Most Affordable Online Master’s in Business Intelligence
Discover a program that is right for you.
As businesses continue to embrace data and analytics, organizations need skilled individuals who can parse through data and make informed decisions. An online master’s in business intelligence gives learners the tools to interpret information and adjust business strategies.
Similar to a master’s in business analytics online, a master’s in business intelligence combines business and management courses with information technology. These programs often take 1-2 years to complete, depending on students’ enrollment status. Prospective students need a bachelor’s degree, preferably in business, and might want to consider earning a few years of relevant business experience before applying.
The online master’s in business intelligence leads to excellent career outcomes. One potential career outcome in market research analysis pays a median wage of $63,790, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS also projects jobs for market research analysts to grow 18% between 2019 and 2029, much faster growth than the average position. There are plenty of other job opportunities available when you hold a master’s degree in business intelligence. Possible career paths include data scientists, financial analysts, and statisticians.
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Most Affordable Online Master's in Business Intelligence in 2021
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Oklahoma State University-Main CampusLocation
Stillwater, OK
Tuition$6707
Founded in 1890, Oklahoma State University offers an online MBA program with a concentration in data science. The degree requires 33-36 credits that full-time students can finish in just one year.
All MBA enrollees complete a common core that develops competencies in areas such as financial reporting, business finance, and prescriptive analytics. The data science specialization comprises four courses, including advanced data management and business intelligence tools and techniques. Two electives complete the concentration with options such as data visualization and big data technologies.
The MBA classroom mirrors the corporate world with an emphasis on collaboration and soft skill development. Students who pursue the master's in business analytics online enjoy a 98% job-placement rate, highlighting the degree's return on investment. Admission requires GMAT or GRE scores.
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The University of West FloridaLocation
Pensacola, FL
Tuition$9091
Located in Pensacola, the University of West Florida enrolls about 12,500 students annually, about 30% of whom study exclusively online. UWF's fully online MBA with an emphasis in business analytics takes 16 months of full-time study to complete.
The 36-credit program begins with core classes in areas like accounting, financial management, and marketing management. MBA students develop a keen understanding of individual behavior and group dynamics.
Students complete nine credits on business intelligence applications, business data management, and big data mining. All students earning the master's in business analytics online pay the same per-credit tuition regardless of residency. Active-duty military, veterans, and their dependents enjoy tuition discounts. Admission requires GRE or GMAT scores.
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Bellevue UniversityLocation
Bellevue, NE
Tuition$9635
Bellevue University serves students on its main campus in Omaha and through a robust virtual college. BU's online MS in business analytics teaches students how to leverage big data to develop strategic solutions that address organizational goals. The 36-credit curriculum explores key business functions such as financial reporting and marketing and new media strategy.
Participants also take three information systems courses that cover topics such as information security management and IT strategy and policy. The rest of the program is dedicated to data analytics, covering topics like data mining applications and enterprise data and information management.
Students supplement coursework with projects such as performing an in-depth analysis of an organization's information systems challenges and proposing solutions. All online students pay the same competitive tuition regardless of residency. Admission requires a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.
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University of Michigan-DearbornLocation
Dearborn, MI
Tuition$10533
The University of Michigan-Dearborn emphasizes experiential learning and small class sizes. The online MBA with a concentration in business analytics continues this tradition with academic and project-based learning. The 36- to 48-credit degree features a hybrid format.
Core courses cover topics such as economic analysis, operations management, and applied statistical modeling. Students build on core knowledge with a series of courses devoted to applied integrated management, examining managerial decision-making, global marketing, and corporate actions and reactions.
The business analytics concentration develops skills in management science, decision analysis, and system simulation. Learners culminate the degree with a capstone project focused on strategic planning and decision-making. Admission to this affordable online master's in business analytics requires GRE or GMAT scores.
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Indiana UniversityLocation
Bloomington, IN
Tuition$11931
Indiana University features top-ranked academics delivered on a scenic campus in Bloomington and online. The 30-credit, online MS in business analytics prepares students to work as brand analytics managers, web metrics analysts, and other professionals who use data to make businesses more competitive.
