Business and data analytics is one of the fastest-growing and in-demand specializations in business, and many working professionals are considering a return to school to get their analytics degree online. A business analytics online degree program offers the exact same course curriculum as that provided to students in a classroom. A business analytics degree program teaches students the skills they need to work in an analytical capacity in a wide variety of industries. Graduates can expect to find employment opportunities in research, financial, manufacturing, and even retail environments. Almost every industry has a need for graduates who specialize in analytics.
Business analytics degrees online are the ideal way to work and go to school at the same time. This is the ideal situation for students who want to earn their degree but still need the benefit associated with hands-on experience. By attending school and going to work at the same time, graduates enter the workforce fully prepared to take on any type of job that is offered to them. In some cases, the willingness to attend an online business analytics degree program is the determining factor for employers who are looking for someone who is motivated to succeed.
Methodology: Ranking the Best Online Business Analytics Degrees in the US
For our ranking of the best online business analytics degrees, Great Business Schools editors tackled a large and growing field of colleges and universities offering business and data analytics in online and hybrid format. Only accredited institutions were considered, and programs are ranked according to factors that matter on the job market: Cost, Salary Potential, and Student Reviews, based on data from Niche, College Scorecard, and IPEDS.
1. Arizona State University
When you are looking for the best online business analytics degrees for your career goals, the Business Data Analytics program at Arizona State University is a good option for your plans. The degree program emphasizes technical competency in students to ensure that they are able to evaluate big data and analyze the information to communicate with business associates. It provides students with fundamental knowledge of business while also teaching technical skills used in modern companies.
Arizona State University teaches students the processes to use big data to make realistic predictions of future outcomes. It recognizes that statistical data plays a critical role in evaluating information and ensures that students have the skills to analyze big data for a company using statistics and mathematics. The result is the ability to make effective predictions about potential outcomes and the likelihood of an outcome based on the information.
Highlight Arizona State University is rated at the number one online university for innovation by U.S. News and World Reports.
Degree Business Data Analytics, BS
2. Washington State University
Washington State University offers a Data Analytics degree program at the undergraduate level that prepares students to evaluate big datasets, extract information from the data, and make suggestions to company executives or decision-makers to help reach business goals. The degree program emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills and technical skills to prepare students to analyze data.
Washington State University emphasizes hands-on experience as a critical part of the Data Analytics online program. Students gain opportunities to work with real datasets from large industries and universities to develop their skills. Since students are able to use datasets from real-world situations, the university prepares online students for the challenges of their future careers.
Highlight Washington State University prepares students for leadership positions in data analytics at the undergraduate level.
Degree Data Analytics, BS
3. CSU Global
CSU Global offers a Management Information Systems and Business Analytics degree that helps students reach their goals when they want to work in a business analytics career. The degree program emphasizes the use of management and marketing based on big datasets and the analysis of the information. It provides students with a strong foundation in business-related topics like finance, accounting, and marketing. It also provides leadership training through management courses that help students communicate in a corporate setting.
CSU Global focuses on ensuring that students are prepared for the challenges of working in a corporate or business environment. The degree program emphasizes the use of technology and statistics to evaluate data and make suggestions to business owners or decision-makers in a company. It also ensures that students understand the business side of the data to improve their ability to predict potential outcomes.
Highlight CSU Global offers discounts on tuition to students who work in certain companies, as well as financial assistance to qualifying students.
Degree Management Information Systems and Business Analytics, BS
4. Oregon State University
The Business Analytics degree from Oregon State University is one of the best online business analytics degrees for students who need or want a flexible schedule. The undergraduate program emphasizes technical skills and ensures that students are aware of the different tools that may assist with evaluating and analyzing large datasets. It also provides students with a strong foundation in statistics and related fields to prepare for the challenges of working in a business analytics position.
Oregon State University offers two areas of focus for students in the business analytics program. Students can focus on digital marketing analytics or market research and consumer analytics. Depending on the area of focus, students are able to start working in a career that works on data in specific areas of the business. Students also learn to communicate ideas with corporate professionals to ensure that data is used in an effective manner.
Highlight Oregon State University is AACSB-accredited for its online business analytics degree program.
Degree Business Analytics, BS
5. Thomas Edison State University
The Data Science and Analytics online program at Thomas Edison State University is one of the best options for students who want to work as a data scientist or take on roles in business analytics. The program focuses on evaluating datasets and analyzing potential outcomes based on historical factors. It also provides students with a strong foundation in mathematics and computer science to prepare for the challenges of working in a rigorous career.
Thomas Edison State University recognizes the challenges that may arise when working on complex problems in a business setting. It emphasizes the importance of strong ethical standards in students and provides students with a clear picture of proper measures to maintain ethical standards in a company. The degree program also provides students with training in cultural sensitivity that may help when working in a large corporate environment.
Highlight Thomas Edison State University allows students to transfer credits from nationally and regionally accredited colleges and universities.
