Best Online MBA in Business Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024

Badge for BEST ONLINE MBA IN BUSINESS ANALYTICS
By Dave Tomar
Published:
Updated:

If you are looking to advance your career in the business sector, an online MBA in Business Analytics could be a great path to get there.

Key Takeaways

  • The online MBA with a business analytics emphasis is an excellent graduate degree for business leaders seeking technical knowledge

  • Getting the online MBA in business analytics degree can lead to well-paying careers in strategic management and business intelligence.

  • A growing number of esteemed business schools offer fully online business analytics MBA programs.

See our complete guide to MBAs for more information.

Featured Programs

An online MBA in business analytics is a great degree for business professionals seeking to combine leadership skills with technical knowledge. Business analytics, sometimes also referred to as data analytics, is a rapidly growing area of business. MBA students with a business analytics concentration often go on to well paying jobs.

Fortunately, prospective students have many excellent online MBA programs with a business analytics specialization to choose from.

Business analytics is a great career for people with an interest in both strategic management and business intelligence.

Most students who earn an online MBA in business analytics will work in data science. However, there are numerous related career paths that you could take including marketing, finance, and cybersecurity.

Find out what your other options are with a look at our full list of Online Degrees. Otherwise, read on.

 

About the Online MBA Degree in Business Analytics

Students in the online MBA program with a business analytics focus will study topics such as data analytics, marketing analytics, and financial and economic analysis.

These skills can easily be transferred to careers in other business contexts including data management, digital marketing, operations management, and more.

In most cases, however, the online MBA in business analytics is designed to prepare you for a career in data science.

The online business analytics MBA can provide excellent leadership opportunities in the field. Data scientists are capable of earning a median salary of $100,910 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Admission Requirements for the Online MBA in Business Analytics

Schools that offer an online MBA in business analytics have different admission requirements.

These are the admission requirements common to schools offering the online MBA in business analytics:

  • A completed online application
  • An accredited undergraduate degree (typically a bachelor’s degree)
  • Official college transcripts
  • A cumulative college GPA of 3.0 - 3.5
  • Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) Score or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Score
  • Personal statement or essay
  • Reference Letters
  • Professional Resume or CV

Key Point: Some programs might also require an interview process.

Learn more about online MBA admission requirements.

Curriculum and Courses

Each college of business offering the online MBA business analytics degree has its own course requirements, although there are similarities in programs. There are typically core online MBA in business analytics courses, individualized research projects, and practicum, laboratory, or residency requirements.

Students earning online MBAs in business analytics will typically take courses such as:

  • Data Visualization
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Big Data Analytics
  • Financial Management
  • Business Finance
  • Data Mining
  • Predictive Analytics
  • Managerial Economics
  • Management Science
  • Database Management

Key Point: Business analytics students in MBA online degree programs will typically study topics such as business forecasting, predictive analysis, and data visualization.

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Careers for Online MBA in Business Analytics Degree Holders

Graduate students with the online MBA in business analytics have the credentials to qualify for several careers, including:

  • Business Analysts
  • Marketing Analysts
  • Financial Consultants
  • Cybersecurity Officers
  • Data Scientists
  • Computer and Information Research Scientists

Key Points: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job openings for computer and information research scientists are projected to grow by 21% from 2021 to 2031.

The picture is even brighter for those who use their graduate degree to pursue careers as data scientists. Jobs for these positions are expected to grow by 36% from 2021 to 2031.

See what else you can do with an online MBA.

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Factors for Choosing MBA in Business Analytics Online Programs

If you aspire to a career in data science, you must be sure that you can tackle the challenges of an accredited online MBA in business analytics program.

Choosing a top-notch online degree program for your advanced business education will help to make your professional journey easier by allowing you to balance your pursuit of an advanced degree with any existing professional demands.

Furthermore, an online degree program in a reputable college or university should have the integrity, reputation, and track record to convince employers that their graduates deserve a place in the employer’s organization.

Here are the factors that you need to consider when choosing schools that offer online MBA in business analytics programs:

  • Accreditation: Accreditation is vital. It signifies that the school’s education is in compliance with the standards of the Department of Education and the accrediting body. A school must also be accredited in order to offer federal financial aid to its students.

    • In addition to institutional accreditation, be sure your degree in online MBA in business analytics is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This national board provides programmatic accreditation, which is an important mark of credibility for the master’s of business administration degree.