Students explore topics such as quantitative analysis, operations management, business econometrics, and data warehousing and visualization. Participants develop analytical models that solve complex business problems. Graduates know how to derive valuable statistical information from data and use analytic models to make effective decisions.
Students pursuing the master's in business analytics online enjoy access to job boards, career coaches, and professional development opportunities. All online students pay the same per-credit tuition regardless of residency. Admission requires GRE or GMAT scores.
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University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterLocation
Whitewater, WI
Tuition$12094
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater operates the largest accredited business school in the state. The school's 36-credit online MBA with a concentration in data analytics covers topics such as quantitative analysis, innovation management, and persuasion and negotiation.
Students use nine credits to hone expertise in data mining, digital marketing, and data analytics and business intelligence. An optional thesis demonstrates students' proficiencies in data-driven research. Learners can choose between hybrid and fully online formats.
Graduates receive access to a network of more than 30,000 active alumni who can lend support and provide career connections. Students with non-business degrees may apply to this online master's in business analytics. Admission requires GMAT or GRE scores.
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West Virginia UniversityLocation
Morgantown, WV
Tuition$12181
West Virginia University enrolls about 30,000 students annually. The 30-credit MS in business data analytics begins with a course that outlines the field's key concepts, such as data mining and data warehousing. The curriculum builds on this knowledge with coursework in data management, decision sciences and analytics, and business simulation modeling.
A data and information visualization course teaches students how to create graphical representation of datasets. Enrollees supplement online learning with a residency on campus in Morgantown. Participants culminate the degree with a final project that incorporates skills in ethical data collection, data mining, and other areas.
Distance learners can take advantage of free online tutoring, 24/7 mental health counselling, and technology services. Students pursuing this affordable online master's in business analytics pay the same per-credit tuition no matter where they live. Admission requires GMAT or GRE scores.
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University of Wisconsin-La CrosseLocation
La Crosse, WI
Tuition$12419
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse ranks among the best colleges in the Midwest.
Designed for working professionals, the 36-credit MS in data science offers an interdisciplinary curriculum. Students acquire well-rounded knowledge in areas such as computer science, business management, and communication.
Learners study topics like statistical methods, data mining, programming for data science, and visualization and structured data analysis. Students also hone programming and data visualization skills in a virtual lab that gives them access to Python, SQL Serve, and Tableau at no additional cost. During the capstone experience, participants apply degree knowledge to address a real business problem.
All students earning the master's in business analytics online pay the same tuition regardless of residency. Admission requires a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA and no GMAT or GRE scores.
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Baker CollegeLocation
Flint, MI
Tuition$12877
Michigan's largest private school, Baker College offers 50 online degrees, including an online MBA in business intelligence. The 36-credit curriculum develops managerial proficiencies in areas such as accounting, marketing, and human resource management. Students explore topics like business intelligence principles, data warehousing, database design and management, and management information systems.
On average, students complete the MBA in 1-2 years, but an accelerated option allows learners to finish the degree even faster. About 86% of students pursuing the master's in business analytics online receive some form of financial aid.
The school is the lowest-priced private college in the state. Students can transfer up to 12 credits toward the degree. Admission requires no GMAT or GRE scores, though applicants may submit them to bolster their application.
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University of California-RiversideLocation
Riverside, CA
Tuition$12890
Part of a 10-campus system, the University of California-Riverside ranks among the top 1% of colleges in the world. The school's online MS in engineering with a specialization in data science focuses on technical skills and leadership development. The comprehensive program enrolls learners with engineering experience. The 32-credit program covers core engineering topics, such as engineering management, systems engineering, and technology innovation and strategy for engineers.
Data science courses cover topics like data mining, advanced pattern recognition, statistical computing, and applied machine learning. One data science course focuses exclusively on the tools used to model and visualize extracted data.
Throughout the program, students complete four one-credit capstone courses online. Students can finish the online master's in business analytics in just 13 months. Support specialists provide online students with assistance throughout their enrollment. Admission requires GRE/FE scores.
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National UniversityLocation
La Jolla, CA
Tuition$13320
Established to educate nontraditional learners, National University strives to make learning accessible and affordable. The California-based school offers an online MS in data science that comprises 63 graduate units and covers topics such as data management for analytics, analytic models and data systems, and data mining techniques.
