What Can You Do With a Master’s in Business Analytics Degree for 2025?

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Data is the electricity of the modern world – powerful but invisible until it is harnessed correctly. Just as electricity needs the right systems to light up a city or power technology, raw data requires analysis and interpretation to generate meaningful insights. That is where business analytics plays a crucial role.

As the global economy becomes increasingly data-driven, earning a master’s in business analytics (MSBA) can position you at the forefront of this transformation, equipping you to lead in the fast-growing fields of data science and business intelligence.

My team and I prepared this guide to offer insight into the benefits of master’s degrees in business analytics, as well as career paths, employment opportunities, and professional trends to look forward to when you graduate with an MSBA.

What are the benefits of a Master’s in Business Analytics degree?

Accelerated Career Growth and Higher Earning Potential. A master’s in business analytics equips graduates with in-demand skills in data analysis, statistical modeling, and strategic thinking, leading to faster career advancement and significantly higher salaries across industries such as consulting, finance, marketing, and IT.
High Demand Across Diverse Industries. The degree opens doors to a wide range of opportunities in sectors like healthcare, finance, retail, technology, and government, where data-driven decision-making is critical. Roles for analytics professionals are projected to grow much faster than average, ensuring strong job prospects and security.
Combination of Technical Expertise and Business Acumen. Graduates gain a powerful blend of technical skills and business knowledge, enabling them to translate complex data into actionable insights and lead analytics initiatives that drive innovation and competitive advantage.

What are the top specializations in business analytics?
What jobs can you get with a master’s in business analytics?
Are remote jobs available for business analytics graduates?
What is the average salary with a master’s in business analytics?
Can I get work experience during a business analytics master’s program?
What software tools do business analysts use?
Is a business analytics master’s degree worth it for career advancement?
Is online education a viable option for business analytics careers?
What factors should you consider when choosing a Master’s in Business Analytics program?
How can interdisciplinary education broaden career opportunities in business analytics?
What are the best certifications for business analytics professionals?
What soft skills are important for business analytics professionals?
What are the top emerging trends in business analytics?
Other Things You Should Know About Master’s in Business Analytics Degrees

What are the top specializations in business analytics?

The top specializations in master's in business analytics degree programs typically focus on combining advanced data skills with business strategy and industry-specific applications. Based on current program offerings and industry trends, the leading specializations include:

Data Science and Machine Learning. Emphasizes statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms, AI, and predictive analytics to extract insights from large datasets and build automated decision-making systems. The best database management bachelor's degrees can be a good stepping stone if you plan to pursue this specialization.
Strategic Business Analytics. Focuses on using analytics to drive business strategy, improve decision-making, and optimize operations. It combines quantitative methods with leadership, communication, and management skills to prepare graduates for strategic roles in various industries.
Financial Analytics. Applies business analytics techniques specifically to finance, including risk modeling, portfolio management, and financial forecasting. This specialization is ideal for careers in banking, investment, and financial consulting.
Marketing Analytics. Concentrates on analyzing customer data, market trends, and digital marketing metrics to optimize marketing campaigns and customer engagement strategies.
Healthcare Analytics. Focuses on applying analytics to healthcare data to improve patient outcomes, optimize resource allocation, and support healthcare management decisions. If healthcare is a field you want to focus on, you may also explore a career as healthcare coordinator. What degree is needed to be a healthcare coordinator? Check out our article on this topic.
Supply Chain and Operations Analytics. Deals with optimizing supply chain processes, inventory management, and operational efficiency using data-driven techniques.
Digital Analytics and Emerging Technologies. Covers digital data analysis, social media analytics, and the use of emerging technologies such as AI and big data tools in business contexts.
Agile and Data-Driven Management. Integrates agile methodologies with data analytics to enable iterative, flexible business problem-solving and project management.

Many top-ranked programs, such as those at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Anderson, Columbia Business School, and Carnegie Mellon Tepper, offer combinations of these specializations or electives that allow students to tailor their studies toward these focus areas.

In summary, the top specializations in master's in business analytics programs align with industry demands for expertise in data science, strategic decision-making, and sector-specific analytics such as finance, marketing, healthcare, and supply chain management.

