Best Online MBA in Business Analytics

Productive and profitable organizations require leaders well acquainted with the management of processes, strategy, and people. These three aspects are pivotal to a successful organization. Management is a skill that applies to all fields and includes every part of business.

Leaders who have taken the time to hone in on these essential pillars of business have an opportunity to be competitive and selective in their job search. Thus, a Master’s degree in Business Administration can be a beneficial choice for professionals looking to advance their business career.

Professionals seeking to stand out even further will often choose an in-demand area of specialization to focus their studies.

Business Analytics offers an excellent option for those who are looking for a career that combines technology, data, and comprehensive reasoning skills. The core components of an MBA degree benefit business analysts by assuring that they have a well-rounded understanding of business, management, and communication, in addition to their analytical skills.

Then the business analytics specific courses offered at the graduate level allow students to dive further into data processing both predictive and reactive, learning the most up-to date skills and tools for a global business. Business analysts play an essential role in many of today’s top companies, making an MBA in this field highly desirable to both students and possible employers.

Whether you are seeking a part-time master’s program to open up opportunities within your current organization, or recently completed an undergraduate degree and are looking to gain invaluable skills to fast track your entrance into the workplace, an Online Business Analytics MBA is a step towards meeting those goals.

All of the degrees included within this ranking are either entirely online or offered with minimum residency/class requirements. This flexible format allows students of all stages to meet their educational and career goals while still maintaining a balance of their other responsibilities.

Methodology

With the number and scope of online MBA programs constantly growing, it is important for students to narrow down potential programs. MBA Central has analyzed over 500 online MBA programs to report which programs are full of value. To report the best online Business Analytics MBA programs, we ranked Affordability (33%), Support Services (33%), and Quality of Classes (33%).

Each online Business Analytics MBA has an Affordability Score ranging from Very Affordable to Very Expensive. This score takes into account the total base tuition of the programs. Ranges are as follows:

Very Affordable: under $15,000
Affordable: between $15,000 and $20,000
Average: between $20,000 and $30,000
Above Average: between $30,000 and $50,000
Expensive: between $50,000 and $100,000
Very Expensive: above $100,000

Best Online MBA in Business Analytics

#1 University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Business – Lincoln, Nebraska

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers an online MBA that not only hold prestigious accreditation through the AACSB but is also recognized by four of the premier business education ranking systems. Quacquarelli Symonds currently lists UNL #45 on their Global Online MBA ranking, US News and World Report also places the University at #26 in Best Online MBA Programs. The Princeton Review places them at #17 on their Top 25 Online MBA Programs list and The Financial Times awards the University of Nebraska the #13 spot on their Global Online MBA ranking. This dynamic program is fully online and includes a strong core curriculum with courses such as Applied Organizational Behavior, Human Resource Management, Managerial Marketing, and Business Analytics. Students who choose a focus in Business Analytics will further their studies with classes in Business Analytics, Intro to Econometrics, and Strategic Database Marketing. Additional certification options are also available in the areas of Business Analytics or Supply Chain Management.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is the largest of the University of Nebraska System. They are also the state’s oldest university. Over the years UNL has grown and now serves over 25,000 students annually. Many of their individual programs are accredited, and the University itself carries regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission. Nine academic colleges offer more than 150 undergraduate degrees and 100 graduate degrees including an online MBA through the College of Business. Interested students have an opportunity to apply in the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Applicants must submit official transcripts reflecting a minimum 3.0 GPA, GMAT scores of 600 (recommended), three references, and a professional resume. College-level Statistics and Calculus must be completed prior to taking several required courses. Having these courses before entering the program is highly suggested.

Accreditation: AACSB, Higher Learning Commission
Affordability Score: Above Average

#2 University of North Dakota College of Business and Public Administration – Grand Forks, North Dakota

The University of North Dakota’s College of Business and Public Administration includes an AACSB accredited online Business Analytics MBA program. The degree begins with courses covering executive management, financial and economic analysis, business analytics, and strategy. Students then move into their area of concentration. Those who choose Business Analytics will participate in relevant courses such as Economic Forecasting, Database Design, and Topics in Applied Econometrics. This well-rounded MBA is 100% online and typically completed within two years. US News and World Report currently ranks UND #31 in Best Online MBA Programs and #3 for Best Online Support Services. This recognition combined with affordable tuition rates between $15,000 and $19,999 makes the online MBA at the University of North Dakota an excellent choice for budget-conscious students, as well as, those seeking a reputable degree.