Students choose one of three, four-course specializations: business, database, or health analytics. The unique health analytics specialization gives students practical experience in the use of statistical methods to address data challenges in health science. Learners study epidemiology, clinical research analytics, healthcare information systems, and health outcomes research. All students pursuing the master's in business analytics online complete a three-part capstone project that demonstrates their ability to apply learned concepts.
Enrollees pay the same tuition regardless of residency, and servicemembers and their dependents receive tuition discounts. Admission requires official transcripts and no GRE or GMAT scores.
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University of Maryland-University CollegeLocation
Adelphi, MD
Tuition$13599
The University of Maryland established its global campus to serve working adults and servicemembers. UMGC's online master's in management offers a concentration in information systems and services. Students begin the 36-credit degree with a core that examines organizational theory and behavior, financial decision-making for managers, and statistics for managerial decision-making.
Learners also study topics like systems analysis and design, information systems management and integration, and the strategic use of internet multimedia applications. Students culminate the degree with a capstone project that synthesizes degree knowledge and skills. Graduates know how to develop databases, analyze systems, and manage projects.
Learners gain access to free digital course materials and affordable tuition for out-of-state residents. Students can transfer up to six credits toward this affordable online master's in business analytics. Admission requires no GRE or GMAT scores.
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University of Colorado DenverLocation
Denver, CO
Tuition$13672
The University of Colorado Denver serves about 14,000 students annually. The school's 30-credit online MS in business analytics provides a foundation in statistics and prescriptive analytics with optimization. Learners gain knowledge and skills in areas like decision analysis, time-series forecasting, simulation modelling, and predictive analysis.
Learners choose what languages and software they want to master, including Python, SQL, Simio, and Tableau. Some students complete a dual degree, pairing the MS in business analytics with an MS in information systems with a business intelligence specialization.
Students enjoy a 12-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. Admission to the online master's in business analytics requires GMAT or GRE scores.
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University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeLocation
Milwaukee, WI
Tuition$14477
One of the nation's top research colleges, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee runs the state's largest virtual college. UWM's Flex MBA with a concentration in business analytics features a 20-month cohort format. The 39-credit curriculum builds learners' strengths in areas such as corporate finance, strategic management, and accounting analysis and control.
Students use 15 credits to complete courses in the business analytics concentration, developing competencies in areas such as web mining and analytics, database marketing, and business intelligence technologies and solutions. Faculty may allow enrollees with a business degree to waive up to two courses that correspond to their major.
UWM offers several ways to make the degree an affordable online master's in business analytics, including scholarships and grants. UWM also offers special rates for residents of Minnesota and learners in the Midwest Student Exchange program. Admission requires GMAT or GRE scores.
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College of William and MaryLocation
Williamsburg, VA
Tuition$14555
The College of William and Mary offers an online, cohort-based MS in business analytics (MSBA) that develops students' business acumen and technical expertise. MSBA students complete prerequisite courses in programming, statistics, and linear algebra. Waivers are available for those who can demonstrate proficiencies in these areas.
The 32-credit curriculum covers topics like decision modeling, optimization and heuristics, and data management and visualization. Two machine learning courses teach students how to harness new technologies to store and retrieve large datasets. Learners synthesize degree knowledge and skills through a capstone project that identifies and solves a data analytics problem.
All online students pay the same competitive tuition regardless of residency, making this an affordable online master's in business analytics. Admission requires GMAT or GRE scores.
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University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignLocation
Champaign, IL
Tuition$15212
The state's flagship public college, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign administers 250 programs through 15 colleges and instructional units. Aspiring managers and business executives can receive advanced training online through the school's iMBA in business analytics. The cohort program requires 62 credits.
The business analytics specialization consists of four courses that examine data usage in the firm, communicating with data, applying analytics across business functions, and business data modeling and predictive analysis. iMBA enrollees enjoy a vibrant student experience with optional micro-immersions, global immersions, and the annual iConverge -- an on-campus networking and professional development opportunity.
