Often considered the job for the future, business intelligence analysts are integral in the age of digital transformation. This job requires one to gather and analyze data in organizations with the use of various tools and technologies.

This field is exciting as a career path as it involves constantly evolving tools and strategies along with fresh challenges. Business intelligence analysts need to keep up with the changing trends and devise innovative ways to solve problems.

Every business organization needs the expertise of BI analysts to help them make strategic business decisions. Management analysts can earn a median pay of $93,000 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This can even increase as you earn an MBA in Business Intelligence from the top business schools.

At A Glance

Against the background of the ever-growing use of technologies in driving growth, and with new opportunities being founded on and anchored in digital technologies and the online space, corporations and other organizations continue to see the value of data in informing their decisions, and increasingly turn to the use of big data and data-driven technologies to maximize their operations and maintain a competitive edge. As a result, the demand for careers related to the field of business intelligence and data analytics is expected to continue growing.

Business Intelligence and data analytics largely involve working with big data, which often require highly specific solutions to effectively gather, manage, process, analyze, and present them, in order to best provide actionable information to corporations and various organizations.

The best online MBA programs in Business Intelligence typically add advanced courses in data analytics that build on an MBA’s standard fundamental education in business skills and leadership.

20 Best Online MBA in Business Intelligence

University of Massachusetts

School of Business & Professional Studies

MBA in Business Administration, Business Intelligence and Data Analytics

Tuition per credit: $695
Units Required: 60
Program Length: 1 year
Financial Assistance Options:
- Grants
- Work Study Programs
- Direct Loans
- Scholarships

The University of Massachusetts offers an MBA Concentration in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics. You will be able to build competent analytical skills that employers value, allowing you to find a wealth of opportunities in any industry.

Core Courses:

Data Foundations
Data Visualization and Presentation
Project Planning and Data Modeling
Project Implementation and Analysis
Data Analysis for Decision-Making

In this program, you will learn to turn business questions into data inquiries. It is also part of your learning experience to create a project plan that includes report specifications and documentation. You are then expected to visualize what you found in a way that will enable you to share insights with clients regarding business trends and opportunities.

The MBA in Business Intelligence program equips you with knowledge and skills that you can readily apply in the industry. This includes learning how to use industry-leading software and tools like Esri.

Louisiana State University

College of Business

Online MBA with a Data Analytics Concentration

Tuition per credit: $416
Units Required: 30
Program Length: 10 months
Financial Assistance Options:
- Employer Tuition Reimbursement
- Veterans Education Benefits
- Federal Student Loans
- Scholarships
- Grants

The College of Business of Louisiana State University offers an online MBA with a Data Analytics concentration to help you acquire the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the data analytics and business intelligence field. This MBA program is suitable for those looking to hone their abilities in the quantitative aspects of the business.

Core Courses:

Managerial Use of Accounting Data
Financial Management
Data-Driven Decision Making
Visualization of Data for Business
Quantitative Methods in Business
Financial Analysis

The rigorous curriculum of this online program focuses on helping you examine and strategically apply data integral to making informed decisions for businesses and organizations, in a way that will streamline their operations and increase their revenues.

Students are expected to master the principles of managerial accounting and finance while developing skills in leading and strategizing for organizations through the core courses. You may also be asked to use data to predict market demand, make formulation decisions, and determine marketing spending as part of a hands-on simulation.

Rockhurst University

Helzberg School of Management

MBA in Business Intelligence

Tuition per credit: $143
Units Required: 30
Program Length: 1 year
Financial Assistance Options:
- Federal Student Loans
- Private Loans
- Scholarships
- Grants

Rockhurst University’s MBA in Business Intelligence has an accreditation from the AACSB-Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, which means the MBA program has met the rigorous and carefully reviewed standards set by the accrediting body of a business school. Offered under the Helzberg School of Management, this online program allows you to get a more thorough analysis of businesses to help them make intelligent decisions.

