An MBA in data analytics is usually a two-year program that combines the study of core MBA fundamentals with data analytics.
This data-driven approach enables the students to learn the necessary mathematical and technical skills to work with big data in exploration and tackling real-world business problems.
In recent times, business decisions have included analyzing and interpreting vast quantities of data in conjunction with other traditional approaches. Therefore, analyzing data is a critical skill for business leaders.
What is an MBA in Data Analytics?
The following examples help illustrate how big data analytics are used in different business aspects and use cases.
- Strategy
- Analytics is one of the leading approaches used to uncover insights and strengthen business strategies. The social media platform WeChat measured the average sleeping time for its customers across the last three to four years. They developed a strategy to advertise to active customers by using analytics on this data. This increased their overall revenue and added value to future strategic initiatives.
- Career opportunities that MBA in analytics majors are hired for management consultant, growth hacker, strategic manager, business intelligence analyst, management consultant
- Finance
- Financial institutions face the huge potential for incurring losses if risk management is not well thought through. Big financial organizations like JP Morgan have started to utilize big data to drive risk management. They use techniques like anomaly/fraud detection to find unusual data and outliers, helping them protect the firm and their clients.
- Career opportunities that MBA in analytics majors are hired for financial analyst, financial advisor
- Supply Chain Management
- Intel’s recent supply chain data transformation has created a $208 million “sense-and-respond” platform that simplifies the supply chain and data pipelines, provides self-service analysis to enable decision-making, improves data quality, and provides real-time analytics.
- Career opportunities that MBA in analytics majors are hired for: operations analyst, supply chain analyst
- Marketing
- Nike’s latest retail and marketing strategy is primarily driven by Big Data. Through its initiative Nike Direct, the company is cutting out on intermediaries. Nike’s share of direct sales hits $21.3 billion, a 14% increase in FY 2023.
- Career opportunities that MBA in analytics majors are hired for marketing analyst, marketing manager, growth hacker
- Human Resource Management
- Capgemini, a global leader in consulting, technology services, and digital transformation, recruits more than 20,000 people, mainly in India. Using analytical tools on big data, Capgemini can anticipate and optimize HR management and planning to put the right teams on the right projects at the right time. The company now has a six-month overview of supply and demand.
- MBA in analytics majors are hiring for career opportunities: management consultant, people operations.
- Entrepreneurship and Product Innovation
- Analytics can be used in various aspects of the decision-making process by an entrepreneur. There has been a rise in startups and products with a core data analytics foundation. One of the examples of such a startup is Viz.ai. It is a medical imaging company specializing in applied artificial intelligence in healthcare. In April 2020, Viz.ai launched its Viz COVID-19, a COVID-19 patient triage software to improve patient management and provide a safer hospital workplace during the pandemic. Viz.ai has won the prestigious UCSF Digital Health Award for Best New Application of AI.
- Career opportunities that MBA in analytics majors are hired for product manager, founder
The Best Data Analytics MBA Programs in 2024
- Program: Data Analytics M.B.A.
Credits: 42
Cost per credit: $1,487
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE Required: Required
Learn more: Program details - Program: MBA with an Emphasis in Analytics
Credits: 42
Cost per credit: $730
Delivery Method: Campus & hybrid
GRE Required: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: MBA in Computing and Data Analytics
Credits: 33
Cost per credit: $429
Delivery Method: Online
GRE Required: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: Master of Business Administration Data Analytics Specialization
Credits: 36-48
Cost per credit: $1,257
Delivery Method: Campus & online
GRE Required: Optional
Learn more: Program details - Program: Full-Time MBA with Data and Business Analytics Concentration
Credits: 57
Cost per credit: $2,645
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE Required: Required
Learn more: Program details - Program: MBA with Concentration in Data Analytics
Credits: 36
Cost per credit: $798
Delivery Method: Campus & online
GRE Required: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Analytics MBA
Credits: 33
Cost per credit: $1,132
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE Required: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: Analytics MBA
Credits: 48
Cost per credit: $1,791
Delivery Method: Campus & online
GRE Required: Required
Learn more: Program details - Program: Online MBA
Credits: 62
Cost per credit: $2,026
Delivery Method: Online
GRE Required: Required
Learn more: Program details - Program: MBA in Data Analytics
Credits: 39
Cost per credit: $728
Delivery Method: Online
GRE Required: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: MBA: Data Analytics (STEM) Concentration
Credits: 40
Cost per credit: $823
Delivery Method: Online
GRE Required: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: MBA - Data Analytics Specialization
Credits: 36-48
Cost per credit: $1,257
Delivery Method: Campus, online & hybrid
GRE Required: Optional
Learn more: Program details
These rankings were compiled from data accessed in December 2023 from Integrated Post-Secondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Navigator (both services National Center for Education Statistics). Tuition data was pulled from individual university websites and is current as of December 2023. If available, we also use additional criteria such as accreditation or designations by outside organizations or agencies.