Degree Data Science and Analytics, BS
6. Marist College
Marist College offers an online Data Science and Analytics degree program that helps students focus on their long-term career goals. The degree program emphasizes the technical skills associated with data analytics and ensures that students are able to make predictions based on the data presented. It also gives students a firm understanding of the technical skills associated with analyzing big data and presenting ideas to leaders in a corporate or business environment.
Marist College stands out from other programs by emphasizing data analysis on a global scale. The program does not limit student expectations and prepares students to work in a large corporate environment. It recognizes that datasets may include information from other countries and prepares students to analyze global data as part of their training.
Highlight Marist College offers complementary minors that help students specialize in specific areas of data analysis.
Degree Data Science and Analytics, BS
7. Bellevue University
The Business Analytics degree program from Bellevue University provides a strong foundation in technical skills that prepares students to handle every aspect of data analysis from mining to applied statistics. It also provides students with a strong foundation in business skills that allows them to communicate with leaders and other professionals in their work environment. Since it provides business training, students are able to take on leadership roles when working in their careers.
Bellevue University emphasizes student capabilities by focusing on developing useful skills for a career. It offers students the ability to improve their technical skills while also preparing them to handle the challenges of a business environment. The flexible online format allows students to work at their own pace while improving their abilities.
Highlight Bellevue University offers a reduced tuition rate for active-duty members of the military and their spouses.
Degree Business Analytics, BS
8. Golden Gate University
Golden Gate University offers a business degree with a concentration in data analytics that prepares students for the challenges of their career goals. Since the program focuses on the business aspects of the program before the data analytics, it provides students with the leadership training they need to work in a corporate setting. It also provides students with a strong foundation in management, marketing, and related topics that businesses need to grow and succeed.
Golden Gate University stands out by focusing on the needs of adult learners. It recognizes that students may have limitations in their schedules due to work or personal obligations, and it works around those needs to ensure that students are able to accomplish their goals. It focuses on real-world situations for individuals who are already actively working in a challenging environment.
Highlight Roughly 95 percent of the students at Golden Gate University are 25 years old or older.
Degree Business, BS Data Analytics concentration
9. Maryville College
Maryville College offers a bachelor’s degree in Business Analytics that emphasizes the balance between math and business. It recognizes that students need the mathematical skills to keep up with big datasets and provides students with the training in statistics to handle the challenges of evaluating data. It also provides students with the business skills to recognize trends, clarify data, and communicate with leaders in a company to ensure that measures are taken to reach company goals.
Maryville College takes a creative approach to business analytics and sets a heavy emphasis on the artistic aspects of the degree. Since the curriculum includes liberal arts studies, it gives students a unique perspective into the topics associated with business, mathematics, and data analysis. It allows students to emphasize communication when they are working in a business environment.
Highlight Maryville College works with community colleges in Tennessee and allows students to transfer credits from an associate’s program.
Degree Business Analytics, BS
10. Grand Canyon University
The Business Analytics program at Grand Canyon University prepares students for the challenges of working in a modern business environment. It emphasizes the business aspects of the degree by teaching students about management, finances, accounting, and related topics. It also ensures that students understand effective communication strategies when discussing potential solutions with leadership in a company. By providing students with a strong foundation in business as well as the technical skills associated with data analysis, it prepares students to work in a fast-paced environment.
Grand Canyon University teaches students about business ethics as well as proper measures to maintain compliance with industry-specific regulations and laws. The strong ethical standards ensure that students are aware of potential concerns that may arise when evaluating big datasets. It prevents students from engaging in unethical actions by teaching them the ethics behind data analysis and business.
Highlight Grand Canyon University offers a variety of campus scholarships that apply to qualifying students.
Degree Business Analytics, BS
11. Liberty University
Liberty University offers a Data Analytics bachelor’s degree in Business Administration that prepares students to work as data scientists or analysts in a business setting. The degree program emphasizes business-related skills through proper training before moving into more specialized skills associated with data analytics. By ensuring that students are aware of the application of statistical data and large datasets to a company, it provides students with the ability to provide effective solutions to help businesses reach long-term goals.
Liberty University stands out by offering accelerated courses. The classes in the online program are eight-weeks long and allow students to work at their own pace. Due to the accelerated format of the courses, it allows students to finish their degrees at a fast pace and move into their careers early.
Highlight Liberty University allows students to transfer up to 75 percent of their credits into the online course.
Degree Business Administration: Data Analytics, BA
12. Webster University
The Data Analytics degree from Webster University prepares students to take an active role in the process of making decisions in a business or company. The program provides students with a strong foundation in mathematics and statistics as it relates to data analysis. It also teaches students to use common programs and software in data analytics to break down large datasets and clarify information to make better predictions about potential future outcomes.
Webster University emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students to prepare them to make decisions in a company. It ensures that students are able to handle the challenges of working in a fast-paced environment by giving them the tools to evaluate data and keep up with new trends. By focusing on developing effective skills, the online program helps students work on improving their abilities.
