A master's in data analytics can prepare you to solve business problems using data. You can apply the knowledge you gain from this degree to advanced roles like data engineer, senior data analyst, and business intelligence consultant. A master's in data analytics can also serve as a stepping stone to a Ph.D., which can help you qualify for careers in research and higher education.
Our guide offers a ranking of the top master's in data analytics programs. You can also discover more about data analytics careers, what to expect from your degree, and how to choose the right program.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top 3 Master's in Data Analytics Programs
#1 Top 3 Master’s Degrees in Data Analytics
Texas State University
- San Marcos, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded in 1899, Texas State University provides top-quality education to future leaders. Notable alumni include Lyndon B. Johnson, the only president to earn a college degree in Texas. With two campuses in San Marcos and Round Rock, TXST offers more than 200 degree programs to over 38,000 students.
Data Analytics and Information Systems (M.S.)
Texas State's MS in data analytics and information systems program allows students to earn their data analytics degrees in as few as three semesters. Offered by TXST's McCoy College of Business, the program features a 30-hour curriculum with both thesis and non-thesis options.
The data analytics and information systems program gives students the chance to work with information systems faculty who have both academic and industry experience. Additionally, students can enjoy hybrid course delivery at both the San Marcos and Round Rocks campuses. According to the school, program graduates earn an average salary of $100,107 within three months of graduation.
Applying to TXST
Prospective students applying to TXST's master of science in data analytics and information systems program must have a competitive GPA for their last 60 hours of undergraduate and graduate coursework. Additionally, applicants must submit official GMAT or GRE scores and a $55 application fee. Students with international credentials must pay a higher application fee of $90.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Tuition: $7,147 for in-state graduate students; $15,547 for out-of-state graduate students
- Required Credits: 30
- Program Length: Three semesters (full time)
- Delivery Format: Hybrid
Percent Online Enrollment
67%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Top 3 Master’s Degrees in Data Analytics
The University of Texas at San Antonio
- San Antonio, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded in 1969, the University of Texas at San Antonio serves around 35,000 students across more than 180 programs. UTSA's first-generation students make up 43% of the total student body, underscoring the school's mission to make higher education accessible.
Data Analytics Master's Degree
Offered by the Carlos Alvarez College of Business, UTSA's data analytics master's degree program prepares students for a career in data analytics. Graduates leave the program with an understanding of algorithms, predictive modeling, and data architecture.
Students can also participate in the critical technology studies program to earn an intelligence studies certificate and gain experience in the national security field. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security includes the UTSA data analytics master's degree on its STEM-designated degree program list, recognizing the program's emphasis on transferable skills and its graduates' high earning potential.
Applying to UTSA
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and 18 credits of coursework related to data analytics. Prospective students also submit a statement of purpose, a resume, and up to two letters of recommendation.
UTSA's graduate admissions requires domestic students to pay a $50 application fee and internal students to pay a $90 application fee.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Annual Tuition: $7,402 for in-state graduate students, $26,294 for out-of-state graduate students
- Required Credits: 30
- Program Length: 1.5-2 years
- Delivery Format: In person
Percent Online Enrollment
87%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Top 3 Master’s Degrees in Data Analytics
Long Island University
- Brookville, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A recognized leader in experiential learning, Long Island University has offered world-class education to its students since 1926. Serving over 15,000 learners, the institution boasts a student-to-faculty ratio of 11-to-1 and an active alumni network with over 280,000 graduates.
MS Data Analytics and Strategic Business Intelligence
The Long Island University master of science in data analytics prepares students for data-driven professional work. After completing a mix of data science, information technology, and business courses, graduates of the program can enter the workforce with in-demand skills and experience.
Students take night and weekend classes at the LIU Post campus during the fall and spring semesters and complete their capstone projects during the summer. The career-oriented curriculum features a capstone internship in which students apply their knowledge to a real-world project under the supervision of a data analytics professional. Full-time students can earn their degrees in one year.
Applying to LIU
Applicants submit a current resume, a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, and official transcripts for undergraduate and graduate studies, along with a $50 application fee. Although not required, submitting GMAT and GRE scores may increase your chances of admission. Prospective students should hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Annual Tuition: $24,336
- Required Credits: 30
- Program Length: 1 year
- Delivery Format: On campus
Percent Online Enrollment
2%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
How We Rank Colleges And Bootcamps
ComputerScience.org uses trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) to rank computer science degree programs. To help you find the best possible fit for your education, we focus on factors like return on investment, academic quality, and affordability. Our research also considers metrics such as graduation rate, student debt, and potential earnings.