Ambitious students may also consider the school's fully online iMBA/MSA dual-degree option. Students pursuing the master's in business analytics online pay the same tuition regardless of where they live. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and GMAT or GRE scores.
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Regent UniversityLocation
Virginia Beach, VA
Tuition$15622
Located in Virginia Beach, Regent University is one of the nation's top Christian colleges. Regent's robust virtual college offers a 30-credit MS in business analytics that covers topics like decision modeling, descriptive analytics, data mining, and enterprise data management.
Participants learn R, a programming language used by many organizations for statistical computing and graphics. They also examine how data scientists and organizations can ethically gather, store, and use public and private data.
Students who complete predictive analytics and data mining courses receive a digital SAS badge. A fast-track option lets students finish the master's in business analytics online in just 12 months. Eight start terms each year offer great flexibility. All students pay the same tuition regardless of residency. Admission requires no GMAT or GRE scores.
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University of Maryland-College ParkLocation
College Park, MD
Tuition$15829
The University of Maryland-College Park is the state’s primary center for graduate education. The institution also manages one of the nation's leading business schools. Renowned faculty teach the school's online MS in business analytics. Students receive strong quantitative and data analysis training, honing expertise in the development of data-driven business strategies.
The 30-credit curriculum begins with four core courses that explore decision analytics, data modeling, data mining and predictive analytics, and database management systems. An advanced MS core includes coursework on big data and artificial Intelligence. Enrollees also learn Python, R, and SQL programming languages.
Live classes allow students to build their network as they engage with peers and faculty in real time. All online students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency, making this program an affordable online master's in business analytics. Admission requires GMAT or GRE scores.
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Slippery Rock University of PennsylvaniaLocation
Slippery Rock, PA
Tuition$16368
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania offers a 33-credit online MS in data analytics that full-time students can complete in 10 months. The program prepares enrollees to take the Certified Analytics Professional exam administered by the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences. Graduates receive a joint SRU and SAS certificate.
The curriculum gives students skills in areas like data mining, big data analytics, and model analysis. Students culminate the degree with a capstone project during which they work to solve a company problem in an area such as logistics or risk management.
An internship option sets the degree apart from many other online master's in business analytics, giving students hands-on experience in the field. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, prerequisite courses in areas such as JAVA, and no GRE or GMAT scores.
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University of North Carolina WilmingtonLocation
Wilmington, NC
Tuition$16779
The University of North Carolina Wilmington offers a 30-credit online MS in business analytics that students can complete in one year. Students receive rigorous training in descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics. The degree also explores programming concepts and techniques in data analytics.
A course on data visualization teaches students how to use software to develop dynamic displays of quantitative and qualitative data. A comprehensive capstone project showcases students' theoretical and practical knowledge. Seven-week courses facilitate accelerated learning in this affordable online master's in business analytics program.
Distance learners may also want to consider the school's 36-credit online MBA in business analytics. This degree features advanced business courses with an emphasis on descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics. Admission to the MS program requires no GRE or GMAT scores.
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New Jersey Institute of TechnologyLocation
Newark, NJ
Tuition$16790
The New Jersey Institute of Technology is the New York metropolitan region's largest technological college. The College of Computing's 30-credit MS in business and information systems offers a data analytics specialization online.
The business core explores corporate finance, management accounting, and information system principles. Students with a business background may substitute one of these core courses with an elective. The information systems core develops competencies in areas such as web systems development, enterprise database management, and systems analysis and design.
Enrollees can use elective credits to explore topics like data mining, JAVA programming, and machine learning. Faculty strongly encourage students to develop a project or thesis to culminate the master's in business analytics program. Admission requires GMAT or GRE scores.
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Oregon State UniversityLocation
Corvallis, OR
Tuition$17617
Oregon State University operates one of the most comprehensive virtual colleges in the world. OSU's 45- to 60-credit fully online MBA in business analytics features small class sizes to foster individualized attention from faculty.
Core courses cover topics like corporate finance, financial cost analysis, and advanced information systems. Business analytics coursework covers the intricacies of data management, data/text mining, and data exploration and visualization. During a final project, participants design and implement solutions to problems at a real enterprise.