Core Courses:

Financial Decision-Making for Managers
Business Intelligence
Applied Data Mining
Data Visualization
Predictive Models
Text Mining
Preparation Analysis for Big Data

In this MBA degree, you will learn how to master analytics tools such as Tableau and Google Analytics. It is designed to help you pursue management positions and improve your business leadership skills. The courses emphasize the importance of assessing business opportunities to help you take an organization in the right direction.

The program’s online learning format allows you to complete the coursework at your own pace, which makes it ideal for working professionals who need to juggle personal responsibilities with their pursuit of advanced business education.

Stevens Institute of Technology

School of Business

MS in Business Intelligence and Analytics (MSBI&A)

Tuition per credit: $1,864
Units Required: 36
Program Length: 2 years
Financial Assistance Options:
- Federal Student Loan
- Private Loans
- Scholarships
- Grants

Designed for those who want to develop a business mindset and acquire the necessary data literacy skills, Stevens Institute of Technology’s MS in Business Intelligence and Analytics (MSBI&A) can help you hone the skills needed to succeed in business intelligence.

Core Courses:

Business Analytics, Data Models, Decisions
Data Integration for Business Intelligence
Optimization and Process Analytics
Multivariate Data Analytics
Supply Chain Analytics
Data Analytics and Machine Learning

This online MBA program teaches you to leverage emerging business analytics tools, from AI to deep learning and predictive analytics, in order to solve business problems with the use of evidence-based solutions. As a student of this program, you must gain a basic understanding of the methods fundamental in multivariate analysis and use mathematical models to analyze risk phenomena.

The courses in this business degree focus on helping you understand the business implications of big data along with the technology that makes data useful. It builds upon the knowledge earned from your undergraduate business degree. You will gain data science skills that can be applied in various industries.

Baker College

College of Business

MBA in Business Intelligence

Tuition per credit: $600
Units Required: 36
Program Length: 1-2 years
Financial Assistance Options:
- Federal Student Loans
- Scholarships
- Grants

Baker College offers an MBA in Business Intelligence for those who want to develop a well-rounded view of the business world. This MBA degree is specially designed for managers looking to learn more about information resources.

Core Courses:

Management Information Systems
Business Intelligence
Database Design and Management
Data Warehousing

On top of core courses fully focused on building your advanced managerial and leadership skills, you are also given the opportunity to make the most out of technology when it comes to improving business efficiency and meeting business goals.

If you wish to complete the degree quickly, you may opt for the Accelerated Path option. This program allows you to earn the degree in less time.

Florida Atlantic University

College of Business

MBA in Business Analytics

Tuition per credit: $800
Units Required: 40-46
Program Length: 16 – 23 months
Financial Assistance Options:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Student Loans

If you want to expand your skills and knowledge in emerging technologies and current business trends, the College of Business – Florida Atlantic University offers an MBA in Business Analytics. This online degree equips them with skills in text mining, Big Data, visualization, web analytics, and data management, among others, which gives them a competitive advantage.

Core Courses:

Data Mining and Predictive Analytics
Database Management Systems
Introduction to Business Analytics and Big Data
Advanced Business Analytics
Data Management and Analysis with Excel
Supply Chain Analytics

The program curriculum emphasizes learning how to collect, process, store, and extract valuable actionable knowledge to help businesses stay competitive. You are expected to develop expertise in deciphering relevant data and analyzing trends and patterns.

You will then need to translate the analysis of the said data into valuable insights that will inform an organization about its performance and process. This is important to ensure they make informed strategic decisions.

Lamar University

College of Business

MBA in Business Analytics

Tuition per credit: $438
Units Required: 30
Program Length: 12 months
Financial Assistance Options:
- Federal Financial Aid
- Scholarships
- Grants

The MBA in Business Analytics program offered by Lamar University is designed to broaden your business foundation while developing your skills in analytical tools and techniques. Just like other online MBA degrees, this MBA degree will prepare you to provide valuable insights that are integral in improving the efficiency, productivity, and revenue of a business.

