Your Guide to the MBA Business Analytics Concentration

Key takeaways

An MBA in business analytics combines training in business fundamentals and management practices with technical training in data and analytics.

• Pursuing a business analytics concentration offers several advantages that can boost your marketability in the workforce, including increased job opportunities, potential salary increases, and the development of in-demand skills.

• With an MBA in business analytics, you can apply for a wide range of leadership positions, including data-focused positions, such as marketing manager, supply chain analyst, or database administrator. 

• You can signal your interest in a career in business analytics and demonstrate that you have honed your expertise and are prepared to guide data-driven decision-making by pursuing a business analytics MBA.

Explore the field of business analytics, and discover why you may want to consider a business analytics MBA concentration and tips for choosing the program that’s right for you.

What does business analytics do?

Data analytics is one of the most sought-after skills in the corporate world, as executives and managers rely on data analysis to evaluate the success of their business and plan for the future. To enable business leaders to make strategic, data-driven decisions, many organizations turn to business analysts.

Business analysts use data to form business insights and recommend changes or improvements to their company's processes and practices. Pursuing an MBA with a business analytics concentration can help you develop the skills you need to leverage big data in your business career.

What does MBA in business analytics mean?

Business analytics is an MBA concentration that combines training in business fundamentals and management practices with technical training in data and analytics. In addition to the core curriculum that MBA programs require, a business analytics concentration will typically require students to take between three and five upper-level analytics courses.

MBA business analytics coursework 

Coursework in an MBA business analytics program covers a broad range of computer science topics and business skills. Your business analytics coursework may include electives such as:

• Database management

• Social media analytics

• Data mining for business analytics

• Data science in markets

• Marketing analytics

• Regressions analysis

Learn more: Is Computer Science Hard?

Reasons to get an MBA in business analytics

Pursuing a business analytics concentration offers several advantages that can boost your marketability in the workforce. These include possible increased job opportunities, potential salary increases, and the development of in-demand skills.

Increased job opportunities

With a background in analytics, you can develop skills that transfer across different business settings. Graduates go on to work in various industries, including consulting, marketing, health care, and more. If you are interested in a career in business analytics, pursuing a business analytics MBA can signal to recruiters that you have honed your expertise and are prepared to guide data-driven decision-making in their organization.

Potential salary increase

In general, MBA degrees are considered worth the investment, as they are generally associated with increased salaries after graduation. The median salary for MBA graduates is $120,000, but graduates with a data analytics concentration from Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business report a median wage between $140,000 and $175,000 plus bonuses [1,2].

Develop in-demand skills. 

As you take courses toward a business analytics concentration, you can develop valuable, in-demand skills that organizations may want to see in their employees and leaders. These skills include:

• Collecting, managing, and describing data sets

• Forming inferences and making predictions from data

• Using data to support decisions

Job outlook for business analytics MBA graduates 

The job outlook for MBA graduates with a concentration in business analytics remains positive. You may be able to apply for a wide range of leadership positions with an organization, including data-focused positions. Some of the jobs these graduates eventually accept include:

• Marketing manager

• Management consultant

• Financial manager

• Database administrator

• Business operations manager

• Supply chain analyst

• Business intelligence analyst

A concentration in business analytics supports data-focused business positions and business management.

Tips for choosing an MBA in business analytics program 

You can find a variety of MBA programs offered by schools from around the world. As you consider your options, use the following questions as a guide:

Why do you want to earn a business analytics MBA? 

Knowing whether you're looking to improve your leadership skills, develop technical skills, or network with peers can help you decide which school is best for you. 

What type of schedule does the school offer? 

You might finish the degree more quickly if you choose to attend full-time. On the other hand, if you have to balance other responsibilities, such as a job or family, a part-time schedule may fit more easily in your life.

What teaching style do the professors use? 

At some schools, the professors use the case method, which incorporates class discussions about assorted business case studies. Other schools rely on a traditional lecture model. Many MBA programs may require students to work in teams to solve business-related problems.

What type of specialties is the school known for? 

You may discover that one school excels in business specialties like finance or marketing, while others have a reputation for a well-rounded education.

Can you earn an online MBA in business analytics​?

Yes, some schools offer an online MBA program specializing in business analytics. For example, on Coursera, you can earn an MBA in Business Analytics completely online from OP Jindal Global University. You can also extend your search to more general MBA programs, such as the Master of Business Administration (iMBA) from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, which you can complete alongside the Business Analytics Specialization. 

Explore our free career resources

If you’re interested in tips to help you navigate your career path, subscribe to our YouTube channel. You can also explore free resources to guide you in college-related decisions:

• Hear from industry leaders: 8 Questions with an Expert: Google Financial Data Analyst

• Gather tips: Data analysis: where to start and how to build this high-income skill

• Get your questions answered: 7 Questions with a Data Analytics Professor

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