Best Online Master’s in Business Analytics Programs for 2024
Fortune set out to identify the best online degree programs for the next generation of business analysts, and the result was this ranking of the nation’s best online master’s degree programs in business analytics. These programs not only have world class professors and a top-notch curriculum, but they also attract some of the brightest students.
Maryville University Master of Business Administration | Online
Earn Your MBA from Maryville University - a faster, more convenient, and affordable way to earn an MBA.
Earn your Master of Business Administration online from Maryville University in as few as 12 months. Prepare to advance into a management-level role. Choose from 12 optional concentrations/built-in certificates.
Learn MoreUC Davis Master of Management
The online Master of Management from UC Davis is a graduate business degree designed for recent college graduates, ambitious young professionals and career-changers aspiring to leadership roles.
The 15-month online Master of Management program provides aspiring leaders with a foundation in the functional areas of business, such as accounting, finance, marketing and strategy. No minimum professional experience is required.
Learn More![1. Texas A&M University](https://fortune.com/img-assets/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-471877531.jpg?w=1440&q=75)
1. Texas A&M University
College Station, TXThe business analytics master's at Texas A&M Mays Business School requires standarized testing submission for those who do not already have a master's degree or an undergraduate GPA of 3.5. Two letters of recommendation are also needed to apply, and international students must submit a TOEFL score. The deadline to apply for fall 2024 is June 28, and tuition per year for out-of-state students is about $26,000.
Acceptance rate, 2023-24 | 43% |
Average number of of work experience (years) | 13.5 |
Average undergraduate GPA, 2023-24 enrollees | 3.56 |
Graduation rate, 2022-23 | 83% |
Number of applicants in 2023-24 | 167 |
One-year retention rate, 2022-23 | 85% |
Tuition per year, out-of-state | $26,000 |
![2. Georgetown University (McDonough)](https://fortune.com/img-assets/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/170626_HealyHall_Pick-113.jpg?w=1440&q=75)
2. Georgetown University (McDonough)
Washington, DCWhen applying to Georgetown University's online master's in business analytics, GMAT/GRE scores are optional but strongly recommended. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation, and TOEFL submission is required for international students. The deadline to apply for fall 2024 is June 15, and annual tuition is about $63,000. Four months post graduation, alumni earn median salaries of $116,000.
Acceptance rate, 2023-24 | 68% |
Average number of of work experience (years) | 6.1 |
Average undergraduate GPA, 2023-24 enrollees | 3.34 |
Graduation rate, 2022-23 | 98% |
Number of applicants in 2023-24 | 216 |
One-year retention rate, 2022-23 | 100% |
Tuition per year, out-of-state | $62,790 |
![3. University of Cincinnati](https://fortune.com/img-assets/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/University-of-Cincinnati-Carl-H-Lindner-College-of-Business-1.jpg?w=1440&q=75)
3. University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OHThe University of Cincinnati's online master's in business analytics requires GRE scores but offers waivers. It also requires international students to turn in TOEFL scores. Two letters of recommendation are needed to apply. Annual out-of-state tuition is about $12,100, and the application deadline is July 31. Note: program began in 2022-23.
Acceptance rate, 2023-24 | 51% |
Average number of of work experience (years) | 10 |
Average undergraduate GPA, 2023-24 enrollees | 3.67 |
Graduation rate, 2022-23 | DNP |
Number of applicants in 2023-24 | 39 |
One-year retention rate, 2022-23 | 83% |
Tuition per year, out-of-state | $12,180 |
UC Davis Master of Management
The online Master of Management from UC Davis is a graduate business degree designed for recent college graduates, ambitious young professionals and career-changers aspiring to leadership roles.
The 15-month online Master of Management program provides aspiring leaders with a foundation in the functional areas of business, such as accounting, finance, marketing and strategy. No minimum professional experience is required.
Learn More![4. Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper)](https://fortune.com/img-assets/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/web_Carnegie-Mellon-University-tepper-quad-exterior-04-min.jpg?w=1440&q=75)
4. Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper)
Pittsburgh, PAThe online business analytics master's at Carnegie Mellon requires a GMAT or GRE score to apply but waviers are avaliable. Two letters of recommendation are needed, and proof of English proficiency is needed for students who come from an undergraduate institute where English was not the sole language of instruction. There are five application rounds to apply, with deadlines in October, January, March, May, and June. Annual tuition is $43,351.