Core Courses:

Managerial Accounting
Managerial Decision Making
International Business
Marketing Management
Business Intelligence

The courses in the curriculum enhance your skills in strategic management. Other topics you will get to cover include data mining, marketing research, data visualization, and predictive analysis. Hands-on learning is guaranteed, especially when it comes to learning important tools such as Business Objects Enterprise and SAP Crystal Reports.

At the end of the program, you are expected to understand the concepts of business analytics in making informed decisions based on analyzing data.

Montclair State University

Feliciano School of Business

MBA in Business Analytics

Tuition per credit: $879
Units Required: 39
Program Length: 24 months

If you want to capitalize on the power of business intelligence, Montclair State University’s MBA in Business Analytics is an ideal place. Offered under the Feliciano School of Business, this MBA degree teaches you to make intelligent business decisions with the use of relevant data and well-chosen analytics tools.

Core Courses:

Introduction to Business Analytics
Data Analytics and Visualization
Advanced Business Analytics
Management Science in Business
Strategic Information Systems

The MBA program’s curriculum consists of courses that equip students with a comprehensive grounding in business along with proficiency in mining, analyzing, and interpreting big data. You will need to master the use of data analytics tools and techniques, from logistics and product development to finance, accounting, and strategic planning.

This degree program with a business analytics concentration is suitable if you are a bachelor’s degree holder with plans to enhance your analytical knowledge and skills and prepare for higher management positions.

Southern Oregon University

School of Business

MBA in Business Analytics

Tuition per credit: $430
Units Required: 45
Program Length: 16 months
Financial Assistance Options:
- Student Loans
- Scholarships
- Grants

Southern Oregon University helps prospective students who want to develop in-demand technological abilities in big data analysis by offering an MBA in Business Analytics.

Core Courses:

Strategic Operations Management
Information Systems
Advanced Management Information Systems
Process Improvement
Using GIS in Business

In this program, you are expected to learn how to analyze business processes and make important decisions with the use of statistical methods. You will be trained to analyze data sets and use analytical software.

It is also part of the curriculum to learn the use of analysis tools and concepts from Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. All of these are integral in building continuous improvement and translating data into actionable insights.

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

College of Business

MBA in Data Analytics

Tuition per course: $1,306.61
Units Required: 36
Program Length: 12-24 months
Financial Assistance Options:
- Federal Student Loans
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Veterans and Military Benefits

The MBA in Data Analytics offered by Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi can make a difference for professionals considering leadership roles in the business industry. This MBA program allows you to supplement your knowledge of business with a thorough understanding of the role of data and technology when it comes to making sound business decisions.

Core Courses:

Business Database Management
Business Intelligence and Analytics
Data Warehousing and Data Mining for Business Intelligence
Managing the Information Systems Function
Business Application Development

The courses in the curriculum are designed to equip students with high-demand skills in analytics. This includes managing databases, applying data-driven insights, and more. You should know how to enhance business intelligence capabilities by adapting appropriate technology and software solutions.

At the end of the program, you are also expected to communicate analytical conclusions in written and visual formats.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

School of Business and Technology

MS in Business Intelligence and Data Analysis

Tuition Per Credit: $760
Units Required: 33 Credit Hours
Program Length: 1 Year
Location: Winona, Minnesota
Financial Assistance Options:
- Federal Student Aid
- Discounts for Military members and dependents
- Scholarships
- Private loans
- Employer Tuition Reimbursement, if applicable

The Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers an MS in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics, designed as an intensive program that develops your business acumen and data analysis skills, ultimately aimed at a professional practice founded on ethics.

Core Courses:

Business Analytics
Data Science Strategies
Data Mining for Decision Making
Programming for Data Science
Decision Support Systems

Saint Mary University’s MS in Business Intelligence and Data Analysis curriculum consists of a mix of theoretical and practice-based programs, which includes strategizing based on data science, programming, and data mining.

