If you’re thinking about working to earn your online masters in business intelligence, you’re not alone. The field of business intelligence has been taking off quickly in recent years. In the advent of the digital age, companies on constantly on the hunt for experts in technology, digital media, social media, digital marketing, and more. With your master in business intelligence online, you’ll be able to provide companies with the information they need to make business decisions that allow them to improve their bottom line in a way that sits well with their customers.
Earning your masters in business intelligence online is the perfect fit for busy professionals who want to enhance their education without taking time off from their busy careers. When you choose to earn your degree online, you’re giving yourself the flexibility you need to continue to excel at work, while also getting your assignments for your online classes done on your own time.
Methodology: Ranking the Best Online Master’s in Business Intelligence
Working professionals who want to go back to school and get a master’s in business intelligence know what they want – a solid credential that will push their career to the next level. That’s why Great Business Schools has ranked the best accredited online business intelligence programs with data from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and Niche. The ranking is based on Cost, Potential Salary, and Student Reviews, so prospective students know their degree will have a real impact.
1. Georgia Institute of Technology
The Georgia Institute of Technology offers an online MS in Analytics (OMS Analytics), which is recognized among the best online masters in business intelligence programs available in the education marketplace. Degree candidates in Georgia Tech’s business intelligence degree must complete 36 credit units – eleven classes – in about two to three years. Georgia Tech’s OMS Analytics program requires students to comply with the university’s honor code.
The Georgia Institute of Technology was established as a space-grant school that was established in 1885. Georgia Tech was built as a part of the reconstruction plans for the south after the war. The school’s urban campus covers more than 350 acres and serves nearly 33,000 students.
Highlight The Georgia Institute of Technology is a space-grant school and a member school of the University of Georgia system.
Degree Analytics, MS
2. Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business offers an MS in Business Analytics (MSBA) with coursework that can be completed online. Carnegie Mellon University’s best online masters in business intelligence can be finished in 1.5 years. Coursework for CMU Tepper’s online business intelligence graduate degree includes Programming in Python, Probability & Statistics, Data Exploration, Machine Learning, and Business Communication, to name a few. Students enrolled in CMU’s data science program must attend on-campus functions three times.
Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper) was established in 1900. The school’s main campus is a few miles from the downtown area of Pittsburgh and home to nearly 15,000 students. Carnegie Mellon University operates more than ten campuses on six of seven continents.
Highlight CMU’s student body includes students from more than 110 countries.
Degree Business Analytics, MS
3. Arizona State University
Arizona State University’s Carey School of Business offers an MS in Business Analytics that has been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. ASU’s best online masters in business intelligence program require the completion of eleven classes for a total of 30 credit units to graduate in about sixteen months. Coursework for ASU’s data science degree includes Applied Analytics, Data Mining, Data-Driven Quality Management, plus a culminating senior project in a related field to business intelligence. Students graduate to find rewarding careers as chief executives, marketing managers, or business analyst/consultant.
Arizona State University (ASU) is a public institution of higher education that was founded in 1885. ASU consists of 17 colleges/schools with more than 300 academic degree programs offered.
Highlight Arizona State University boasts one of the largest student enrollments of any school located in the United States.
Degree Business Analytics, MS
4. Bellevue University
Bellevue University offers an MS in Business Analytics that can be completed entirely online. Bellevue University’s best online masters in business intelligence degree program requires the completion of 36 credit units to graduate. Students enrolled in Bellevue’s business intelligence graduate program complete coursework in Marketing, Business Performance Management, Human Capital, Financial Reporting, data mining, integrated technologies, and advanced business analytics. Bellevue University has received accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission.
Bellevue University was established in 1966 as a private school dedicated to serving working adults. Bellevue University’s campus is home to about 9,900 students – with more than 75% over the age of 24. Bellevue University has received accreditation by the ISCBE – the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education.
Highlight US News ranks Bellevue University’s online baccalaureate degrees among the top ten in the nation.
Degree Business Analytics, MS
5. University of Missouri
The University of Missouri’s Institute for Data Science and the Graduate School offers a Master of Science (MS) degree program that can be complete mostly online. Mizzou’s best online masters in business intelligence program requires the completion of 34 credit units to graduate. Mizzou’s data science graduate program includes coursework in five related disciplines – high-performance computing, bio-health analytics, geospatial analytics, strategic communications, and human-centered computer design. The University of Missouri offers military tuition awards to active military members, national guardsmen, reservists, or veterans, and their spouses.
The University of Missouri (MIZZOU) was established in 1839 under the Morrill Land Grant Act as a land-grant university. Mizzou is a space-grant and land grant institution of higher education that serves more than 30,000 students.
Highlight The University of Missouri holds the distinction of being home to the country’s first journalism school.
Degree Data science and analytics, MS
6. Saint Louis University
Saint Louis University’s School for Professional Studies offers an MS in Applied Analytics that prepares degree candidates for careers as a data mining specialist, data visualization manager, and database managers, to name a few. Coursework for Saint Louis University’s best online masters in business intelligence program includes Project Management, Contemporary Issued in Analytics, and an Applied Analytics’ Master Project to graduate.