All online students pay the same tuition regardless of residency. Admission to this affordable online master's in business analytics requires GMAT or GRE scores.
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Ohio State University-Main CampusLocation
Columbus, OH
Tuition$17771
Ohio State University ranks among the nation's top 20 public colleges. The specialized master's in business analytics comprises 31.5 credits The curriculum develops knowledge and skills in areas like data management for analytics, descriptive and prescriptive analytics, data analytics visualization, and accounting and finance for analytics.
Students culminate the degree with capstone projects using data from the college's corporate partners. Faculty blend coursework with in-depth discussions, live demonstrations, and individual and group exercises.
Degree-seekers are paired with a career consultant dedicated to helping them further their careers. The school makes the online master's in business analytics affordable by offering one competitive tuition rate regardless of residency. Admission requires GMAT or GRE scores.
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Lewis UniversityLocation
Romeoville, IL
Tuition$17855
Lewis University provides a values-based education rooted in the school's Catholic and Lasallian heritage. The college's 33- to 36-credit online MS in business analytics blends theoretical learning with hands-on experience in data mining and business intelligence.
Students without a business background begin the program with a prerequisite course on the fundamentals of the business enterprise. Core courses cover topics such as database management, business data warehousing, and data mining for business decisions. Students can tailor the degree to their interests through specializations in marketing, financial operations, and healthcare analytics.
A capstone showcases participants' ability to solve business data management problems. Admission to one of the most affordable online master's in business analytics in the region requires a minimum 3.0 GPA.
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Saint Leo UniversityLocation
Saint Leo, FL
Tuition$18625
A Catholic college located in Florida, Saint Leo University is a pioneer in online learning. The school offers a 33- to 36-credit online MBA in data analytics that covers the collection and use of hidden patterns and other information in large datasets. The business core explores topics in areas such as managerial economics, financial and managerial accounting, and strategic management.
Students master the use of statistics, business intelligence, data analytics, and web analytics. Students receive a private education at great value, and scholarships for qualifying MBA students offer a tuition discount. Enrollees in this affordable online master's in business analytics pay the same tuition no matter where they live.
Six start dates give learners enrollment flexibility throughout the year. Student services include one-on-one virtual career development opportunities. Admission requires GMAT scores.
Answering your questions about a master’s in business intelligence
Is business intelligence a good career?
Business intelligence mixes the high-growth field of IT with business, making it an excellent field for future business professionals.
How much does a master’s in business intelligence cost?
How much students invest in a master’s in business intelligence varies based on where they live, whether they receive financial aid, and online tuition rates. Most programs cost $15,000-$30,000.
How long does it take to complete a master’s in business intelligence?
A master’s in business intelligence takes 1-2 years to complete, with full-time learners completing the program in one year or less.
Does business intelligence need coding?
As an IT-heavy program, a master’s in business intelligence requires students to understand coding languages and processes.
Career and Salary Outlook for Business Intelligence Majors
Business intelligence provides students with valuable IT and business skills, opening up several career opportunities. Many graduates of an online master's in business intelligence program choose to work in analytics since most programs focus heavily on analytics. As master's degree-holders, graduates also work in management positions. While no amount of education guarantees a career, business intelligence majors often pursue the careers below.
| CAREER | MEDIAN ANNUAL SALARY | PROJECTED GROWTH RATE (2019-2029) |
|---|---|---|
| Operation Research Analyst | $84,810 | 25% |
| Financial Analyst | $81,590 | 5% |
| Management Analyst | $85,260 | 11% |
Operations Research Analyst
These analysts use various methods of mathematical analysis to solve an organization’s problems. Duties include identifying problems, gathering large amounts of data, and examining the data to determine potential solutions. These professionals mainly work in finance, insurance, and technical fields.
Financial Analyst
As professionals who evaluate portfolios, financial analysts constantly research potential investment opportunities. To find the best opportunities, they collect historical data, research business trends, and pitch investment ideas to company officials. These professionals work on buy-side or sell-side, meaning they either purchase or sell existing investments.