With Saint Mary’s emphasis on ethical practice, you enter the field with the skills to work with various data types and data processing tools, with a strong set of principles that anchor your professional practice as well.

NSU Florida

Nove Southeastern University - H.Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship

H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business & Entrepreneurship

MBA in Business Intelligence and Analytics

Tuition Per Credit: $1026
Units Required: 37-49 total
Program Length:
Financial Assistance Options:
- Federal Student Aid
- Scholarships
- Tuition Awards
- Emergency Loan
- Employer Tuition Program

Nova Southeastern University’s MBA in Business Intelligence & Analytics is a STEM-designated degree program, designed to prepare you with skillsets crucial in the data-informed decision-making process.

Core Courses:

Digital Transformation and Analytics Strategy
Data Management and Business Intelligence
Data Mining and Predictive Analytics Fundamentals
Database Systems
Data Mining
Business Finance
Business Statistics

NSU Florida’s MBA in Business Intelligence & Analytics is composed of standard leadership, decision-making, and strategy-related MBA foundational courses along with major courses on Data Mining and Data Management courses. The Business Intelligence/Analytics major courses add up to a total of 15 credit hours.

For non-degree-seeking students, NSU Florida also offers Business Intelligence & Analytics as a Certificate Program worth 15 credit hours in total.

Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU Graduate School of Business

MBA in Business Analytics

Tuition Per Credit: $627
Units Required: 30
Program Length: 1 Year
Financial Assistance Options:
- Federal Student Aid
- Scholarships
- Credit transfers
- Military Discounts
- Employer Tuition Assistance (if applicable)
- Custom Payment Plans

Southern New Hampshire University offers a Masters of Business Administration in Business Analytics program, designed to bridge the gap between the business/management and technical sides of the industry. The program can be finished in about 12 months, If you enroll as a full-time student.

Core Courses:

Business Analytics
Descriptive Analytics
Predictive Business Analytics

The SNHU MBA in Business Analytics concentration contains 3 Analytics courses that build on the training provided by the standard 7-course MBA core curriculum. It was designed to address the need for data-driven decision-making technical expertise which was observed to be lacking in the industry.

The SNHU MBA program also consists of scenario-based assignments that serve as a source of immersive, real-world learning opportunities that align with industry standards. You also get the opportunity to earn a number of industry credentials, like the AICPA Data Analytics Certificate.

UNC Pembroke

Thomas School of Business

MBA in Business Analytics

Tuition Per Credit: $237.78 (In-State)
Units Required: 36
Program Length: 12 months
Financial Assistance Options:
- Federal Student Aid
- Scholarships
- Pay-by-the-course options

UNC Pembroke offers a Master of Business Administration in Business Analytics degree program. Offered 100% online, this program teaches you the skills to work with data that feeds into fully understanding market trends as well as forecast and spot business opportunities.

Core Courses:

International Business
Organizational Theory and Behavior
Marketing Planning and Strategy
Managerial Finance
Managerial Economics

The UNC Pembroke MBA in Business Analytics curriculum consists of foundation courses in key business content areas, and training on basic analytical software programming, including R and Python. The curriculum also includes training on other key statistical methods and their application to real-world problems.

As a student of this program, you will also get the opportunity to gain hands-on experience by working as a team with your fellow online students on a real-world business problem.

Colorado State University

College of Business

MBA in Marketing Data Analytics

Tuition Per Credit: $998
Units Required: 42
Program Length: 21 months minimum
Financial Assistance Options:
- Federal Student Aid
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Loans
- Military Tuition
- Corporate Partner Benefit

Colorado State University offers an online MBA with a specialization in Marketing Data Analytics. This rigorous, AACSB-Accredited degree program is designed to build your broad base of business skills while providing you with training on a number of advanced courses.