Acceptance rate, 2023-24 | 82% |
Average number of of work experience (years) | 7.6 |
Average undergraduate GPA, 2023-24 enrollees | 3.46 |
Graduation rate, 2022-23 | 95% |
Number of applicants in 2023-24 | 113 |
One-year retention rate, 2022-23 | 92% |
Tuition per year, out-of-state | $43,351 |
![University of Iowa building](https://fortune.com/img-assets/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Iowa.jpg?w=1440&q=75)
5. University of Iowa
Iowa City, IAFor the University of Iowa's online master's in business analytics program, GRE scores are not required but can be submitted. Similarly, standardized test scores are not needed but can strengthen a candidate's application. The annual program tuition is around $11,250, and the application deadline is August 1.
Acceptance rate, 2023-24 | 91% |
Average number of of work experience (years) | 10 |
Average undergraduate GPA, 2023-24 enrollees | 3.29 |
Graduation rate, 2022-23 | 65% |
Number of applicants in 2023-24 | 159 |
One-year retention rate, 2022-23 | 89% |
Tuition per year, out-of-state | $11,250 |
![ASU campus](https://fortune.com/img-assets/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ASU.jpg?w=1440&q=75)
6. Arizona State University
Tempe, AZArizona State University does not require GMAT/GRE scores to apply for its online master's in business analytics, but a TOEFL score is needed for international students. Letters of recommendation are not requred. The deadline to apply for fall 2024 is July 1, and total program tuition is about $42,000 for out-of-state students.
Acceptance rate, 2023-24 | 66% |
Average number of of work experience (years) | 4 |
Average undergraduate GPA, 2023-24 enrollees | 3.4 |
Graduation rate, 2022-23 | 88% |
Number of applicants in 2023-24 | 109 |
One-year retention rate, 2022-23 | 91% |
Tuition per year, out-of-state | $41,612 |
![7. Pepperdine University (Graziadio)](https://fortune.com/img-assets/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-638595361.jpg?w=1440&q=75)
7. Pepperdine University (Graziadio)
Malibu, CAPepperdine University does not require standarized tests or letters of recommendation to apply for its online master's in business analytics. A TOEFL score is required for international students. The deadline to apply is June 25 for fall 2024 admission, and annual tuition is about $65,000.
Acceptance rate, 2023-24 | 77% |
Average number of of work experience (years) | 9 |
Average undergraduate GPA, 2023-24 enrollees | 3.19 |
Graduation rate, 2022-23 | 78% |
Number of applicants in 2023-24 | 66 |
One-year retention rate, 2022-23 | 89% |
Tuition per year, out-of-state | $64,790 |
![8. Syracuse University](https://fortune.com/img-assets/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/iSchool-Syracuse-University.jpg?w=1440&q=75)
8. Syracuse University
Syracause, NYSyracuse University requires test scores to apply for its online master's in business analytics, but students may qualify for a waiver. Two letters of recommendation are also needed, and those who have not lived or worked in the U.S. in the past three years must submit a TOEFL score. Graduates earn $109,500 median base salary four months after program completion. The deadline to apply for fall 2024 is August 15, and annual tuition is $67,392 for out-of-state students.
Acceptance rate, 2023-24 | 89% |
Average number of of work experience (years) | 9 |
Average undergraduate GPA, 2023-24 enrollees | 3.27 |
Graduation rate, 2022-23 | 75% |
Number of applicants in 2023-24 | 45 |
One-year retention rate, 2022-23 | 83% |
Tuition per year, out-of-state | $67,392 |
Master of Business Analytics Online — University of Dayton
Join the Field of Business Analytics
Gain technical skills in SQL, Python, and R and learn to drive successful business outcomes with your master's in business analytics online from UD. In 12 months, you will be prepared to pursue professional analytics roles. No GRE required.
Learn More![9. University of Texas--Dallas](https://fortune.com/img-assets/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/web_University-of-Texas-at-Dallas.jpg?w=1440&q=75)
9. University of Texas--Dallas
Richardson, TXThe University of Texas—Dallas's online business analytics master's program median base salary four months post-graduation is $91,000. The school requires three letters of recommendation, and international students must submit a TOEFL score. The deadline to apply for the fall 2024 cohort is May 1.
Acceptance rate, 2023-24 | 83% |
Average number of of work experience (years) | 8 |
Average undergraduate GPA, 2023-24 enrollees | 3.31 |
Graduation rate, 2022-23 | 48% |
Number of applicants in 2023-24 | 220 |
One-year retention rate, 2022-23 | 30% |
Tuition per year, out-of-state | $36,450 |
![10. University of Maryland--College Park (Smith)](https://fortune.com/img-assets/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-1314656745.jpg?w=1440&q=75)
10. University of Maryland--College Park (Smith)
College Park, MDThe University of Maryland's master's in business analytics does take GMAT and GRE scores, but submissions are optional—though they can enhance a candidate's application. One letter of recommendation is required for admission into the program, which costs $25,000 over 16 months. Note: program paused in 2021 and relaunched in 2023.
