What Can You Do with an MBA in Business Analytics?

What Can You Do with an MBA in Business Analytics?
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Dr. Jed Macosko
Published:

Key Takeaways

  • An MBA in business analytics opens up career opportunties across multiple fields, including business, finance, and supply chain management, among others.
  • Business analytics uses data to create actionable strategies for businesses.
  • Business analysts are in demand across every industry and sector, and make higher-than average salaries.

In today’s data-dominated world, just a bachelor’s or general MBA may not be enough. An MBA in business analytics equips students with statistical methods and tech skills to analyze data, enhance business performance, and land high-paying dream MBA jobs. If “what can you do with an MBA in Business Analytics degree?” is a question that is keeping you from pursuing this degree, this article will offer some clarity.

Person looking at graphs and charts while using a tablet

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What Can You Do with an MBA in Business Analytics?

From business consultant jobs to management positions, there are numerous career paths you can pursue with an MBA in business analytics. Not only does it help you advance your career, it also helps you secure high-paying jobs.

Here are a few career options you can consider with an MBA in business analytics degree:

Marketing Analyst

Marketing analysts track, analyze, and process marketing data, such as advertising costs, budget distribution, market opportunities, market trends, and consumer behavior.

As a marketing analyst, you’ll use data analysis to gauge the effectiveness of your marketing strategies and campaigns. More importantly, you’ll help companies decide what to sell, who to target, and how much it should cost.

MBA in business analyst graduates with a knack for marketing should consider this career path. The median salary of a marketing analyst is around $83,190.

  • Median Pay: $83,190 per year
  • Work Experience: 2 years or above
  • Number Of Jobs That Will Open (2022-2032): 116,600
  • Growth: 13% (2022-2032)

Business Analytics & Insight Manager

If you aspire to be a business insight and analytics manager, you’ll likely supervise other business analysts. You’ll also assign tasks such as data analysis and collection to your team, track business performance, and prepare analytical reports.

A business analytics manager will gather data from various sources, such as market research, customer feedback and reviews, statistical analysis, and sales and revenue trends.

This career option is perfect for students with a business analytics MBA. It offers a median salary of $108,485 per year. The job demand is projected to grow by 23% by 2032. 

  • Median Pay: $108,485 per year
  • Work Experience: 5 years or above
  • Number Of Jobs That Will Open (2022-2032): 24,700
  • Growth: 23% (2022-2032)

Chief Data Officer

Another career you can go for with an MBA in business analytics degree is chief data officer. They help oversee the organization, collection, storage, and business data usage. Often, they’re part of the larger executive team and manage specific department tasks.

The job role is relatively new, so CDO job duties and responsibilities vary based on the company. Previously, a chief data officer was responsible only for governance and data compliance. Nowadays, they must also lead data management, help increase business outcomes, and act as executive leaders.

An MBA in Business Analytics provides graduates with the skills needed for this role. The average salary of chief data officers is $561,575 per year.

  • Median Pay: $561,575 per year
  • Work Experience: 5 years or above
  • Number Of Jobs That Will Open (2022-2032): 124,200
  • Growth: 35% (2022-2032)
Man using his laptop to look at data analytics

Financial Analyst

A financial analyst predicts how investments will perform in the market to help clients make smart investment choices. You will review financial reports for accuracy, recommend investment options, and use financial data to spot and respond to business trends.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects an 8.2% increase in jobs for financial analysts from 2022 to 2032. During this time, over 68,000 new positions are predicted to open up.

If you choose this career, you can earn a median salary of $90,680.

  • Median Pay: $90,680 per year
  • Work Experience: None
  • Number Of Jobs That Will Open (2022-2032): 68,000
  • Growth: 8.2% (2022-2032)

Management Analysts

Students with an MBA in business analytics can also choose to become management analysts. Many companies hire them to improve their efficiency and profits.

Management consultants help gather and study data about a company’s operations and suggest ways to cut costs or increase revenue. The median salary for this role is around $90,410.

  • Median Pay: $99,410 per year
  • Work Experience: 5 years or less
  • Number Of Jobs That Will Open (2022-2032): 95,700
  • Growth: 10% (2022-2032)

Supply Chain Manager

As a supply chain manager, you’ll supervise every part of the supply chain, from planning and sourcing to manufacturing and disposal.

