Master's in Business Analytics Online

Interactive

With set class times online, in real time, you're virtually there. You'll participate in two 2-hour classes weekly, and engage in group discussions and smaller breakout sessions to tackle real-world problems and projects that reinforce the subject material.

Affordable

The online MS in Business Analytics costs $12,000 in total tuition, making it one of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation. There are also no additional textbook costs or technology fees, and you'll have access to free software and third party learning resources. Plus, you may be eligible for financial aid.

Respected

Founded in 1932, SNHU is a private, nonprofit institution with over 100,000 graduates across the country. Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) — which means our 200+ associate, bachelor's and master's programs meet high academic standards.

To be institutionally accredited, one of 7 institutional accreditation organizations recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) has determined that the university meets its high academic standards and expectations. Most nonprofit institutions are institutionally accredited.

In addition, Southern New Hampshire University has been nationally recognized for its efforts to lead the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:

• “Most Innovative” regional university honors from U.S. News & World Report each year since 2015
• A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
• Recognition as a 2017 Digital Learning Innovator by the Online Learning Consortium

Career

We're committed to helping students succeed – even when they step outside the classroom. That's why we integrate career development in every aspect of the online MS in Business Analytics program. From the time you enroll, and even after you graduate, you’ll have access to recruiting events, job boards, resume services, mock interviews, mentorships and more.

Network

At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 200,000 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 your industry. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.

96.5% of students would recommend SNHU.² Discover why SNHU may be right for you.

Upon applying to the online MS in Business Analytics program, candidates will be contacted by an admission representative. Applicants must then provide the following:

• Professional resume
• Official transcripts indicating a conferred bachelor's degree with a GPA of 2.75 or above
• Written professional statement
• A 3- to 5-minute video pitch

You do not need to have previous experience in programming or data analysis. The online MS in Business Analytics program is ultimately best suited for those who enjoy numbers and data, organization, identifying patterns and working with others. If this sounds like you, this degree may be the right choice for you and your career.

As a cohort-based program where all students start in the same place, transfer credits are not accepted for the online MS in Business Analytics.

Simply contact an admission counselor, who can help you explore financial options, answer all your questions, and walk you through the application process.

Notes: 

• Laptop or desktop?  Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility. 

• Note:  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. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10. 

• Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government. 

• Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers. 

If you're looking for a highly interactive learning experience that can help you build skills employers want to see, our online MS in Business Analytics could absolutely be worth it for you.

You'll gain critical data analysis, data visualization and programing skills, but beyond that, this particular program is laser-focused on career readiness.

Plus, by mastering these skills, you'll be ready to make your mark in the field of business analytics – which is booming. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, management analyst and operations research analyst occupations are set to grow well above the national average for all occupations through 2030 – at 14% and 25%, respectively.¹

It depends. MS in Business Analytics degree holders can work in a number of different positions and industries. Some of the most common are management analysts and operations research analysts.

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), data-driven jobs such as these are set to grow significantly through 2030, and as of 2020 are shown earning a median wage of $87,660 per year and $86,200 per year, respectively¹.

In May 2020, the median annual wages for management analysts in the top industries in which they worked were¹:

• Professional, scientific and technical services: $93,710
• Management of companies and enterprises: $87,230
• Finance and insurance: $86, 690

Likewise, BLS data shows the median annual wages for operations research analysts in the top industries in which they worked as¹:

• Federal government: $119,720
• Manufacturing: $94,340
• Management of companies and enterprises: $91,000

Some entry-level positions are available for those with a bachelor’s degree, however, many employers prefer to hire applicants with a master’s degree¹. This makes earning your graduate degree even more valuable for job opportunities and earning potential.

A background in business analytics empowers you to use data as a vehicle to drive better business. Using these skills, you can help your employer:

• Operate more efficiently
• Sell more effectively
• Delight clients more consistently
• Outperform its business goals

Plus, because business analytics is so highly desired for today's employers, a master's in the field can help prepare you for success just about anywhere.

That all depends on what you're looking for.

The online MS in Business Analytics at SNHU can help you address organizational challenges by analyzing data, developing insights, and communicating with business leaders. Upon completing the program, you'll be prepared to position yourself as a strategic partner who helps organizations develop data-driven solutions to business problems.

