MS in Business Analytics – Everything You Need to Know for Fall 2019

Data is everywhere.

The world is in constant creation and processing of data.

From the price of your toothpaste to the number of syllables in your lullabies, everything is data.

According to a recent study conducted by EMC Digital Universe, by the end of the year 2020, nearly 14.6 GB of new data will be created for every single person on the face of the earth. This is nearly equivalent to the size of 13 blu-ray movies. Phew! That sure is huge!

Fine. Lots of data is created, big deal!

So what next?

What follows after creation is a simple two-stage process.

The first stage is to efficiently process the huge chunk of data, which is where Data Analysis comes to play. Data Analysis aims at incorporating statistical practices to organize and interpret data. It gives information which can be put to use in various ways. So like some wise guy once stated,

With great quantity of data comes a greater responsibility to process them.

Then comes the second stage of the process: Using the processed data in business. Business decisions are taken based on deep analysis of this processed data. This information is then used to build business models and devise strategies for better growth.

What Is Business Analytics?

Business Analytics is the use of relevant data to develop, maintain, and solve complex business problems. It entails using data from past trends and patterns of your business to gain better insights and devise a plan to drive future decisions for your business.

Business Analytics focuses primarily on using quantitative and statistical approach to a business problem. It requires an individual to have data quality sense, a good business understanding, and have data-driven decision capability.

In simpler terms, if you’re excited by data and are interested in using various technologies and practices to build a business empire, then Business Analytics is for you.

Why Should You Go for MS in Business Analytics?

Like we discussed in the beginning, the world is in need of experts to process the large chunks of the generated data. Top companies and institutions are on the lookout for talented and ambitious Business Analysts. It is one of the shortest timed course for an in-demand job. And by demand, what do I exactly mean?

Let’s get numerical!

If such is the demand in the US alone, imagine the need for skilled Business Analysts across the globe.

With the risk of being responded by a dozen of sighs, let me put forth a famous quote, yet again:

With great demand comes greater salary packages.

The pay scale is quite high for candidates who possess a Master’s in Business Analytics, with an average salary being $ 80,800.

There are various roles that you can adorn after your MS in BA. Market Research Analysts, Statisticians, Financial Analysts, being few of the many. We’ll discuss more on this further.

Do you know the even better part of choosing this domain?

Growth.

Business Analysts jobs are predicted to increase by 20% by 2020 according to US Bureau of Labor Statistics. So the job opportunities for Business Analysts has begun and it will continue to grow over the years.

Is your profile suitable for this course? Understand your profile better. Download the FREE “Evaluate your profile” eBook now!

Who Should Opt for Master’s in Business Analytics?

With enough being said about the need, importance, and growth of Business Analytics, it is time we discuss who should take up this course.

  • Aspirants who wish to pursue a successful career in the business domain
  • Students who are research-oriented and are driven by an analytical approach to problems
  • Students with good Analytical and Data Interpretation skills
  • Professionals and core engineering students who seek long-term goals in the business sector

An MS in BA enables you to incorporate your technological skills with your business understanding and knowledge. Even an Arts graduate can opt for this Master’s specialization, after completing MBA.

Admission Eligibility

The admission eligibility for Master’s in Business Analytics varies based on the requirements of different universities. The mandatory eligibility criteria asked by top universities are mentioned below:

  • Applicants are required to have an educational qualification of 16 years and to have completed their undergraduate program.
  • Applicants with three-year undergraduate degrees will be considered for admission based on a holistic review.
  • An undergraduate Grade-Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 for either all 4 years or for the last 2 years.
  • GMAT or GRE scores: The score criteria for these tests vary for each university. It is advisable to target a good score as it increases your chances of getting an admit from a top university.
  • English proficiency documents: TOEFL and IELTS score requirements vary depending on the universities. Here again, a good score will help you boost your profile.
  • Knowledge of Calculus is asked for in many universities. Students who have not completed an undergraduate calculus course may satisfy the prerequisite by completing Quantitative Foundations in Business.
  • In some colleges, students pursuing the Master of Science in Business Analytics degree program are required to fulfill one semester credit hour of Professional Development course or its equivalent.

Difference Between Business Analytics & Data Science


Business Analytics is a booming field and is offered in top universities and business schools in various countries. Here is a list of the top schools in the USA that specialize in MS in Business Analytics:

Source: University Website

[READ]: Fall ’18 Special – How to Research & Shortlist Universities that Best Suit Your Profile

Job Opportunities in the USA

Though you may have come to a fair understanding of the importance of Business Analytics, you might also be wondering what the other job titles are after you complete your MS in the same.

Here is a list of the various job roles along with their median pay and job outlook for the particular job over the years.

Note: Information on the state-wise distribution of employment is also provided.

Conclusion

If you were confused about taking up your MS in Business Analytics, I hope this blog has helped solve your concerns and doubts. A Master’s in Business Analytics can hone you to become a business professional and come up with innovative strategies, all the while being paid a hefty salary. The scope of career for Business Analysts is high across the globe, thus enabling you to work in your dream city, whatever it be.

Having doubts regarding Business Analytics?

Post your comments below and get them clarified!

Want a step-by-step guide to your MS Application? Get an ebook compiled by admissions experts, outlining all the steps you need to take to make the perfect application. Grab your admission guide now!

Sanjay Ravikumar

View Comments

  • Hi,
    I have got an admit from Purdue University for Fall 18. I am skeptical because of the location of Indiana. What are your views upon that? Should I go for universities which are situated in Texas, NY, California, etc?

  • To apply for Masters in Business Analytics, which would be beneficial for me to prepare?
    GMAT or GRE ?

    Thanks in advance.

  • Is there a need to have understanding of computer languages such as Python or C++ when applying for MS in BA?

  • Hello I am presently pursuing Economics- it is a 3 year degree.
    Do you think getting admission in business analytics would be tough?
    Please suggest something for my 4th year of education.

  • Is it mandatory to give GRE for getting into decent university offering MS in Business Analytics?
    Its very important for me to know because I am not sound in verbal and cant aim for good marks.
    Please suggest some good colleges based only on the UG score and work ex in the relative field. I have 4 years of experience with a point of 8.9 out of 10 in my UG.

Recent Posts

Studying in Canada vs USA – Which is better?

The Ultimate Masters Checklist Download the free eBook now! Over the last couple of decades, various countries have begun to… Read More

5 years ago

When to start GRE Prep if targeting Fall?

Ultimate Guide for GRE Preparation Download the eBook now! Hi, you are targeting the Fall intake, but are confused as… Read More

5 years ago

How to pace the GRE Verbal Section?

If you’re dreaming about graduate school in the USA, Canada, Australia, or almost any other country in the English-speaking world,… Read More

5 years ago

3 Rules to Master the GRE Text Completion & Sentence Equivalence

If I had prepared better for it, I’d have scored better.” – A cliched statement from most students after an… Read More

5 years ago

Changes in TOEFL Exam from August 1st, 2019

Are you a prospective TOEFL applicant? Do you want to know in-depth about the TOEFL exam? Are you aware of… Read More

5 years ago

How to get GRE Quant Score of 160+?

160+ GRE Quant score is not unheard of. It is quite possible.  Out there, there will be no dearth of… Read More

5 years ago