The success of any business is becoming more and more dependent on data. This can involve anything from identifying untapped customers to understanding which part of the business can benefit from more funding. Someone with a strong grasp of data analytics skill can have a major impact on a company’s bottom line, and earning an MBA in business analytics is one of the best ways to learn these in-demand skills.
If you’re considering earning your business analytics MBA online, you likely have plenty of questions, like which programs are the best, how much do programs cost, what are the application requirements, and what will the job market look like after graduating. This guide will answer these questions and more, and will help you get started on your journey toward an online MBA in business analytics.
College Spotlights: Best Online MBA Business Analytics Programs in 2023
Students looking to earn an online business analytics MBA are in luck, as there are many online degree options available. Some programs stand out more than others in terms of flexibility and curriculum quality and we’ve highlighted three of the very best below. These programs offer a snapshot of our full ranking list of online MBA business analytics programs, which will be released soon.
Ohio University
Ohio University offers the AACSB-accredited Online MBA with a Concentration in Business Analytics program for business students looking to analyze data to improve business decisions. The program’s curriculum consists of 35 credits, most of which cover conventional MBA-oriented business topics like management and business strategy. The business analytics coursework will include classes such as Prescriptive Analytics, Business Intelligence, and Predictive Analysis. These classes address topics that include data mining and simulation modeling. Most students will complete their studies in just two years.
The vast majority of the degree requirements can be completed online. However, students must also finish an on-campus residency for a Leadership Development Program (LDP). The LDP is offered several times each year, although students only attend one session, which lasts two days. During this time, students will listen to guest speakers discuss business leadership and network with classmates and faculty while learning how their gained knowledge and skills will apply in the real world.
Clemson University
Business professionals working at data-driven organizations will appreciate the ability to earn their online MBA in Business Analytics at Clemson University. One of the special features of this AACBS-accredited program is its hybrid format. Most coursework can be completed online, but for two weekends each semester, students will visit Clemson University’s Greenville facility to take advantage of in-person learning and networking opportunities with classmates and faculty members.
Students can graduate in two years while taking courses such as Managerial Accounting, Information Systems, and Data Management and Warehousing. Many of these courses will expose students to business and analytical software like SAS, Python, and SPSS. Students may transfer in up to 12 previously earned credits from an AACSB accredited graduate program to save on learning costs.
One of the standout features of Clemson University’s online MBA in Business Analytics program is that its online classes are offered in both synchronous and asynchronous formats. This allows students to attend live classes and ask questions and contribute in real-time. Alternatively, they can opt to attend classes at their convenience by watching recorded lectures.
University of South Dakota
At the University of South Dakota, students can select from a wide array of Master of Business Administration academic tracks, including the Business Analytics Specialization. This specialization requires students to complete between 39 and 57 credits. After only completing 39 credits, students can graduate if they already finished prerequisite coursework in topics like economics, accounting, calculus, and finance.
No thesis is necessary to graduate from this AACSB-accredited program. However, students will complete classes in subjects such as:
- Quantitative Analysis
- Managerial Marketing
- Data Mining for Managers
- Operational Analytics,
- Leadership Development
To apply, applicants must take the GMAT. The GMAT requirement may be waived, however, if one of the following conditions applies:
- Graduated from an AACSB accredited business school within the previous 12 semesters
- Have taken the LSAST, GRE, or MCAT
- Possess a STEM graduate or undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA
- Possess a doctoral or law degree or are pursuing such degrees while attending the University of South Dakota
- Possess certain professional licenses or qualifications, such as the Certified Public Accountant or Chartered Financial Analyst designations.
What to Expect from an Online MBA in Business Analytics Program
The majority of online MBA business analytics degree programs divide their curriculums into two parts. During the first part, students take core classes that teach advanced business and managerial principles and theories. In some programs, this will include a capstone project in which students demonstrate what they’ve learned so far in the course of their MBA studies.
In the second part, students take courses specifically related to the business analytics major. Consisting of three to four classes, topics addressed include analytics tools and techniques, such as special analytics software and taking the results produced by that software to assist in the decision-making process. In some programs that admit students without business backgrounds, the curriculum may include a third part consisting of introductory business classes in economics, accounting, and finance.
There are two main learning formats for online MBA in business analytics students. The most common is a 100% online format. Students may attend classes synchronously allowing for have real-time discussions during class. Or they access coursework asynchronously by watching recorded class lectures. Class projects and assignments will also be completed through distance learning methods involving some degree of self-paced learning.
Less common is the hybrid learning format in which most classes are completed fully online. However, students will have to make one or more on-campus visits to engage in face-to-face learning with their classmates. On-campus activities typically include workshops, group learning activities, and guest speakers.
Common Courses
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Marketing Management and Strategies
This core class teaches students about higher-level marketing tools and strategies. Class materials will include reviewing real-life case scenarios on how businesses tackled marketing challenges, including solutions involving best practices and management plans to more effectively lead key business personnel.
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Business Legal Environment
This class covers the various laws and regulations concerning businesses and their operations in the United States. Students learn foundational legal concepts as they relate to the civil and criminal legal systems. These will include tort liability, contract enforcement, corporate structure, and agency law.
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Data Management
In this course, students begin to learn the ins and outs of data analytics. Course instruction addresses the acquisition and storage of data in relational databases and how to manage and process data in ways that can lead to drawing usable conclusions and inferences.
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Information Systems
The class explores what information systems are, how they work, their key components, and the factors considered when implementing a new or upgraded information system. Students will learn how businesses employ information systems to improve internal efficiency and the delivery of their final product or service to consumers.
