Best Online MBA in Data Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024

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

We rank the best online MBA in data analytics degree programs.

Key Takeaways

  • The online MBA in data analytics degree is a great degree for students with an interest in data analysis and strategic management.

  • Getting the online MBA in data analytics degree can lead to well paying careers in business analytics, business intelligence, financial management, and more.

  • A growing number of business schools offer an online MBA with a data analytics or business analytics concentration.

See our complete guide to MBAs for more information.

Featured Programs

Online MBA programs in data analytics can lead to a variety of excellent careers in data analysis, financial planning, business forecasting, and much more.

Business professionals and business leaders are increasingly expected to bring technical knowledge to roles in areas like operations management, marketing management, and global supply chain management. This makes the MBA business analytics degree an especially valuable graduate degree.

Data analytics is a great career for people who like strategic planning, data science, and financial and economic analysis.

Most students who earn an online MBA with a data analytics concentration pursue careers in data management and business intelligence. However, there are numerous related career paths that you could take with this specialized business education, including digital marketing, project management, human resource management, and more.

See a complete List of Online Programs. Or read on.

 

About Online MBA in Data Analytics Degree Programs

Students in the online MBA in data analytics degree program will take foundational business courses alongside specialized topics such as predictive analysis, database management, marketing analytics, and more.

These technical and leadership skills can easily be transferred to careers in other business contexts including finance, marketing, and personnel recruitment.

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

This online master’s, also sometimes referred to as the MBA in business analytics, can provide excellent leadership opportunities in the field. Data scientists are capable of earning a median salary of $110,910 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Admission Requirements for the Online MBA in Data Analytics

Schools that offer an online MBA in data analytics, or MBA programs with a business analytics focus, have different admission requirements.

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

  • A completed online application
  • An accredited four-year undergraduate 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 in data analytics or business analytics program has different course requirements, although there are similarities in programs. There are typically core courses, individualized research projects, and practicum, laboratory, or residency requirements.

The typical courses offered in MBA online degree programs with a data analytics or business analytics specialization include:

  • Data Visualization
  • Big Data Analytics
  • Financial Management
  • Business Forecasting
  • Data Mining
  • Predictive Analytics
  • Managerial Economics
  • Management Science
  • Database Management

Key Point: Online data analytics programs will cover topics such as data visualization, financial forecasting, and data mining.

Man looking at data analytics
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Careers for Online MBA in Data Analytics Degree Holders

Graduates with the online business analytics MBA 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.

An online MBA in data analytics can be a doorway into a career in digital strategy, one of the newest emerging fields in business.

See what else you can do with an online MBA.

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Factors for Choosing MBA in Data Analytics Online Programs

Graduate students aspiring to a career in data analytics or business analytics must be prepared to tackle the challenges of an accredited online MBA in data analytics program.

Choosing a top-notch online degree program 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 a school that offers the online MBA in data analytics degree:

  • 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 data 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 Data Analytics Degree Programs

  1. #1

    Samford University

    Birmingham , AL
    #4 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #11 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #1 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Alabama 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/26

    What is Samford University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Samford University?

    Samford University was formed in 1841 as Howard College. The Homewood, Alabama-based private Christian college today claims the title of the 87th oldest institution of higher learning in the U.S.

    Howard college experienced rapid growth following World War II, as countless returning veterans enrolled with the help of the GI Bill. Growing attendance led to Howard’s 1965 reorganization as Samford University. Today, Samford serves nearly 6000 students at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

    • Samford University is great for students who:

      Are seeking a large number of degree options—more than 170—and a campus experience rooted in Christian values.

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

      Are seeking a more diverse campus experience. Students describe the student population as fairly homogenous.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Western Kentucky University

    Bowling Green , KY
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1075/21

    What is Western Kentucky University known for?

    Western Kentucky University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Western Kentucky University?

    Western Kentucky University was officially founded in 1906, but its roots actually go back to the 1876 formation of the Glasgow Normal School and Business College. The Bowling Green, Kentucky-based public university is noted today for its excellence in business administration, journalism, and for its unique American folklore program.

    Western Kentucky University issued its first four-year degree in 1924. Today, over a century later, more than 15,000 students are enrolled at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

    • Western Kentucky University is great for students who:

      Enjoy an athletics program with a great sense of humor. The school’s Big Red is one of the most popular and entertaining mascots in all of college sports.

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

      Are seeking a lively off-campus experience. Students describe the surrounding area of Bowling Green as a small town with limited recreational opportunities.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Troy University

    Troy , AL
    #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Alabama 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2024 #7 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2024 #8 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1050/20

    What do we love about Troy University?

    Troy University was established in Troy, Alabama as a regional educational college in 1887. Today, the Troy campus is the flagship university in a system that includes four campuses as well as teaching sites across 17 U.S. states and 11 countries.

    Troy University awards education degrees both online and on campus to students at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels as well as serving various educational specializations.

    • Troy University is great for students who:

      Plan to study liberal arts subjects such as education, communications, and human services.

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

      Prefer a university for a higher rate of selectivity. More than 90% of applicants typically gain admission each year.

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Maryville University

    Saint Louis , MO
    #10 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2024 #3 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Missouri #4 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024 #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Missouri
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    14K

    What is Maryville University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Maryville University?

    Maryville University was formed in 1872 by the Society of the Sacred Heart. The private university, located in Town and Country, Missouri, began as an academy for young women and underprivileged youth.

    Today, the private university offers more 90 degree programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. In fact, of the roughly 11,000 students attending Maryville today, more than 7,500 are pursuing advanced degrees.