  • Cost: Cost is an inherent element of every educational pursuit. But since cost differs from one school to another, you must ensure that the online school you choose is affordable while still providing a quality education.
  • Financing Options: Accredited colleges and universities will offer financial aid options including grants, scholarships, and loans for students who qualify. Some will also offer work-study programs.
  • Course Delivery: Online education courses are delivered in three different ways: synchronous (live online classes), asynchronous (classes that can be attended anytime), and blended or hybrid (a mix of both synchronous and asynchronous). Choose a school that offers the type that suits your schedule.
  • Academic Support: Academic support is a valuable element of distance learning. Give due credit to schools that provide students with online resources such as references and tutorials. You will need these to gain a deeper understanding of your lessons.

Learn how to find accredited online MBA programs.

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The 10 Best Online MBA in Business Analytics Degree Programs

  1. #1

    Syracuse University

    Syracuse , NY
    #1 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #4 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #25 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024 #5 Best Research Universities in New York 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1345/30

    What is Syracuse University known for?

    Syracuse University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Syracuse University?

    Syracuse University was formed in 1870 as an affiliate of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Becoming a secular institution in 1920, this private research university is noted today for nationally renowned programs in areas like business administration, architecture, and public administration.

    Syracuse University serves more than 21,000 students. Syracuse also boasts a strong roster of alumni, including 46th President of the United States, Joe Biden.

    • Syracuse University is great for students who:

      Are seeking advanced degrees. Syracuse is noted as an R1 university for its high level of research activity.

    • Syracuse University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Don’t prefer an urban educational experience. Syracuse University is primarily concentrated in downtown Syracuse.

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  2. #2

    University of Arizona

    Tucson , AZ
    #3 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #13 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #19 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Arizona 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1255/25

    What do we love about University of Arizona?

    University of Arizona is a public university based in Tucson, Arizona. The research university was formed in 1885, which makes it the very first university in the territory that would eventually become the state of Arizona.

    University of Arizona serves more than 50,000 students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, making it one of the ten largest schools in the U.S.

    • University of Arizona is great for students who:

      Enjoy college athletics. The Arizona Wildcats have won numerous championships across various Pac-12 Conference sports.

    • University of Arizona might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer an intimate college experience.

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  3. #3

    Wayne State University

    Detroit , MI
    #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Michigan 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Michigan 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Michigan 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    29K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1150/24

    What do we love about Wayne State University?

    Wayne State University was founded in 1868 by five returning Civil War veterans. Initially chartered as the Detroit Medical College, today the public university is the third largest in the state of Michigan.

    Wayne State University serves roughly 25,000 students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels online, at its flagship Detroit campus and across four satellite campuses.

    • Wayne State University is great for students who:

      Are still choosing their major. Wayne State has more than 350 degree programs to choose from.

    • Wayne State University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer a traditional campus experience. Some students describe Wayne State as a “commuter school.”

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  4. #4

    Grand Canyon University

    Phoenix , AZ
    #8 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Arizona 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Arizona 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Arizona 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    155K

    What do we love about Grand Canyon University?

    Grand Canyon University serves more than 90,000 students, which makes it the largest Christian university in the world.

    Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit university that was initially established in 1949 as Grand Canyon College. Today, the Southern Baptist institution serves more than 70,000 students online. Interestingly, Grand Canyon is the only for-profit school that competes in NCAA Division I athletics.

    • Grand Canyon University is great for students who:

      Are interested in doctoral student, nursing and health care professions, and theology.

    • Grand Canyon University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Require a degree with regional accreditation.

    Compare school
    5. Female student in yellow sweater studying

  6. #5

    University of Delaware

    Newark , DE
    #1 Best Colleges in Delaware 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Delaware 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in Delaware 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    80%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1275/28

    What is University of Delaware known for?

    University of Delaware’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about the University of Delaware?

    The University of Delaware can trace its roots to as far back as 1743, when a Presbyterian minister named Francis Alison formed the Free School in New London, Pennsylvania. Relocating to Newark Delaware in 1765, the school wrangled for decades to achieve college status. This was granted in 1834. What began as Newark College ultimately became the largest school in the state of Delaware.

    The public research university today serves more than 24,000 graduate and undergraduate students across five campuses and eight colleges.

    • University of Delaware is great for students who:

      Are still weighing their educational options. With more than 300 degrees at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, Delaware students have plenty to choose from.

    • University of Delaware might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are seeking a small campus experience. For a modestly sized state, Delaware’s oldest institution is quite large.

    Compare school
  7. #6

    University of Nebraska–Lincoln

    Lincoln , NE
    #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in Nebraska 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1225/25

    What is University of Nebraska–Lincoln known for?

    University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about University of Nebraska-Lincoln?

    University of Nebraska-Lincoln was formed in 1869. The Lincoln-based public university is the flagship university in the state’s public university system. This also makes it the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of Nebraska.

