10 Popular Master’s in Data Analytics Programs

Data analytics may not have the same level of hype as artificial intelligence, but it’s becoming as important in the business world.

Research shows that using data analytics increases efficiency, improves decision-making, and drives financial performance. Most enterprises recognize data and analytics as crucial to their business growth.

The upside? Business leaders need to hire more data analytics professionals who understand how it all works.

In Dufrain’s 2023 survey of 200 data and analytics leaders from the U.S. and U.K. , 60% believe their biggest challenge is finding people with the right skills.

A master’s in data analytics is one way to gain the necessary skills and talents to qualify for roles in this growing industry.

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

A master’s in data analytics provides skills to analyze and interpret large quantities of data. Data analytics combines statistics, computer science, data mining, and business intelligence to extract insights from data and make data-driven decisions.

Most master’s in data analytics programs take 1-2 years to complete, including core and elective coursework and a capstone project. Graduates are eligible for many career paths in healthcare, business, national security, and more. Data analytics jobs you can get with a master’s degree include:

One way to decide if a master’s in data analytics is worth it is the return on investment or the cost vs. reward. Let’s start with the price tag.

National data on tuition costs for master’s in data science programs is unavailable. But data analytics overlaps several fields, including information technology, statistics, and business.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average tuition cost for master’s degrees in fields related to data science in 2020 was:

Now, onto earning potential. We’ll use data analysts as the first example, a common career path for grads.

The average base salaries of data analysts were between $109,900-$166,800 in a 2023 survey by Burtch Works. Work experience contributed to higher salaries.

The salaries of data analysts with 4-8 years of experience were $145,200. Those with three years or less made $109,900.

Burtch Works concluded that gaining real-world experience while pursuing a master’s in data analytics is key. Finding a program with internships, capstone projects, corporate partnerships, and other opportunities can increase the marketability of graduates seeking entry-level roles.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the 2022 median salaries of other careers related to data analysts include:

Master’s in data analytics may lead to higher-paying careers than a typical master’s degree. BLS statistics from 2021 show a master’s degree leads to a weekly median salary of $1,574, roughly equating to $81,848 annually.

It generally takes 2-3 years to finish a master’s degree, but every program is different. An accelerated degree program can take about one year to complete, though it requires a strict time commitment. Others, such as part-time programs for working adults, take longer but have more flexible schedules.

Admission requirements for data analytics graduate programs vary. Most programs require at least a bachelor’s degree. Many also require it to be in a STEM or business-related field, such as engineering, accounting, or quantitative analysis. Relevant work experience, certifications, or coursework may also count toward eligibility.

Learning data analytics is not easy, but that’s true for most skills. It’s easier if you have a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as computer science or information technology. Being comfortable with programming languages, business analytics, and mathematics helps, too.

If you’re interested in testing the waters, there are several ways to learn data analytics without making a huge time commitment. They include coding bootcamps and online courses, which are often self-paced and short-term.

Coding skills are generally not a requirement for data analysts. It’s more common to need skills in machine learning, analytics tools, and programming languages, such as Python.

But, coding still may be part of a data analyst’s day-to-day job. Some data analysts may need basic coding skills for data extraction or performing more advanced data analysis.

It’s no surprise data analysts wonder if AI will replace them. AI can super-charge efficiency across industries, automating tasks that save time and money with tools like ChatGPT.

But, most experts agree that AI is unlikely to replace data analysts. Instead, AI tools will speed up data analysts’ work and handle tasks that don’t need a human touch. This may involve using machine learning-based modeling to understand, describe, or predict patterns in data.