What Can You Do with a Master’s in Business Analytics?

Data is the driving force of every good business decision. It gives us the insights and knowledge we need to make the right calls, fueling business growth and development for countless companies, from small startups to global enterprises. Those who understand data the best are in increasingly high demand, leading many students to consider a Master’s in Business Analytics.

An incredibly valuable, versatile, and significant qualification, a master’s program in business analytics equips graduates with a rich understanding of analytics and the skills they need to solve business problems and pursue a range of career paths.

But exactly what can you do with a Master’s in Business Analytics? Let’s take a look and see.

What Do You Learn in a Master’s in Business Analytics Program?

Pursued by aspiring data scientists and business analysts, a Master’s in Business Analytics teaches you about leveraging data to make informed business decisions and build winning business strategies. It’s all about looking at information and understanding it, drawing insights, spotting trends, and identifying patterns to help you as you move forward.

Key topics covered in a business analytics degree will include statistical models and modern machine learning algorithms, as well as problem solving analytical skills and a focus on interpreting data in different ways.

What Career Paths Can You Pursue with a Master’s in Business Analytics? 6 Popular Careers for Graduates

From data analyst to project manager to market research analyst, there are many jobs you can pursue when you’re qualified in data analysis, and many come with impressive salaries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and ZipRecruiter. Here are just some examples of how you can take your skills in analyzing data into the workplace:

Machine Learning Engineer

A relatively new role, but one with great significance and a prosperous future ahead, the machine learning engineer is a specialist in artificial intelligence and state-of-the-art data science. They help to create advanced algorithms for analyzing, interpreting, and even acting upon data, without the need for human interference or manual oversight.

Average Salary: $100,000 – $120,000.

Typical Employer: Large tech firms (Google, Amazon, etc.)

Data Architect

Employed by both public and private sector businesses, data architects have highly technical responsibilities and are often tasked with creating advanced data frameworks to both secure and manage vast data sets for businesses. They may also have to work with data visualizations, audits, and reports, with strong math and stats skills being must-haves.

Average Salary: $125,000 – $145,000.

Typical Employer: Public or private companies of varying sizes, but often mid to large.

Data Analyst

A data analyst is perhaps the most obvious career path for those who specialize in business analytics and is often a good entry point before moving on to more senior positions. They work closely with fellow analysts and stats experts to dig into data, which might be sales data, marketing, financial, or some other form, and draw insights from it that the company can use to decide its next steps and tactics.

Average Salary: $62,000 – $82,000.

Typical Employer: A vast range of businesses of different sizes and in numerous industries, wherever data may be collected and used to the benefit of the business.

Chief Data Officer

One of the more senior roles that data analytics graduates can aspire to, the Chief Data Officer, or CDO, is the head of data management and analysis for a business. They control the entire business data analysis strategy and determine how the business collects data, manages it, analyzes it, and so on. They need to have extensive experience in working with data.

Average Salary: $150,000 – $200,000.

Typical Employer: Fortune 500 firms and other very large and established companies that handle huge amounts of data.

Data Visualization Analyst

These are specialists in data visualization, which is the process of making data more accessible and easier to understand by displaying it in visual forms, like charts, graphs, and maps, rather than vast reams of numbers and stats. They often use a mixture of tools and software, like IBM SPSS, to help them do this and may also need to present their visualizations to stakeholders.

Average Salary: $70,000 – $85,000.

Typical Employer: Mid to large firms in various industries, like production and retail.

Market Research Analyst

Experts in marketing, as well as data analysis, these analysts dig into market data, collecting and compiling sheets and reports and identifying trends to help brands better understand their target audiences. They provide invaluable insights when it comes to promoting products or services or designing new products to introduce to the company’s customers.

Average Salary: $60,000 – $70,000.

Typical Employer: Various businesses in fields like finance, manufacturing, and consultancy.

Business Analytics Trends and Predictions

The future looks bright for the field of business analytics. More and more businesses are relying on data analysis and trend identification to help them make smarter decisions, and that includes the likes of startups, established brands, and major enterprises, too.

With new technologies like AI and natural language processing emerging, data discovery and analysis is set to become even more influential, accurate, and powerful, and those with mastery and understanding in this field – like MS in Business Analytics graduates – are set to profit.

Why an MS in Business Analytics Will Keep You Ahead

An MS in Business Analytics is a fantastic choice to get ahead in your professional life and maintain an edge over the competition as you move forward. Why? Because data is only going to get more and more important to future businesses, and those who know how to work with it will continue to be exceptionally employable and in demand for years to come.

Propel Your Professional Career with a Business Analytics Degree from UC

So what can you do with a Master’s in Business Analytics? Well, as you can see, graduates from this particular course certainly aren’t short of exciting opportunities. So, if you’d like to give it a try and enjoy the rich rewards of analytics expertise for yourself, why not consider the online Master of Science in Business Analytics from the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business?

Flexible, comprehensive, engaging, and rewarding, this master’s program equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to become a data analysis expert. Reach out to the UC team today to learn more about our Master of Science in Business Analytics degree.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is a Master’s in Business Analytics in demand?

Absolutely. As businesses increasingly rely on data to make smarter decisions, professionals with advanced skills in analytics are highly sought after across industries. This demand is expected to grow as data continues to drive innovation and strategy.

What kind of jobs can I get with a Master’s in Business Analytics?

A Master’s in Business Analytics opens doors to a wide range of careers, such as data analyst, machine learning engineer, chief data officer, market research analyst, or data visualization specialist. These roles span various industries, including tech, finance, healthcare, and retail, offering both versatility and growth opportunities.

How much does a Master’s in Business Analytics make?

Salaries vary depending on the role and industry, but graduates can typically expect competitive pay. For example, data analysts earn between $62,000 and $82,000 annually, while senior roles like chief data officers can command salaries of $150,000 or more.