Saint Louis University (SLU) was established in 1818 and holds the distinction of being the oldest of all schools that are located west of the Mississippi River. SLU maintains a religious affiliation with the Roman Catholic (Jesuit) Church. The school’s campus in St. Louis is home to more than 12,500 students.
Highlight Saint Louis University boasts an impressive faculty to student ratio of 1 to 12.
Degree Applied Analytics, M.S.
7. University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland Global Campus offers an MS in Data Analytics that can be completed entirely online. Coursework for the University of Maryland Global Campus’ best online masters in business intelligence program includes Machine Learning, Predictive Modeling, Decision Making, and Big Data Analytics, plus a capstone project in Data Analytics to graduate. Students must complete coursework that equal at least 36 credits with a cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.00, within a maximum of five years.
The University of Maryland Global Campus (was established in 1947 with the primary purpose of serving military members and working adults. The school’s student enrollment exceeds 47,000 students studying for the more than 100 academic degree programs offered by UM’s Global Campus.
Highlight The University of Maryland Global Campus operates several campuses across the DC/Baltimore area.
Degree Data Analytics, MS
8. Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University’s Graziadio Business School offers an MS in Business Analytics that can be complete online entirely. Pepperdine University’s best online masters in business intelligence program requires students to complete 31 credit units in about a year. Pepperdine University students automatically become a member of the WeWork Global Initiative that provides 300+ workspaces in more than 70 international cities. Pepperdine University’s online business analytics degree program has received accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Pepperdine University is a private school that was established in 1937. Pepperdine University maintains a religious affiliation with the Church of Christ. Pepperdine University’s campuses are home to approximately 8,000 students studying from the school’s five undergraduate and graduate colleges/schools.
Highlight The school maintains satellite facilities in Washington DC, England, Germany, Argentina, Switzerland, and China.
Degree Business Analytics, MS
9. Syracuse University
Syracuse University’s Whiteman School of Management offers an MS in Business Analytics that can be finished online. SU’s best online masters in business intelligence program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Coursework for SU’s graduate data analytics degree includes Data Analysis, Decision Making, Management Science, Data Science, and Information Visualization, among others. Students enrolled in Syracuse University’s business intelligence graduate program must complete 36 credits to graduate, but may be eligible for a GMAT waiver.
Syracuse University was established in 1870. Syracuse University’s campus is located on a large hill in the portion Southeast of Downtown and home to more than 22,500 students studying for academic degrees offered by SU’s thirteen colleges/schools.
Highlight Syracuse University is a nonsectarian school with existing ties to the Methodist Church.
Degree Business Analytics, MS
10. Creighton University
Creighton University’s Heider College of Business offers an MS in Business Intelligence & Analytics that can be completed through the school’s hybrid delivery package. Students enrolled in Creighton University’s best online masters in business intelligence program are required to complete 33 credit units in coursework that covers these topics – Ethics and business, Database Management, Business Intelligence, and Data Visual Analysis to name a few. Classes at Creighton University begin four times per year, January, May, July, and August.
Creighton University (CU) is a private institution of higher education that was established in 1878. Creighton University maintains a religious affiliation with the Roman Catholic – Jesuit Church. Creighton University operates a 100+ acre campus in Omaha that serves about 9,000 students.
Highlight Creighton University began by a gift by Mary Creighton in memory of her successful Omaha business professional husband, Edward Creighton.
Degree Business Intelligence & Analytics, MS
11. University of Dayton
The University of Dayton’s School of Business Administration offers a Master of Business Analytics (MBAN) that can be finished in about a year. UD’s best online masters in business intelligence program includes coursework in Statistics, Problem-solving Methods, Machine Learning, Business Analytics, and Data Management, among others. Students attending UD’s program applicants must hold an undergraduate degree to apply. Additionally, students enrolled in the University of Dayton’s business intelligence graduate program must complete a culminating capstone project prior to graduation.
The University of Dayton (UD) was established in 1850 as a private institution of higher education. UD maintains a religious affiliation with the Roman Catholic (Marianist) church. The University of Dayton’s urban campus covers more than 360 acres and serves about 8,500 students studying for the more than 75 academic programs offered by the university.
Highlight UD’s famous alumni include NFL coaches Chuck Noll & Jon Gruden and best-selling author Erma Bombeck.
Degree Master of Business Analytics
12. Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University’s Colangelo College of Business offers an MS in Business Analytics that can be completed entirely online. GCU’s online best online masters in business intelligence program requires degree candidates to complete 38 credit units, of which one-third of these credits may be transferred from previously earned credits from an accredited institution of higher learning. Students graduate from Grand Canyon University prepared for careers as a business analyst, quantitative modeler, a supply chain specialist, or a business intelligence manager, among others.
Grand Canyon University is a for-profit institution of higher education that is affiliated with the Christian Church (nondenominational). GCU’s urban campus in Phoenix is home to more than 20,000 students; however, Grand Canyon University boasts an impressive online student enrollment of 70,000.