The University of North Dakota was established in 1883, making it the oldest institution of higher learning in the state. UND offers a wide variety of specialized programs and carries regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission. Over 14,000 students enroll each year at the University of North Dakota. There are over 50 master’s degrees offered through 10 academic divisions including a well-respected online MBA provided through the College of Business and Public Administration. Students interested in joining this innovative program must submit GMAT scores with a total score of 500 or above, a statement of goals, official transcripts reflecting a minimum of 3.0 undergraduate GPA, and proof of competence in business math and statistics, economics, accounting, and finance.

Accreditation: AACSB, Higher Learning Commission
Affordability Score: Affordable

#3 University of Massachusetts Amherst Isenberg School of Management – Amherst, Massachusetts

UMass Amherst offers a top-notch Business Analytics MBA in two flexible online formats. The fully online MBA allows students to complete their degree without any face-to-face classroom requirements. The part-time program lets students fluctuate between online courses and in-class courses offered at three satellite campuses as they prefer. Both options hold elite accreditation through the AACSB and are offered at the same tuition rates between $30,000 and $49,999. Students interested in Business Analytics can choose from multiple courses to meet their requirements. A few of the options available are E-commerce Logistics, Data Management for Business Leaders, Web Analytics for Digital Marketing, and Project Management. UMass Amherst’s online MBA is flexible but also highly regarded by the leading ranking systems. The Financial Times currently lists them at #3 in Global Online MBAs. The University can further be seen at #28 with Quacquarelli Symonds Global Online MBA ranking and at #17 in Best Online MBA’s with US News and World Report.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is the original campus of the University of Massachusetts System. It is a public research university that has a student body of over 30,000 students. UMass Amherst holds regional accreditation with the New England Commission of Higher Education and offers over 200 diverse undergraduate and graduate degrees. The programs are offered through nine academic colleges and schools including the highly acclaimed Isenberg School of Management. Their MBA is provided in a convenient online format with a focus on Business Analytics. To apply, students must have at least three to five years of experience in their field of study. Applicants must additionally submit a current resume, official transcripts, GMAT/GRE scores, an essay, and two recommendation letters.

Accreditation: AACSB, New England Commission of Higher Education
Affordability Score: Above Average

#4 University of Wisconsin-​Whitewater College of Business and Economics – Whitewater, Wisconsin

Graduate students of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater can earn an AACSB accredited online Business Analytics MBA through the College of Business and Economics. US News and World Report recently ranked this distinguished degree #21 in Best Online MBA Programs and #5 in Best Online Support Services. Along with high recognitions, UW-Whitewater offers their distance MBA at a reasonable price point of $20,000 to $29,999. Within the program 24 credits are designated towards business fundamentals, 12 are allotted to elective and concentration work. Students can complete this 36 credit hour degree either entirely online, on-campus, or a combination of both. There are 11 distinct areas of emphasis to choose from including Data Analytics. The Data Analytics option focuses on preparing students to use data from a variety of sources in order to enhance business performance. The strategic use of technology and data both big and small also plays an integral role in the curriculum.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is an established member of the greater University of Wisconsin System. UW-Whitewater is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and serves a student body of over 12,000 each year. There are over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs offered, with many having both distance learning and on-campus options. The College of Business and Economics includes a flexible online MBA with an emphasis in Business Analytics. Applicants to this well-respected MBA need to submit undergraduate records reflecting a minimum of 3.0 GPA from an AACSB accredited program or 3.5 for a regionally accredited degree. Additionally, students must have a minimum of seven years of work experience or four years of professional work experience with a regionally accredited undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. GMAT/GRE scores are required.

Accreditation: AACSB, Higher Learning Commission
Affordability Score: Average

#5 University of South Dakota Beacom School of Business – Vermillion, South Dakota

The University of South Dakota’s Beacom School of Business includes a distance learning MBA in Business Analytics with elite AACSB accreditation. The online MBA at USD can be completed in 39 credit hours and includes essential core courses such as Operations Management, Leadership Development, Strategic Management, and Managerial Accounting. Outside of the core students are given the opportunity to choose an area of specialization with Business Analytics as an option. The Business Analytics concentration prepares students to both analyze and responsibly utilize data from multiple sources. The University of South Dakota offers their distance MBA at an affordable tuition rate between $15,000 and $19,999. Along with this exceptional value, the University is also currently recognized in the #19 spot on the Princeton Review’s Top 25 Online MBA ranking, as well as, #30 in Best Online Support Services and #73 in Best Online MBA Programs by US News and World Report.

