Best Online Master’s in Business Intelligence 2021
| TBS Staff
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A master's in business intelligence can develop your ability to quantify consumer trends, generate returns on investment, reduce and manage risk, and increase efficiency.
The growing field of business intelligence and analytics relies on professionals with business intelligence master's degrees for leadership roles. After earning master's degrees, professionals can pursue opportunities in high-paying jobs as management analysts, data scientists, and market research analysts. The degree also leads to careers as statisticians, analysts, researchers, and consultants. These career paths offer strong job growth projections and high earning potential.
An online business intelligence degree prioritizes flexibility. The delivery format appeals to working professionals who must balance earning an education with their careers. By choosing an online program, business intelligence graduate students can continue working while pursuing career advancement.
Our list ranks the best online master's programs in business intelligence. Prospective students can use our rankings to identify the program that best aligns with their career goals. This article also explores common business intelligence courses, available careers for those with business intelligence master's degrees, and how to choose the right program for you.
The Best Online Master's in Business Intelligence Programs
Established as the first public university in the nation, UNC opened its doors to students in 1795. UNC now enrolls about 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students every year.
UNC-Chapel Hill's online master of business administration degree ranks as the best online MBA in the country. This online MBA program offers more than 25 electives and five concentrations in the areas of entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, strategy and consulting, and data analytics and decision making.
Applicants must complete the online MBA@UNC application form. They must also submit an updated resume, transcripts of records, and two letters of recommendation.
Texas A&M started in 1876 as the state's first public higher learning institution. Around 69,000 students enroll at Texas A&M on a yearly basis.
Texas A&M offers an online master of science in analytics program that operates under the university's Mays Business School. Students of this program learn modern techniques in analytics and demonstrate global competence in solving business problems. Students typically complete this MS curriculum within a five-semester part-time program.
Applicants must have three years of full-time work experience, a strong academic background, and competitive scores in the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
For more than a century, Babson ranks as one of the best business schools in the country. Babson's class of 2019 reported a 99% job placement rate within six months of graduation.
Babson's fully online master of business administration in entrepreneurship program provides students with a competitive entrepreneurial mindset and a set of strategic management skills. Students of this part-time, flexible MBA program usually complete their coursework within three years.
Applicants must submit one letter of professional recommendation (non-academic), an updated resume, and transcripts from all academic institutions. Candidates must also complete a video interview and pay a $100 application fee.
Penn State serves world-class distance education for more than 125 years. The university has now expanded its course offerings to 150 fully online degree programs.
Penn State's online master of business administration program allows students to choose from a total of 24 concentrations. Students of this MBA program complete 48 credits of coursework to earn their degrees. Penn State's MBA graduates gain leadership skills in business operations and strategic management.
Interested applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, and submit official transcripts of records. Applicants must also pay a nonrefundable application fee, and submit an updated resume.
UMD embraces its recognition as a top research university in the country. UMD has produced 388,000 alumni all over the world and currently serves about 40,700 students every year.
UMD offers an online master of business administration program that produces competitive business leaders grounded in data-driven decision-making. This MBA program delivers fully online coursework in the areas of concentration of accounting, finance, information systems and business analytics, marketing, and supply chain management.
Applicants must submit a statement of purpose, one letter of recommendation, an updated resume, and official transcripts of records.
Founded in 1867, Illinois currently lines up as the 14th-ranked public university in the nation. The university has now produced more than 47,000 students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries.
Illinois offers an online master of business administration with a focus on the areas of concentration of strategic leadership and management, managerial economics and business analytics, value chain management, and financial management. Students of this program personally work with senior professors and special practitioner faculty from global companies like Google.
Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and must have accumulated a minimum of three years of full-time work experience.
Around 19,000 students attend UL Lafayette on a yearly basis. Recognized as the state's second-largest public institution, UL-Lafayette rolls out more than 120 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
UL Lafayette's online master of business administration program allows students to complete their degree in as few as 15 months. This nationally-renowned MBA program also provides students with the option to choose from the areas of concentration in entrepreneurship, finance, global management, hospitality management, human resource management, project management, and sales leadership.
Interested applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5, and must complete an online application form available on the school's official website.