MBA in Analytics Coursework
In general, the course curriculum for this degree would cover topics but not limited to those mentioned below:
- Leadership
- Finance
- Marketing
- Accounting
- Strategy
- Innovation
- Entrepreneurship
- Data mining in business
- Decisions models
- Econometrics
- Customer insights
- Data visualization
- Predictive analytics
MBA in Analytics Delivery Methods
The choice between online and on-campus data analytics MBA programs depends on various factors including learning style, flexibility, networking opportunities, and access to campus resources.
Here are the key differences:
Online Data Analytics MBA Programs
- Flexibility and Convenience
- Ideal for working professionals or those with family commitments.
- Courses can often be accessed at any time, providing flexibility in scheduling.
- Technology-Driven Learning
- Utilizes online platforms for lectures, discussions, and assignments.
- May offer innovative tools like virtual simulations and interactive content.
- Global Networking
- Connects students with peers from diverse geographical locations.
- Networking is primarily virtual, through online forums, group projects, and video conferencing.
- Self-Paced Learning
- Some programs offer self-paced modules, allowing students to progress at their speed.
- Requires a high degree of self-discipline and motivation.
- Cost and Accessibility
- Often more cost-effective due to lower tuition fees and no commuting or relocation costs.
- Accessible to students regardless of their geographic location.
On-Campus Data Analytics MBA Programs
- Structured Learning Environment
- Fixed class schedules and a more traditional learning environment.
- Regular face-to-face interactions with professors and classmates.
- Hands-On Experience
- Opportunities for real-world experiences through on-campus resources, labs, and facilities.
- Direct access to tools and technologies used in data analytics.
- Networking and Social Interaction
- Greater opportunities for in-person networking, which can be crucial in business fields.
- Includes extracurricular activities, clubs, and on-campus events.
- Campus Resources
- Access to university resources such as libraries, study spaces, and career services.
- On-campus recruitment and direct interaction with potential employers.
- Cohort and Community
- Typically, students move through the program as a cohort, fostering a sense of community.
- Encourages collaboration and builds long-lasting professional relationships.
Choosing the Right Program
- Career Goals: On-campus programs may be better for those seeking a traditional business school experience with networking opportunities. Online programs are ideal for those prioritizing flexibility and work-life balance.
- Learning Style: Consider whether you prefer the discipline of a structured classroom or the independence of online learning.
- Location and Lifestyle: Online programs eliminate the need for commuting or relocation, while on-campus programs may offer a richer campus life experience.
Each format has its unique advantages, and the best choice depends on individual circumstances and professional objectives.
MBA in Analytics Program Completion Timeline
Programs with MBA in analytics specialization can be completed full-time, part-time, or with an executive MBA (EMBA).
A part-time program may take three years to complete. The course curriculum is rarely different between full-time, part-time, and EMBA.
The difference between part-time and executive MBA is that cohorts for EMBA will have several years of work experience (10-15 years).
Some institutions also offer online classes for students to manage their work-life balance. Accreditation programs from the AACSB, the ACSBP, or the IACBE are guaranteed to meet high academic standards.
Career Opportunities, Responsibilities, and Salary Info
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of management analysts is projected to grow 10 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 92,900 openings for management analysts are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Due to the availability of big data, similar trends are seen in analytical jobs in businesses.
After graduating, individuals at entry-level can chart their careers in roles not limited to just the trajectories mentioned below. The entry-level salaries also depend on the school you graduated from, and for some, it may begin with a six-figure package.
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- A business intelligence analyst analyzes existing raw data to generate reports, visualize this data, and create a practical business plan. Strategic applications can then be implemented according to the plan. Large data-centric organizations often use customer data to develop innovative products and solutions.
- Average Base Salary: $91,199
- Salary Range: $81,688 – $103,173
- Financial Analyst
- Financial analysts, generally hired by banks, institutions, and corporations, play a role in measuring a company’s present value and improving future business abilities. A financial analyst performs financial forecasting, reporting, and tracking essential metrics to guide the cost analysis. They analyze financial data and generate models for decision support.
- Average Base Salary: $65,994
- Salary Range: $60,160 – $73,031
- Financial Advisor
- A financial advisor provides consultancy services to individuals and organizations to achieve their financial goals with a custom portfolio. They are responsible for analyzing their client’s portfolios and financial information to create a customized investment plan.
