The Best Online Data Analytics Programs
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pennsylvania State University-World Campus | University Park, Pennsylvania |
| 2 | Boston University | Boston, Massachusetts |
| 3 | Syracuse University | Syracuse, New York |
| 4 | Southern Methodist University | Dallas, Texas |
| 5 | Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | Atlanta, Georgia |
| 6 | Villanova University | Villanova, Pennsylvania |
| 7 | Regent University | Virginia Beach, Virginia |
| 8 | Southern New Hampshire University | Manchester, New Hampshire |
| 9 | Maryville University of Saint Louis | Saint Louis, Missouri |
| 10 | Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, Arizona |
We have ranked these best online Data Analytics programs to help online students make sense of the best education options. For more information on our ranking methodology, see our College Calculator.
These programs include online Bachelor’s degrees and online Master’s degrees in Data Analytics (also known as Data Science).
Data Analytics involves data collection and analysis of big data sets. Big data is gathered and analyzed in many endeavors, such as business (such as social media companies), science, non-profits, governments, and other organizations.
Data Analysts take big data sets and makes them meaningful to inform decisions and understand user behavior.
We live in the age of big data. Data generation is occurring at an ever-increasing rate of speed. The need for harnessing and analyzing it is steadily increasing for businesses. A degree in Data Analytics opens up a broad range of cutting-edge career opportunities.
Data Analytics is also known as Business Intelligence when used for business analyses.
Business Intelligence is more concerned with specific data sets relevant to the business model that’s employing it. Business Intelligence is data analysis used for business decisions, such as improving profitability and understanding marketing efforts.
Career positions such as computer programmers, software developers, and statisticians, all use the concepts taught in Data Analytics programs. Tech companies such as Google, Facebook, and Amazon rely on Data Analytics (Business Intelligence) in making decisions.
Data Analytics Career Information: According to ZipRecruiter, Data Analysts earn an average median salary of $130,136.00 per year.
Featured Online Colleges:
The Best Online Data Analytics Programs
Ranking Methodology
Successful Student ranks schools and programs from the point of view of students, taking into consideration factors that would be most beneficial to students. In this regard, the ranking is a bottom-up approach, designed for students. The ranking factors are: having an online program in data analytics (data science), academic reputation and influence, and scope of coursework.
1.
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
University Park, Pennsylvania
Penn State offers an online Master of Professional Studies in Data Analytics degree with the option to specialize in Business Analytics. With or without the specialization, students will need to complete a total of 30 course credits including:
- nine credits of core courses
- nine credits of of prescribed courses
- nine credits of electives
- three credit capstone experience
Class material will cover an in depth study of concepts such as:
- data mining
- data modeling
- data architecture
- extraction, transformation, loading (ETL) development
- business intelligence (BI) development
Other related programs offered at Penn State include two graduate certificates in Business Analytics or Marketing Analytics.
2.
Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts
At Boston University, two degrees are available on campus and online:
- Master of Science in Computer Information Systems: concentration in Data Analytics
- Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics
Students can expect a comprehensive curriculum taught by knowledgeable and field experienced professors. From either program, students may graduate with a confidence in the education they have received.
The Master’s track necessitates a total of 10 courses, or 40 credits, for graduation. Students have 18 to 24 months to complete all requirements. The Graduate Certificate entails four courses, or 16 credits, and students have eight to 12 months to complete all expectations.
3.
Syracuse University
Martin J. Whitman School of Management
Syracuse, New York
With a completely customizable and flexible online Master of Science in Data Science, Syracuse University caters to the working professional who wishes to advance his or her career. This master of Data Science degree is provided through the Martin J. Whitman School of Management. Students may qualify for GMAT waivers for the degree. Online students have 18 months to complete the degree once accepted to the program.
The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including the following core classes:
- Data Analysis and Decision Making
- Business Analytics
- Accounting Analytics
- Financial Services Analytics
- Marketing Analytics
- Principles of Management Science
4.
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, Texas
SMU offers the Online Master of Science in Data Science degree, which has two specialization options: Machine Learning and Business Analytics.
The Machine Learning specialization teaches students how to create self-optimized systems that can solve problems and fix processes for businesses. The process of creating self-optimized systems involves inputting advanced algorithms, so that the machine can think and handle the data appropriately. The Machine Learning specialization involves eight core courses, two electives, and a capstone course.
Courses include:
- Data Mining
- Visualization of Information
- Machine Learning
- Natural Language Processes
The Business Intelligence specialization involves analyzing data and communicating the results for business purposes (such as optimizing profit, improving processes, informed decision making, etc.). Courses include:
- Statistical Foundations for Data Science
- Quantifying the World
- Applied Statistics: Inference and Modeling
- Business Intelligence
GRE waivers are available to qualifying students.