Acceptance rate, 2023-24 | 33% |
Average number of of work experience (years) | 4.1 |
Average undergraduate GPA, 2023-24 enrollees | 3.2 |
Graduation rate, 2022-23 | DNP |
Number of applicants in 2023-24 | 155 |
One-year retention rate, 2022-23 | DNP |
Tuition per year, out-of-state | DNP |
![11. University of Houston (Bauer)](https://fortune.com/img-assets/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-1291227580.jpg?w=1440&q=75)
11. University of Houston (Bauer)
Houston, TXThe University of Houston online master of business analytics program costs around $15,600 annually, and three letters of recommendation are needed to apply. International students are required to earn a score of 100 on the TOEFL. The deadline to apply is June 1.
Acceptance rate, 2023-24 | 65% |
Average number of of work experience (years) | 2.4 |
Average undergraduate GPA, 2023-24 enrollees | 3.64 |
Graduation rate, 2022-23 | DNP |
Number of applicants in 2023-24 | 20 |
One-year retention rate, 2022-23 | 83% |
Tuition per year, out-of-state | $15,590 |
![Wake Forest University campus building](https://fortune.com/img-assets/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/WakeForest.jpg?w=1440&q=75)
12. Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NCWake Forest's application deadline is rolling, meaning they look at applications as they come in. The testing policy is as follows: If a student scans prove a string aptitude for quantitative analysis through UG coursework (defined as B or better in quant-heavy courses), the standardized test could be waived. The school's annual out-of-state tuition is $26,550.
Acceptance rate, 2023-24 | 100% |
Average number of of work experience (years) | 5.8 |
Average undergraduate GPA, 2023-24 enrollees | 3.45 |
Graduation rate, 2022-23 | 69% |
Number of applicants in 2023-24 | 35 |
One-year retention rate, 2022-23 | 75% |
Tuition per year, out-of-state | $26,550 |
![American University](https://fortune.com/img-assets/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/American-University.jpg?w=1440&q=75)
13. American University (Kogod)
Washington, DCAmerican University Kogod School of Business's online master's in analytics does not require standarized testing to apply. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation, and international students must submit a TOEFL score. Tutition per year is about $63,000. The deadline to apply for the fall 2024 semester is May 15.
Acceptance rate, 2023-24 | 45% |
Average number of of work experience (years) | 7 |
Average undergraduate GPA, 2023-24 enrollees | 2.82 |
Graduation rate, 2022-23 | 75% |
Number of applicants in 2023-24 | 20 |
One-year retention rate, 2022-23 | 71% |
Tuition per year, out-of-state | $63,426 |
UC Davis Master of Management
The online Master of Management from UC Davis is a graduate business degree designed for recent college graduates, ambitious young professionals and career-changers aspiring to leadership roles.
The 15-month online Master of Management program provides aspiring leaders with a foundation in the functional areas of business, such as accounting, finance, marketing and strategy. No minimum professional experience is required.
Learn More![Ohio University](https://fortune.com/img-assets/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Ohio-University.jpg?w=1440&q=75)
14. Ohio University
Athens County, OHNo standarized tests are required to apply for Ohio University's online business analytics master's, but international students must submit a TOEFL score. Two letters of recommendation are needed, and the deadline to apply is August 1 for fall 2024 admission. Out-of-state annual tuition is $17,970.
Acceptance rate, 2023-24 | 78% |
Average number of of work experience (years) | 8.2 |
Average undergraduate GPA, 2023-24 enrollees | 3.1 |
Graduation rate, 2022-23 | DNP |
Number of applicants in 2023-24 | 73 |
One-year retention rate, 2022-23 | DNP |
Tuition per year, out-of-state | $17,970 |
![15. Santa Clara University (Leavey)](https://fortune.com/img-assets/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Santa-Clara-University-SCU-1-0410-16.jpg?w=1440&q=75)
15. Santa Clara University (Leavey)
Santa Clara, CASanta Clara University's online master's in business analytics requires test scores as admission material, but students have the option to submit a test score waiver form. International applicants are not accepted. Two letters of recommendation are needed. In order to enroll in fall 2024, students must apply by the end of August. Four months post-graduation, alumni earn median salaries of $102,000. The program costs $1,406 per unit (42 total are required, adding to $59,092).
Acceptance rate, 2023-24 | 83% |
Average number of of work experience (years) | 4.58 |
Average undergraduate GPA, 2023-24 enrollees | 3.31 |
Graduation rate, 2022-23 | DNP |
Number of applicants in 2023-24 | 12 |
One-year retention rate, 2022-23 | 86% |
Tuition per year, out-of-state | DNP |
![16. West Virginia University](https://fortune.com/img-assets/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/WVU-John-Chambers-College-of-Business-and-Economics.jpg?w=1440&q=75)
16. West Virginia University
Morgantown, WVWest Virginia University’s online master's in business analytics program requires TOEFL scores, but standardized test scores aren't required for admission. Students report that the median base salary four months post graduation is $90,000.
