5 Best Master's Degrees in Data Analytics

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Published October 12, 2023

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Your career can flourish with a graduate degree in data. Use our guid to analyze what the five best master's degrees in this field can do for your career.

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A data analyst gives a presentation on energy sector. Credit: Laurence Dutton / iStock / Getty Images Plus

The World Economic Forum estimates that in 2023, businesses will create 130 zettabytes of data. That's the equivalent of 6.5 million pieces of paper. Who's going to sort all that data, organize it, clean it, retrieve, make sense of it, and present it to decision-makers in a helpful way?

Data analysts will. It's what they do every day. Becoming a data analyst requires having a command of complex subjects and languages like SQL, Python, R, and statistics along with industry-specific knowledge in data modeling, statistics, and data visualization.

If you love technology, hold a bachelor's degree, and have a knack for solving statistical problems, a graduate degree in this field might be your ticket to an innovative and rewarding career. Find out more about the best master's degrees in data analytics using our guide below.

Why Get a Master's Degree in Data Analytics?

A master's degree offers you a competitive edge in the fast-growing world of data analytics. This complex field demands problem-solvers and critical thinkers who can both manipulate data and draw actionable insights from it.

People who value logic, technology, and information — and who enjoy balancing the art and science of data analysis — may find their professional home in this field.

Data-oriented jobs include statistician, data analyst, operations analyst, data engineer, risk manager, and data scientist. Employers in nearly all industries are seeking these professionals.

While a self-study program or a cybersecurity bootcamp can get you started, earning a master's degree in the field can help you skirt entry-level positions and move straight into a mid-tier role.

If you come from a business or other non-technical background, a degree's importance only magnifies. The structured, disciplined curriculum of a graduate program can give you the foundational knowledge you need in rigorous disciplines like statistics and analytics.

  • Specialized Knowledge: Master's-level students dive deep into statistical analysis, data mining, machine learning, and data visualization. This specialized expertise can open up leadership opportunities or a chance to pursue a doctorate in the field.
  • Networking Opportunities: Graduate school offers an ideal networking environment. Networking within your academic program can lead to collaborations, access to job opportunities, and insights into emerging trends and technologies in data analytics.
  • Research and Development: Graduate-level research fosters innovation and critical thinking. Student-led learning can also help expand the body of knowledge and lead to groundbreaking advancements in the field.

What to Expect From a Data Analytics Master's Program

Data analytics master's degrees prepare students for careers in data by providing foundational education in mathematics, statistics, programming, machine learning, data analysis. Although most master's programs call for two years of study, some schools offer an accelerated MS in data science, allowing learners to finish in as little as 10 months.

The typical program requires at least 30 credits and includes coursework in data science theory, R, Python, machine learning, and industry-standard tools. Most degrees conclude with a capstone experience. Depending on the school you choose, you may pay less than $10,000 or more than $60,000 for the entire program.

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Popular Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Admission Requirements

Each school establishes its own admissions policy, but most data analytics programs share common expectations. Applications should hold a bachelor's degree with coursework in computer science, statistics, electrical engineering, or data analytics.

Many schools also set a minimum overall GPA or a minimum GPA in the last two years of study. While GRE or GMAT scores may increase some applicants' chances for admission, fewer schools require test scores after the COVID pandemic.

Degree and Concentration Options

Data analytics degrees are not uniform in structure, delivery, or emphasis. For example, you can pursue your degree online or in person, as a stand-alone program or with a specialization, as its own degree or as part of a dual master's program. Consider the following data analytics programs:

  • MBA in Data Analytics: This degree combines the business management and marketing curriculum of an MBA with technical coursework in data analytics.
  • Master of Computer Science in Data Analytics: Building on a core curriculum in computer theory, languages, and algorithms, a computer science degree emphasizes database systems, data mining tools, data visualization tools, and cloud services.
  • Master of Science in Data Analytics: Exclusively focused on data science, this degree probes deeply into coding, machine learning, data analysis, manipulation, and statistics.

Popular Master's in Data Analytics Courses

Each graduate program in data analytics presents its own unique curriculum. The following list of courses represent a cross-section of the types of classes you might take in a data analytics degree.