5.
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Atlanta, Georgia
The Master of Science in Analytics offered at Georgia Tech can be completed in one to two years with a total of 36 credit hours required. The credit hours consist of 15 credits of core courses, 15 credits of electives, and six credit hours dedicated to an applied analytics practicum. The practicum allows students to apply the theory of the classroom to real world scenarios and in the process gain valuable hands-on experience. Students will cover in detail the topics of:
- Business
- Visual Analytics
- Computing
- Statistics
- Operations Research Essentials
Online students will have access to the same faculty and academic support as students on campus.
6.
Villanova University
Villanova, Pennsylvania
The 36 credit hour Master of Science in Analytics is offered through the Villanova School of Business. The curriculum consists of 11 foundation and core courses and a final capstone course. Core courses include:
- Enterprise Data Management
- Business Intelligence
- Analytical Methods for Data Mining
- Analytical Methods for Text and Web Mining
- Analytical Methods for Optimization and Simulation I and II
- Advanced Business Applications
- Final Capstone/Analytics Practicum
Student can complete this degree in as little as 24 months.
7.
Regent University
Virginia Beach, Virginia
At Regent University, the curriculum in all classes is presented from an ethical Christian worldview. As such, the M.S. in Business Analytics program ’emphasizes ethical uses of data and specific strategies to protect the integrity of data and privacy of individuals and organizations’. This in-depth 30 credit program includes classes such as:
- Corporate Ethics and Data Privacy
- Enterprise Data Management
- Data Mining and Web Analytics
- Analytics Capstone Project
The similar MBA – Small Business Data Analytics program is also available online and requires 42 credit hours for completion. Students from each program have gone on to achieve successful careers as:
- Database Analyst
- SAS Programmer
- Security Analyst
- Fraud/Risk Manager
- Predictive Analytics Specialist
8.
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire
Southern New Hampshire is a non-profit university. SNHU offers three Online Data Analytics degrees:
- Associate’s in Data Analytics
- Bachelor’s in Data Analytics
- Master’s in Data Analytics
Online Associate of Science in Data Analytics
The online Associate of Science in Data Analytics is the only online Associate’s degree in Data Analytics the U.S. This program is 60 credits long. All 60 credits can be applied towards the Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics degree at SNHU. Students are taught data science fundamentals, such as how to gather data, the roles of data in organizations, and how to use data in making decisions. This program is 100% online.
Online Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics
Before enrolling in the online Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics students may elect to take a free math assessment which may earn them up to six credits towards graduation.
Once accepted to the program students will find a comprehensive curriculum. SAS and SQL modeling techniques are offered as electives. Students are taught how to collect, organize, and interpret data for making important business decisions.
In total students will complete 120 credits for this degree. The bachelor’s program prepares students for entry level positions, but they may also continue for further education in programs, such as SNHU’s Online Master of Science in Data Analytics.
Online Master of Science in Data Analytics
The online Master’s in Data Analytics goes farther in teaching students how to predict trends through the data analytics, risk assessment, and optimization of business practices, among other important skills. This program is fully online, and can be finished in 15 months.
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9.
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Saint Louis, Missouri
Maryville University offers the fully online Master of Science in Data Science. This online program in Data science can teach students the graduate level abilities in Machine Learning, Experiential Learning, Data Mining and Computer Coding and Programming.
Students of this online program can learn how to use big data, deep learning, machine learning, and data mining, to make this data meaningful. Students can develop coding skills using R, Python, SAS, and SQL languages. This online master’s program is 36-credit-hours.
Courses Include:
- Big Data Analytics
- Deep Learning
- Machine Learning
- Data Visualization
- Experimental Design
Maryville may accept incoming transfer courses (students will need to determine this with an enrollment counselor). There are no fees to apply, and Maryville doesn’t require entrance exams.
10.
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, Arizona
Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a not-for-profit Christian college that is a leader in online education.
GCU offers online Data Analytics and related degrees for undergraduate and graduate online students:
- Online Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics
- Online Bachelor of Science in Applied Business Analytics
- Online Master of Science in Business Analytics
- Online Master of Science in Data Science
The Online Bachelor’s in Business Analytics
The online bachelor’s in Business Analytics is focused on providing a Business education, with an understanding of how data can inform business practices. The Business Analytics degree teaches students business intelligence using data.
Online Bachelor’s in Applied Business Analytics
The Applied Business Analytics program focuses more on teaching Data Analytics. This includes learning how to make, and use, data models to harness and interpret big data. Then use the data to make business decisions.
The Online Master’s in Business Analytics
Similar to the difference between the two bachelor’s programs mentioned above, the online master’s in Business Analytics teaches students how to make business decisions using data. This is primarily a master’s in Business, with instruction on data.