    • Maryville University is great for:

      Graduate level students who wish to earn an advanced degree in areas like nursing, data analytics, and software programming at their own pace.

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

      Are not comfortable with independent work. Some students say that much of the material is self-taught, and that students must be prepared to take control of their own education.

    Compare school
    5. Team of data analysts

  6. #5

    Florida Gulf Coast University

    Fort Myers , FL
    #8 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs) #11 Best Online Master’s in Health Science #11 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024 #16 Best Online MBA Programs in Florida
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1120/22

    What is Florida Gulf Coast University known for?

    Florida Gulf Coast University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Florida Gulf Coast University?

    Florida Gulf Coast University was formed in 1991, which makes this public university the second youngest campus in Florida’s state university system. Florida Gulf Coast offers roughly 100 degrees at the bachelor’s, post-graduate, and certificate levels, with notable programs in engineering, health & human services, and business administration.

    Based in Lee Country, Florida, today the university serves more than 15,000 students.

    • Florida Gulf Coast University is great for students who:

      Are pursuing careers in business. The Lutgert College of Business is particularly noted for its accounting, computer information, and small business development programs.

    • Florida Gulf Coast University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer an area with a lot of recreational opportunities. Students describe the surrounding region as fairly quiet on nights and weekends.

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Saint Leo University

    Saint Leo , FL
    #18 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #5 Best Christian Colleges in Florida 2024 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Florida #4 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Computer Science
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/23

    What is Saint Leo University known for?

    Saint Leo University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Saint Leo University?

    Saint Leo University was formed in 1889 and was the first Roman Catholic college in the state of Florida. Today, it is one of the five largest Roman Catholic schools in the nation. Based in St. Leo, Florida, the private liberal arts school is noted today for the excellence of its online programs as well as its service to veterans.

    Saint Leo University is also nationally recognized for its Cyber Defense Education program. Today, St. Leo serves more than 11,000 students, the majority of whom are enrolled online.

    • Saint Leo University is great for students who:

      Prefer an intimate learning experience. Students speak positively of the school’s generally small class sizes.

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

      Are attending college on a budget. Students describe Saint Leo as a comparatively expensive school.

    Compare school
  8. #7

    University of West Alabama

    Livingston , AL
    #2 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024 #10 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) #10 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students #11 Best Online Master's in Biology
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    930/19

    What is University of West Alabama known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about University of West Alabama?

    University of West Alabama was formed in 1835 as the Livingston Female Academy. The Livingston, Alabama-based public university began with the goal of educating teachers, and became coeducational in 1915.

    Becoming University of West Alabama in 1995 to better reflect its public status, the school today serves more than 5000 students.

    • University of West Alabama is great for students who:

      Are looking for a residential campus experience. Students are encouraged to live on campus for their first two years of attendance.

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

      Are seeking a large campus experience. Students describe the campus and the surrounding west-central Alabama region as relatively quiet.

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Fayetteville State University

    Fayetteville , NC
    #21 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #3 Top 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked 2024 #8 HBCU MBA Programs Online #14 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    965/16

    

    What is Fayetteville State University known for?

    Fayetteville State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Fayetteville State University?

    Fayetteville State University was formed in 1867 as the Howard School and is the second oldest state supported school in the state of North Carolina. The public historically black college was in fact the first teacher training school for African Americans in North Carolina and was, for much of its early history, called the State Colored Normal School.

    Becoming Fayetteville State College in 1963, and reorganizing as Fayetteville State University in 1969, the institution serves more than 6000 undergraduate and postgraduate students today.

    • Fayetteville State University is great for students who:

      Are pursuing careers in business and science. Fayetteville has noteworthy programs in these popular disciplines.

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

      Are planning to commute to college by car. Students routinely describe parking at Fayetteville as challenging.

    Compare school
  11. #9

    Trevecca Nazarene University

    Nashville , TN
    #7 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2024 #7 Best Online Associate in Human Services #10 How To Get an Online Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies #10 Best Online Master's in Theology
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1130/21

    What is Trevecca Nazarene University known for?

    Trevecca Nazarene University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Trevecca Nazarene University?

    Trevecca Nazarene University was formed in 1901 as the Literary and Bible Training School for Christian Workers. The Nashville, Tennessee-based private university is organized into six schools, with noteworthy programs in business, education, and Christian ministry.

    Today, Trevecca serves nearly 4000 students at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

    • Trevecca Nazarene University is great for students who:

      Are seeking a close-knit, faith-based community in the heart of bustling city.

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

      Do not identify as Christian. The rules that govern school conduct are rooted in Christian values.

    Compare school
  12. #10

    Gratz College

    Melrose Park , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Student body

    <1K

    What is Gratz College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Gratz College?

    Gratz College was formed in 1895 and operates today as a private, Jewish liberal arts college in Melrose Park, Pennsylvania. Gratz began primarily as a coeducational teaching college.

    Enrolling its first students in 1898, the inaugural “afternoon class” included eight women and five men; the “evening class” included twelve women and nine men. Today, Gratz serves roughly 1000 students per year.

    • Gratz College is great for students who:

      Are pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs rooted in Jewish cultural identity.

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

      Are seeking a traditional residential campus experience. Gratz is primarily a commuter college.

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Career Outlook for Students with Data Analytics Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Data Analytics

Degree Level: Master's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $10,919
  • Avg. Expenses*: $17,035
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 7 years
  • Job Growth: 9.91%
  • Number of Jobs: 1,600,000
  • * 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.

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