Highlight Webster University is a military-friendly university that offers discounted tuition costs for active-duty members of the military.
Degree Data Analytics, BS
13. Colorado Technical University
Colorado Technical University offers a Data Analytics degree in Business Administration through its online system. The online degree program focuses on teaching students to evaluate data to help businesses make informed choices about their long-term goals and projections. By evaluating information, students are able to clarify potential outcomes and ensure that businesses make the right choices to limit risks.
Colorado Technical University emphasizes flexibility in student education. The online program allows students to work on a degree at their own pace and keep up with personal or professional obligations. It also helps students focus on accomplishing their long-term career goals by providing them with the tools they need to keep up in a modern work environment. The school offers scholarships and grants to online students who qualify for the funding.
Highlight Colorado Technical University is ACBSP-accredited for its online business administration degree program.
Degree Business Administration – Data Analytics, BS
14. Southern New Hampshire University
The online Data Analytics degree from Southern New Hampshire University is one of the best options for students who want a flexible program for their educations. The degree program teaches students the fundamental skills they need to evaluate and analyze big datasets. It also ensures that students are able to predict potential outcomes based on statistical probability.
Southern New Hampshire University allows students to transfer up to 90 credits into the online program. By ensuring that students are able to transfer a portion of their credits, it allows students to accelerate the process of obtaining a degree. It also allows students to work on a degree at their own pace by setting up a flexible scheduling solution.
Highlight Southern New Hampshire University is NECHE-accredited and meets the standards for student education of the accrediting agency.
Degree Data Analytics, BS
15. Suffolk University
Suffolk University offers a Big Data and Business Analytics degree program that combines technological skills, statistics, and business to help students offer appropriate recommendations and advice to potential employers. It gives students the fundamental skills they need to evaluate data and clarify potential outcomes based on statistical probability. It also teaches students to communicate with leaders in a company and ensures that students understand the business aspects of the options they recommend for the company.
Suffolk University encourages students to add a minor to their degree program to improve their understanding of specialized business skills. It also allows students to gain insight into the impact of decisions on different aspects of the company’s goals. By adding a minor to the degree program, students are able to emphasize a specific skill set and develop their long-term goals for a career.
Highlight Suffolk University is AACSB-accredited for the online Big Data and Business Analytics program.
Degree Big Data & Business Analytics Major
Why Should I Get My Business Analytics Degree Online?
Online business analytics degrees are a great way to get ahead when you are ready to move forward in your career. Business analytics degrees can be earned either online or in a classroom setting. Some students function more efficiently in the structured environment of a classroom. Others work better when they are able to retain information more efficiently when they can study when it is most convenient for them. Whether you choose to sit in a classroom or do your coursework online, earning your degree can provide you with any number of opportunities to advance your career.
What Is Business Analytics?
As a business operates, various types of data are produced. This data explains many different things including how efficiently the business is operating. Inventory analysis, sales, marketing campaigns, and even employment numbers are all types of data that must be thoroughly analyzed. The information that is gained will show where the company’s strengths and weaknesses are so that changes can be made if they are needed.
Once the data has been collected, it is then categorized, processed, and studied so that it tells the story of how the company is functioning. Statistical models are created that can be used to determine possible growth patterns as well as areas where potential risk may be much higher than normal. The models and methodologies are used in conjunction with one another to determine possible courses of action that will help to create the results the company is looking for.
Business analytics is one of many functions that fall under the heading of business intelligence. Through quantitative analysis and the use of specific strategies, the information that is collected and studied can be used to create a roadmap that will enable the business to succeed in reaching all of its goals. Business analytics requires someone who pays strong attention to detail and has a passion for working with numbers. Problem-solving and the ability to use the information to find viable solutions for specific issues that may begin to appear are the two main responsibilities of a business analyst.
What Does a Business Analytics Professional Do?
A professional business analysis uses the information they collect from the day to day operations of the company to determine possible outcomes, identify areas of potential risk, and find viable solutions for issues that sometimes appear. The analyst studies patterns in growth and loss, using that information to help members of management find new ways to compete in an ever-changing economy. By creating statistical models., the analyst can provide information that allows strategists to determine the best way for the company to move forward and achieve its goals.
A business analyst can also identify areas in which a company lacks the strength to be successful. As this information is collected and studied, they can also project possible outcomes giving management an idea of how to properly handle the situation. By knowing the company’s level of potential risk, the company can begin to improve on areas where it has shown weakness in the past. This improves earning potential and keeps the company moving forward.
With an online Bachelor’s in Business Analytics degree, a graduate will be able to go into a company and evaluate the various types of data that are produced and work with each department to fine-tune their processes and day to day operations. With their focused attention to detail and continual examination of newly generated data, an analyst can identify patterns as soon as they begin to appear. They are problem solvers who work diligently to prevent varying degrees of risk from becoming major issues within a business.
Carrie Morris
Author
Warren Dahl
Editor-in-Chief