Online Master's in Business Analytics: Comparing Top Schools

Are You Ready?

Earning a master’s in business analytics online is a significant commitment. Before you apply, it’s important to reflect on your goals, habits, and expectations. Ask yourself the following questions to see if you’re prepared for this journey:

1. Do I enjoy working with data and finding insights in numbers? Successful analytics students are genuinely interested in data analysis and problem-solving.
2. Am I ready to commit 15–20 hours per week for coursework on top of my other responsibilities? Consider how you will balance an online program with work or personal life.
3. How will a master’s in business analytics advance my career? Identify the specific skills or opportunities you aim to gain, such as moving into a data scientist or business analyst role.
4. Do I have the self-discipline to stay on track in an online learning environment? Online programs offer flexibility, but you’ll need motivation to meet deadlines without in-person classes.
5. Is my foundational knowledge in math, statistics, or coding sufficient — and if not, am I willing to do prep work? You don’t need to be a programmer, but being comfortable with quantitative concepts will help; you may plan to take a refresher in stats or Excel if needed.

These introspective questions can help gauge your readiness and identify areas to address before starting an online MSBA program.

Inside 3 Top Online Master’s in Business Analytics

Below, we highlight three accredited U.S. universities offering online or hybrid master’s programs in business analytics. Each provides a unique format and focus, but all are designed to equip you with in-demand analytics skills.

Pricing Your Online Business Analytics Master’s

The cost of an online MS in Business Analytics can vary based on the type of institution, credit requirements, and fee structure. Some programs charge tuition per credit, while others use a flat rate per term. Be sure to multiply by the total number of credits (most programs require about 30–36 credits) to estimate the full degree cost.

One advantage of many online programs is no out-of-state upcharge — many charge the same tuition for all online students. For instance, Arizona State’s online MSBA is roughly $44,000 total for everyone, resident or not. Additionally, studying online can save you money on relocation, campus fees, or commuting costs. You can often continue working while studying, which helps offset tuition by maintaining your income. Don’t forget to factor in technology fees, books (many courses use e-books or software subscriptions), and any short residency travel costs if required. Finally, explore financial aid: federal loans, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance can all help manage the investment. Below is a comparison of three online MSBA programs and their tuition costs:

(Tuition figures are current estimates; always check with the university for the latest costs and fees.)

What Can You Do with a Master’s in Business Analytics?

One of the biggest reasons to pursue a master’s in business analytics is the exciting range of career paths it can open up. Graduates emerge with a skill set that’s in high demand across virtually every industry. You’ll be equipped to parse complex datasets, derive insights, and communicate data-driven recommendations — abilities that employers in tech, finance, healthcare, retail, and beyond are seeking as they navigate the age of big data.

Common job titles for MSBA holders include Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Marketing Analyst, Financial Analyst, and Management Consultant. If you’re more technically inclined, you might pursue roles as a Data Scientist or Analytics Engineer, using advanced modeling and programming to build data solutions. On the management side, roles like Analytics Manager or Business Analytics Consultant leverage your degree to drive strategic decisions using data insights. 

The good news is these careers tend to be well-paying. For example, data scientists earn a median salary of about $108,000 per year in the U.S., and management analysts (a category that includes business analysts) earn around $99,000 median. Many analytics roles also come with healthy job growth projections — the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 11%–36% growth over the next decade for analysts and data scientists, far outpacing the average job market.

Beyond the titles and numbers, an MS in Business Analytics can accelerate your professional growth. It signals to employers that you have advanced skills in evidence-based decision making. You might start taking on leadership of analytics projects, move into higher-level strategy meetings, or be tasked with launching a new analytics team at your company. Some graduates leverage their new expertise to pivot industries or functions — for instance, transitioning from an operational role into a pure analytics role within a company. Others might use the degree as a stepping stone to roles in data consulting or even entrepreneurship in the tech space.

FAQs from Business Analytics Students

Q: What academic or technical background do I need to succeed in an online MSBA program?

A: You don’t necessarily need a computer science or math degree to get into a business analytics master’s, but you should have some comfort with quantitative thinking. Many programs admit students from diverse backgrounds (business, economics, social sciences, etc.). If you haven’t done much programming or stats before, that’s okay — STEM experience is not required at many schools. However, expect to learn or review basics in statistics, calculus, or coding (often through prep modules or early coursework). 