Known as the second-oldest institution of higher learning in America, W&M now offers more than 45 undergraduate programs and 40 graduate and professional degree programs.
W&M's online master of business administration program ranked 1st in the 2019 Bloomberg Businessweek's Best Business Schools: Learning (MBA) list. Students of this online MBA program must complete 49 credits of coursework within a minimum of two academic years to earn their degree.
Interested applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university, and a minimum of two years of professional working experience.
With more than 28,000 enrolled students across eight schools, UT Dallas offers 140 undergraduate and graduate programs. UT Dallas provides competitive education through an integration of a 24:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
UT Dallas offers a part-time online master of business administration designed for students to elevate their strategic and technical skills in the business leadership field. This online MBA program also offers a total of 15 areas of concentration including accounting, business analytics, energy management, finance, innovation & entrepreneurship, real estate, and strategic management.
Applicants must complete an online application and pay the application fee. Applicants must also submit transcripts of records, one professional letter of recommendation, an updated resume, and two written essays.
Founded in 1890, OSU has expanded its reach to five campuses. OSU enrolls more than 35,000 students every year and has graduated 264,000 alumni currently serving the nation and the world.
OSU offers an online master of science in business analytics and data science. This STEM-designated program trains students with the expertise to tackle real-world challenges in analytics and data science. Students of this online MS program must complete a total of 33 credits of coursework to earn their degree.
Applicants must submit their scores in the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or in the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), along with proof of work experience.
Since 1947, UNCW serves research-based and student-centered quality of education. Around 18,000 students attend UNCW on a yearly basis.
UNCW offers an online master of business administration program with areas of specialization in business analytics, finance, healthcare management, and international business. Students of this online MBA program complete 36 credits of coursework, including 30 credit hours of MBA core courses and six credit hours of electives.
Applicants must submit official transcripts of records with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in undergraduate work, along with an updated resume, a cover letter, and two letters of recommendation. Potential students must also have a minimum of two years of professional work experience.
Established in 1869, UNL ranks as one of the best research universities in the country. UNL also provides students with tons of support resources that include individualized tutoring and academic coaching.
UNL's online master of business administration program offers students with areas of specializations in business analytics, finance, human resource management, international business, marketing, and supply chain management. Students also have the option to choose an entirely online course delivery or opt for a blend of both on-campus and online courses.
Interested applicants must submit one set of record transcripts, and pay a $50 non-refundable application fee. Prospective students must also submit their scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or in the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
Strategically located at the heart of South Florida, FAU offers more than 170 undergraduate and graduate programs across 10 different colleges.
FAU offers an online master of business administration program with concentrations in accounting, business analytics, finance, international business, marketing, operations management, marketing, and sports management. Studies of this online MBA program complete 46 credits of coursework to earn their degree.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in any discipline, and four years of professional work experience. Prospective students must also have a GPA of 3.0 or higher over the last 60 undergraduate credits.
UD traces its roots to the year 1743, making it one of the oldest universities in the country. Around 23,600 undergraduate and graduate students attend UD every year.
UD's online master of business administration program offers five areas of emphasis: business analytics, healthcare, finance, strategic leadership, and international business. This entirely online MBA program provides students with innovative decision-making skills and access to the best analytical tools in the business industry.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, two years of work experience, a cumulative GPA of at least 2.8, and scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or in the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
With over 34,000 students from more than 130 countries, BU offers more than 300 programs of study at its three campuses across the city of Boston.
BU offers an online master of science in applied business analytics management degree program focused on preparing students with the expertise in data-mining and visualization and the foundation in making strategic decisions in business organizations. Students of this program complete 40 credits of coursework within 18-24 months to earn their degree.
Applicants must upload their transcripts as part of their completed online application.
Recognized as Texas' first major public university of the 21st century, UTRGV now rolls out more than 120 undergraduate and graduate programs.
UTRGV's online master of business administration program provides students with leadership and management skills in the business field. This competitive MBA program delivers 100% online coursework that students can finish within the span of only 12 months.
Applicants must submit an online application, transcripts from all colleges or universities with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or in the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
Established in 1842, Villanova now enrolls about 6,700 undergraduate students and 3,500 graduate students every year. Villanova's competitive graduates also produced an excellent 91% job placement rate.