  • Presentation and Visualization of Data: Students explore techniques for data visualization, including charting, and graph creation, as well as best practices for data presentation. This course also covers various tools and software data analysts use to create informative data-driven presentations and reports.
  • Predictive Analytics: This course delves into the world of data-driven decision-making. Students discover statistical and machine learning techniques to analyze historical data and make predictions about future events or outcomes. Topics include data preprocessing, model selection, and evaluation.
  • Visual Design and Storytelling: This course combines principles of graphic design with storytelling techniques in order to communicate data-driven insights effectively. Topics include layout design, typography, color theory, and the psychology of visual communication.
  • Computational Math and Statistics: This foundational course covers key mathematical principles, including linear algebra, calculus, and probability theory, and applies those concepts using computational tools such as programming languages and software packages.

How Much Do Data Analytics Programs Cost?

While the NCES states that the average graduate school charges $19,749 in tuition each year, averages can be misleading. Some schools may charge more while others can offer an entire master's degree in data analytics for less than $10,000.

Various factors affect a school's price, including school prestige, its status as a public or private institution, and whether you are a state resident.

Adding tuition to cost of living can present a challenge, but most students rely on some form of financial aid. Graduate students can access scholarships, grants, fellowships, private or federal loans, or employer reimbursements.

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Popular Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Jobs for Master's in Data Analytics Graduates

Data analytics graduates can do a lot with their degrees. Jobs are open in data science, operations analysis, financial analysis, mathematics, and statistics. The following careers represent just a few of the positions available.

Data Analyst

Data analysts look for insights in data that can help solve business problems. They identify data they want to use, collect the data, clean it, analyze it for insights, and interpret the results. These professionals may work in healthcare, business, market research, or another field.

  • Required Education: Bachelor's Degree
  • Average Annual Salary: $66,085 (2023)
  • Job Outlook (2022-32): Not available

Operations Research Analyst

Operations research analysts use their knowledge of data, statistics, and analysis to help organizations make sound business decisions. These professionals often work for federal agencies, finance organizations, or professional services providers. They need extensive knowledge of mathematics and computer science.

  • Required Education: Bachelor's Degree
  • Median Annual Salary: $85,720 (2022)
  • Job Outlook (2022-32): +23%

Statistician

Statisticians solve problems by analyzing data. These mathematical experts often work on teams with engineers or scientists, and many of them hold employment with government agencies or scientific research companies.

  • Required Education: Master's Degree
  • Median/Average Annual Salary: $98,920 (2022)
  • Job Outlook (2022-32): +30%

Data Engineer

Data engineers create the systems that data managers use to store, process, and retrieve information. They may build databases, data warehouses, or data pipelines. Data and operations analysts typically build on an engineer's work by creating dashboards.

  • Required Education: Bachelor's Degree
  • Average Annual Salary: $95,960
  • Job Outlook (2022-32): Not available

Data Scientist

Charged with extracting meaningful insights from raw data, these professionals run full data projects from selecting the data and creating models to presenting findings and making business recommendations. Data scientists can focus on specific industries or types of data.

  • Required Education: Bachelor's Degree
  • Median Annual Salary: $103,500 (2022)
  • Job Outlook (2022-32): +25%

Selecting the Right Master's in Data Analytics Program for You

When considering data analytics programs, it's tempting to look only at cost and time to graduation. To make the best choice, however, you want to consider several other factors, such as:

  • School Size: A big school often provides better name recognition, but a small school may offer more intimate, one-on-one learning options.
  • Available Concentrations: Does the program you are considering offer the concentration you need to advance in your career?
  • Career Services: What specific career development services does the school offer to online students in this major? How large and well connected is their alumni network?
  • Earning Potential: Universities keep data on how many graduates are employed in the field within six months of graduation and the average salary they earn. This information can help you know what to expect for yourself.
  • Future Education Opportunities: Could you easily add on an MBA or a certificate in a related field? Can this school seamlessly transition you into a Ph.D. or DBA program with an emphasis in data analytics or data science?
  • Accreditation: The school you select should hold institutional accreditation from the appropriate regional accrediting body.

