business education, a standout among other online MBA programs.

Students complete the 36-credit hour curriculum to be awarded the master’s degree. Full-time studies mean a 12-month time-to-degree, and thus, students have the opportunity to maximize their master’s degree faster.

This is among the most flexible online MBA programs, too, with its FlexFIT design – it fits your budget, allows you to choose your courses based on your interests, and provides a flexible time-to-completion program. Indeed, if you’re looking for a convenient online MBA program, this may well be it!

Online students in the online MBA Business Analytics program start their business education with courses in MBA foundations, managerial economics, financial and managerial accounting, and more. Then their courses progress toward the business analytics focus with topics in analytics, data visualization and reporting, and database management.

There are eight start dates per year. Admission into the MBA degree program requires a bachelor’s degree, at least, and the holistic admissions process ensures that an applicant’s entire academic and professional background will be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is earning an MBA in Business Analytics important to the field and my career?

Earning an MBA in Business Analytics is important to the field because it allows business professionals to leverage data-driven insights to make better decisions that can increase revenue and enhance customer experience. An MBA in Business Analytics equips individuals with the skills necessary to access and analyze data to develop insights that can be used to make informed decisions and gain competitive advantages. It also provides a foundation for mastering specialized skills, such as machine learning, cloud computing, and big data analytics.

Furthermore, it facilitates the integration of data-driven decision-making into existing organizational practices. Upon completing an MBA in Business Analytics, graduates are able to use insights from their data to provide guidance on matters such as customer segmentation, pricing, and marketing campaigns.

By earning an MBA in Business Analytics, you can differentiate yourself from your peers and gain a competitive edge in the job market. Your advanced understanding of data-driven decision-making and analytics techniques will make you more attractive to potential employers who are looking to leverage the power of data. Furthermore, the analytical and problem-solving skills you develop will enable you to better anticipate customer needs and trends, allowing you to make informed decisions and manage resources more efficiently.

What are the career paths for graduates of MBA Business Analytics programs?

Note that professionals with online MBAs are eligible for leadership positions in business administration and management jobs, even C-Suite jobs. MBA programs prepare students for a wide range of industries, too, within which their MBA degree has exceptional value.

With a business analytics concentration, the MBA degree becomes more specialized while still providing its holders with broad business know-how. Instead of data science jobs alone, graduates of MBA Business Analytics programs are qualified for data-centric business leadership positions. The MBA Business Analytics degree can even be your competitive edge when applying for general business positions, such as a business manager.

The job titles most often associated with MBA in Business Analytics degree holders include business analysts, business intelligence analysts, management analysts, big data analysts, operations research analysts, and market research analysts.

What are the median annual salary and job outlook for holders of an MBA in Business Analytics degree?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, business analysts or management analysts earned $93,000 in median annual wage (May 2021). The highest earners – between $96,940 and $100,170 median annual wage – worked in the professional, scientific services and management of organizations.

Graduates of online MBA programs also become operations research analysts who earn $82,360 in median annual wage (May 2021). The highest-paid worked in the federal government with six-figure salaries of more than $120,000 per year! Big data analysts also earned six-figure salaries of more than $103,000 annually.

And the favorable job growth also makes an MBA in Business Analytics degree even more attractive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected job growth for management analysts and operations research analysts ranged from 11% to 23%, meaning more than 110,000 job openings, on average, every year.

What traits and aptitudes do ideal candidates for online MBA programs possess?

In general, MBA programs look for applicants who possess business know-how and experience, leadership and risk management skills, and a strategic mindset. Online MBAs with a business analytics specialization also prefer applicants with technological aptitude, mathematical skills (e.g., statistics and calculus), programming language know-how, and a basic understanding of data science. Many of these online degree programs even require applicants to complete prerequisite or foundation courses before formal admission.

Once in an online MBA in Business Analytics concentration program, students are well-advised to look into professional development programs, such as the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA).

Wrap Up

Choosing a business analytics concentration in top-notch online MBA programs is the first step toward maximizing the rewarding career advancement opportunities in the ever-growing field of business analytics! Business professionals, from entrepreneurs to managers, will gain business analytics skills that contribute to their success in day-to-day business administration and long-term business management.

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