Villanova offers an online master of business administration program in the areas of specialization of finance, marketing, analytics, strategic management, and international business. Villanova's online MBA curriculum consists of 21 required courses taking during six semesters.
Interested applicants must complete an online application, official transcripts from all institutions attended, two letters of recommendation, and scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or in the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
Stevens ranks 12th in the nation among the top colleges with the highest-paid graduates in 2020. Around 10,300 students attend Stevens every year.
Stevens offers an online master of science in business intelligence and analytics program specifically designed for students wanting to gain deep expertise in data science. Students of this online program must complete a total of 36 credits of coursework to earn their degree.
Applicants must complete an online application form and upload all required documents to the school's online platform.
As one of the largest universities in the nation, UNT enrolls about 38,000 students on a yearly basis. UNT offers a total of nationally and internationally 230 academic programs.
UNT's online master of business administration program offers areas of specializations in business analytics, finance, health services management, marketing analytics, supply chain analytics, and strategic management. Students must complete a total of 12 courses delivered in a completely asynchronous format.
Applicants must complete the Graduate School Application form, and submit official undergraduate transcripts.
Founded in 1901, Trevecca focuses on providing holistic education to its students. Trevecca now offers 73 undergraduate degrees and 17 master's degrees.
Trevecca offers an online master of business administration program in eight areas of concentration, including data analytics, entrepreneurship and innovation, and management and leadership. Students of this program complete 36 credits of coursework, and can choose between a fully online course delivery or a hybrid online program.
Interested applicants fill out the online application form, and submit official transcripts from their undergraduate institution.
Since 1962, USW continues to produce the next generation of leaders through experiential learning, research-oriented education, and Christ-centered values.
USW offers an online master of business administration program in the specializations of accounting, data analytics and business intelligence, finance, human resource management, international business, marketing, and strategic management. This MBA program delivers online courses starting every eight weeks, and students can finish them within 12 months.
Applicants must submit an online application form, and wait for an e-mail from the admissions office staff.
With a mission to produce practical, ready-to-work graduates, Tennessee Tech now enrolls more than 10,000 students on a yearly basis.
Tennessee Tech's online master's of business administration program allows students to pursue a 100% online curriculum in business studies. Students of this online MBA program complete 30 credit hours, including 21 credits of core courses and nine credits of electives.
Applicants must have at least one year of professional work experience, and a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5.
UMass Amherst consistently ranks among the top research public universities in America. Around 24,200 undergraduate students and 7,400 graduate students enroll at UMass Amherst every year.
UMass Amherst's online master of business administration program combines a nationally-ranked business curriculum with the flexibility of the online platform. Students can choose to specialize in one of the program's five focus areas, including business analytics, entrepreneurship, finance, healthcare administration, and marketing.
Applicants must submit official transcripts, an updated resume, and two letters of professional recommendation.
Since it first opened its doors to students in 1965, USF St. Petersburg continues to integrate small class sizes and a high-quality, student-centered approach to education.
USF St. Petersburg offers an online master of business administration program on the four areas of compliance, risk and anti-money laundering, cybersecurity, data analytics, and healthcare analytics. USF St. Petersburg's MBA program delivers an online course delivery for the benefit of working students.
Applicants must submit official transcripts, an updated resume, and three letters of professional recommendation. Applicants must also complete an online application form, along with a $30 application fee.
Founded in 1933, UWP now enrolls a total of 4,420 students with the expertise of the university's 282 full-time and part-time faculty members.
UWP's online master of business administration program paves the way for students to assume leadership positions in a variety of business organizations. This online MBA program offers different areas of concentration, including data analytics, finance, global management, marketing, and supply chain management.
Interested applicants must have a minimum of three years of professional-level work experience. Applicants must submit an official transcript with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75.
Online Master's in Business Intelligence Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Our Methodology
Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.
Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.
While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.
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Academics -
Affordability -
Online Enrollment
Data Sources
The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.
Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.
Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology
About Our Ranking Factors
Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.
Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.
We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.
In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.
If you have questions about our ranking methodology, please feel free to connect with our staff through contact page.
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Featured Online Master's in Business Intelligence Programs
What Is an Online Master's in Business Intelligence?