Management Analyst
Also known as management consultants, management analysts use data to determine ways to make organizations more profitable and efficient. Daily tasks include analyzing financial data, interviewing employees, and working with managers to institute changes. Many management analysts work for consulting agencies or enjoy self-employment.
Explore these promoted online degree programs.
These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online graduate degree programs. Figuring out where to apply? Consider one of these online Master’s or PhD programs.
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What Are the Benefits of a Degree in Business Intelligence?
Learners and workers return to school and earn a master’s in business intelligence for various professional and personal reasons. See below for some benefits of earning a master’s in business intelligence.
- Advance Your Career
- Master’s degrees in business help current workers add education to experience, allowing them to secure promotions or higher positions.
- Learn New Skills
- Business intelligence blends business and IT, and many degree-seekers only studied one of the two subjects in undergrad. The master’s degree teaches new, valuable skills.
- Change Fields
- Those in business looking to transition to IT and those in IT looking to transition to business can do so with a master’s in business intelligence.
- Increase Potential Pay
- Higher levels of education often lead to higher salaries. A master’s in business intelligence can also lead to pay raises from current employers. According to Payscale, the average salary for someone with a master’s in business intelligence is $83,071.
- Expand Your Network
- From well-connected faculty to alumni networks, graduate schools provide students with plenty of networking opportunities. A strong network could help graduates find their next position.
Accreditation for a Master's in Business Intelligence
When researching the best online master's in business intelligence programs, prospective students should check for accreditation. Accreditation certifies the academic quality of a school or program, ensuring that learners earn a degree from a well-respected program.
Colleges and universities receive either regional or national accreditation. However, learners searching for the best online master's in business intelligence programs should only apply to regionally accredited schools. Employers and doctoral programs prefer candidates who graduated from regionally accredited institutions. Learners who study at a non-regionally accredited school may not qualify for financial aid.
Prospective students should also look for programmatic accreditation. While not as important as regional accreditation, programmatic accreditation verifies that the degree meets standards set by industry experts. For business degrees, look for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs or the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
To learn more about accreditation and which accrediting bodies to look for, refer to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, a top organization in certifying accrediting bodies.
Common Courses in a Business Intelligence Master’s Program
Organizational Behavior
A mix of management strategies with workplace culture and human behavior, this course examines the relationships between management and employees. Students learn how to create an effective relationship that benefits all parties. This course focuses on management, teaching students best practices for interacting with others within the organization. A business-minded course, organizational behavior helps prepare graduates for leadership roles.
Data Analytics and Machine Learning
Students use various data mining techniques to collect valuable information and then analyze the data to solve real-world problems. Learners also examine large databases to discover new ways to approach business operations. As an IT-heavy course, students must understand concepts like machine learning, decision trees, artificial neural networks, clustering, and algorithm evaluation. Students can apply many of the skills they learn in this course to business roles.
Supply Chain Analytics
Ideal for students interested in supply chain management, this course introduces the function of supply chains. Learners examine the design of different supply chains and discover how to analyze the effectiveness of the supply chains. During the course, students use real-world scenarios to learn the nuances of supply chain management and how analytics can improve operations. Students gain the skills to improve many facets of the supply chain, including sourcing, operations planning, capacity planning, and network management.
Strategic Planning for Information Systems
Another blend of business and IT, this course introduces students to different methods of using information systems to provide measurable benefits to an organization. Learners create an information systems plan, assess the quality of existing plans, and develop ideas for future systems. Schools offer this course with a focus on applications that improve business and corporate operations.
Marketing Analytics
Taken toward the end of a master’s in business intelligence program, this course covers the collection and analysis of data related to marketing, including positioning, forecasting, and segmentation. Learners collect data from real-world businesses and perform a deep analysis. Next, students determine potential strategies to improve marketing performance.
Quantitative and Qualitative Decision-Making
In this course, students learn to use a variety of quantitative and qualitative decision-making strategies to make rational and data-driven decisions. Common topics in this course include statistical analysis, probability theories, cost-benefit analysis, forecasting, and more.
Data Mining and Visualization
Data mining is the process of extracting information from data and looking for patterns. In this type of course, students analyze various data sets and translate it into easy-to-digest visual formats such as graphs. Coursework includes data transformation, statistical graphics, time series analysis, and more.