The University of South Dakota was founded in 1862, making it the oldest public university in the state. USD now serves over 10,000 students each year and carries regional accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission. There are over 250 diverse academic programs offered through seven well-respected schools and colleges with many programs being offered both on-campus and online. The prestigious Beacom School of Business includes a fully online MBA with a specialization in Business Analytics. Applicants must submit all official transcripts, three recommendation letters, GMAT/GRE scores, and a statement of purpose.

Accreditation: AACSB, Higher Learning Commission
Affordability Score: Affordable

What do Business Analysts do?

Business Analysts are individuals with a knack for both paying attention to incremental changes in data and seeing big picture trends for businesses in a wide range of industries. These analysts professionals must have obtained a minimum of a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions, with 39% of advanced job postings requiring a minimum of three years prior work experience in the field and a master’s or doctoral degree. Once hired, business analysts perform a variety of duties involving the collection, manipulation, analyzation of data. The sources of data may vary depending on the industry, but profit margins, inventories, and transportation costs are often evaluated in an attempt to help companies save money and expand their business opportunities.

After the data is collected is then imperative that the data specialist is able to translate their findings into user-friendly formats. This may occur through the use of visual programs, documents, or conversations explaining the trajectories seen in an accessible manner. While business analysts do spend a significant amount of time working with facts and numbers, it is very important that they are also able to communicate effectively. Earning a Master’s of Business Administration degree is an excellent way for professionals to show employers that they not only have the technical know-how but the management and leadership skills necessary to transfer their knowledge to others. This distinction also reflects an in-depth understanding of business practices outside of a spreadsheet. With so many companies today looking to perform as efficiently as possible there is definitely a market for highly qualified business analysts.

What Is the Job Outlook for Business Analytics?

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the need for research and data analysts is projected to grow 27% by 2026. This increase is significantly higher than the average for all occupations and is a reflection of technology’s ever-changing role in society and the business world’s desire to keep up with these trends. According to Payscale.com, data analysts have an average salary over $57,000, which is higher than the national average for many occupations. Years of experience play a large role in salary for this field with those who are considered late in their career making about 16% more than when they began. Additionally, those that climb the ladder into senior management can reach an average yearly salary of over $120,000.

The field of analytics is very diverse in terms of what services an analyst can offer. This flexibility makes the role of analyst invaluable in many of today’s top companies. DSA professionals can easily apply their skillset in numerous industries such as banking, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. But according to Forbes.com professional services, IT, Finance, and Insurance make up 59% of all data science and analytics jobs. Keeping this in mind while looking into elective coursework and additional certifications during an MBA could prove highly profitable!

What Will I Learn in an Online Business Analytics MBA?

A Master’s of Business Administration in Business Analytics offers students the advantages of a comprehensive business core with the added benefit of a high demand specialty.

Data Analytics concentrations often include cutting edge courses such as Business Forecasting and Econometrics, Data Mining, Research for Consumer Insights, Marketing Analytics and Decision Making, and Introduction to Stochastic Processes.

These courses combined with an MBA’s focus on management, communication, leadership, and strategy create professionals who are capable of deciphering data, as well as, making informed decisions from a business perspective. The amount of time allotted within a degree for Business Analytics elective work varies greatly from program to program. The majority of those listed on our ranking include a minimum of six to nine credit hours of specific data-driven courses. However, some degrees offer up to 15 credits or nearly half of the curriculum for specialization work.

This balance is something important to consider as you review your future career goals and objectives. For instance, someone interested in pursuing the field of brand management may find that a sprinkling of analysis coursework will provide the advantage of seeing trends in growth and operations more efficiently.

Also, an individual who plans to work in risk management or public finance might prefer a degree that dives more deeply into data in all of its many facets.

Overall, an online Business Analytics MBA provides students with a skill set to make sound analytical and industry-specific business decisions.