What jobs can you get with a master’s in business analytics?

With a master’s degree in business analytics, you can pursue a wide range of data-focused and strategic roles across various industries. Here are some of the common job titles you can get with an MSBA:

Data Scientist. Analyzes complex data sets using advanced statistical and machine learning techniques to provide actionable insights and predictive models.
Data Analyst. Gathers, cleans, and interprets data to help organizations improve strategies, operations, and decision-making across sectors like finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and government.
Senior Business Analyst. Bridges the gap between data and business needs by translating analytics into actionable business strategies and improvements.
Machine Learning Scientist/Engineer. Develops and implements machine learning models to solve business problems and optimize processes.
Data Architect. Designs and manages data infrastructure and systems to ensure efficient data flow and accessibility for analytics.
Business Intelligence Analyst. Creates dashboards and reporting tools to help stakeholders understand business performance and trends. If you are interested in this career path, I suggest looking deeper into how to start a career in business intelligence analytics.
Operations Research Analyst. Uses mathematical modeling and data analysis to optimize business operations and resource allocation.
Market Research Analyst. Studies market conditions and consumer behavior to guide marketing strategies and product launches.
Digital Strategy Manager/Consultant. Focuses on digital data analytics and strategy to enhance online business performance and customer engagement.
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)/Chief Data Officer (CDO). Executive roles overseeing technology and data strategy to drive innovation and business growth.
Supply Chain Analyst. Applies analytics to optimize supply chain operations, reduce costs, and improve efficiency.
Financial Analyst. Uses data analytics to assess financial performance, forecast trends, and support investment decisions.
Predictive Modeler. Develops statistical models to predict future outcomes and support strategic planning.
Statistician. Applies statistical methods to analyze data and solve business problems. But if you're good with numbers and you want to spread that love around, you should consider a career teaching math. If you're concerned about math teacher salary not being as high as that of a statistician, there are always ways to improve your earning potential.

The specific job you can get will depend on your individual skills, experience, the specific focus of your MSBA program, and the industry you are targeting. However, a master’s in business analytics provides a versatile and valuable skillset that is highly sought after in today's data-driven economy.

To give you an idea of the demand, here are the projected annual job openings from O*NET OnLine for certain business analytics roles in 2023-2033:

Are remote jobs available for business analytics graduates?

Yes, remote jobs are widely available for business analytics graduates, reflecting a strong and growing trend toward remote work in this field.

Research published by Stanford reveals that working from home (WFH) is most prevalent in North America, with workers in the U.S. averaging 1.6 days per week doing remote work in their homes.
In April 2025, roughly 27% of paid days in the U.S. were WFH days.
As of Spring 2025, 13% of full-time employees were fully remote and 27% were in a hybrid arrangement.
The top three industries where working from home is most prevalent are finance, information, and professional and business services. All three sectors employ a large number of business analysts.
In the information sector, 21% are fully remote workers while 49% follow a hybrid setup.
Meanwhile, 29% of workers in the finance industry are fully remote, and 40% enjoy hybrid arrangements.
As for the professional and business services, 22% work fully remote, while 38% have hybrid work settings.
Business analysts and analytics professionals are well-suited for remote work because their tasks can be effectively performed using digital tools and cloud platforms.
The rise of AI and automation also supports remote roles by enabling more efficient data processing and analytics workflows that do not require physical presence.

These current trends indicate that business analytics professionals have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the perks of remote work, such as flexibility and cost savings, improved work-life balance, and increased job satisfaction. However, I would suggest taking time to discern if working remotely is the best arrangement for your work personality and home environment.

A study from Gallup warns that although remote workers are more engaged at work, they also tend to be more distressed and less likely to be thriving in their lives. This is why it is important to find an employer who supports and looks out for the well-being of workers, whether on-site or remote.

What is the average salary with a master’s in business analytics?

The average salary for someone with a master's in business analytics varies depending on several factors, including experience, location, industry, and specific job title. Overall, a business analytics master’s degree offers a strong return on investment with competitive salaries.

ZipRecruiter reports an average salary of around $80,000 for holders of master’s in business analytics degrees, with potential increases as professionals gain experience and move into mid-level or senior roles.