This ranking is from 2024. Explore our rankings methodology page to learn more about how we rank programs.
Why Get a Master's in Data Analytics Degree?
Scientists have been analyzing data for centuries, but it was during the 1950s that organizations like the U.S. Census Bureau began to use computers for data processing. Almost 75 years later, organizations in nearly every industry use data to improve decision-making, internal performance, and customer relations.
Companies hire data analysts in many industries, including market and operations research, finance, and supply chain management. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are more than 168,000 data scientists in the United States as of 2023.
As our technologies continue growing and we find more practical applications for data, this field is poised to continue its upward trajectory. Data analytics students, including those at the graduate level, can benefit from the demand for their skills, as demand often drives salaries up.
Other benefits of earning a master's in data analytics include:
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Strong Growth Outlook Between 2022 and 2032, the BLS projects 23% growth in operations research analysts and 35% growth for data scientists, making them two of the fastest-growing fields in the country.
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Competitive Wages Jobs in the data analytics field offer higher-than-average wages. For example, the BLS reports operations research analysts made a median annual salary of $83,640 in 2023.
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Diverse Career Options A master's in data analytics provides you with the skills to work with data technologies and business insights across diverse industries and roles. For example, you can pursue careers in data engineering, operations research, market research, and business intelligence.
Jobs for MS in Data Analytics Graduates
Though you may be able to pursue the careers below without a master's degree in data analytics, holding a graduate-level credential in the field can help you stand out in the job application process, especially for advanced and managerial roles. With a data analytics master's degree, you can pursue tech jobs like:
Data scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data to help companies solve business problems. Specifically, these professionals may spot trends in information, create data models, or use machine learning techniques to improve products. Often, data scientists begin their careers as data analysts, data engineers, or statisticians.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree
- 2023 Median Annual Salary: $108,020
- Job Outlook (2022-32): +35%
Operations Research Analyst
Operations research analysts gather data by running diagnostics, interviewing workers, and using companies' databases to learn about operational efficiency. They use this data to make recommendations for improvements, collaborating with management to reallocate resources and create more effective schedules and timelines.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree
- 2023 Median Annual Salary: $83,640
- Job Outlook (2022-32): +23%
Data Engineer
Data engineers convert raw data into useful information. These professionals function as a bridge between data systems and decision-makers. They work with database pipeline architectures; develop usable algorithms; and ensure compliance with state, federal, and corporate data security guidelines.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree
- Average Annual Salary: $96,980 (June 2024)
Senior Data Analyst
Senior data analysts oversee teams of analysts — the professionals who convert data into insights. They may work with in-house teams, third-party providers, or tools that help extract data. These professionals usually need several years of experience and/or advanced educational credentials.
Business Intelligence Analyst
Business intelligence analysts break down and interpret data, create visuals, and present information to key corporate decision-makers. Crucial skills for succeeding as a business intelligence analyst include data visualization, coding, business domain knowledge, and communication.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree
- Average Annual Salary: $74,940 (June 2024)
What to Expect From Master's in Data Analytics Programs
Every master's in data analytics is different, but you can expect some commonalities across programs. For example, most degrees require 30-45 credits and take about two years of full-time study. Some programs may also require a thesis, but project-based capstones are more typical in this field.
Though most data analytics master's degrees aim to give students the skills and know-how to change how organizations use data, programs can take different approaches. For instance, some degrees focus on using data modeling, data visualizations, and predictive analytics for problem-solving applications, while others center on developing programs and algorithms to collect and analyze data.
Admission Requirements
Graduate data analytics programs generally require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree in data analytics or a related field. They may also expect a 2.5-3.0 minimum GPA. Generally, incoming master's students need a strong academic background in mathematics, electrical engineering, computer science, or computer engineering. In addition to materials like letters of recommendation and personal statements, schools may also require standardized test scores.