Should You Get Your Graduate Degree Online?

Online degrees are expanding, diversifying, and improving. In 2018, Learning House, Inc. and Aslanian Market Research found that 60% of students who had a choice between online and on-campus learning picked the online option.

The same survey found that computer science was one of the fastest-growing fields for online study.

Choosing to learn online is a personal decision, however. If you prefer the structure and interaction of a brick-and-mortar classroom, that approach may be your best option.

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Top Master's in Data Analytics Programs

Want to work with big data? The five master's in data analytics programs we feature here help prepare you for in-demand data analysis careers. Learn about admission requirements, tuition costs, and course offerings at the top data analytics master's programs. Check out our ranking methodology to learn how we ranked these schools.

Explore our ranking methodology

#1 5 Best Master’s Degrees in Data Analytics

CUNY Queens College

  • Queens, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

CUNY Queens College, with an 80-acre campus in Flushing, Queens, offers more than 100 master's degrees, including 40 accelerated programs. Established over 85 years ago, QC is part of the 25-college City University of New York system. 

Master of Arts in Data Analytics and Applied Social Research

Queens College delivers a master's in data analytics degree through its sociology department, which employs 34 faculty. Enrollees can pursue concentrations in applied social research, program evaluation and policy analysis, market research, media and marketing, and data science.

Students have opportunities like social research internships and faculty assistantships to explore topics like migration or public health. To finish the degree, learners write a thesis or research project.

Applying to Queens College

Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a 3.2 minimum GPA, including a B+ or higher in a statistics or research methodology class. In addition to the online application, prospective students submit a statement of purpose and three letters of recommendation.

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Public
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • Tuition: $470/credit (in state); $855/credit (out of state)
  • Required Credits: 35-38 credits
  • Delivery Format: On campus 
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,930
Out-of-state
$14,880
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,090
Out-of-state
$20,520
Retention Rate
83%
Acceptance Rate
53%
Students Enrolled
19,700
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#2 5 Best Master’s Degrees in Data Analytics

Long Island University

  • Brookville, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Founded in 1926, Long Island University offers more than 220 programs. The school maintains two brick-and-mortar campuses and the LIU Global campus for online learning.

Master of Science in Data Analytics and Strategic Business Intelligence

Long Island University's College of Management offers a flexible master's in data analytics degree for students of all experience levels. Learners can study full time or part time over 1-2 years. Classes run on evenings and weekends at the LIU Post campus.

Coursework covers topics like data analytics and machine learning, data privacy and regulatory compliance, and data management. Students also learn to use R and Python in data science contexts. The program culminates with an internship — upon finishing the 100 supervised internship hours, learners complete a capstone project about their experience. The program qualifies as an Optional Practical Training program for F-1 visa students.

Applying to Long Island University

Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA. Prospective students submit a resume, a personal statement, and two letters of recommendation. Though not required, candidates with GMAT or GRE scores and at least two years of full-time career experience receive admission preference.

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Public
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • Tuition: $1,352/credit
  • Required Credits: 30 credits
  • Program Length: 1-2 years
  • Delivery Format: On campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$37,182
Out-of-state
$37,182
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$22,482
Out-of-state
$22,482
Retention Rate
77%
Acceptance Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
15,066
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
20% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#3 5 Best Master’s Degrees in Data Analytics

SUNY Buffalo State

  • Buffalo, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Established in 1871, Buffalo State offers 60 graduate programs. The school belongs to the State University of New York system, which includes 64 institutions. 

Data Science and Analytics Master of Science

Buffalo State offers an MS in data science and analytics. Learners take evening classes on campus and can complete the degree in 15 months of full-time enrollment. The program qualifies as an Optional Practical Training program for F-1 visa students.

Core courses cover topics like machine learning, analytics, and statistics. Elective options include data strategy and governance, geospatial programming, and communication for leaders and managers. Learners also complete a master's project to finish the degree.

Applying to SUNY Buffalo State

Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA from an accredited school. They submit a two- to three-page statement of intent that outlines their educational and career aspirations. Candidates also interview with a faculty member. 