Furthermore, your income may be higher if you work in certain cities in the United States. For example, those in Nome, Sitka, and Red Dog in Alaska and those in Cupertino, Berkeley, and Sunnyvale in California earn about $94,000 to $99,000 annually. These cities offer the highest wages for graduates of a master’s in business analytics, according to the most recent salary data from ZipRecruiter. However, it should be noted that Alaska and California also have higher costs of living compared to other states.

Specific industries and roles may also offer higher wages. According to 2024 salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average income of different business analyst professions ranges between $86,000 and $125,000. The chart below provides additional details.

Can I get work experience during a business analytics master’s program?

Yes, you can absolutely get work experience during a master’s in business analytics program, and in many cases, it is encouraged or even built into the curriculum. Here are some common ways to do this:

Internships. Many MSBA programs either require or strongly encourage students to undertake internships. These can be paid or unpaid and provide valuable real-world experience applying the concepts and tools learned in the classroom. Internships can range from a few months during the summer to longer part-time placements during the academic year.
Part-time Jobs. Some students work part-time in roles that leverage their analytical skills or provide exposure to relevant industries. This could be in data analysis, business intelligence, or related fields.
Industry Projects/Consulting Projects. Many master's in business analytics degree programs incorporate projects where students work on real-world business problems provided by companies. This provides practical experience and can sometimes lead to job opportunities.
Research Assistant Roles. Students might work with faculty members on research projects, which can involve data analysis and provide valuable experience.
Co-op Programs. Some universities offer co-operative education programs where students alternate between academic study and full-time paid work experience in related fields. MSBA programs might be integrated with such co-op opportunities.
Freelancing/Contract Work. Students with strong data skills might take on freelance or contract projects to gain experience and build their portfolio.

Some programs also offer international study tours or collaborative projects with partner schools worldwide, further enriching practical experience and global business understanding.

Hands-on experience is a critical component of most top business analytics master’s programs and can also help you land a great job after graduation. Thus, make sure to look for MSBA programs that recognize the importance of practical experience and actively facilitate opportunities for students to gain it through career services, industry partnerships, and curriculum design.

What software tools do business analysts use?

Business analysts use a diverse set of software tools tailored to tasks such as data analysis, visualization, business modeling, project management, and collaboration. Some of these tech products are also required in a computer engineer career path and used in other professions that specialize in gathering, managing, analyzing, and utilizing huge chunks of data. Here are the key categories and popular tools widely used today:

Data Visualization and Business Intelligence Tools

Tableau. Known for powerful drag-and-drop visualizations, complex calculations, and integration with Python and R, Tableau helps analysts turn data into actionable insights and supports real-time collaboration.
Microsoft Power BI. A leading business analytics tool offering seamless integration with Microsoft products, real-time dashboards, and easy-to-use data visualization for businesses of all sizes.
Qlik. Features an intuitive drag-and-drop interface and AI-powered associative technology to uncover hidden insights by exploring large datasets interactively.
Domo. Provides a holistic, real-time data visualization platform with customizable charts and dashboards, ideal for comprehensive business views across departments.
Google Looker. Offers embedded analytics and custom data applications with a strong modeling layer for consistent metric definition and reuse.

Data Analysis and Statistical Tools

Statistical Analysis System (SAS). Trusted in industries requiring compliance and handling large datasets, SAS excels in advanced analytics, AI, and data management, especially in healthcare and finance.
Structured Query Language (SQL). Essential for querying and retrieving data from databases for analysis.
Alteryx. Provides data preparation, blending, and advanced analytics capabilities, enabling analysts to automate workflows and perform predictive analysis.
Python and R. Programming languages with extensive libraries for data analysis, statistical modeling, and visualization.

Project Management and Collaboration Tools

Microsoft Visio. Used for creating professional flowcharts, organizational charts, and project schedules to support business modeling and project management.
Nifty. A workflow management and time-tracking tool that helps monitor project progress and task completion.
Trello. A user-friendly visual project organization tool with boards, task assignments, and real-time collaboration features.
Wrike. A collaborative work management platform supporting task tracking and team communication.