What’s the Difference Between an MBA and a Master’s in Business Intelligence?
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a popular and highly-respected degree that is well-suited to those who work in or aspire to work in business leadership positions. MBA programs offer a variety of concentrations, including finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, project management, business analytics, and more.
There’s plenty of overlap between an MBA and a master’s in business intelligence, especially for those who receive an MBA with a concentration in business analytics. However, the two degrees are better suited to different types of professionals. An MBA provides a more thorough business education and is best for those who aspire to work in business leadership positions. A master’s in business intelligence focuses more specifically on analytics and is better suited to professionals who aspire to work in research and analytics jobs.
How to Become a Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts study markets to recommend or improve marketing initiatives. While the BLS notes that market research analysts need a bachelor's degree, many employers prefer applicants with a master's degree and some relevant professional experience. Market research analysts must demonstrate excellent mathematical and analytical skills, so many professionals earn degrees in computer science, math, or business administration.
After earning an online master's degree in business analytics or business intelligence, individuals sometimes earn the professional researcher certification (PRC). While not required, this certification demonstrates a combination of education and experience.
Certifications and Licensure for Business Intelligence Majors
Although most positions do not require a license or professional certification, many business intelligence majors choose to earn a certification anyway. Certifications prove that an individual meets a minimum level of experience and education, and earning a certification could increase chances of securing a high-paying position.
Professional Researcher Certification
One of the field's oldest certifications, PRC demonstrates an individual's commitment to knowledge and ethics. To qualify, professionals must complete 12 education credits (applicants can earn these during their master's degree). Next, individuals take and pass the PRC exam.
Certified Management Consultant
Awarded by the Institute of Management Consultants, this certification holds professionals to global standards of ethical behavior and technical competency. Applicants need 3-5 years of consulting experience, including management or operations consulting. They must also submit five professional references and pass the CMC exam.
Certified Business Intelligence Professional
This certification offered by Transforming Data With Intelligence requires a degree in information systems, business administration, or a similar field. Applicants must complete two years of full-time relevant work experience to sit for the exam. Professionals earn either practitioner or mastery-level certification.
How Can a Master's Student Pay for College?
Students who need help paying for an online master's in business intelligence can apply for scholarships. Learners can use scholarship funds for tuition, fees, and educational expenses. Some scholarships only accept applicants pursuing a degree in business intelligence.
The Visto Bill Caspare Memorial Fund Diversity Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Created in honor of Bill Caspare, this scholarship honors students who pursue a degree related to new media or data science, preferably within advertising and media. Applicants for this one-time scholarship must come from an ethnic background or be immigrants to the United States.
Amount: $10,000
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship
Who Can Apply: This fellowship helps graduate students pursuing a STEM degree pay for their program. Applicants must study full time and submit letters of reference. In addition to the scholarship, winners receive an annual stipend of $34,000 to cover living expenses.
Amount: $12,000
Women in Data Science Scholarship
Who Can Apply: This scholarship works to increase the number of women pursuing an undergraduate or graduate-level data science degree. Applicants must be female, enrolled in an accredited institution, and currently pursuing a degree in data science, business analytics, or a related field.
Amount: $1,000
Women Techmakers Scholars Program
Who Can Apply: Available to women pursuing a degree in computer science or a related field, this scholarship awards $10,000 to multiple winners. Awardees also receive a complimentary visit to Google's campus in California for a multi-day retreat to network with other women techmakers and attend workshops and professional development seminars.
Amount: $10,000
American Indian Science and Engineering Society
Who Can Apply: AISES helps American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and Indigenous peoples of Canada pay for their STEM degree with various scholarships. Applicants must pursue a degree in a STEM field, including data analytics and related topics. AISES only accepts applications from student members.
Amount: Varies
Summary of the Most Affordable Online Master’s in Business Intelligence
Erin Gobler
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Erin Gobler is a freelance writer who covers education topics for Best Value Schools, Graduate School Hub, and Criminal Justice Degree Schools, among others. Her work has been published on sites like Fox Business, Rocket Mortgage, and The Balance.
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