- Average Base Salary: $67,036
- Salary Range: $57,697 – $75,271
- Marketing Analyst
- A marketing analyst develops marketing and pricing strategies, sales campaigns, and new business leads and analyzes market trends. They can combine various research strategies with data analysis skills to gain insights into customer behavior and competing organizations.
- Average Base Salary: $58,923
- Salary Range: $50,840 – $67,437
- Risk Management Analyst
- A risk management analyst supports organizational success by using data to protect against losses. They draw insights using techniques like classification, clustering, segmentation, and anomaly detection to detect and prevent losses due to fraud or other underlying activities.
- Average Base Salary: $85,584
- Salary Range: $71,438 – $99,407
- Supply Chain Analyst
- Supply chain analysts review how products and services are moved from the manufacturing stage through each channel to their end consumers. They must utilize many quantitative skills and critical thinking to optimize this flow of products and materials.
- Average Base Salary: $76,862
- Salary Range: $67,884 – $89,660
- HR Analyst
- The HR analyst’s responsibilities have started involving performing research using lots of data related to turnover, cost, or optimization of employees before devising strategies and initiatives for managing a company’s workforce.
- Average Base Salary: $74,644
- Salary Range: $$59,473 – $93,685
Frequently Asked Questions
Employers are aware of the online learning trend, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The University of California, University College London, and Michigan Ross have joined the ranks of big-name schools offering online MBAs. Ensure the business school you’re applying to has the appropriate education through AACSB, the ACSBP, or the IACBE.
There isn’t much of a significant difference in the cost between degree programs and a full-time MBA program.
Regardless of concentrations and specializations, MBA programs focus on business fundamentals. A specialization requires you to complete certain elective courses on top of the core requirements for the degree. These electives tend to overlap with other specializations most of the time.
An MBA in finance would provide you with job opportunities related to financial investments, securities, and accounting, to name a few. On the other hand, an MBA in analytics covers a broad spectrum and opens up avenues of work in finance and other business areas.
The answer to this question depends on the school. Admissions to MBA programs are pretty competitive in general. There is rarely a difference in the admissions selection for an online degree and a degree requiring in-person class attendance. Universities look at all aspects of your application, including your statement of purpose, GRE/GMAT scores, and prior education and work experience.
MBA in Data Analytics School Listings
- Program: MBA with Data Analytics sequence
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $130,188
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $2,284
Credits: 57
GRE/GMAT: Optional
Learn more: Program details - Program: Master of Business in Data Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus & hybrid
Total tuition: $21,060
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $585
Credits: 36
GRE/GMAT: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: Master of Business Administration in Data Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $11,319 in-state | $46,266 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $343 in-state | $1,402 out-of-state
Credits: 33
GRE/GMAT: Required
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Analytics (MBA)
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $51,152
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,112
Credits: 46
GRE/GMAT: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Data Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $12,309
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $373
Credits: 33
GRE/GMAT: Required
Learn more: Program details - Program: MBA in Data Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $22,500
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $625
Credits: 36
GRE/GMAT: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: Online MBA - Concentration in Data Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $10,296
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $264
Credits: 39
GRE/GMAT: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: Master of Business Administration with track in Data Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $13,361 in-state | $13,671 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $431 in-state | $441 out-of-state
Credits: 31
GRE/GMAT: Optional
Learn more: Program details - Program: Online Master of Business Administration with a Data Analytics Concentration
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $14,370
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $479
Credits: 30
GRE/GMAT: Required
Learn more: Program details - Program: MBA - Concentration in Data Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $17,460
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $485
Credits: 36
GRE/GMAT: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Analytics M.B.A.
