You’ve narrowed down your choices. You know you want a graduate degree in Data Analytics, but we don’t blame you if you’re feeling overwhelmed by how many programs exist and how similar they look on the surface.
Do you choose Business Analytics? An MS Data Analytics online program? A regular MS in Analytics? Or a more versatile but less data-heavy MBA?
Let’s get into the details of what makes the best Data Analytics master’s programs so valuable, how to choose the best option for your future, and finally answer the dual-degree question, “Should I pair my MS in Data Analytics with an MBA while I’m at it?”
Choosing the right master’s in Data Analytics for you
First things first: where are you coming from?
Your background and interests set the stage for deciding which MS in Data Analytics program is right for you. What interests you about analytics? What experience have you had that’s made you curious about using data to make better business decisions? Keeping this at the forefront of your mind as you make this decision is key to finding the best fit for you.
1. Define your career goals and ensure that they align with the curriculum
What job do you see yourself holding in five years?
If you haven’t pondered this before, the possibilities are vast, from Chief Data Officer to Big Data Architect — almost infinite ways to apply data in our increasingly tech-driven world.
Depending on where your interests lie, you’ll want to compare them to the type of classes in the programs you’re considering. A course catalog is worth a thousand words… and most of them contain at least that many. But it’s worth diving into these with interest, looking for details about which faculty teach what courses and how their expertise applies to the topic at hand.
At a glance, you’ll want to ensure you notice:
- Courses in data visualization, machine learning, and statistical modeling
- Faculty with real-world analytics and industry experience
- Opportunities to apply your skills to business situations before graduation
Nerd out on the data available here, and allow the natural curiosity that drew you to this field in the first place to help you find the right master’s in Data Analytics program.
2. Does the program prioritize hands-on practical projects?
You want to be ready to excel at work when you graduate, not just survive. A curriculum stuffed with solo projects and reports isn’t always enough prep for that. Consider master’s in Data Analytics programs — including MS Data Analytics online options — that offer collaborative work opportunities, especially those that are virtual, since odds are you’ll find yourself in a hybrid work position of some sort, solving problems with a diverse team of folks from around the world (not to mention different time zones).
Programs that emphasize hands-on work support students in building:
- Collaboration and communication skills across teams
- Confidence applying classroom knowledge in business settings
- Real-world problem-solving experience
Looking for a data analytics program that combines technical skills with business strategy? Explore UB’s master’s in Analytics and Systems.
3. Consider logistics and fit
Let’s get practical.
“Location, location, location,” they say. Where you are matters, but so does how you learn. Can you study a fully online MS in Data Analytics program? Or will it be better for your motivation to attend classes in person, at least some of the time? Look for hybrid programs, online programs, and on-campus options to know your options, then notice what you gravitate toward.
Plus, consider your cost: what’s the ROI going to be on this investment? With tuition and fees, things do start to add up, especially if you’re moving to attend the program. MS in Data Analytics online options start to look pretty friendly in that light.
You also want to be realistic about your constraints, both financial and time-wise. What are your other responsibilities? What, if anything, can you realistically put on hold while focusing on this? And if you can’t put life on pause, that’s okay; there are part-time program options that fit your current life and schedule.
In this day and age, there’s really no need to move your life away from where you are, especially given that the median annual wage for data scientists was most recently reported in 2024 at $108,020. Not a bad investment at all.
4. What do the admissions prerequisites look like for students coming from non-quantitative backgrounds?
Typically, for the best Data Analytics master’s programs, it shouldn’t matter what you studied in undergrad; as long as you have a bachelor’s degree, you’re eligible to apply. Whatever professional experience you do have will translate, though, as the first handful of classes typically focus on upper-level accounting, management, and ethics that set a strong foundation for analytics and interpretation later on.
But always take care when applying, as not all master’s in Data Analytics curricula are created equal. You don’t want to wind up in an upper-level analytics interpretation class on your first day, and get called out by the professor… sounds like the beginning of a nightmare!
The dual-degree question: Pairing Data Analytics with an MBA
For a select group of students, pairing an MS in Data Analytics with an MBA offers a meaningful career advantage — especially if you’re interested in leadership rather than purely technical roles.
Of course, a standalone master’s in Data Analytics prepares graduates to dive deep into data, tools, and technical problem-solving, but adding an MBA introduces a broader lens relating to finance, strategy, operations, and decision-making at the C-suite level.
If you’re ready to lead teams while managing data-driven strategy, a dual-degree path may be worth considering.
Learn more about your options through the Business Administration programs or explore offerings within the School of Business.