Highlight Grand Canyon University is organized into nine colleges/schools offering programs in health care, education, business, theology, engineering, and technology.
Degree Business Analytics, MS
13. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers an MS in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics that can be completed entirely online, in about 12 months. The best online masters in business intelligence program requires the completion of 36 credit units and includes classes in Statistics, Economics, Business Analytics, Data Mining, Ethics, GIS Methods, Programming for Data Science, and a final capstone project. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s program has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota was established in 1912. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota maintains a religious affiliation with the Roman Catholic – Lasallian Church. The school offers programs through several facilities located in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and internationally in Kenya and Jamaica.
Highlight The school’s student enrollment is about 5,900, of which 80% study online or at a satellite campus.
Degree Business Intelligence and Data Analytics, MS
14. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University offers an MS in Data Analytics that is available entirely online. This best online masters in business intelligence program from Southern New Hampshire University can be completed in about 16 months. The program includes coursework that covers risk assessment, Data Optimization, Data Visualization, Decision Making Methods, Modeling, and Predictive Analysis, to name a few. Students graduate and find rewarding careers as a statistician, an analytics manager, a data engineer, or a data mining analyst, among others.
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) was established in 1932 by second-generation Americans of Russian heritage. Southern New Hampshire University has seen explosive growth with its hugely successful online programs, currently with more than 87,000 students enrolled.
Highlight Southern New Hampshire University maintains an open enrollment policy that requires only a high school diploma/GED for admission.
Degree Data Analytics, MS
15. New England College
New England College offers an MS in Data Analytics and Business Statistics that requires the completion of a total of 44 credit units, including a 4-credit internship experience. New England College’s best online masters in business intelligence program offers seven yearly start dates. Coursework includes Cloud Computing, Database Design, Data-Driven Decisions, Applied Statistics, and Statistical Modeling, plus a capstone project. The business intelligence degree offered by New England College requires the completion of ten classes.
New England College is a private institution of higher learning that was established in 1946 to serve veteran WWII veterans. The school’s rural campus in Henniker is home to approximately 2,800 students studying for the college’s 50+ academic degree programs.
Highlight The business degrees offered by New England College have received accreditation from the ACBSP.
Degree Data Analytics, MS
Why Should I Get My Master’s in Business Intelligence Online?
Many employers are excited about the prospect of having employees who have their master’s in business intelligence. If you’re thinking about going back to school for your business intelligence master’s online, talk with your employer about whether the offer tuition assistance or reimbursement. Many employers are happy to help you pay the costs of tuition, books, and more when you decide to go back to school while continuing to work. Be sure to talk with your employer about any nuances of the program, such as GPA requirements or an agreement to continue working for the company after you graduate.
Let’s take a look at what exactly you’ll be doing with your business intelligence degree, and what you can expect from your educational path as you earn your master’s.
What is a Business Intelligence Analyst?
Businesses rely on data in order to understand trends and inform their decision making processes. If you’re wondering, “what is a business analyst?” it’s likely that you’re already somewhat familiar with how decisions are made in business. Companies use data to help them figure out the next best steps for continue to impress their customers and clients.
Most experts in business, however, do not know how to go from data to the decision making. There’s a person in the middle who needs to work with data and use it to provide information that can help inform businesses of what to do next. If you’ve wondered, “what do business intelligence analysts do?” you’re not alone – the term is somewhat nebulous, and can sound confusing. The job of a business intelligence analyst is simple: they take the data collected by companies, and they use that data to figure out what’s working and what isn’t within a business context. The company then uses that information to decide how to proceed with business decisions.
If you’re interested in learning more about what does a business intelligence analyst do, or what is the role of a business intelligence analyst within your company’s context, talk with your human resources department. They’ll be able to tell you more about exactly how you could function as a business intelligence analyst within your industry.
How Do I Become a Business Intelligence Analyst?
If you’re thinking about how to become a business intelligence analyst, the first thing you’ll want to do is learn more about graduate school. For most people who are interested in the career path for business intelligence analyst, earning an MBA degree with a specialty in business intelligence is the best choice.
It’s important to note that not all business intelligence analyst career path options require a master’s degree, at least not to start. For some business intelligence analyst education requirements, you’ll be able to get an entry level position with a degree in management, business, accounting, or another business related field, and then go on to earn your business intelligence graduate degree as you gain work experience.
Can I Work from Home in Business Intelligence?
In today’s uncertain world, it makes sense to look for business intelligence remote jobs that you’re able to do from home. Many business intelligence jobs can be done from home, as long as you have a good internet connection and the ability to stay in regular contact with the office. While some parts of a business analyst’s job require communication with supervisors, much of the job is spent crunching numbers and figuring out recommendations on your own. Many business analysts who work remotely take advantage of video conference services like Zoom and Skype to allow them to meet with their offices from a remote location. If you’re interested in the possibility of transitioning from your current position to a remote business analyst job, talk with your supervisor about whether this could be a possibility at your company. If not, it may be time to start the job search – many companies are making the transition to remote work, and you likely won’t have to look far to find a position.
Carrie Morris
Author
Warren Dahl
Editor-in-Chief