Many applicants are increasingly interested in an MBA in Business Analytics. With the rise of big data and artificial intelligence (AI), businesses need managers who can quickly analyze and understand large volumes of information.
An MBA program with a specialization in Business Analytics or Big Data is valuable because it teaches students how to collect, sort, and interpret data to meet strategic goals. Graduates learn to leverage data and AI effectively, making them essential in various functions, including marketing, supply chain, and operations.
Post-MBA careers in business analytics range from analyst positions to business intelligence managers. While some schools offer MBA specializations in Business Analytics or Big Data, many business schools are integrating these concepts into their core MBA curriculum. For those seeking more in-depth knowledge, specialized master's programs in Business Analytics or Big Data are also available.
The demand for professionals skilled in business analytics, big data, and AI is growing rapidly across industries. Companies are looking for individuals who can not only analyze data but also translate their findings into actionable business strategies. This expertise is critical in sectors such as finance, healthcare, retail, and technology, where data-driven and AI-driven decision-making is key to maintaining a competitive edge.
Moreover, MBA programs with a focus on business analytics, big data, and AI often provide hands-on experience with the latest analytical tools and technologies. This practical approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges and drive innovation within their organizations.
As data and AI continue to play pivotal roles in business strategy, the value of an MBA in Business Analytics and Big Data cannot be overstated. Prospective students should consider programs that offer a strong combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application, supported by experienced faculty and robust industry connections.
Below are the top 10 MBA programs in Business Analytics and Big Data.
Through the school's MBA major in Business Analytics, students can more effectively understand concepts in data mining, statistical modeling, and project management. For students interested in the quantitative aspects of marketing, the school also offers an MBA major in digital marketing and marketing analytics. In 2018, the school launched a unique, one-year MS in Business Analytics, which is STEM-designated and positions students to help bridge the gap between data teams and management. Anaytics-minded Notre Dame students can connect through the MBA Business Analytics Club.
View School ProfileLaunched in 2013, Stern’s Center for Business Analytics publishes research and provides networking opportunities. The school offers an MBA specialization in Business Analytics, as well as a Master of Science in Business Analytics, which promises to help students “harness the power of AI.” Fusing the school’s strengths in business analytics and finance, the school also offers an MBA specialization in Financial Systems and Analytics, which, according to the school, can help graduates prepare for careers in hedge funds, trading, risk management, and other areas.
View School ProfileHEC Paris is one of the few European business schools that's added analytics curriculum to its MBA program. Specifically, it offers a specialization in Data and AI for Business Transformation, which equips students with the skills and tools needed to perform complex data analysis. In 2013, the school partnered with IBM to add business analytics courses to its MBA specialization in strategy. Students can also take advantage of the school’s Data Analytics Club, which puts on networking and informational events.
View School ProfileWharton’s MBA major in Business Analytics provides students with an understanding of how to solve real-world problems by leveraging data, and can be a great choice for students who want to work in the management of data. Alternatively, some students who pursue the major find it a good way to compliment a functional area of business like accounting or finance. The school hosts several related research centers, inclusion the Wharton Customer Analytics Initiative and Wharton People Analytics, which help infuse the MBA curriculum with up-to-date insights in the field.
View School ProfileSince opening in 2011, Goizueta’s Marketing Analytics Center provides students and faculty with networking opportunities through conferences and other events. The school offers several MBA concentrations that are relevant to business analytics, including in Analysis, Business Analytics, and Marketing Analytics.
View School ProfileWith a strong tradition of education and research in technology, it’s no surprise that Carnegie Melon’s Tepper Business School was one of the first to integrate analytics elements in their MBA programs. Indeed, today, the school’s MBA track in Business Analytics leverages the school’s research strengths in subjects like operations and information systems, and, according to the school, helps students understand how business analytics “uses data, statistical and quantitative analysis, predictive modeling, and optimization to make businesses work better. The school also offers an MBA concentration in Business Technologies, which includes classes like Technology Strategy, Modern Data Management, and Data Mining.
View School ProfileEstablished in 2014, Scheller’s Business Analytics Center puts on networking events, connects students with industry leaders, and produces relevant research. The school’s MBA concentration in Business Analytics touches on process analysis and design, business intelligence, marketing research, and other topics. Students also have the opportunity to pursue a practicum in business analytics, where they can work with a business to help solve a real-world problem.
View School ProfileAlthough the MBA program’s core curriculum touches on many aspects in big analytics and big data, for students who want to dig deeper, the school also offers a dedicated concentration in Business Analytics, which is STEM-designated. Fox’s Global Center for Big Data in Mobile Analytics publishes relevant research and puts on an annual “Big Data Conference." Additionally, the school also offers an MS degree in Business Analytics.
View School ProfileSince partnering with IBM in 2013 to launch a Business Analytics Center, NUS has launched a Master of Science in Business Analytics, the first of its kind in Singapore. Students in NUS’ MBA program can be exposed to analytics through such classes as "Analytics for Managers." Along with NUS’ School of Computing, the school also offers a specialized Master of Science in Business Analytics, which, according to the school, helps prepare students for analytics roles in industries like finance and retail.
View School ProfileImperial has ramped up its analytics footprint in recent years: in 2015, it open a business analytics research center with partner KPMG; that same year, it also launched an MSc in Business Analytics program. Even though Imperial’s core MBA program does not have a specialization in Business Analytics, it does offer a suite of analytics-related electives. The school also offers a specialized MSc in Business Analytics.
View School ProfileRelated MBA News
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Dec 03, 2020
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