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Business Analytics Online MBA Concentration Within the Master's in Business Administration Program
You're viewing a Program Concentration
Total courses 3 (of 10)
Term length 10 weeks
Concentration Overview Why focus your MBA on business analytics?
As part of your MBA program, a concentration adds focus to your degree in a particular area of study. So if you're ready to focus on more technical business skills, that's where Southern New Hampshire University's online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Business Analytics comes in. In addition to the business and management skills that come with an MBA, you'll specialize in incorporating data and information into your decision-making process.
Skills you'll learn:
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Adaptable strategy development
- Models and processes to improve organizations
- Ways to cultivate globally aware teams
- Business planning techniques
- How to use data for decision making
Courses & Curriculum Online business analytics classes that prepare you for your career
In SNHU's MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics, you'll do a deeper dive into the three major areas in business analytics: descriptive analytics, predictive analytics and prescriptive analytics. The curriculum of the concentration will prepare you for the application of tools and techniques of business analytics.
Your 3-course business analytics concentration explained
Your entire MBA degree consists of 10 courses (30 credits). For 7 of your courses, you’ll take graduate level MBA classes (21 credits). If you choose this concentration, the remaining 3 courses (9 credits) will focus specifically on business analytics.
Courses may include:
Business Analytics
Course ID:
QSO 511
This course will provide you with the fundamental concepts and tools needed to understand the emerging role of business analytics in organizations. You will learn how to apply basic business analytics tools in a spreadsheet environment, and how to communicate with analytics professionals to effectively use and interpret analytic models and results for making better business decisions.
Descriptive Business Analytics
Course ID:
QSO 560
Descriptive Analytics is used to analyze historical data to gain insights that can be used in making better business decisions in the future. In this course, you will learn about and apply the principles and techniques of business data analysis using Excel and popular data analysis software.
Predictive Business Analytics
Course ID:
QSO 570
Predictive Analytics is used to make predictions about future business activities. The predictions are used to make business plans and take actions to bring about the desired business outcomes. In this course, you will learn about and apply the principles, tools and techniques of predictive analytics using Excel and popular data analytics software.
Visit the course catalog to view the full MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics curriculum.
Video Communication Platform:
- Mac or PC desktop or laptop (not a mobile device or tablet)
- Webcam
- Microphone
- Required: At least 1Mbps upload/download speed
- Learn more about our detailed technical requirements
Internet Connectivity for Virtual Labs:
- Recommended: 5Mbps upload/download speed with less than 40ms latency
Minimum Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Core i7 12th Gen or AMD Ryzen 7 5000 series
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 (Laptop GPU) or AMD Radeon RX 6750M+
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 (32GB recommended for multitasking and creative work)
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD (1TB recommended for longevity)
- Display: 15.6” FHD (1920x1080), 60Hz+ (QHD optional for creative/visual work)
- OS: Windows 11 Home or Pro
- Internet/bandwidth: 5Mbps download, 1Mbps upload and less than 100ms latency
Additional Information:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Where to purchase: You may purchase any computer brand you wish from any location/reseller, relying on the minimum specs provided to ensure the acquisition of an appropriate machine. We recommend asking your preferred vendor if they offer a student discount, since many do.
- Mac users: You must verify your machine offers comparable specs.
- Devices that don’t meet minimum requirements: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device.
- Microsoft Office software: Office 365 is available to all students for free. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion.
- Antivirus software: This is strongly recommended for online students. Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Apply for free in minutes
Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!
Upcoming term starts: July 6, 2026 | September 21, 2026
Next term starts:
April 20, 2026
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.4% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2025 survey with 8,718 respondents.
What to expect:
10-week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
Learn from instructors with industry experience
Our faculty members bring with them decades of business experience and exhibit strong leadership in the classroom and in their professional careers. Their experience can help position you for success, wherever you go next.