Degree and Specialization Options
At some institutions, data analytics may be its own program. At other schools, data analytics may be a specialization within a computer science or business program. Some degrees take a comprehensive approach to data analytics, while others offer specializations in areas like data engineering, data technologies, or generative AI models. These concentrations let you develop expertise in specific subfields and can help you qualify for niche careers.
Popular Master's in Data Analytics Courses
Each school sets its own curriculum. However, common courses you may encounter during your data analytics master's degree include:
- Data Analytics in R: Building on the principles of statistical modeling, this course covers linear and logistic regression. Students learn to apply additional regression and classification techniques in R.
- Data Manipulation: Learners use Python and/or SQL to load, manipulate, process, clean, aggregate, and group data. In this advanced class, students also explore NumPy and Pandas libraries.
- Regression and Predictive Modeling: This course introduces participants to relationships among variables. Enrollees learn to test hypotheses, select models, and make predictions.
- Deep Learning: Learners in this class build and apply networks by using AI. Topics include optimization, computer graphics, deep language models, computer vision, and unsupervised feature learning.
How Much Will a Master's in Data Analytics Cost?
What you pay in tuition for a master's in data analytics depends on where you live, what type of school you attend, and the program's reputation. According to NCES data, the average annual graduate school tuition for the 2021-22 academic year was $20,513. On top of that price, you should also budget for costs like books, software licenses, and transportation.
Research financial aid to help pay for your degree. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid can qualify you for grants and low-interest federal loans. You can also apply to scholarship programs within your state, industry, and school.
Choosing the Right MS in Data Analytics Program
It's tempting to look only at prestige, cost, or timeline as you review master's degrees. When comparing data analytics programs, however, consider other factors such as:
- Student-Teacher Ratio: According to the NCES, the ratio of full-time students to full-time faculty at four-year institutions stands at about 15-to-1. Smaller ratios indicate more opportunities for individualized instruction.
- Staff Credentials: What percentage of the teaching staff hold a terminal degree such as a Ph.D? What areas of research do they specialize in? Do any of them hold experience in industry jobs outside academia?
- Location: Research schools in your area and investigate whether they have strong professional networks with local companies. For online programs, determine whether you have to travel to campus for residencies or orientations.
- Alumni Network: A robust alumni network where graduates maintain strong connections to both the university and data analytics employers can be an indicator of a valuable program.
- Admission Requirements: Do you meet the school's admission requirements? Do you need to satisfy prerequisites for coursework or attain higher test scores?
- Accreditation: Look for schools with institutional accreditation, which verifies that the college or university meets standards of academic excellence. You must attend an institutionally accredited school to qualify for federal financial aid.
Should You Get Your MS in Data Analytics Online?
Part of what makes online learning appealing to many students is the increased flexibility and accessibility of these degrees. Because data analytics integrates so much technology and relies on computer-based tasks, programs in this field may be well-suited to the online format.
However, distance education may not be the solution for every learner. As you research online programs, consider your learning style and the classroom environments where you thrive. Typically, online classes are less structured than on-campus courses, requiring more self-sufficiency and less real-time interaction with instructors and peers.
If you need maximum flexibility, look for asynchronous classes, which do not require set meeting times and typically feature less rigid schedules. In contrast, synchronous courses mimic in-person learning through videoconferencing during specific time slots each week. Some online programs also require occasional on-campus components, so research these requirements.
Explore More Ways to Learn Data Analytics
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FAQ About Earning a Master's in Data Analytics
What can you do with a master's degree in data analytics?
With a master's degree in data analytics, you can pursue careers like data scientist, data analyst, and data engineer. You can also qualify for jobs like software engineer, analytics manager, and business intelligence analyst. After graduation, you can also pursue a Ph.D. program in data analytics or data science.
Is a master's in data analytics hard to get?
Whether getting a master's in data analytics is hard depends on your academic strengths. To thrive in these programs, you need strong analytical skills and a solid understanding of math and statistics. You also need to know programming languages.
Is coding required for data analytics?
Data analysis typically requires at least basic knowledge of coding languages such as R, Python, or SQL. You can learn these programming skills through classes, bootcamps, or self-training.
Is an MS in data analytics worth it?
A master's degree in data analytics can prepare you for careers like data engineer, senior data analyst, and business intelligence consultant. These jobs pay higher-than-average wages, which means they can offer a positive return on investment for the degree.
The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by ComputerScience.org. Page last reviewed September 22, 2023.
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