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Public
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • Tuition: $5,655/semester (in state); $11,895/semester (out of state)
  • Required Credits: 30 credits
  • Program Length: 15 months
  • Delivery Format: On campus 
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,070
Out-of-state
$16,980
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,310
Out-of-state
$23,100
Retention Rate
65%
Acceptance Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
8,339
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
95% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#4 5 Best Master’s Degrees in Data Analytics

Texas State University

  • San Marcos, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Founded in 1899, Texas State boasts a student body of 38,000 across two campuses — San Marcos and Round Rock. The institution offers 92 master's programs and 14 doctoral degrees across ten colleges.

Data Analytics and Information Systems M.S.

Texas State's McCoy College of Business offers an MS in data analytics and information systems with accreditation from AACSB International. Full-time learners can complete the degree in three semesters. Courses run in the evenings. Students can take classes online or in person at both of the university's campuses.

Students take core courses like data warehousing, forecasting and simulation, and machine learning. The program offers two tracks: In the thesis version, enrollees complete a research thesis. In the non-thesis track, students take electives like Agile project management for business professionals, supply chain management, and healthcare informatics. The degree also offers independent study and internship options. All learners must pass a written comprehensive exam to graduate. 

Applying to Texas State

Applicants need a bachelor's degree from an accredited school. Prospective students submit GMAT or GRE scores, responses to essay questions, a personal statement, a resume, and three letters of recommendation.

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Public
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges; AACSB International
  • Tuition: $357/credit (in state); $777/credit (out of state)
  • Required Credits: 30 credits
  • Delivery Format: Online, On campus 
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,326
Out-of-state
$19,778
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,946
Out-of-state
$15,127
Retention Rate
77%
Acceptance Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
37,812
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
93% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 5 Best Master’s Degrees in Data Analytics

The University of Texas at San Antonio

  • San Antonio, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Texas at San Antonio was founded in 1969. The school offers 73 master's degrees and 27 doctoral degrees. The school received R1 Carnegie research status in 2022. 

Data Analytics Master's Degree

The University of Texas at San Antonio offers a master of science in data analytics with two tracks: The standard option requires 30 credits. The 33-credit track focuses on critical technology studies and intelligence studies and requires enrollees to take national security-related courses. Students choose a daytime class or evening class cohort. The program qualifies as an Optional Practical Training program for F-1 visa students.

In both tracks, enrollees take classes like deep learning on cloud platforms, data-driven decision-making and design, and predictive modeling. Learners in the critical technology studies version of the program also take courses like national security and human-digital technology relationships; analytic methods, interpretation, writing, and briefing of intelligence; and the role of U.S. intelligence in national security. All students complete a two-course practicum sequence and a statistics-related comprehensive exam.

Applying to UTSA

Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, including 18 credit hours related to the data analytics field. Prospective students submit a statement of purpose and a resume. Letters of recommendation are optional.

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Public
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges; AACSB International
  • Tuition: $1,217/credit (in state); $3,278/credit (out of state)
  • Required Credits: 30-33 credits
  • Program Length: 12-24 months
  • Delivery Format: On campus 
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,724
Out-of-state
$17,730
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,002
Out-of-state
$23,518
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
84%
Students Enrolled
34,742
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
98% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Popular Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

FAQ About Master's Degrees in Data Analytics

What can you do with a data analytics master's?

A master's in data analytics can open the door to a career as a statistician, data engineer, or senior data analyst. This degree can also help you qualify for admission to a Ph.D. in data science or a related field, ultimately leading to work as a researcher or professor.

Can you get a master's in data analytics degree online?

Yes, many schools offer a master's in data analytics degree online. Some programs allow you to take classes on campus and online, giving you access to the best of both educational delivery systems.

How long does it take to get a master's in data analytics?

Typically, a master's degree takes 1-2 years, but some schools offer accelerated programs that students can finish in just 10 months. This approach usually requires taking classes on back-to-back eight-week schedules.

What's the difference between data analytics and data science?

Data analytics is closely related to data science. The key difference is that a data scientist deals with data models, often projecting into the future. Data analysts use those models to analyze existing data, what's already happened in the past.

Sources

Page last reviewed October 4, 2023. The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by CyberDegrees.org.

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