10 Fastest Online Business Intelligence Master’s Degrees for 2020

intelligence master's programs

Business intelligence and analytics is one of the smartest choices for working professionals who are good with technology, good with numbers, and good with the big picture. By and large, people who go into careers in business intelligence enjoy their work, are fairly compensated, and find that they are regularly in high demand. And for those who want to move into this in-demand and lucrative career, an online accelerated business intelligence master’s degree is the smartest way to do it – without leaving their current career and losing their momentum. 

The demand for business intelligence as a career is higher than ever, and this is a good time to get in on the ground floor. The need for business intelligence jobs is soaring. Currently, most jobs in the United States are growing at about 7% per year. The need for jobs in business intelligence is expected to increase by 15% by 2026. This means that the need for business intelligence jobs will be higher than the need for almost any other job. 

Methodology: Ranking the Fastest Online Business Intelligence Master’s Programs

The speed of the degree program is key to seeing higher salary and career opportunity fast, so Great Business School editors researched accredited online business intelligence and analytics programs that offer an accelerated format. From there, though, programs are ranked for their cost effectiveness, graduate salary potential, and student satisfaction, so students can feel confident that their degree will take them where they want to go. 

1. University of California, Berkeley

The University of California, Berkeley offers an accelerated Master of Information and Data Science degree program for students who are trying to earn their degree as quickly as possible. Accelerated programs offer the same information and tools as a traditional degree but can be completed in as little as 18-months, depending on the type of degree and specializations involved. Students who choose to enter the accelerated Master of Information and Data Science degree program can expect to enter the workforce with the same skills and knowledge but in less time.

The University of California, Berkeley has a reputation across the globe for being one of the top schools for business and data science. Faculty members are recognized professionals in their own right and bring many years of experience to the table. They excel at teaching accelerated course programs that provide students with everything they need to succeed. With their guidance and the school’s reputation to back them up, graduates have the tools they need to apply and win almost any job they set their minds to.

Degree Master of Information and Data Science

2. Iowa State University

Iowa State University offers students an accelerated Master of Business Analytics degree that allows them to pursue their education and earn their degree in as little as 18 months. Students who are studying business analytics learn how to identify, organize, and utilize large amounts of data that is generated by the business so that it can be used to improve overall efficiency. With an accelerated Master of Business Analytics degree, graduates can use what they’ve learned to apply for positions in both marketing and management positions.

Iowa State University takes great pride in being one of the most well-respected schools in the Midwest when it comes to advanced business degrees. Each student can count on professional faculty members to guide them along the path to complete their education. Students are encouraged to face challenges head-on and move past conventional boundaries when it comes to choosing their career path. The University’s accelerated program gives students an advantage when it comes to getting ahead of their competition.

Degree Master of Business Analytics

3. Arizona State University

Arizona State University provides accelerated degree programs for students who are pursuing an MS in Business Analytics or other similar specializations. Once the coursework has been successfully completed, students understand concepts relating to the collection, study, and use of various types of business data. Graduates with an accelerated MS in Business Analytics have all the tools they need to find the perfect job that fits well into their career path.

Arizona State University has offered quality, accelerated degree programs for many years. The curriculums have been created to provide a solid education for students who are committed to enjoying a successful career. The University has hired educators who are professionals in their own right and have the expertise to provide both guidance and encouragement. After graduation, the university provides students with a variety of resources to help them find the career path that is right for them.

Degree Business Analytics, MS

4. Indiana University

Indiana University provides students with accelerated degree programs, including an MS in Business Analytics. Indiana’s accelerated MS in Business Analytics gives students skills they can use in many different industries. Management, leadership, data analysis, and the ability to work with theories and methodologies in a business setting are just a few of the topics covered in this program. A graduate leaves IU with all of the skills and resources they will need to enter the workforce and begin to establish a professional career.

Over the years, Indiana University has become one of the most popular of all Midwest learning institutions. Its reputation is based on providing the best curriculums and having professional faculty members who are well-known leaders within their respective fields. Every student who graduates from the University leaves with a legacy built on excellence and an outstanding academic foundation.

Degree Business Analytics, MS

5. University of Colorado Denver

The University of Colorado Denver includes an accelerated MS in Business Analytics degree program that allows students to advance their career in a shorter amount of time compared to taking a full-length degree program. With an accelerated degree, students are able to learn the skills they need in less than two years. This makes it possible to begin applying for the higher paying positions much earlier than if they had completed a traditional MS in Business Analytics degree program.

The University of Colorado – Denver is a leader in academic excellence. For many years, it has provided students with accelerated degree programs that provide not only the necessary skills but also sound guidance and support from educators who speak from experience. Students can rely on the University’s faculty and resources to provide pathways that lead to successful and very lucrative careers.

Degree Business Analytics, MS

6. Regent University

Regent University provides an accelerated MS in Business Analytics degree program for students who want to finish their education as quickly as possible. With an accelerated degree program, coursework is condensed into more detailed lessons so that the student earns more in less time. Students still receive all of the skills and abilities they need without wasting time on information they don’t. Graduates who complete their accelerated MS in Business Analytics through the University can expect to enter the workforce in as little as 18 months instead of the usual two years.

Regent University is known for its strong commitment to excellence in education. The curriculum used for the accelerated degree programs is second to none when it comes to providing essential skills and knowledge. Faculty members who are known leaders have been chosen for their skills and experience. This winning combination ensures each student has what is needed to complete their educational goals.

Degree Business Analytics, MS

7. University of Notre Dame

The University of Notre Dame offers graduates an opportunity to complete their education by enrolling in an accelerated MS in Data Science. Notre Dame’s accelerated MS in data science program is highly specialized for graduates who intend to work in a setting where data analysis and interpretation is essential. Notre Dame graduates not only have a degree from one of the best universities in the country, they can rest assured that the knowledge and skills they learn are as up to date and advanced as possible.