Core Courses:

Quantitative Business Analysis
Information Management
Financial Principles and Practice
Marketing Strategy and Planning
Data Analytics
Digital Marketing
Applied Data Analytic

The Colorado State University MBA in Marketing Data Analytics features a unique curriculum, containing a wide range of subjects that are worth 1 or 2 credit hours each, instead of 3. This means the program still amounts to 42 credit hours with more subjects. Coursework is typically in the form of self-paced lectures that are given together with periodic class assignments.

With this well-rounded curriculum, you can competently and confidently launch a career in the fast-growing field of business intelligence, with the skills crucial to gathering, managing, and turning big data into meaningful insights.

Longwood University

College of Business and Economics

MBA with a Data Analytics Track

Tuition Per Credit: $426 (In-state)
Units Required: 31
Program Length: 10 months minimum
Financial Assistance Options:
- Pay-by-the-course tuition
- Federal Student Aid
- Grants
- Loans

Longwood University offers an online MBA with a track in Data Analytics, a degree program designed to prepare you to take on consulting careers and more, by teaching you skills that aid in developing data-driven solutions in the areas of business intelligence, operations, finance, and supply chain analysis.

Core Courses:

Financial Management
Strategic Management and Business Policy
Strategic Management
Information Technology
Managerial Economics
Managerial Accounting
Leadership, Group Dynamics, and Team Building
Managing Data for Strategic Decision

Longwood University’s AACSB-Accredited MBA in Data Analytics degree program contains 31 credit hours, consisting of standard MBA fundamental courses and information technology. Elective courses, meanwhile, include Data Visualization and Data Analytics.

Longwood University also follows a pay-by-the-course model, on top of affordable and competitive tuition rates. With this degree program, you are prepared for a range of career opportunities, including financial analysis, financial advising, marketing, and business intelligence.

University of North Texas

G. Brint Ryan College of Business

MBA in Business Analytics

Tuition Per Credit: $600 (estimated)
Units Required: 36
Program Length: 1-2 years
Financial Assistance Options:
- Federal Financial Aid
- State Financial Aid
- Scholarships
- Graduate School Awards & Travel Grants
- Tuition Waivers (Competitive)
- Assistantships (Limited)
- Emergency Loans

The University of North Texas offers an MBA in Business Analytics degree program in on-campus, online, and hybrid formats. This STEM-designated MBA program prepares you for in-demand careers that are involved in data-based decision-making and have a particular focus on managerial roles.

Core Courses:

Organizational Behavior and Analysis
Data Mining & Machine Learning for Business
Enterprise Applications for Business Intelligence
Predictive Analytics and Business Forecasting

The UNT MBA in Business Analytics degree is designed to build up an extensive knowledge base of managerial responsibilities. As opposed to a degree program that has a more specialized focus, this MBA is designed with a more general management orientation.

With the State of Texas being billed for future growth in many of the country’s major industries, UNT also has academic and corporate partnerships with some of the country’s big brands, with over 700 companies and counting having offered paid internships to UNT’s business students over the past several years.

Walsh University

The Deville School of Business

MBA in Data Analytics

Tuition Per Credit: $745
Units Required: 36
Program Length: 1-year minimum
Financial Assistance Options:
- Federal Direct Stafford Loan
- Alternative Loans
- Benefits for Military/Veteran & Dependents

Walsh University offers an online MBA in Data Analytics, which prepares you for a range of careers in the increasingly important field of business analytics. You will be trained with the crucial in-demand skill sets that are important in competing in today’s highly globalized marketplace.

Core Courses:

Information Systems
Quality and Performance Management
Analytics for Business Intelligence
Data Analytics: Managerial Perspectives
Database Strategies

Walsh University’s MBA curriculum features courses that take the perspective of practitioners and/or managers in applying data analytics. Major courses include quality management, analytics, and database strategies, enhanced by Walsh University’s signature emphasis on professional practice that is grounded in ethics and integrity.