Featured Faculty
Mona Stephens
Before finding a love for online teaching, Mona Stephens spent much of her auditing and accountancy career in local government. She is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Internal Auditor who loves working with students and sharing her passion for all things accounting. Stephens is also a member of numerous industry organizations, including the Government Finance Officers Association, the American Association of Accountants and the Institute of Management Accountants.
Position
Associate Dean of Business
Joined SNHU
2011
Education
- MS in Accountancy and BS in Accounting from California State University, Sacramento
Read more about Mona Stephens and other online faculty at SNHU.
What our instructors have to say
Hear what some SNHU faculty members have to say about our online MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics.
"The skills attained from this degree will ensure you have the skills needed to thrive in a data-rich ecosystem, which all future businesses will require."
Dr. D. Brian Letort, adjunct faculty
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report
Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 250,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.
All it takes is 3 simple steps
Step 1: Complete the online application – it only takes minutes.
It's easy, fast and free.
Step 2: Submit additional forms.
Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)
Step 3: Make your decision.
After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think
As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.
Online graduate tuition
Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 30-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$659
$1,977
$19,770
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$470
$1,410
$14,100
*before previously earned credits are applied
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:
$1,318 $2,636 $3,954If 2 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $18,452
If 4 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $17,134
If 6 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $15,816
How we estimate your tuition cost:
We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for an MBA degree. Most master's degrees require 30 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 6 credits, requiring a minimum of 24 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.
Ways to save on online tuition
Transfer your credits
Transfer credits toward your master's degree program at SNHU. If you’ve taken one course or many, we’ll evaluate them for you.
Apply for financial aid
Fill out the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for grants or work-study. (You could also be offered loans, though you’ll have to pay those back later.)
Military discounts and credit
Earn credits in leadership, technology and more – while taking advantage of an online graduate tuition discount for active-duty service members and spouses.
Explore scholarships
Getting free money for college – from SNHU or an outside organization – could help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Earn credit for exams and certificates
Bring in credits from popular options like CLEP, Sophia Learning, Google and other common credit for prior learning (CPL) experiences.
Tuition Reimbursement
Learn how you can save money with tuition reimbursement from your employer.
Benefit from your employer
Take advantage of an online tuition discount through your organization’s partnership with SNHU. Check with your employer to see if your organization partners with us and if you’re eligible for additional tuition savings and partner education benefits.
Career Outlook What can I do with my concentration in business analytics?
The future for management analysts looks excellent. With an MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics degree in hand, you could consider work as a consultant. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the demand for consulting services will continue to grow as organizations work to become more efficient. The increase could be particularly strong in smaller consulting companies that specialize in specific industries or types of business function.1
Industries
With a business analytics concentration added to your MBA, you might consider working in a variety of industries, like:
Finance
Collect, process and analyze financial data to help make better business decisions.
Technical Consulting Services
Analyze data, trends, strategies and competition to stay ahead in the market.
Government
Use analytics to help with planning, policy formulation and more.
Journalism
Assess consumer statistics to create demand-driven content and distribution strategies.
Healthcare
Evaluate data to create more efficient systems within a medical facility.
Wholesale
Analyze inventory, production speed and product demand to volume forecast.
10%
Projected growth nationally for management analyst jobs through 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1
$99,410
The median annual salary nationally for management analysts in 2023, according to the BLS.1 Statistic not based on wage data for SNHU graduates.
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not on SNHU graduate outcomes, and do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
What SNHU students are saying
My advisor ... he's talked me through a few bumps in the road. He was always there - very encouraging.
Edelyne Castillo '23MBA
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth doing an MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics?
An MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics is a strong credential for anyone interested in furthering their career. In particular, this degree prepares you for roles that focus on data analysis and interpretation, strategic thinking and problem solving.3
And because an MBA is so comprehensive, you aren't limited to roles within data analytics, either. You can apply the interdisciplinary skills you gain in your program — like organizational process improvement, global awareness and business planning — to a wide array of industries.
Who should do an MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics?
An MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics is a great choice if you're looking for a hybrid business/analytics learning experience. MBA students come from an array of professional backgrounds in healthcare, technology, operations and more. If you're passionate about using data to make informed business decisions, it could be a great fit for you.
Well-rounded and versatile, an MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics is also an excellent next step if you have an undergraduate business or STEM degree. Drawing on your existing foundational business knowledge, in the MBA program you'll develop a more advanced skill set. If you're interested in using analytical thinking and decision making to help businesses lead and grow, an MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics can be a valuable asset.
What kind of jobs are you qualified for with an MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics?
Because MBAs are so well-rounded, you'll have plenty of career directions to choose from – especially with the added concentration in business analytics.
"Learners would become qualified to produce business forecasts to predict the outcomes of binary purchase decisions, create inventory and demand forecasts, and apply their knowledge of predictive models to analyze strategic decision-making," said Thomas A. Woolman, an adjunct faculty member at Southern New Hampshire University.
Since business relies on decision-making, you have the opportunity to find a role at many organizations – one that makes a major impact within a business.
"Potential roles that would utilize this type of qualification include demand planning analyst, financial analyst, strategic planning analyst, digital supply chain planning, management roles in forecasting and planning, as well as management roles for business intelligence departments," Woolman said.
Which is better: a general MBA or an MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics?
It's not necessarily better to earn a general-track MBA over an MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics – or vice versa. It truly depends on your career goals and what skills you need to learn to be competitive in the industry.
At Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), all online MBA programs have the same 7-course core, meaning they all have 7 courses in common. These courses take on topics like leading people, measuring success and creating strategies.
Where the courses differ is in the remaining 3 classes of the 10-course program.
In the general-track MBA, you can choose from a wide range of elective courses – like accounting, organizational leadership or marketing.
However, when you choose one of the MBA concentrations (such as business analytics) you'll have courses that are required to complete the concentration. For the concentration in business analytics, those courses include:
- Business Analytics
- Descriptive Business Analytics
- Predictive Business Analytics
By adding "MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics" to your resume, you give yourself the extra boost you may need to help you get the career you want.
Is an MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics in demand?
The demand for MBA graduates — including those with business analytics knowledge, specifically — remains strong. In 2025, 90% of employers surveyed by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) said they planned to hire candidates with MBAs.4
GMAC also noted that as technology, data and AI skills rise in importance, it's important that MBA graduates hone their knowledge in these areas.4 With a strong focus in data analysis and interpretation — as well as data-driven decision making — SNHU's MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics program is designed to help students build the skills today's employers are looking for.
Do you need an MBA to be a business analyst?
For an entry-level analyst job, a bachelor's degree should do, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1
But the BLS also notes that some organizations prefer to hire someone for these roles who has earned an MBA.1
That's why an MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics can be the right choice for many. An MBA is a widely accepted throughout the workforce, and the business analytics concentration can set you apart in the job market.
If you've earned your bachelor's degree in another area of study, the focused MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics at Southern New Hampshire University could be a strong addition to your resume.
What is a concentration?
At colleges and universities, a concentration is a focused area of study within a larger degree program. A concentration generally replaces elective coursework in the major or discipline, allowing students to focus their studies on an area of interest.
Which MBA field is best?
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Sources & Citations
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm (viewed Jul 15, 2024). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
2Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), Regional Accrediting Organizations, on the internet, at https://www.chea.org/regional-accrediting-organizations-accreditor-type (viewed Sept. 2, 2021)
3Graduate Management Admission Council, 2025 Corporate Recruiters Survey, Deans Summary [PDF], on the internet, at https://www.gmac.com/-/media/files/gmac/research/employment-outlook/2025-corporate-recruiters-survey/deans-summary.pdf (viewed Oct. 22, 2025)
4Graduate Management Admission Council, 2025 Corporate Recruiters Survey [PDF], on the internet, at https://www.gmac.com/-/media/files/gmac/research/employment-outlook/2025-corporate-recruiters-survey/summary-report.pdf (viewed Oct. 22, 2025)