DASCA designation: Yes
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $83,622
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,991
Credits: 42
GRE/GMAT: Required
Learn more: Program details - Program: MBA in Business Intelligence and Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $51,430
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,390
Credits: 37
GRE/GMAT: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: Master's Degree in Business Administration - Data Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $24,120 Campus | $30,420 Online
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $670 Campus | $845 Online
Credits: 36
GRE/GMAT: Required
Learn more: Program details - Program: Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Data Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $11,400
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $380
Credits: 30
GRE/GMAT: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: Master of Business Administration with Data Analytics Emphasis
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online, campus & hybrid
Total tuition: $13,794 in-state | $19,635 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $418 in-state | $595 out-of-state
Credits: 33
GRE/GMAT: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: Master of Business Administration in Data Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $22,500
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $625
Credits: 36
GRE/GMAT: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: Analytics MBA
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $88,992
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,854
Credits: 48
GRE/GMAT: Required
Learn more: Program details - Program: MBA and M.S. in Business Intelligence and Analytics Dual Degree Master’s Program
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $88,972
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,711
Credits: 52
GRE/GMAT: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: MBA in Data Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $28,119
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $721
Credits: 39
GRE/GMAT: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: MBA Data Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $24,000
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $750
Credits: 32
GRE/GMAT: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: Master of Business Administration Data Analytics Specialization
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $36,720 in-state | $49,824 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,020 in-state | $1,384 out-of-state
Credits: 36
GRE/GMAT: Optional
Learn more: Program details - Program: MBA in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $26,280
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $730
Credits: 36
GRE/GMAT: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: Full-Time MBA with Data and Business Analytics Concentration
DASCA designation: Yes
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $146,034 in-state | $156,066 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $2,562 in-state | $2,738 out-of-state
Credits: 57
GRE/GMAT: Required
Learn more: Program details - Program: MBA: Data Analytics (STEM) Concentration
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $34,080
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $852
Credits: 40
GRE/GMAT: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: Online MBA
DASCA designation: Yes
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $174,530 in-state | $203,670 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $2,815 in-state | $3,825 out-of-state
Credits: 62
GRE/GMAT: Required
Learn more: Program details - Program: MBA with a concentration in Data Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Onlilne
Total tuition: $13,950
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $465
Credits: 30
GRE/GMAT: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: MBA with Concentration in Data Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $28,764
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $799
Credits: 36
GRE/GMAT: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: MBA in Computing and Data Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $14,157
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $429
Credits: 33
GRE/GMAT: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: MBA with an Emphasis in Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus & hybrid
Total tuition: $31,584
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $752
Credits: 42
GRE/GMAT: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Analytics MBA
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $38,280
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,160
Credits: 33
GRE/GMAT: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: PhD in Management Information Systems
DASCA designation: Yes
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $33,920 in-state | $70,720 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $530 in-state | $1,105 out-of-state
Credits: 64
GRE/GMAT: Required
Learn more: Program details - Program: Doctor of Philosophy in Human-Centered Computing
DASCA designation: Yes
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $32,400 in-state | $55,665 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $720 in-state | $1,237 out-of-state
Credits: 45
GRE/GMAT: Optional
Learn more: Program details - Program: Ph.D. in Information
DASCA designation: Yes
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $48,654
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $954
Credits: 51
GRE/GMAT: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: Computing & Information Science, PhD
DASCA designation: Yes
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $34,290 in-state | $95,760 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $381 in-state | $1,064 out-of-state
Credits: 90
GRE/GMAT: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: Ph.D. in Education: Information Technology in Education
DASCA designation: Yes
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $24,768 in-state | $52,056 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $344 in-state | $723 out-of-state
Credits: 72
GRE/GMAT: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: PhD in Information Systems
DASCA designation: Yes
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $68,210 in-state | $184,680 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $718 in-state | $1,944 out-of-state
Credits: 95
GRE/GMAT: Required
Learn more: Program details - Program: Information Science PhD
DASCA designation: Yes
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $110,784 in-state | $191,616 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $2,308 in-state | $3,992 out-of-state
Credits: 48
GRE/GMAT: Required
Learn more: Program details - Program: Ph.D. in Information Technology
DASCA designation: Yes
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $18,150 in-state | $51,744 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $550 in-state | $1,568 out-of-state
Credits: 33
GRE/GMAT: Required
Learn more: Program details - Program: Ph.D. in Health Informatics
DASCA designation: Yes
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $45,360 in-state | $62,181 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $720 in-state | $987 out-of-state
Credits: 63
GRE/GMAT: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: Executive Ph.D. in Information Technology
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Hybrid & online
Total tuition: $32,940 Online | $44,940 Hybrid
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $749 Hybrid | $549 Online
Credits: 60
GRE/GMAT: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: PhD in Biomedical Informatics
DASCA designation: Yes
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $12,440 in-state | $43,800 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $311 in-state | $1,095 out-of-state
Credits: 40
GRE/GMAT: Optional
Learn more: Program details - Program: Doctorate in Information Science
DASCA designation: Yes
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $83,160
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $924
Credits: 90
GRE/GMAT: Optional
Learn more: Program details - Program: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Information Technology
DASCA designation: Yes
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $78,840 in-state | $158,490 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $876 in-state | $1,761 out-of-state
Credits: 90
GRE/GMAT: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: Online Doctor of Information Technology
DASCA designation: Yes
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $51,975
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $675
Credits: 77
GRE/GMAT: Not required
Learn more: Program details