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Business Analytics for Informed and Effective Decision Making
Another key class for business analytics students. The course examines the various tools needed to analyze and apply data in the business realm. Topics covered include data mining, statistical analysis, quantitative analysis, and predictive modeling. Descriptive analytics will also be discussed, useful when analyzing historical data or present market conditions.
What You Can Do with an MBA in Business Analytics
The online MBA in business analytics prepares graduates to apply high-level analytical and quantitative skills to making business decisions. These skills are helpful in many settings – from marketing to finance to supply chain management to sales. Business analytics skills are in high demand as they are essential for improving operational efficiency and maximizing shareholder value. Below are five occupations that are often filled by MBA business analytics degree holders:
Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts examine market conditions to determine the viability and profit expectations of selling a company’s products or services. To accomplish this, they must analyze market data that comes from any number of sources, including surveys, sales, and data mining. An online MBA business analytics degree can help market research analysts gather, process, and interpret this highly technical and complex data while gaining additional marketing and other business concepts.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$34,350 |
$63,790 |
$122,630 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021
Insurance Underwriter
Insurance underwriters help insurance companies decide whether to take on a particular insurable risk and, if so, what the terms should be – including what premiums to charge and what coverage limits to provide. This involves the analysis of actuarial and other statistical information to quantify risk. An online MBA business analytics degree can help individuals take the next step into insurance management by bridging the business and analytical worlds while also providing management and leadership skills.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$42,360 |
$70,020 |
$124,320 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Personal Financial Advisor
A personal financial advisor is a professional who advises clients on what kind of financial products and services to purchase. Much of this assistance focuses on investments, managing money, and long-term goals like retirement. Data analytics concepts learned in online MBA business analytics programs can help personal financial advisors understand the financial products they are recommending and explain how they work.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$42,950 |
$87,850 |
$208,000+ |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Management Analyst
The role of a management analyst is to find ways to improve the business performance of an organization. Often working in the private sector, management analysts will help managers and executives identify areas for improvement and suggest recommendations for those improvements. The online MBA business analytics degree can be useful for management analysts who work with large amounts of numerical information, such as financial, sales, marketing, or accounting data sets.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$49,700 |
$85,260 |
$154,310 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Operations Research Analyst
Operations research analysts work with almost any kind of organization to improve their operations. Most use statistical software and databases to analyze client data and assist in identifying processes in need of improvement. They may use fast computers to run simulations that help businesses predict future events and better anticipate adjusting current production. These are among the skills and concepts that students can learn in an online MBA degree in a business analytics program.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$48,670 |
$84,810 |
$140,790 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Costs and Financial Aid for Online MBA Degrees in Business Analytics
If you’re like most students, you’ll need to tap into outside financial resources to pay for your degree. These funds can come from a range of sources, including grants, fellowships, scholarships, and student loans.
One of the less common forms of financial aid is employer tuition reimbursement. This benefit is more popular among employers in the business, marketing, finance, and accounting industries interested in attracting and keeping the best talent. Just remember that if you take advantage of employer tuition assistance, you’ll likely have a contractual obligation to continue working for your current employer for a certain number of years after graduating.
To learn more about paying for your MBA education, check out OMD’s financial aid page.
How Much Your Online MBA in Business Analytics Might Cost
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Total Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
|
45 |
$430 |
$19,350 |
|
|
33 |
$940 |
$31,020 |
|
|
39 |
$891.67 |
$34,775.13 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Business Analytics MBA Degrees
What are the typical admissions requirements for an online MBA in business analytics?
The requirements for admission into MBA online business analytics programs will be largely uniform across programs. These requirements typically include:
- Official transcripts, including those that show completion of a bachelor’s degree
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Completion of prerequisite coursework in introductory business courses
- Completed application
- Application fee
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
Depending on the program, there may be a preference for applicants with undergraduate degrees in a business or related field. There may also be minimum GPA requirements concerning that degree. Admission requirements vary regarding GMAT and GRE entrance exam requirements.
Are there quality online business analytics MBA programs that don’t require the GMAT?
There are many online MBA business analytics programs that don’t require the GMAT. Those requiring GMAT score often provide waivers to applicants that meet specific requirements, such as having at least a 3.0 GPA on undergraduate coursework or holding a master’s degree. This is what the University of North Carolina at Pembroke does. Other programs simply have no GMAT submittal requirements. This is the case with the MBA program at Ohio University.
How long will it take to finish my MBA in business analytics online?
The time it takes to complete an online MBA business analytics will depend on your background in business and/or data analytics, as well as the pace at which you take courses.
Students with extensive academic training, especially those with a previously earned business, marketing, finance, or related degree, may be able to graduate after completing roughly 30 credits. If attending class full-time, these students can earn their degrees in about a year. Students in the data analytics MBA program at the University of Southern Indiana can graduate in as few as 11 months. However, those with no academic training in business may need to complete 50 or more credits to earn their degrees.
Most MBA students will complete anywhere from 30 to 39 credits in their programs, and will choose to work full-time while pursing their studies. Therefore, they will complete classes on a part-time schedule and expect to graduate in two to three years.
Can I earn my MBA in business analytics 100% online, or do I need to go to campus?
It depends on the program. Though most MBA programs today are offered 100% online, some require students to make one or more on-campus visits. While on-campus, students will engage in workshops and seminars, as well as interact with classmates, professors, and guest speakers.
What’s the difference between an MBA in business analytics and a master’s in business analytics?
The online MBA in business analytics is intended for students with business backgrounds who want to learn more about data analytics. In contrast, the online Master of Science in business analytics is for students who have a more technical background and are interested in applying data analytic concepts to the business context.
The master of science in business analytics degree’s curriculum places greater focus on data and business analytics. Conversely, MBA curriculums offer more business-related coursework in business strategy, finance, and marketing topics.
