Top Online MBAs in Business Analytics

Online MBAs in business analytics prepare learners to pursue roles involving the advanced strategic analysis of quantitative data. Examples of related careers include market research analyst, operations manager, and supply chain manager.

These and other business management careers offer an appealing combination of strong growth potential and high pay. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 13% job growth rate for market research analysts from 2022-2032. In 2022, the BLS reported an average base salary of $122,860 per year for operations managers.

MBA programs attract learners from a broad spectrum of diverse backgrounds. However, specialized concentrations such as business analytics may appeal to new graduates, established professionals looking to advance, and workers looking to change careers.

This guide profiles the advantages of earning an online MBA in business analytics. Discover common admission requirements and details top-ranked MBA programs in this exciting, in-demand discipline.

Why Get an Online MBA in Business Analytics?

Advanced analytics have become a prominent feature of business in the "big data" age. Enterprises throughout the private sector have made deep investments in analytics, given the profit potential of the strategic and competitive advantages the field can generate.

Experts believe analytics will continue to play a key role in business in the years ahead. An Allied Market Research analysis projects a global business analytics compound annual growth rate of 13.5% from 2021-2030. Demand for professionals specifically trained in the field may follow a comparable path.

An online MBA in business analytics builds the precision skills businesses increasingly rely upon to identify opportunities and areas for growth. Key examples include data mining, consumer analytics, decision modeling, and data visualization.

Full-time students can usually complete an MBA in business analytics in about two years. Learners with professional business experience can expedite their timelines by enrolling in accelerated online MBA programs for shorter graduation timelines.

Top Colleges With Online MBAs in Business Analytics

We have compiled a list of nonprofit and for-profit institutions that offer this degree program. Use the table below to compare average net prices and graduation rates.

Affordable Colleges Online relies on data from the College Navigator run by the National Center for Education Statistics. College Navigator does not offer net prices for graduate programs. Additionally, many schools charge graduate students different rates than they charge undergraduates.

To calculate the graduate program net price, we pulled from each program's graduate tuition page, and either multiplied by program length or used school-specific tuition calculators.

3 Top Schools for an MBA in Business Analytics

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

This online MBA in business data analytics features 12 graduate hours of coursework in database management, predictive analytics, and data visualization. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers the program through its prestigious, nationally ranked Gies College of Business. In addition to concentrated data analytics coursework, learners engage in a business curriculum covering 72 credits.

The program's flexible, schedule-friendly format includes a novel feature the school calls "virtual study teams." In each course, MBA students are grouped into smaller cohort units. Each study team is carefully curated to immerse participants in diverse cultural and business perspectives.

University of Maryland, College Park

University of Maryland, College Park's online master of business administration program focuses on the evolving needs of modern businesses. Its information systems and business analytics track trains students in advanced data analysis and design proficiencies with strong cross-industry relevance.

Led by faculty members with real-world experience, this online MBA in business analytics also requires two residences, including a culminating capstone project focused on an integrative simulation.

This program also holds programmatic accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, signaling high quality in its curricular offerings and student outcomes.

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley brands its program as a master of business administration with a specialization in business analytics. Each enrollee can take three electives from the school's master of science program in business analytics. These courses allow for further concentration options in healthcare, social media, enterprise, and machine learning analytics, among other areas.

The total tuition for the MBA is just $17,000. The degree uses a 100% online delivery format and an accelerated schedule, making it well-suited to experienced professionals looking to upgrade their credentials.

Is an Online MBA in Business Analytics Worth It?

Returns on educational investment depend on factors like career earnings and tuition for your online MBA in business analytics. Some MBA programs cost much more than others.

However, higher tuition rates are generally associated with more prestigious schools. You should consider that attending a respected business school might lead to a higher-paying job.

Education experts consider MBAs to offer some of the strongest long-term returns of any professional degree. As of Nov. 2023, Payscale cites the average base salary of a professional with an MBA in business analytics as $84,000 per year. This figure does not account for additional compensation, such as benefits packages, bonuses, or profit-sharing.

Given the powerful earning potential of MBAs in business analytics, graduates are in a strong position to receive excellent returns throughout their careers.

Requirements of Applying to a Business Analytics MBA Program

Candidates for online MBAs in business analytics do not necessarily need bachelor's degrees in business. However, schools generally consider foundational knowledge of key concepts in business operations and administration a major asset. Many MBA programs, especially those with accelerated delivery, prefer or require applicants to have multiple years of relevant professional experience.

You can still qualify for entry to an MBA program if you come from a non-business academic background or lack professional experience. In such cases, application materials like letters of recommendation and personal essays take on added importance. Your offer of admission may be conditional, pending the completion of foundational course sequences.

While many business schools adopt test-optional policies, standardized examination scores remain common in MBA admissions, with many business schools requesting GMAT or GRE scores.

Common Questions About MBAs in Business Analytics

Does business analytics include a lot of math?

Online MBAs in business analytics, and their related career paths, require people to handle mass amounts of quantitative data. Proficiency in mathematics, including linear algebra and statistical modeling, is important for success.

Is an MBA helpful for a business analyst?

MBAs are among the most marketable and versatile academic credentials, but these degrees are not the only path to a career in business analytics. You can also pursue degrees in data science, mathematics, and statistics, among other relevant areas. Some schools also offer specialized non-MBA degrees in business analytics.

Is an MBA in business analytics tough?

Online MBAs in business analytics combine business, technology, and applied mathematics coursework. If you have strong skills and a genuine interest in these areas, you will have a foundation for success if you pair your academic abilities with diligence and commitment.

What skills do you need to be a business analyst?

Business analysts require a combination of hard and soft skills. Essential hard skills include linear algebra, statistical modeling, and proficiencies with business and data analysis technologies. Important soft skills include strong research, critical thinking, problem-solving, interpersonal, and communication.