The top online schools for Data Analytics master’s degree programs offer an affordable and flexible route to advance your career.
One of the most in-demand career fields is data analytics. Work in Big Data is abundant at corporations and business firms throughout the United States and worldwide. Data Science or Data Analytics professionals that can interpret, analyze, monitor, manipulate, and also extract data always seem to be in constant need.
Employers or top executives of high-end corporations and businesses rely on professionals with a strong background in Data Analytics, Business Analytics, and Business Intelligence or some form of the STEM disciplines. Students interested in a master’s degree focused on science or mathematics should consider the MS in Data Analytics program.
How We Ranked the Top Online Data Analytics Master’s Degrees
The Online Schools Guide editors found schools offering online or hybrid master’s degrees in Data Analytics or related majors. We then ranked the programs based on cost, reputation, and future salary.
Here are the top ten online schools for Data Analytics Master’s degrees. Each will provide the student with online access to world-class faculty members and possibly community involvement. Many are career-ready programs and provide the best STEM courses to expand your knowledge within the field of Data Analytics.
1. Oregon State University
Oregon State University’s MS in Analytics offers a forty-five-credit program, combining courses in statistics, computer science, and also statistics electives.
Graduates investigate data problems from real-world cases, discover quantitative tools needed to gather, analyze and interpret data on a large scale, and also acquire technical and communication skills to prepare for a data analytics career. Graduates in the program will study courses such as multivariate analytics, time series analytics, programming and data structures, and data science tools and programming.
Eligible students may transfer up to 15 credits into the program. The full-time Oregon State faculty developed and also teach this program. Over the last decade, OSU has ranked as one of the nation’s best online education providers. Additionally, students also have the option to earn a graduate certificate. OSU has regional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Program Highlights: 45 credits, transfer credit accepted, regionally accredited, top rankings.
2. The University of Illinois at Springfield
| Degree: MS in Data Analytics |
The MS in Data Analytics program at the University of Illinois in Springfield is an online degree. This comprehensive program requires fifty-six credit hours and prepares graduates for data analytics careers or also advanced studies in a Ph.D. program.
The program is one of the best STEM programs online and on campus. The MSDA degree is available in the spring and fall semesters. Courses in the curriculum will include the humanities, social sciences, arts, physical and natural sciences, mathematics, and computer science. The MSDA program has accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is one of the best online masters in data analytics programs nationwide.
Students must take data structures and algorithms before consideration for admission to this master’s degree program. The University of Illinois offers 30 bachelor’s degrees, 20 master’s degrees, one doctorate, and 26 online majors. UIS provides several scholarship options, and financial aid is available to all eligible students.
Program Highlights: 56 credits, STEM-focused, career-ready, top accredited, many degree options.
3. CSU Global
| Degree: MS in Data Analytics |
CSU Global’s MS in Data Analytics program prepares graduates for a lucrative career in the IT and Data Science fields. Students will learn to become organizational leaders in business intelligence, business analytics, and data management.
The entire curriculum is twenty-four credits and covers courses in fundamentals of quantitative analysis, business intelligence introduction, and data analytics foundations. The course program will also prepare students for careers such as data warehousing, data mining, predictive analytics, and enterprise performance management.
Some mathematics and science prerequisites are required to enroll in the graduate program. CSU Global is one of the most influential schools for Big Data jobs and also the best online master in data analytics programs. The school does offer several specializations as well. MSDA students must have an undergraduate degree with a major or concentration in one of the following:
- Information systems
- Information technology
- Computer Science
- Database management
Program Highlights: 24 credits, top rankings, STEM-focused curriculum, specializations.
4. Penn State World Campus
The MPS in Data Analytics at Penn State World Campus offers a thirty-credit hour program. This degree is for working professionals in IT or also data science.
Students will learn to interpret analytics problems, identify data sources, comprehend analytics methodologies, and design, create, and utilize analytics systems at scale; while applying data science and analytics to real-world cases. The MPS in Data Analytics provides students with a fully online format with flexible scheduling, making it convenient and easy for working adults.