Consistently making the top tier of universities, Walsh University provides you with a well-rounded education that you can complete in as little as 1 year. Walsh also has 6 start dates per year, letting you start and finish sooner.

Champlain College

Stiller School of Business

MBA with a Business Analytics Specialization

Tuition Per Credit: $795
Units Required: 36
Program Length:
Financial Assistance Options:
- Federal Financial Aid
- truED Preferred Pricing (if applicable)
- State Grants (if applicable)
- Military Benefits
- Single Parents Scholarship (Vermont residents only)
- Private Scholarships

Through their online campus, Champlain College offers an online MBA with a Business Analytics Specialization, designed to develop your mastery of systems thinking and your understanding of advanced management topics, preparing you to be an effective, data-driven organizational change agent.

Core Courses:

Fundamentals of Data Management
Analytic Techniques for Business Administration
Decision Making with Business Analytics Administration
Business Analytics Capstone

Champlain College’s MBA curriculum consists of courses that cover the fundamentals and core topics in major business areas and provides training on key skills and processes in analysis, communication, and effecting organizational change from the standpoint of a business leader.

Through Champlain College’s MBA, you can be prepared to take on leadership roles and careers in a variety of settings, spanning the scale of small businesses to large corporations, and also with government agencies and non-profits.

Northwest Missouri State University

Melvin D. and Valorie G. Booth School of Busin

MBA in Business Analytics

Tuition Per Credit: $400
Units Required: 30
Program Length: 12-18 months minimum
Financial Assistance Options:
- Federal Student Aid
- Graduate Scholarships
- Private Scholarships
- Pell Grants (if applicable)
- Military Benefits
- Loans

Northwest Missouri State University offers its MBA in Business Analytics online, a degree program designed to prepare you to leverage a range of technological solutions and develop your business intelligence that is crucial to the decision-making processes of your organization.

Core Courses:

Managerial Accounting
Macroeconomics for Business Managers
Financial Management
Business Decision Analysis Tools
Organizational Behavior in Administration
Strategic Marketing
Executive Seminar

Northwest Missouri State’s ACBSP-Accredited MBA program contains courses that cover fundamental business knowledge and leadership skills such as strategic thinking and understanding organizational behavior. The program also contains courses that cover advanced business analytics skills such as data mining, decision support modeling, and other analytics tools.

With the well-rounded curriculum covering all the bases, and taught entirely by highly qualified professional faculty, you can confidently enter into a range of business analytics careers, which includes financial analysis, operations analysis, supply chain analysis, marketing management, and more.

Best Online MBA in Business Intelligence - fact

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the possible career paths for graduates of online MBA programs in Business Intelligence?

Earning a master’s degree in business intelligence can prepare you for a number of roles in a wide range of industries. This includes positions such as analytics managers, management analysts, business data scientists, database administrators, operations research analysts, and more.

Who are the most suitable to pursue Business Intelligence programs?

It is ideal for prospective graduate students who wish to earn an MBA in Business intelligence or Business Analytics to be knowledgeable in quantitative data and work well with a team. You must have the motivation to master skills and programming languages to draw insights from complex data and help businesses make informed decisions.

Are data analytics industry certifications/credentials important?

Big data that is crucial in informing business and organizational decision-making often require specialized/specific solutions, typically taking the form of specialized software/programs. These software or program suites may be designed to take on parallel data analytics goals, but they can differ greatly from each other and often become highly-involved advanced skills requiring specialized training.

These various industry credentials or certifications provide tangible proof that a professional has gone through the required training and possesses the necessary proficiency to work with certain data analytics tools and programs, such as Microsoft’s Power BI, SAS, Google Data Analytics, and more.

On a more practical level, having industry certifications increase your marketability to potential employers, signifies the level of advanced knowledge you have, and for those in consultancy roles, signals the potential depth and range of technical solutions you can provide to clients and organizations.

Written by: Tammie Cagle

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