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 regionally accredited, one of 7 regional 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 regionally 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.

Opportunities to prepare you for your career

As a university dedicated to leveling the field for all learners, we recognize the power in making connections. That's why we offer opportunities for students and alumni to attend events that can help further your knowledge and strengthen your resume, like:

• Grace Hopper Celebration: Designed to create career opportunities for women and minorities in the field, this event is billed as the world's largest technology conference and career fair for women, and draws about 20,000 attendees worldwide each year.
• Teradata University analytics challenge: The Teradata challenge is competition where participants work together to solve real-world problems using real-world data sets. Multiple SNHU students and teams have been finalists – earning them invaluable experience employers want to see.

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 3-5 minute video pitch

Please note that transfer credits are not accepted for the online MS in Business Analytics program.

To apply, use the online application.

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. 

Our online MS in Business Analytics will help you gain highly lucrative skills in business and financial modeling. You'll also become proficient with tools and software such as Microsoft Excel, Python Programming, SQL, Tableau 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.

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 a popular meal delivery service. In larger group discussions, the team read and interpreted financial statements and models that gave a snapshot of critical revenue and income streams.

The class then collaborated in breakout sessions to help mold a cost-effective business strategy. By carefully reviewing key factors like unit revenue schedules, costs of packaging, meals, shipping, and food prep, the group was able to determine the bigger picture of how the business operates, and importantly, identify ways to improve it.

Yes, career changers are welcome! This program is open to anyone who has earned their bachelor's and has the motivation to show up for live sessions each week.

You do not need to have previous experience in programming or financial modeling. That said, preference will be given to candidates with experience in business, management, finance, marketing, technology, or other relevant careers.

Please take a look at the Admission Requirements section for a full list of eligibility criteria.

A cohort is a group of students taking the same classes at the same time, and ultimately graduate together.

In progressing with the same team of classmates, instructors, teaching assistants, and advisors, you'll develop a sense of community. You'll learn alongside classmates with different experiences and perspectives, helping you gain insights that aren't possible when you learn on your own from a textbook.

"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 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. You'll also have access to free software and third party learning resources.

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).

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 want to consider our online MBA with a concentration in Business Intelligence, our online Master's in Data Analytics, or our campus-based MS in Business Analytics instead.

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 more traditional online programs. While the MS in Business Analytics is a unique case, most of our other online programs don't require set class times and are far more flexible.

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 financial modeling and leadership skills, but beyond that, this particular program is laser-focused on career readiness. From the time you enroll, to even after you graduate, you'll have access to resume services, mock interviews, job boards, recruiting events, mentorships and more.

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 occupations are set to grow well above the national average for all occupations through 2020 – at 11% and 25%, respectively.¹

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 will 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 provide organizations with data-driven solutions to business problems.

The MBA, on the other hand, provides a broader business perspective, without the specific emphasis on analytics and financial modeling. That said, we do offer the online MBA with a concentration in Business Intelligence, as well as the Master's in Data Analytics online.

Those two programs could also appeal to students looking for a more flexible learning format. While the online MS in Business Analytics specifically emphasizes set class times and group work, the MBA in Business Intelligence and MS in Data Analytics both offer a more flexible online learning experience – giving you the opportunity to complete the work on your own time.

You can – and you've found it. In fact, in many ways, 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.

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 process. 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 –from our online MS in Business Analytics and MBA in Business Intelligence to our MS in Data Analytics.

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 January 8, 2021)
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/operations-research-analysts.htm (viewed January 8, 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.