You’ll review a company’s strategy in detail to find efficient ways to cut costs, suggest improvements, and maintain good relationships with partners such as vendors and suppliers to build a strong business network.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a supply chain manager and other logisticians is $1,11,870 per year.

  • Median Pay: $124,996 per year
  • Work Experience: 3 years or above  
  • Number Of Jobs That Will Open (2022-2032): 38,300
  • Growth: 18% (2022-2032)

Business Intelligence Analyst

A business intelligence analyst uses data to pinpoint where a business can improve. They track how resources are used, update data tools, and introduce new techniques for collecting and using information.

To become a business intelligence analyst, you must also research what your company’s competitors do with data. The median salary for this role is $103,500 per year.

  • Median Pay: $103,500 per year
  • Work Experience: 4 years or above  
  • Number Of Jobs That Will Open (2018-2028): 284,100
  • Growth: 21% (2018-2028)
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What Exactly is an MBA in Business Analytics?

An MBA helps grow leadership and business skills in individuals already working in the business sector. This program fuses basic business principles with data-driven studies to help learners make impactful business decisions.

Although data analytics, business intelligence, and business analytics have the same foundations, they use different methods. Business intelligence and data analytics mostly deal with finding and reporting data, whereas business analytics turns that data into strategies for action.

An MBA in business analytics usually covers standard MBA topics and analytics-focused courses. You will learn core courses such as business ethics and organizational behavior and specialization courses like information systems and statistical analysis.

Woman looking at printed reports while taking notes with her pen
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What Common Business Analytics Courses Are Offered In an MBA?

Here’s a list of some courses you’ll study in your MBA in business analytics degree:

  • Big Data Analytics in the Cloud: Students will learn to gather, clean, organize, merge, and save structured and unstructured data. The course covers public cloud setups, data pipelines, and managing big data.
  • Using R for Analytics: This course will help you learn the basics of using “R programming language” tools for data reshaping, predictive modeling, visualization, and exploratory data analysis.
  • Statistical Machine Learning: Students explore prediction and modeling techniques using statistical machine learning in this course. Key topics include regularization, linear regression, tree-based approaches, and nonparametric methods.
  • Data Management and Warehousing: This course teaches how to use the value of data assets, get a competitive edge, and apply operational and business intelligence in managerial decision-making.
  • Business Forecasting Methods: From basic observation methods to advanced neural networks, you’ll study the forecasting process.
  • Analytics and Statistical Modeling: This course equips learners to make decisions when information is limited. It covers the basics of empirical estimation and probability theory.
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Admission Requirements for Business Analytics MBA

MBA in Business Analytics is designed for professionals who want to grow in their careers and increase their educational qualifications. The program is particularly relevant if you want to switch toward an analytics career or pursue positions that require applied analytics.

Even if you’re a fresh graduate, you can enroll in this program to start a career in business analytics.

Listed below are a few things you’ll need to apply for an MBA in business analytics:

  • Application & fee
  • Essay
  • Letter of recommendation
  • Resume
  • Test optional – GMAT/GRE Scores (submission is conditional)
  • Interview – (Full-time MBA only)
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Best MBA In Business Analytics Programs

Many colleges and universities in the US offer an MBA in business analytics, which means you have plenty of options. To help you discover and choose the best, we’ve rounded up the top colleges that offer business analytics MBA:

  1. #1

    Arizona State University

    Tempe , AZ
    #2 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2024 #2 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #12 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #22 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    85K

    Arizona State University offers students one of the best MBA programs in business analytics. The course focuses on data science, business intelligence, consumer analytics, data management, and predicting trends.

    Due to its strong connections with industry partners, the program offers you a one-of-a-kind opportunity for an internship. Since it’s a STEM-designated degree, graduates can extend their practical training for up to 24 months after finishing the program.