Prototyping and Wireframing Tools

Balsamiq. A low-fidelity wireframing tool for quickly creating mockups and gathering feedback.
Axure RP. A more advanced prototyping tool for creating interactive prototypes and wireframes with detailed specifications.
Figma. A collaborative design tool that can also be used for creating user interface (UI) prototypes and wireframes.

Requirements and Process Management

Rational RequisitePro. Manages business requirements for large projects, including impact analysis and data querying.
Oracle NetSuite. Offers real-time reporting, customizable dashboards, and financial analysis tools, integrating with third-party applications for comprehensive business insights.
Creatio. Combines process modeling, data management, and reporting to design and optimize business processes.

The specific tools a business analyst uses will depend on the organization, the industry, the projects they are working on, and their individual preferences and skills. However, a strong understanding of several tools across these categories is generally expected.

A 2023 survey from the software research firm BARC reveals that Microsoft is the top product chosen by data management specialists across the globe. According to the survey results, these are the software with the most number of users:

Microsoft - 31%
Qlik - 21%
WhereScape - 18%
Informatica - 17%
SAP - 15%
Snowflake - 15%
Talend - 15%

The United States is also the global leader when it comes to adopting advanced business intelligence software, according to Statista. Moreover, the U.S. is predicted to generate the highest revenue for the business intelligence software market, with projections of $14.64 billion in 2025.

These trends further highlight how important it is for aspiring business analysts to learn and master valuable software and tools that will make them more marketable in the data analysis arena.

Is a business analytics master’s degree worth it for career advancement?

A master’s degree in business analytics is often worth it for career advancement, especially if you are aiming for roles that require strong data-driven decision-making skills or want to transition into analytics from a non-technical background. The points below discuss the benefits in more detail:

Accelerated career growth and higher earning potential. Earning a master’s in business analytics can lead to faster career progression and significantly higher salaries compared to bachelor’s degree holders. Graduates often access high-paying roles in consulting, finance, marketing, IT, and operations analytics. With additional experience or further studies, such as DBA programs online, MSBA degree holders can also pursue leadership roles commanding six-figure incomes, like Analytics Manager or Chief Data Officer.
In-demand skills and competitive advantage. The degree equips students with a powerful blend of technical expertise and business acumen. This combination is highly sought after as businesses increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making across industries. A master’s in business analytics signals to employers a candidate’s commitment to staying ahead in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, providing a competitive edge in the job market.
Versatility across industries. The skills learned in an MSBA program are applicable across diverse sectors like technology, finance, healthcare, marketing, operations, and consulting, providing flexibility in career choices. This flexibility allows for long-term career mobility and growth.

While a master's degree in business analytics is a significant investment, the potential for increased lifetime earnings and career advancement often provides a strong return on that investment (ROI). Some institutions even highlight their MSBA programs as having a high ROI compared to other graduate degrees.

In conclusion, a master's in business analytics appears to be a worthwhile investment for career advancement in today's data-driven economy. It provides the necessary skills, increases earning potential, and opens doors to a wide range of in-demand and evolving roles across various industries.

These factors have encouraged more individuals to specialize in business analytics for their master’s. According to the Application Trends Survey Report from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), master’s in business analytics programs received a median total of 175 applications in 2024. Meanwhile, the median total for other business degree programs was 150 applications for master’s in finance, 97 for master’s in accounting, 43 for executive master of business administration (MBA), and 134 for full-time one-year MBA programs.

Is online education a viable option for business analytics careers?

Online education offers a flexible, cost-effective approach to advanced learning in business analytics, accommodating professionals who need to balance work and study. It provides structured coursework that mirrors the rigor of traditional programs through interactive modules, live sessions, and collaborative projects. Evaluating online options can help professionals upskill without geographic constraints or the significant financial outlay often associated with on-campus degrees. For instance, exploring alternatives like the cheapest online MBA programs may offer valuable insights into balancing quality, cost, and scheduling flexibility.

What factors should you consider when choosing a Master’s in Business Analytics program?