An online master's degree in business intelligence builds strong analytical and data science skills. During the program, graduate students learn how to collect and analyze data using different statistical techniques and make business decisions based on the results. Coursework may also cover topics like machine learning, data optimization, and big data analytics.
Depending on the program, graduate students can apply classroom training during internships and practicums. Many programs incorporate real-world projects and assignments to help build career-ready skills.
Earning a master's degree in business intelligence generally takes two years for full-time students, though some online business intelligence programs offer accelerated, one-year pathways to the degree.
What's the Difference Between a Master's Degree in Business Intelligence and an MBA in Business Intelligence?
A master's in business intelligence and a master of business administration (MBA) in business intelligence both offer focused training in business analytics, data science, and data-driven decision-making. However, an MBA incorporates more general business classes, including training in finance, marketing, and organizational behavior. A business intelligence master's degree provides more focused coursework specific to a career in analytics.
Professionals considering general business careers may prefer the flexibility of MBAs, while those with focused career goals in business analytics can benefit most from a master's in business intelligence.
Choosing an Online Master's in Business Intelligence Program
Prospective business intelligence students should consider several factors when choosing a graduate program, including cost, program length, and learning format. For example, some schools offer scholarships and tuition discounts for fully online students. Similarly, working professionals may prefer a part-time schedule with asynchronous classes, while other students prefer accelerated pathways or synchronous classes.
Applicants should also consider internship opportunities, electives, and specializations. Professionals with specific career goals benefit from choosing programs that offer concentrations in their preferred industries. Researching these factors ahead of time allows applicants to find the programs that best fit their goals and needs.
Accreditation for Master's in Business Intelligence or Business Analytics Degree Programs
Accredited schools and programs meet the highest standards for educating students and granting degrees. Prospective students should only consider regionally accredited universities when applying to graduate programs. Unaccredited schools may not qualify graduates for careers.
In addition to choosing an accredited university, business intelligence students should also research their program's accreditation. In business, three primary organizations grant programmatic accreditation: the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, and the International Accreditation Council for Business Education.
What Can I Expect When Pursuing a Master's in Business Intelligence Online?
A master's in business intelligence strengthens analytical and research skills. By studying data science, decision-making, and business analytics, graduate students gain the knowledge and skills required for many in-demand careers. Some programs also offer specializations or electives in areas like big data analytics, marketing, or healthcare analytics.
Common Courses in Master's in Business Analytics and Intelligence Programs
- Data Mining and Visualization: Coursework examines data transformations, exploratory querying, statistical graphics, time series analysis, and exploratory spatial data analysis. By the end of this course, students should know how to use tools like Python and Jupyter Notebook, along with general design principles.
- Business Analytics: Business analytics explores how professionals can use data to make more informed decisions. Students use case studies to practice identifying and evaluating potential opportunities in organizations. Coursework also examines analytic methods and how to use optimization in the presence of multiple alternatives.
- Data-Driven Decision-Making: In this interdisciplinary course, students learn about the role of quantitative data in organizational, entrepreneurial, and managerial decision-making. Students apply quantitative tools from statistics, finance, and economics. This course emphasizes the interpretation and translation of data to initiate change in an organization.
- Data Science and Predictive Analytics: Enrollees develop computational, practical, and inferential thinking skills that can help them solve data challenges. Pertinent concepts include dynamic visualization, data management, statistical computing, and processing. By the end of this course, students have understand computational concepts in big science data, inferential thinking, and raw data.
- Quantitative and Qualitative Decision-Making: Students learn to use quantitative and qualitative decision-making techniques to improve issues organizations experience today. Essential topics include statistical data analysis, forecasting techniques, optimization models, and decision theory. Students must draw upon methods of problem-solving, data collection, data analysis, evaluation, prediction, and profitability distribution.
Business Intelligence Professional Organizations
Professional organizations can help business intelligence graduate students strengthen their networks and prepare for the workforce. Many organizations offer career planning resources, including job boards and career centers, to help early-career professionals. These organizations also provide educational and professional development support, including mentorship opportunities and professional certifications.
Business Intelligence Careers
A business intelligence master's degree prepares graduates for in-demand, high-paying careers. For example, a background in business analytics can lead to employment as a management consultant, financial analyst, or market research analyst. Others find work as data scientists or business analysts.