Acceptance rate, 2023-24 | 75% |
Average number of of work experience (years) | 3.5 |
Average undergraduate GPA, 2023-24 enrollees | 3.32 |
Graduation rate, 2022-23 | DNP |
Number of applicants in 2023-24 | 57 |
One-year retention rate, 2022-23 | DNP |
Tuition per year, out-of-state | $28,950 |
![University of Texas Rio Grande Valley campus](https://fortune.com/img-assets/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/University-of-Texas-Rio-Grande-Valley.jpg?w=1440&q=75)
17. University of Texas Rio Grand Valley
Edinburg, TXAt the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, GRE test scores are waived until the summer of 2024 for its online business analytics master's program. The program costs about $15,500, regardless of residency. The school needs one letter of recommendation and looks at applications all year round.
Acceptance rate, 2023-24 | 97% |
Average number of of work experience (years) | DNP |
Average undergraduate GPA, 2023-24 enrollees | 3.21 |
Graduation rate, 2022-23 | DNP |
Number of applicants in 2023-24 | 33 |
One-year retention rate, 2022-23 | DNP |
Tuition per year, out-of-state | DNP |
![University of Dayton](https://fortune.com/img-assets/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/University-of-Dayton-GettyImages-1210177903.jpg?w=1440&q=75)
18. University of Dayton
Dayton, OHAt the University of Dayton, standardized test scores are not required to apply for the online master's in business analytics program, and applicants do not need letters of recommendation. Graduates earn a median base salary of around $75,800 four months post-program. The deadline to apply is August 24.
Acceptance rate, 2023-24 | 100% |
Average number of of work experience (years) | 4.49 |
Average undergraduate GPA, 2023-24 enrollees | 2.99 |
Graduation rate, 2022-23 | DNP |
Number of applicants in 2023-24 | 14 |
One-year retention rate, 2022-23 | DNP |
Tuition per year, out-of-state | DNP |
Online BSc Data Science and Business Analytics from the University of London
Postgraduate Opportunities and Rewarding Careers in Data Science & Analytics
The online BSc Business and Management programme from the University of London prepares students for careers in banking, general management, accountancy and other growing fields. With academic direction from the London School of Economics and Political Science, ranked #2 in the world in Social Sciences and Management by QS World University Rankings (2020), this programme emphasises sought-after creative and strategic problem-solving skills.
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Thanks to the growing demand for business analysts and high starting salaries that accompany these jobs, many people are pursuing a degree in this field. The good news is that business analysts are being hired at companies across industries. With data-based decision-making becoming more and more popular, there's no sign the demand is slowing down.
Business analytics is a field for studying data and making strategic decisions based on that analysis to increase efficiency. People with a degree in business analytics often go on to pursue functional roles, such as becoming a business analyst, which require a mix of qualitative and quantitative insights. The ultimate goal of business analytics is to increase efficiency and use data to inform business decisions.
There is growing demand among companies for people who can make sense of complex data sets. Entry-level business analysis professionals earn $57,693—according to the International Institute of Business Analysis’s 2023 Global State of Business Analysis report.
Students pursuing a business analytics degree will learn a lot more than how to crunch numbers in the curriculum. Rather, these programs focus on how to use the latest technologies for gathering, visualizing, and modeling data. In addition to an emphasis on quantitative skills, these programs prepare students to translate their analysis into actionable business insights.
Obtaining a master’s degree in business analytics will help graduates pursue a huge range of careers across most industries. In addition, a master’s degree may help someone move up to a managerial or leadership position, while some companies now have chief analytics officers.
No, these degrees are different. An MBA, or master of business administration, is an internationally recognized graduate-level degree in business leadership and management. By comparison, business analytics can be pursued at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degree level and focuses instead on how to best analyze and implement data to improve business efficiency.
One degree isn’t inherently better than the other, and may appeal to people with different career goals. The best degree program for you will depend on your career goals and interests. And you may not need to choose between the two: Some MBA programs offer a concentration or specialization in business analytics.
Business analysts earn an estimated $93,482 in total pay in 2024, according to Glassdoor. And some business analyst roles have a possible salaries well into six-figures. People with a degree in business analytics may go into executive-level roles within their companies, which could fetch even salaries.
The time it takes to complete a master’s degree in business analytics depends largely on whether a student enrolls in an online or in-person program. Residential programs typically take two years to complete, though there are some accelerated one-year programs, while many online students work while attending school which extends the amount of time it takes to complete the degree.