The University of Notre Dame is one of the most prestigious universities in the United States. Notre Dame’s positive reputation has allowed it to hire some of the most prominent business professionals as educators. Known for providing the best possible education to all of the students who enroll in the accelerated degree programs, graduates can be confident that the degree they receive will be able to help them move forward as quickly as possible.

Degree Data Science, MS 

8. Ohio University

Ohio University offers an accelerated Master of Business Analytics degree for students who are ready to take the next step in their education. Business analytics degree programs provide a variety of necessary skills that graduates need to analyze and use data produced by different types of businesses. The accelerated Master of Business Analytics degree programs are designed to ensure every graduate has the confidence they need to find the career path for them.

Ohio University has one of the best accelerated degree programs in the Midwest. The University takes great pride in its faculty and the well-rounded curriculum it offers to its students. A wide variety of resources are available to all graduates who have earned their Master of Business Analytics degree through the accelerated program. Accelerated degree programs offer students the opportunity to complete their education in less than the traditional two to three years.

Degree Master of Business Analytics

9. Maryville University

Maryville University has an accelerated Master of Business Data Analytics degree program that is ideal for students who want to earn their degree and go directly into the workforce. Students are able to obtain the skills they need for working with large amounts of business data as well as learn managerial skills to help them move forward when they are ready. The accelerated Master of Business Data Analytics programs speed up the learning process so students can graduate in approximately 18 months.

Maryville University has earned popularity for its online and accelerated degree programs. Faculty members and instructors work one on one with the students to ensure they have the guidance they need to work through many of the challenges they face during their time in school. Before a student graduates, they are provided with numerous resources they can use to locate employment options they are suited for once they have received their Master’s degree.

Degree Master of  Business Data Analytics

10. University of Massachusetts – Amhurst

The University of Massachusetts – Amhurst provides students with a chance to enroll in an accelerated MS in Business & Analytics degree program. The program offers specializations in analysis and data utilization that give students a chance to excel in a highly competitive industry. They will also receive managerial and leadership skills they need to make important decisions within their company. Having the knowledge they receive from earning their MS in Business & Analytics, graduates can prove to be extremely valuable assets to the company they work for.

The University of Massachusetts – Amhurst offers some of the most sought after accelerated degree programs in the northeast. In addition to the accelerated degree programs, the University also provides valuable resources and supportive faculty members who do everything they possibly can to ensure graduates leave the school fully prepared to take on whatever challenges and opportunities that are offered to them.

Degree Business & Analytics, MS

What If I Don’t Need a Master’s Degree? 

A master’s degree in business intelligence takes at least two years to complete. For some, the expense and time may contribute to a person’s decision to not take this plunge. However, a person can still improve his or her career outlook and earn a business intelligence certificate. 

The option to earn one of the business intelligence certificates, for some, is a more feasible solution. Business intelligence certificates don’t take years to complete. Instead, they take a matter of weeks to earn. Therefore, a business intelligence certificate is much less time-consuming. 

A person may earn an online certificate in business intelligence. A business intelligence online certificate allows a person to advance their education from his or her own home. Moreover, an online certificate in business intelligence lets a person avoid a traditional classroom setting and all the negatives associated with attending in-person classes. In other words, a business intelligence certificate program is ideal for someone returning to school who doesn’t fit the criteria of a traditional student. Moreover, an online business intelligence certificate is ideal for a parent or someone who is currently working in business since it doesn’t require a person to go to a brick-and-mortar classroom at specific times. 

What Are Some Jobs Within Business Intelligence?

A person may wonder what roles he or she can take on with a business intelligence degree. One prime example includes business intelligence analyst jobs. Those who take on business intelligence analyst jobs play a vital role in the business decision making process. In fact, the business intelligence job description for this particular position entails assisting managers in making decisions for the growth and well-being of a business. The business intelligence description for this role also includes creating design reports to determine a course of action in terms of the business intelligence of a company. 

The business intelligence developer job description includes developing databases used by business professionals. Moreover, a business intelligence developer may create reporting systems that business professionals use. Basically, the business intelligence developer job description is an IT role. 

A business intelligence manager job assesses current marketing strategies through the analysis of marketing trends. They evaluate the market for similar products and compare strategies. A business intelligence manager job requires a person to develop new strategies for business growth based on trends. 

The director of business intelligence job description is the highest position a person can obtain with a business intelligence degree within a company. The director of business intelligence job description includes making a majority of the decisions in terms of strategies. Above all, this person is responsible for overseeing technical projects necessary in a business. 

How Much Do Business Intelligence Professionals Make?

When a person is deciding on a business intelligence job, salary is a deciding factor. Some positions require experience in an entry-level position before a person may take on the higher paying positions. 

A person may question what the average business intelligence analyst salaries are. On average, business intelligence analyst salaries are around $68,336 per year, as noted by PayScale. A salary for a business intelligence analyst is on the higher end of the spectrum for those with more experience. The salary for a business intelligence analyst in higher in certain areas as well as within certain businesses. A person can expect that a business intelligence analyst salary will grow with experience but can also increase when a person gains higher positions. A higher position will offer a more substantial pay than that on the entry-level intelligence analyst salary.

Business intelligence manager salaries are more than a developer or analyst makes. However, this role requires a higher level of responsibility. Business intelligence manager salaries are between $112,317 to $143,297. The average business intelligence manager salaries are around $129,666, according to salary.com. The business intelligence manager salary is another one that varies based on location and the company itself. The intelligence manager salary grows over time and may give a person enough experience to take on a director’s position. PaySaale notes the average director’s salary is close to $130,000 per year. 

Carrie Morris
Author

Warren Dahl
Editor-in-Chief