During a business intelligence program, graduate students can prepare for specialized careers by taking courses in information science, healthcare, marketing, or other industries that rely on analytics.
| Median BLS Salary (2020) | $96,940 |
|---|---|
| Projected Job Outlook (2019-2029) | 6% |
Administrative services managers oversee facilities and administrative activities, including recordkeeping and mail distribution. They manage administrative staff, determine departmental goals, and monitor records. Administrative services managers also make recommendations to improve office operations and ensure staff follow safety standards and regulations.
Records and information managers specifically oversee their organization's records. They may work in legal, nonprofit, or business organizations.
Most administrative services managers hold bachelor's degrees and have previous experience in administration. The position requires managerial experience and training in business operations or project management. Professionals can pursue certification from the International Facility Management Association, the Institute of Certified Records Managers, or ARMA International.
| Median BLS Salary (2020) | $90,920 |
|---|---|
| Projected Job Outlook (2019-2029) | 7% |
Computer systems analysts evaluate organizations' computer systems to identify ways to increase efficiency. They blend IT and business training to determine technological solutions to problems and recommend new systems and procedures to management. They may also test and train users on computer systems.
A background in computer science or information science is ideal for computer systems analysts. Some roles require a master's degree with training in information systems. A master's degree can also prepare computer systems analysts for employment as computer and information systems managers.
| Median BLS Salary (2020) | $85,260 |
|---|---|
| Projected Job Outlook (2019-2029) | 11% |
Management analysts, also known as management consultants, evaluate organizations and make recommendations to increase profits, improve efficiency, and reduce costs. Management analysts then recommend those solutions to management.
While most management analysts have several years of professional experience, a master's degree in business intelligence or business analytics can also help professionals become management analysts. Professionals can also pursue certification, such as the certified management consultant credential, to demonstrate their expertise.
| Median BLS Salary (2020) | $81,590 |
|---|---|
| Projected Job Outlook (2019-2029) | 5% |
Financial analysts evaluate investments to recommend strategies to businesses and individuals. They analyze market performance for stocks and bonds, forecast financial trends, and study historical data to manage a portfolio of investments. Financial analysts can also determine organizations' value by appraising their financial statements.
Financial analysts who sell financial products typically need licenses from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Financial analysts can also pursue professional certifications like the chartered financial analyst credential. Most financial analysts hold a bachelor's degree. A master's degree in business intelligence or business analytics prepares graduates for supervisory roles such as financial manager, fund manager, or portfolio manager.
| Median BLS Salary (2020) | $63,790 |
|---|---|
| Projected Job Outlook (2019-2029) | 18% |
Market research analysts evaluate data to determine consumer demand for products and services. They then use that analysis to set pricing strategies, forecast sales trends, and identify potential customers. They report their findings to executives, who then set strategies and make decisions based on that information.
A bachelor's degree is the most common entry-level educational requirement. However, some market research analyst roles require a graduate degree in business, statistics, marketing, business intelligence, or business analytics.
A master's degree prepares professionals for leadership roles and more technical research positions. Market research analysts can also pursue voluntary certifications, such as the professional researcher certification from the Marketing Research Association.
Frequently Asked Questions
Earning a business intelligence master's degree generally takes two years for full-time students. Some online programs offer an accelerated route to the degree, which can take as little as one year.
Depends on your career goals. A master's in business intelligence and an MBA both prepare graduates for supervisory roles. However, a business intelligence degree emphasizes analytical training, while the MBA focuses on general business skills.
A business intelligence degree trains students to analyze raw data and apply their findings to business decision-making. The degree prepares graduates for research, analytics, and consulting roles.
A master's in business analytics emphasizes a data-driven approach to business, preparing graduates for decision-making roles in many different industries. Students interested in managerial careers in business can benefit from an MBA.
Professionals with a business analytics master's degree can find work as management consultants, operations research analysts, and data scientists. They can also pursue management-level roles that require strong data analysis skills.
An MBA and a business analytics master's degree emphasize different coursework. The MBA provides advanced training in multiple areas of business, while a master's in business analytics offers more focused business intelligence and data analysis courses. Deciding which is best depends on your career goals.
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