The MBA, on the other hand, provides a broader business perspective, without the specific emphasis on analytics and data visualization. That said, we do offer the online MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics.

Those two MBA programs could also appeal to students looking for a more flexible learning format, along with the MS in Data Analytics. While the online MS in Business Analytics specifically emphasizes set class times and group work, the general MBA, MBA in Business Analytics and MS in Data Analytics all offer a more flexible online learning experience.

While business analysts and data analysts share similar roles and responsibilities, there are key differences between the two.

While data analysts are hunter-gatherers of data tasked with telling stories via reports and data visualization software, they often don't take an active role in what happens next. In many cases, their insights are handed off to another team that can use the information to solve various business challenges.

A business analyst, on the other hand, uses data findings to push initiatives that can help make organizations run smoother. They are agents of change – whether it's providing support for a new product, measuring and improving the success of a marketing campaign, or identifying ways to optimize processes. At the end of the day, their bottom line is to actively make their business better.

With increased demand for those who can source, interpret and tell stories through data, both data analysts and business analysts are finding opportunities in a number of different industries.

That's why, at SNHU, we offer tracks for either career path – including this online master's program, our online master's in data analytics, online MBA in Business Analytics and our campus-based MS in Business Analytics.

You can – and you've found it. In fact, this program combines some of the best elements of online and in-person learning.

On one hand, you have the convenience of learning from anywhere; on the other, you get the same kind of highly-interactive, hands-on learning experience you'd get being in a physical classroom.

Our online MS in Business Analytics can help you gain highly lucrative skills in business strategy, data visualization and coding-based analytics. You'll also become proficient with tools and software such as Microsoft Excel, Python and SQL programming, Tableau data visualization and more.

Data analysis is hugely important in today's workforce. By understanding how to collate, sort, process and study business data, then use statistical models and iterative methodologies to transform data into business insights, you'll have invaluable skills for any organization.

All advanced degrees, such as a master’s in business analytics, should be a healthy challenge. If you’re wondering if majoring in business analytics is the right choice for you, first consider your goals, interests and background.

For someone with a bachelor’s in a related field, you may find this program as a natural progression that helps you build on existing skills while pushing you to learn and master new ones. For someone who has never studied or worked in this or a related field, it may feel more challenging. Additionally, it can be difficult for someone who does not have an adequate amount of time to set aside for their courses and coursework.

The online master’s in business analytics at SNHU requires someone who is motivated and willing to dedicate the time to their studies. With twice-weekly live sessions and a workload of 24-30 hours a week, it’s a time commitment that must be considered.

The online MS in Business Analytics program is ultimately best suited for those who enjoy numbers and data, organizing information, identifying patterns and working with others. If this sounds like you, this degree may be the right choice for you and your career.

Not exactly. While the ability to program is helpful in a career in business analytics and can help differentiate you from other candidates, being able to write code isn’t a strict requirement.

SNHU’s online MS in Business Analytics can help you gain skills in coding-based analytics as well as help you to become proficient with various tools and programming languages. So, while you may not be writing code, you should have the knowledge and awareness to understand and analyze coding data.

Classes are held online, in real-time, twice a week. Each class is 2 hours long and combines larger discussions and breakout room activities – giving you the opportunity to share perspectives and break down problems as a group.

"I loved the breakout room activities and hands-on participation," said Tatiana Alcocer, a pilot course volunteer. "It provided me with a real-world context and gave me a real-world feel for how it would feel at work."

As a learner in the online Master of Science in Business Analytics program, you'll have the opportunity to work with many data sets modeled after existing brands and businesses.

Students in the program have, for example, looked at global commodity trade data. In class, the instructor demonstrated the process of cleaning and preparing the data and then creating a re-usable data workflow using sample data.

The class then collaborated in breakout sessions to combine commodity codes, import and export data and gross-domestic product (GDP) data. They used this data to create a visualization comparing imports and exports by country over time.

Yes, career changers are welcome! This program is open to anyone who has earned their bachelor's, has the motivation to show up for twice-weekly live sessions and can commit 24-30 hours to class, homework and study time each week.

You do not need to have previous experience in data analysis or programming.

A cohort is a group of students taking the same classes at the same time, from enrollment to graduation.