    In addition to serving more than 24,000 students, across 200 undergraduate and graduate level degree programs, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln can claim an alumni network of more than 300,000 members.

    • University of Nebraska-Lincoln is great for students who:

      Enjoy an excellent college sports tradition. The school’s Cornhuskers compete in the Big Ten Conference and the men’s football team claims five national titles.

    • University of Nebraska-Lincoln might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are seeking an intimate campus experience. With more than 19,000 undergraduates, and roughly 5000 graduate students, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is organized into nine separate colleges across three campuses.

    Compare school
  8. #7

    University of Maine

    Orono , ME
    #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in Maine 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Maine 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in Maine 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1200/26

    What is University of Maine known for?

    University of Maine’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about the University of Maine?

    University of Maine was formed in 1865 as Maine State College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts. The Orono, Maine-based university is the flagship institution of the state’s public university system.

    Noted for its high level or research activity, the University of Maine is actually home to the nation’s oldest honors program. Today, the University of Maine serves more than 11,000 students, which makes it the largest institution in the state.

    • University of Maine is great for students who:

      Are pursuing careers in business. The University is home to the largest school of business in the state of Maine.

    • University of Maine might not be the best fit for students who:

      Can’t handle the cold weather. Locals and students alike describe Maine winters as pretty extreme.

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  9. #8

    Golden Gate University

    San Francisco , CA
    #6 Best Small Colleges in California 2024 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in California 2024 #2 Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology #2 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Student body

    4K

    What is Golden Gate University known for?

    Golden Gate University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Golden Gate University?

    Golden Gate University was formed in 1901 as the YMCA Evening College. Based in San Francisco, the private university is noted today for its excellence in law, business, and accounting.

    Golden Gate University was formed, like a number of other private learning institutions, as a reading and adult-education program through the local YMCA. In its first year as a college, Golden Gate offered only a law school degree program. Today, Golden Gate University serves more than 5000 students.

    • Golden Gate University is great for students who:

      Are adult learners or non-traditional students balancing education and work responsibilities.

    • Golden Gate University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Have recently graduated from high school and are seeking a traditional campus experience.

    Compare school
  11. #9

    Drake University

    Des Moines , IA
    #2 Best Small Colleges in Iowa 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools Iowa 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Iowa 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1225/27

    What is Drake University known for?

    Drake University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Drake University?

    Drake University was formed in 1881 and was named for one of its co-founders, Union General Francis Marion Drake. The Des Moines, Iowa-based private university is noted today for its excellence in business, law, and pharmacy.

    Drake University graduated its first class of 77 students in 1881. Today, the university serves nearly 5000 students at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

    • Drake University is great for students who:

      Are pursuing careers in communication and journalism. Drake’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication is nationally recognized.

    • Drake University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are not fans of cold weather. Students describe the campus as particularly chilly and snowy during the autumn and winter months.

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  12. #10

    Manhattan College

    Riverdale , NY
    #12 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2024 #3 Best Christian Colleges in New York 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in New York 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1235/26

    What is Manhattan College known for?

    Manhattan College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Manhattan College?

    Manhattan, in spite of its name, is actually located in the Riverside section of the Bronx, and not in Manhattan. Manhattan College was founded in 1853 as the Academy of the Holy Infancy. The college was originally formed as a day school exclusive to men and located on Canal Street in Lower Manhattan.

    Manhattan College relocated to its present location in 1922, became coeducational in 1973, and today serves roughly 3500 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Manhattan College is particularly noted today for its excellence in engineering.

    • Manhattan College is great for students who:

      Like a more intimate experience. The class sizes are smaller which means students enjoy personal access to professors.

    • Manhattan College might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are on a fixed budget. Manhattan College residential costs and general living expenses reflect the high cost of living in New York City.

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Career Outlook for Students with Business Analytics Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Business Analytics

Degree Level: Master's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $14,419
  • Avg. Expenses*: $15,570
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 7 years
  • Job Growth: 13.71%
  • Number of Jobs: 2,058,400
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Financial Managers15.97%$125,312
Data Scientists35.10%$91,799
Statisticians31.83%$90,928
Computer Programmers-11.26%$88,133
Business Teachers, Postsecondary7.01%$86,765

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$53,645$88,978$146,250

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#2 North Carolina11% higher than average$98,259
#3 Virginia5% higher than average$105,012
#4 New York5% higher than average$114,665
#5 Georgia13% higher than average$91,972
#6 Michigan15% higher than average$87,862

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Financial Managers$125,312
Data Scientists$91,799
Statisticians$90,928
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

Save money on your way to an MBA by checking out some free MBA courses at some of the best business schools in the world.

Or find other top schools with a look at our University Rankings Guide.

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