When evaluating a Master’s in Business Analytics program, scrutinize the curriculum structure for a balanced mix of technical skills and business strategy. Key considerations include accreditation status, faculty expertise, and established industry partnerships that support internships and capstone projects. Prospective students should also review program flexibility, learning format, and connections with employers to ensure timely career advancement. Additionally, understanding tuition costs and return on investment is critical—comparing programs may reveal options like the best affordable online MBA with specialization in healthcare management, which can serve as a benchmark for affordability and quality.

How can interdisciplinary education broaden career opportunities in business analytics?

Integrating expertise from complementary disciplines can provide a strategic edge in today’s competitive landscape. For example, coupling analytical prowess with domain-specific knowledge—such as healthcare management—enables professionals to tackle complex, cross‐industry challenges. A targeted approach like pursuing an advanced program in another field can diversify your skill set and open doors to innovative roles. In this context, exploring options in related disciplines, including programs like the online Pharm D, can prepare graduates to lead interdisciplinary initiatives and deliver enhanced, data-driven solutions across sectors.

What are the best certifications for business analytics professionals?

For business analytics professionals looking to strengthen their credentials, several certifications can enhance both technical expertise and credibility in the job market. The best certifications typically align with your career goals, whether you are focusing on data analysis, visualization, project management, or more technical analytics and data science.

Some of the most recognized and valuable certifications include:

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP). Offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), this certification is ideal for experienced professionals who work on complex projects and need strong business analysis skills. It emphasizes requirements management, stakeholder communication, and solution assessment.
Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate. This beginner-friendly program, available on Coursera, is well-regarded for those looking to start a career in analytics. It covers data cleaning, analysis, visualization, and basic tools like Excel, SQL, and Tableau.
Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate. Best suited for professionals using Power BI to visualize data and drive business decisions. This certification proves your ability to design scalable data models, clean data, and create meaningful reports and dashboards.
SAS Certified Advanced Analytics Professional. Tailored to individuals who work in industries where SAS is commonly used, like finance, healthcare, or government. This certification covers data manipulation, predictive modeling, and machine learning using SAS tools.
Tableau Desktop Specialist/Certified Data Analyst. These certifications validate your skills in using Tableau for data visualization and dashboard creation. They are useful for roles in business intelligence and reporting.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Data Analytics Specialty. Ideal for analytics professionals working in cloud-based environments. This certification focuses on collecting, storing, processing, and visualizing data using AWS tools.
Certified Analytics Professional (CAP). A vendor-neutral, advanced certification that covers the full analytics process from framing a problem to data methodology, model building, and deployment. It’s great for mid-career professionals in data science, operations research, or business strategy roles.
IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate. This hands-on certificate focuses on data analysis tools like Excel, SQL, Python, and visualization platforms such as Cognos and Jupyter Notebooks. It's practical for both entry-level professionals and those transitioning into analytics.

When choosing a certification and considering which is a good bootcamp for data science and business analysis, consider the tools and skills most in demand in your industry or desired role. For example, someone aiming to work in marketing analytics may benefit more from Tableau or Google certifications, while someone in a more technical or cloud-based analytics role might prioritize Python, AWS, or SAS.

Ultimately, certifications can not replace real-world experience or a degree, but they do offer a structured way to gain specific skills, stand out to employers, and demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning in the business analytics field.

What soft skills are important for business analytics professionals?

Business analytics professionals need a strong set of soft skills that complement their technical expertise to effectively translate data into actionable business insights and collaborate across teams. The most important soft skills include:

Communication skills. Clear and concise communication is fundamental. Business analysts must present complex data findings in an understandable way to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, tailoring their message to different audiences. This includes strong writing, presentation, and storytelling abilities to ensure insights lead to informed decisions.
Critical thinking and analytical problem-solving. They need to evaluate data critically, question assumptions, and identify which data is relevant to solve business problems. This involves root cause analysis, scenario evaluation, and making recommendations based on logical reasoning and predictive analytics.
Active listening. This soft skill helps analysts fully understand stakeholder needs and viewpoints, ensuring requirements are accurately captured and addressed. Techniques like asking open-ended questions and paraphrasing enhance understanding and prevent miscommunication.
Collaboration and teamwork. Business analysts work with diverse teams that include project managers, developers, and stakeholders, and must foster effective collaboration. Emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills help build trust, manage conflicts, and align team goals.
Attention to detail. Handling large volumes of data requires meticulousness to avoid errors that could lead to faulty conclusions. Attention to detail ensures data quality and the reliability of insights used for decision-making.
Curiosity and continuous learning. A natural inquisitiveness drives analysts to stay updated with industry trends, new tools, and evolving data landscapes. This mindset supports ongoing skill development and adaptability in a rapidly changing field.
Visualization and storytelling. The ability to translate complex data into clear, concise visualizations and narratives is key to helping stakeholders grasp insights quickly and take action.
Negotiation and stakeholder management. Business analysts often negotiate project scope, resources, and priorities. Strong negotiation skills help achieve mutually beneficial outcomes and maintain positive stakeholder relationships.
Organizational and research skills. Organizing data effectively and conducting thorough research to understand business contexts and market conditions are essential for informed analysis and strategic recommendations.

These soft skills enable business analytics professionals to bridge the gap between data and business strategy and drive organizational success. Additionally, research shows that having both soft and digital skills that allow individuals to succeed in this technological age is essential to thrive in the current labor market.

Moreover, all the skills you learn and develop as a business analyst will equip you with the ability to point which investments are good for a company, and which are not. As such, an investment management career path also sounds sensible.

GMAC conducted a survey of global employers in 2024, and the results show that problem-solving, communication, and strategic thinking are the top skills they look for among graduates of advanced business programs. The chart below provides more details:

What are the top emerging trends in business analytics?

The field of business analytics continues to evolve rapidly, driven by technological advancements and the increasing importance of data-driven decision-making. Here are some of the top emerging trends in this industry:

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Integration. Generative AI is moving beyond basic automation to become a strategic partner in decision-making. It is being used for tasks like generating market analysis reports, creating personalized marketing content, developing predictive financial models, and optimizing supply chains. Business analysts will need to understand the capabilities and limitations of GenAI to effectively integrate it into workflows and translate complex AI/ML models into actionable business insights.
Augmented Analytics. Powered by AI and machine learning, augmented analytics automates data preparation, insight discovery, and reporting. It makes data analysis more accessible to non-technical users by providing automated suggestions and recommendations in natural language.
Real-Time Analytics and Edge Computing. Businesses are increasingly focusing on real-time data analysis to make faster decisions, especially in sectors like e-commerce, finance, and healthcare. Edge computing involves processing data closer to its source, thus minimizing latency and enabling real-time insights from IoT devices and other streaming data.
Data Democratization and Self-Service Business Intelligence (BI). Self-service BI platforms with user-friendly interfaces and AI assistants are becoming more sophisticated. Advancements focus on making data and analytics tools accessible to a wider range of users across the organization, empowering them to perform their analyses without relying solely on IT or data science teams.
Explainable AI (XAI) and AI Governance. As AI becomes more integrated, there is a growing need for transparency and understanding of how AI models arrive at their predictions and recommendations. Ethical considerations, data privacy, and robust governance practices for AI models are becoming crucial to build trust and ensure compliance.
Data Fabric Architecture. This is an important trend in data architect career requirements. This emerging architectural approach aims to simplify data access and management across diverse data environments, breaking down data silos and providing a unified view for analysis.
Embedded Analytics. Data analysis and visualization functionalities are being integrated directly into business applications, making data-driven decision-making more seamless and accessible within the context of work.
Data Storytelling and Visualization. Translating complex data into compelling narratives with effective visualizations remains a critical skill for business analysts to communicate insights and drive action. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are also emerging for immersive data visualization experiences.
Data Security, Privacy, and Governance. With increasing data volumes and stricter regulations, ensuring data security, privacy, and quality through robust governance frameworks is paramount.
Agile and Adaptive Frameworks. Agile methodologies continue to dominate project management, requiring business analysts to be adaptable, work in iterative cycles, and effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams. Hybrid agile approaches and scaled agile frameworks are also gaining traction.
Data Mesh. This approach decentralizes data ownership and governance, enabling cross-functional teams to easily access, share, and derive insights from their specific data domains.
Sustainability Analytics. Businesses are increasingly using data analytics to measure and optimize their environmental impact, driven by consumer expectations and regulations.