    To apply, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree, two recommendation letters, a statement about your goals, and a resume. You can also choose to submit your GRE or GMAT scores to boost your chances:

    • Location: Tempe
    • Graduation Rate: 66.3%
    • Credits Per Hour: 60
    • Tuition: $61,354
    • Program Length: 1.5-2 years
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  2. #2

    DePaul University

    Chicago , IL
    #3 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #19 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in Illinois 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    25K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/27

    DePaul University offers an MBA in business analytics that blends business management with analytics specialization. It’s designed for full-time students and working professionals, with classes available during the day and evening.

    This two-year program allows you to balance your studies with your job. After graduation, you can pursue various careers, such as business analyst, data analyst, consultant, or manager.

    • Location: Chicago
    • Graduation Rate: 73.8%
    • Credits Per Hour: 36
    • Tuition: $35,411
    • Program Length: 2 years
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  3. #3

    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Champaign , IL
    #2 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #9 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #13 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    45%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    62K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1415/31

    If you prefer online learning, the University of Illinois offers an MBA with a concentration in business analysis and managerial economics. It covers the necessary topics, from database management and predicting trends to visualizing data.

    This program – offered through the Gies College of Business – includes 12 credit hours of data analytics coursework and a broader business curriculum totaling 72 credits.

    One unique feature of this program is the “virtual study teams,” which allow students to collaborate closely with peers from diverse backgrounds.

    • Location: Champaign
    • Graduation Rate: 85.1%
    • Credits Per Hour: 72
    • Tuition: $23,904
    • Program Length: 2-4 years
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    4. Woman holding a printed report while scrolling through her laptop
  5. #4

    Babson College

    Wellesley , MA
    #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2024 #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts #14 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required #21 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $55K

    Acceptance

    22%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1430/31

    Babson College provides a flexible part-time MBA with a concentration in business analytics. The 45-credit program includes core courses and specialization electives.

    Students in this program learn about machine learning, using technology for analytics, economic forecasting, and artificial intelligence. Even though most classes are conducted on campus, some sessions may be online.

    • Location: Wellesley
    • Graduation Rate: 92.7%
    • Credits Per Hour: 45
    • Tuition: $89,550
    • Program Length: 1-1.5years
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  6. #5

    Hofstra University

    Hempstead , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $53K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1280/28

    At Hofstra University, their MBA in business analytics focuses on key areas like data mining, managing databases, visualizing data, analyzing web data, and modeling business scenarios.

    This program is great for students and professionals, with options for full-time or part-time study, including evening classes on campus.

    The MBA program at Hofstra waives the GMAT requirement for applicants with a GPA of 3.2 or higher.

    • Location: Hempstead
    • Graduation Rate: 64.8%
    • Credits Per Hour: 36
    • Tuition: $33,300
    • Program Length: 1-1.5 years
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  7. #6

    University of Maryland, College Park

    College Park , MD
    #12 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #12 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #15 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #19 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    45%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    42K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    The University of Maryland, College Park, offers an online MBA in business analytics through the Smith School of Business. You can complete this program in 24 months or combine it with another graduate degree.

    The curriculum covers data analytics, strategic IT, decision-making models, and global economics. Students have to finish with a hands-on consulting project.

    You won’t have to submit GRE or GMAT scores; however, you should have at least five years of work experience.

    • Location: College Park
    • Graduation Rate: 85.6%
    • Credits Per Hour: 54
    • Tuition: $41,440
    • Program Length: 2 years
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    8. Related Questions

    What is business analytics?

    9. Business analytics is concerned with examining past and present business trends and data. Using statistical techniques and models, business analytics assist business leaders in making strategic decisions to enhance operations, finances, and marketing.

    Why get a business analytics MBA?

    Business analysts are in demand across every industry and sector. According to PayScale, students with an MBA in business analytics raked in around $84,000 on average by December 2023. Meanwhile, those with a bachelor’s in business administration brought home about $10,000 less.

    Is an online MBA in business analytics worth it?

    Getting an online MBA in business analytics gives students the flexibility to study around their job commitments and level up their skills. These programs – provided they’re accredited – enhance students’ business know-how, helping them become better leaders.

    10. Conclusion

    The MBA in business analytics is an MBA degree program that focuses on analytics. With this degree, you can explore a range of careers in business intelligence, such as financial analyst, business analytics manager, and more. Graduates with this degree are highly sought-after. However, whether you study online or on campus, make sure you do it from an accredited MBA institute.

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