The key is being willing to pick up technical skills. If you have a weaker math background, you might spend extra time with resources like online tutorials or bootcamps before or during the program. Analytical aptitude and enthusiasm are more important than having a specific undergraduate major. Programs are designed to bring you up to speed, but it helps to proactively brush up on Excel, basic stats, or Python to hit the ground running.

Q: Can I work full-time while pursuing an online Master’s in Business Analytics?

A: Yes, many students do. In fact, most online MSBA programs are built with working professionals in mind. The curricula are often part-time and flexible, allowing you to schedule studies around a 9-to-5 job. For example, some programs hold live classes in the evenings or on weekends so you can attend after work. Others are fully asynchronous, meaning you can watch lectures and complete assignments at whatever time suits you each week. It’s important to be realistic about time management — expect to devote 10-20 hours per week to coursework depending on the program and course load. Employers are often supportive if they see you gaining skills that will benefit the company; some even offer tuition assistance.

Q: Will my online degree be respected by employers, or does it look different from an on-campus degree?

A: An online MS in Business Analytics from a reputable, accredited university carries the same weight and credibility as its on-campus equivalent. In most cases, your diploma won’t even specify that the degree was earned online — for example, Arizona State University’s diplomas make no mention of “online”. Employers today are increasingly familiar with online programs, especially since many top schools offer them. What they care about more is the school’s reputation and the skills you bring. If your program is Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)-accredited and well-ranked, that speaks for itself. 

Many companies also appreciate that online learners often have practical work experience alongside their education. So, as long as you choose a solid program, you can be confident that an online MSBA will be valued by employers — it’s the knowledge and results you can deliver that ultimately matter.

Q: What kind of support and networking opportunities will I have as an online student?

A: Online doesn’t mean alone. Quality MSBA programs ensure that distance learners have plenty of support. Academically, you’ll have access to instructors via email, discussion boards, and virtual office hours. Many programs assign a dedicated academic advisor to help plan your course path. You’ll also likely work on team projects, which is a great way to build relationships with classmates.

Beyond coursework, schools provide career services — this can include virtual career fairs, one-on-one career coaching, résumé workshops, and interview prep tailored to analytics careers. Crucially, you become part of the university’s alumni network upon graduating. For instance, Texas A&M’s program connects students to the 400,000-strong Aggie Network of alumni worldwide, which can lead to mentorship and job opportunities. Some programs facilitate networking through online platforms or even in-person meetups and residencies. 

Q: Do I need to take the GRE or GMAT to apply for an online MS in Business Analytics?

A: Often no — standardized tests are frequently not required for online MSBA programs, though it can vary by school. Many programs have adopted a test-optional policy, focusing instead on your undergraduate GPA, work experience, and application materials. For example, at ASU and Georgetown, the GRE/GMAT is optional or can be waived; ASU explicitly states that test scores are not required for admission. Programs targeting working professionals recognize that your experience and prior academics can be better indicators of your potential.

That said, if you have a lower GPA or less experience, a strong GRE/GMAT score could bolster your application — so it’s something to consider if you want to strengthen your profile (and some schools may encourage it for scholarship consideration). Always check each program’s requirements: some may still recommend a test or require it if you don’t meet certain GPA criteria. But overall, don’t be deterred if you dread standardized tests — you’ll find plenty of online business analytics master’s programs that will happily evaluate you without a GRE/GMAT score. Focus on putting together a solid application with great essays, recommendations, and examples of your quantitative aptitude.

Best Online Master’s Programs in Business Analytics

How did we determine the “best” programs? We took an evidence-based approach, analyzing data from the U.S. Department of Education and from thousands of colleges nationwide. This ranking wasn’t based on prestige alone — it considered practical factors that matter to students. Each program was evaluated on criteria including tuition affordability and financial aid availability, the number of online programs (an indicator of a school’s experience with online education), institutional accreditation quality, and the level of student support services like academic advising and career counseling.

By weighing these factors, our goal is to highlight programs that not only excel on paper, but also deliver strong value and support for online learners. In the list that follows, you’ll find a selection of top online Business Analytics master’s programs that combine rigorous academics with flexibility and student-focused resources, helping you make an informed choice for your education.