The average student spends only 8 to 12 hours per week on readings and assignments for a 3-credit course. Some transfer credits are accepted. Students also can choose a specialization, such as business analytics or marketing analytics. PSWC offers many opportunities for Alumni, such as community activities and professional networking. The school has close to 693,000 alumni, one of the world’s largest.
Program Highlights: 30 Credits, financial aid available, specialization, flexible class schedules, world-class alumni.
5. Robert Morris University
| Degree: MS in Data Analytics |
Robert Morris University offers a Master of Science in Data Analytics degree. This program focuses on the combined studies of collecting, analyzing, applying, and also managing data to make the best decisions.
The program’s goal is an action-packed insight that provides the competitive advantages needed for the data-driven future of our world. Some required courses in the program include Decision Support Systems Analysis & Design, Computer Network Security, Data mining, and also Data Integration For Analytics. Other course electives may offer Management Information Systems, Networks and Data Communication, and also Strategic Planning in IT Project Management.
The MSDA program also offers three concentrations, including an internship option for graduates to expand their knowledge of data science systems. The MSDA degree program is 30 credits, including nine concentration credits. RMU offers flexible scheduling for professional graduates working in data analytics. These graduate programs have one of the most affordable tuition rates and are also among the best online data analytics master’s degrees in Pennsylvania.
Program Highlights: 30 credits, flexible class schedules, affordable courses, and specializations.
6. University of North Texas
The University of North Texas offers working professionals an MS in Advanced Data Analytics. This program teaches how to collect, analyze, interpret, and utilize data to improve data processes and use quantitative techniques in Big Data systems. This program offers four optional concentrations in Statistics, Digital Retailing, Health Data Analytics, and also Management.
The master’s degree in advanced data analytics provides students with an interdisciplinary curriculum focusing on analysis, data structures, and also domain knowledge. The program requires six core courses, one interdisciplinary capstone class in data analytics, and three elective options. Some core courses include:
- Introduction to Data Analytics
- Data Analytics I and Data Analytics II
- Harvesting, Restoring, and Retrieving Data
- Discovery & Learning with Big Data
- Large Data Visualization
Students can choose from health science, statistics, sports entertainment, management, and also digital retailing for their elective choices. UNT degree programs prepare students to find employment in the data analytics field. The University offers various undergraduate and also graduate-level programs to give students the best chance for a rewarding career. The school partners with some top industries, such as Logisticorp, Collin County, and the Dallas Cowboys.
Program Highlights: 30 credits, concentrations offered, career-focused, partnered with top industries.
7. Syracuse University
| Degree: MS in Applied Data Analytics |
MS in Applied Data Analytics at Syracuse University offers a unique, interdisciplinary program for working adults. It prepares students for advanced studies in the data science field. The program will focus on four key learning competencies. They are capture and organization, technical analysis, visualization and communication, and also practical application.
The master’s program is thirty-six credits and provides both analytical and technical skills when making data-driven decisions in preparing for the top data analytics careers. Courses include an introduction to data science, data administration concepts and database administration, big data analytics, and also business analytics.
There are three tracks to specialize in.
- Data and Business Analytics
- Language Analytics
- Data Pipelines and Platforms
There are eight electives students can choose from, with the option to choose from two concentrations of analytics applications. The University offers four start dates for the MS in Applied Data Analytics program, and live, online sessions are available each week of class. Syracuse University ranks #19 In Best Online Graduate Computer Information Technology Programs and #11 In Best Online Graduate Information Technology Programs for Veterans. Syracuse University also ranks among the best online data analytics master’s programs nationwide.
Program Highlights: 36 total credits, 18 core credits, top rankings, interactive courses, and concentration options.
8. University of Maryland Global Campus
| Degree: Master of Science in Data Analytics (MSDA) |
University of Maryland Global campus offers working professionals the MS in Data Analytics. The program focuses on computer science and information technology coursework.