These trends highlight a future where business analytics is more integrated, automated, accessible, and focused on driving strategic and ethical decision-making across organizations. Business analytics professionals who adapt to these emerging areas will be well-positioned for continued success.

Are you on the lookout for an alternative career where you are more involved with people and you are able to help individuals? A career as a speech language pathologist could be the one you're looking for. You can check out the pros and cons of being a speech pathologist if you need help deciding.

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say About Their Master’s in Business Analytics Degree

“Studying for my Master’s in Business Analytics online gave me the flexibility to keep working full-time while building the technical skills I needed to pivot into a data analyst role. I was amazed by how practical the coursework was — within months, I was using Python, SQL, and Tableau on real-world projects.” - Alicia
“This degree gave me the confidence and credentials to transition from a general business role into a more analytical, strategic position. The capstone project, which involved optimizing a retail supply chain, helped me land interviews at top consulting firms.” - Nikola
“I loved how the online format of my master’s program in business analytics made advanced education accessible without sacrificing quality. The program balanced technical depth with business insight, and I graduated with a job offer in hand from a healthcare analytics company.” - Priya

Key Findings

ZipRecruiter reports an average salary of around $80,000 for holders of master’s in business analytics degrees in 2025, with potential increases as professionals gain experience and move into mid-level or senior roles.
Business analysts use a diverse set of software tools tailored to tasks such as data analysis, visualization, business modeling, project management, and collaboration.
Business analytics professionals need a strong set of soft skills that complement their technical expertise to effectively translate data into actionable business insights and collaborate across teams.
Hands-on experience is a critical component of most top business analytics master’s programs and can also help you land a great job after graduation.
O*NET OnLine projects 20,800 annual job openings in 2023-2033 for business intelligence analysts and data scientists.

Other Things You Should Know About Master’s in Business Analytics Degrees

Is machine learning part of a master’s in business analytics curriculum?

Yes, machine learning is commonly included in a master’s in business analytics curriculum, especially as businesses increasingly rely on predictive modeling and data-driven decision-making. While the depth of coverage varies by program, students typically learn foundational ML concepts such as supervised and unsupervised learning, regression, classification, and clustering. Courses often combine theory with hands-on practice using tools like Python or R. The goal is to equip students with the skills to apply machine learning techniques to real-world business problems, such as customer segmentation, forecasting, and fraud detection, even if the program is not as technical as a data science degree.

What is the difference between a master’s in business analytics and data science?

A master’s in business analytics focuses on using data to solve business problems, emphasizing decision-making, strategy, and tools like Excel, SQL, Tableau, and some machine learning. It blends business knowledge with analytical skills. In contrast, a master’s in data science is more technical and math-intensive, covering programming, algorithms, data engineering, and advanced machine learning. Business analytics prepares graduates for roles like business analyst or data consultant, while data science leads to positions like data scientist or machine learning engineer. Simply put, business analytics is more business-driven, while data science is more focused on computational and statistical modeling.

Should I get an MBA or a master’s in business analytics?

The choice between an MBA and a master's in business analytics hinges on your career goals. An MBA offers a broad business education, focusing on leadership, strategy, and general management, making it suitable for diverse roles and entrepreneurship. An MSBA provides specialized skills in data analysis, statistical methods, and data-driven decision-making, ideal for roles like data analyst, data scientist, and business intelligence analyst. If you aim for leadership with a strong understanding of business, an MBA might be better. If you are passionate about working with data to drive business insights, an MSBA is likely the more direct path.

What kind of capstone projects are required in a business analytics degree?

Capstone projects in a business analytics degree typically involve real-world problem-solving using data analysis techniques. Students may work on projects such as creating predictive models for customer behavior, analyzing market trends, optimizing supply chain processes, or developing business intelligence dashboards. These projects often require students to apply tools like SQL, Python, R, and Tableau to analyze large datasets and provide actionable insights. Capstones can be done individually or in teams, and may involve collaboration with industry partners, ensuring students gain practical, hands-on experience in applying business analytics to solve complex business challenges.