These online bachelor’s degrees can be completed in four years.
The Online Master’s in Data Science
The online master’s in Data Science teachers students the science of capturing big data, making it meaningful, and interpreting it usefully. This is primarily a master’s in Data Science, with an understanding of applying it to Business decisions.
All programs are available online, and both can prepare students for working in the fields of business and/or data analytics.
These online master’s degrees may be completed in two years.
Get InformationFrequently Asked Questions
What is the Best Data analytics course?
There are many ways to start your professional career in data analytics without earning a degree. If you want to work in data analytics, there are many great courses you can complete to gain experience! Best for Beginners: Become a Data Analyst from LinkedIn Learning. This data analytics course is perfect for beginners! With no prerequisites and in-depth video lectures, this course provides you with foundational knowledge in data analysis. This course is completely free and can be completed in 24 hours. To ensure your success, there is time at the end of each video lecture to ask your instructor questions. While this course lacks hands-on projects and interactive content, it is great for those getting started in data analytics: Best for Immersion: Data Analytics Immersion from Thinkful. Thinkful’s course is great for those who want personalized instruction and support as they learn data analytics. Students receive a personal mentor, career coach, and academic advisor to guide them through the program. This course will teach you the foundations of Excel, Python, and SQL. At the end of the data analytics course, you will complete a final project and career-enhancing interviews. While Thinkful’s course will take you from a beginner to data analytics expert in less than six months, it is very expensive, costing more than $10,000. This course also requires many hours of extra studying and a lengthy admissions process. Yet, Thinkful allows students to hold off on paying for the course until they are earning $40,000 a year in the field of data analytics.
Is a Data Analytics degree worth it?
Earning a degree in data analytics prepares professionals for entry-level positions. Analysts can also begin working in the industry without a specific degree. Many professionals in the field have backgrounds in computer science, statistics, and mathematics. As the demand for trained data analysts grows, this degree prepares professionals to earn a great salary and work in a growing industry.
What is a Data Analytics degree?
Many colleges and universities offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees in data analytics. Earning a degree in data analytics will begin with admission to an accredited college or university. After beginning the program, students complete foundational classes in programming and data science. Every bachelor’s program varies in degree requirements, course content, and internship opportunities. Upon graduating, students will have an expert knowledge in data analysis and ready for entry-level careers.
What are the careers in Data Analytics?
Software Developer – As a software developer, data analysts design computer programs. Software developers work in many different industries to create systems that process, analyze, and make sense of data. Chief Information Officer – Data analysts work in management positions as chief information officers. These unique roles allow data analysts to create policies for how organizations use data. They will supervise other analysts, programmers, and employees. Healthcare Analyst – Healthcare analysts help to analyze and organize healthcare data. In this role, data analysts evaluate clinical trials, estimate the price of pharmaceuticals, and analyze patient records to inform physician decisions and determine best practices. Social Network Analyst – Social network analysts make sense of the data produced by social networking sites. These analysts decipher huge data sets and in turn create marketing campaigns and design better customer service protocols.
What are top 3 skills for Data Analysts?
Communication – Data analysts need to know how to explain their findings to people who may not have a background in data analytics. Verbal and written communication skills help data analysts explain their findings. Teamwork – Data analysts work with large amounts of data, so companies will divide jobs amongst many team members. When working with other team members, you have to be a team player! Without this skill, data analysts will not be help their industries find solutions to data-related problems. Curiosity & Willingness to Learn – Data Analysts use cutting-edge technology to decode large data. Yet, it can be intimidating to have to learn new skills and programs! As a data analyst, it is important to be willing and excited to learn new technologies. Additionally, be curious and willing to ask questions about the data you are analyzing!
Is Data Analytics a good career?
Careers in data analytics range across many different industries. Data analysts have the opportunity to work in many different sectors. This career field is growing, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting an above average rate of growth compared to other industries. Additionally, wages in data analytics continue to rise compared to wages in other occupations. Data analysts can earn a reported median annual income of $75,000.
What is the eligibility for Data Analyst?
As a data analyst, professionals will need to have some formal training and a unique set of skills. Data analysts will need experience in SQL, Python, and other programming languages, as well as the ability to accurately analyze data sets. Besides these skills, successful candidates should be methodical and have the ability to problem solve. Data analysts should have close attention to detail and approach data in a methodical way. To advance as a data analyst, many professionals choose to earn extra certifications or pursue an advanced degree. A bachelor’s degree in Data Analytics (Data Science) may suffice for entry-level positions, employers will prefer and likely hire graduates with a master’s degree in Data Analytics (Data Science).