The MSDA program is a thirty-six-credit, hands-on program available online and through a hybrid format. The curriculum will include Decision Management Systems, Data Management and Visualization, Machine Learning, Predictive Modeling, and also Big Data Analytics. There is also a Data Analytics capstone at the end of the program. Graduates can transfer up to six credits toward the completion of the degree. So, this program gives graduates a competitive edge within the job market of Business Analytics.
The MSDA program at the University of Maryland Global campus is among the top analytics degrees in the nation. On top of being one of the best online masters in business analytics, the program also offers an affordable tuition rate. Furthermore, there are scholarships available to eligible students.
Program Highlights: 36 credits, online and hybrid options, scholarships, and also top rankings.
9. University of California Riverside
The University of California at Riverside offers the Master of Science in Engineering specializing in Data Science to working professionals in both data analytics and engineering fields.
The MS-EDA program is a comprehensive degree and provides students with the knowledge to become leaders in data analytics. Since the program is entirely online, students can complete it in as little as thirteen months. Furthermore, students can choose from six specializations. The courses help students develop techniques to identify, analyze, and visualize patterns of data sets while extracting critical information.
This degree provides flexible scheduling of courses and also three start dates per year. Furthermore, there are no residency requirements. And, US News & World Report ranks the MS in Engineering program among the nation’s top engineering schools. Additionally, the program UC Riverside has regional accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Program Highlights: 32 credits, fully online, 6 focus specializations, 3 start dates, Military-friendly environment, complete in 13 months, holds top rankings and accreditations.
10. Worcester Polytechnic Institute
| Degree: MS in Data Science |
Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers an online Master of Science in Data Science. This thirty-three-credit program teaches students the data science essentials to prepare them for data-driven industries worldwide.
The online curriculum provides a deeper understanding of statistics, data analysis software, methods, and also techniques. A holistic approach to data sciences and skills of interpersonal and story-telling skills is a focus throughout the business courses in the program. In addition, WPI offers an Online Graduate Certificate in Data Science. The thirty-three-credit program is ideal for applicants with a background in statistics, mathematics, and also basic programming in one or more languages.
The core areas of study include Data Analytics and Mining, Data Access and Management, Mathematical Analytics, and also Business Intelligence and Case Studies. Students can earn a BS in Data Science at WPI as well. It prepares you for the MS in Data science and also provides students with the prerequisites to enroll in the master’s degree. Prospective students do not need to submit GRE or GMAT scores if they are US citizens. However, International Students must submit test scores. The degree at WPI is among the best online data analytics masters nationwide.
Program Highlights: 33 credits, several concentrations, a certificate offered, and also a career-ready program.
What is the Data Analytics Job Outlook?
A degree in Data Analytics will prepare students for a rewarding and successful career and a very lucrative salary. There has been a massive cry for data science professionals nationwide in the past couple of decades alone.
How Much Can You Make in Data Analytics?
According to the BLS, the national average pay for Data scientists or mathematical science positions is approximately $108,660 per year. That’s a nice penny! However, don’t take my word for it. Here is a career list of the most populated and in-demand positions for graduates of the MS in Data Analytics program
Data Analytics Careers with Salary
- Data Engineer- Average base pay is $119,372 per year (Glassdoor)
- Data Architect- Average base pay is $135,694 per year (Glassdoor)
- Database Administrator- Average base pay is $105,045 per year (Glassdoor)
- Statistical Programmer– Average base pay is $115,000 per year (Glassdoor)
- Business Intelligence Analyst – Average base pay is $76,402 per year (Glassdoor)
Related:
- 10 Best Data Science Programs Online
- What Can You Do With a Degree in Data Science
- 10 Top Online Schools for Business Analytics Bachelor’s
- Top 10 Online Schools for Data Analytics Bachelor’s Degrees
- What Can I Do With an Online Data Science Degree?
- 10 Top Online Schools for Business Analytics Master’s
- 10 Top Degrees In Demand with Future Growth