You'll also be supported by a consistent team of instructors, teaching assistants and an academic advisor. In progressing with the same team, you'll develop a sense of community while building skills and gaining new perspectives along the way.

"What I loved about [the classes] is that there was a wide range of experiences," said Alison Sir, a pilot course volunteer. "Because we had a kind and helpful community, people were willing to help each other."

Tatiana Alcocer, who also volunteered for the pilot course, shared a similar sentiment. "Working on activities with [my classmates], I benefitted from the very different experiences people had. Some had built their own companies, others had built their own financial models for other companies – so I think I got something from everyone sharing their unique experiences."

Yes. The primary objective of a cohort-based program is to encourage learners to work together, learn from each other and grow as part of a community.

If you're enrolled in the MS in Business Analytics and face a situation in which you can no longer progress alongside your peers (i.e., illness or other extenuating circumstances), talk to your advisor.

Ideally, yes. We believe consistency is integral to you and your team's success – that's why we ask the same instructor to help guide your progress from start to finish.

We also have teaching assistants and an advisor to help support you along the way.

It is true that $12,000 covers the cost of tuition – making the online MS in Business Analytics one of the most affordable online degrees in the nation. Those enrolled in the program are also, notably, not required to buy textbooks or pay technology fees.

That said, there are some additional program costs that are typical for any university. This includes graduation fees, loan origination fees and payment plan fees (for those using financial aid).

Please also review our minimum hardware and software requirements to determine if you'll need an upgrade.

The online MS Business Analytics is a cohort-based program. Unlike SNHU's other graduate degrees, it requires students to start at the same place in their studies. This is why we do not accept transfer credits for this program.

Unlike our other online programs, where course schedules are flexible, students must meet online, in real-time twice a week. Instructors lead a class discussion, and then students go into breakout sessions to work together on projects and exercises.

Finally, because you'll take courses two at a time, you'll be able to finish faster. This accelerated approach allows students to graduate in just over 1 year.

Alena Woodarek is an SNHU student who tried both approaches to learning.

"I went to campus for a couple of semesters and had the chance to take online classes, too," she said. "But I really missed out on the classroom camaraderie and total engagement. Whereas being part of [the online MS in Business Analytics], I know the people here. I know this is a person I can talk with about the course. I think the immersion helps a lot."

As an online program that generally requires a commitment of about 24-30 hours a week, the vetting process for the online MS in Business Analytics is more intensive than other SNHU graduate programs.

You should only apply to this program if you're passionate, motivated and able to attend two 2-hour class sessions per week (along with additional coursework outside of these sessions).

At SNHU, we typically do accept transfer credits (in fact, we offer a generous transfer policy for our associate, bachelor's and master's programs). However, due to the nature of the online MS in Business Analytics, which depends largely on students taking the same courses together in real time, we do not accept transfer credits for this particular program.

If you have some graduate credits under your belt, and you're interested in applying them to a graduate degree, you may also want to consider our MBA in Business Analytics, our MS in Data Analytics or our campus-based MS in Business Analytics.

We highly encourage you to participate in every class session – as the group discussions and smaller breakout sessions will be critical in helping you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.

However, we do understand that life can be unpredictable. If there are unexpected life events that prevent you from attending class, we ask that you reach out to your advisor.

It's important that, before enrolling, you carefully consider how this program can fit into your schedule. We understand that the online MS in Business Analytics requires a lot from its students, but we believe, for those who thrive with this kind of learning format, the rewards are significant.

If you start the program and decide it's not the right fit for you, talk to your advisor. They can lay out your options, or potentially help you transition to one of our other online programs that don’t require you to take two courses per term or attend class at set times each week . While the MS in Business Analytics is a unique case, most of our other online programs are far more flexible and may be a better fit for your schedule.

In total, SNHU’s online MS in Business Analytics program is 10 courses, or 30 credits. Since students take two courses per term, you’re enrolled for 5 terms. Each term has a specific focus on professional skills, including both career and technical skills.

This program is designed as a cohort program, so you'll ultimately be starting and finishing with the same group of classmates, progressing term by term together.

Learn more about the courses this program may include.

¹ Bureau 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 Nov. 15, 2021)
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/operations-research-analysts.htm (viewed Nov. 15, 2021)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

² According to survey responses from over 9,200 SNHU online students conducted in the fall of 2019.