Business Analytics Degrees and Careers: Pathways with an MSBA or MABA

In a data-driven economy, business analytics professionals hold the key to unlocking powerful opportunities. Relevant across sectors, this practice bridges the gap between big data and strategic decision-making. It's one of the most promising fields, yet it accompanies a uniquely rapid pace of change and complex web of data that may be difficult for even the most tech-savvy professionals to navigate.

This is where graduate-level training comes into play. Cutting-edge programs such as the Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) and the Master of Applied Business Analytics (MABA) introduce you to tools and techniques capable of extracting meaningful insights.

While forward-thinking, technologically-driven individuals feel drawn to MSBA and MABA programs, it's natural to wonder about the long-term implications for such targeted training: How will these graduate programs enhance your career prospects?

To help clarify these opportunities and their value in a quickly changing digital landscape, we address the crucial question, “What can you do with a business analytics degree?” Read on to discover today's top careers in business analytics — and to learn which skills are vital to your success in this promising field.
 

Graduate Business Analytics Degrees

At the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota (UMN), we developed multiple career-driven programs that explore the nuances of data analytics and strategic decision-making in response to the growing demand for highly trained business analytics professionals. These curricula also highlight topics related to artificial intelligence (AI) as a core component, preparing you to stay ahead of the curve on leveraging these technologies ethically and ultimately stand out in the field.

The Master of Science in Business Analytics and the Master of Applied Business Analytics are the most relevant to future business analytics professionals, but these programs involve distinct curricula and career applications. It is essential to fully understand their similarities and differences before selecting a pathway, as graduate-level coursework and experiential opportunities can have a major impact on your long-term career prospects.
 

What is a Masters of Science in Business Analytics?

The Masters of Science in Business Analytics is a highly technical graduate-level degree. Centered on data analysis and statistical modeling, this program equips you with the advanced skills that underscore data-driven decision-making. This career-oriented MSBA encourages you to navigate the complexities of data science and business strategy by developing not only programming and data management competencies but also critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In addition, you will have access to hands-on, experiential learning included across their 3 semesters in the MSBA program along with AI topics embedded in the curriculum.
 

What is a Masters in Applied Business Analytics?

The Masters in Applied Business Analytics is a graduate degree that promotes the practical application of data analysis tools and techniques. It makes extensive use of case studies and projects to reveal how data analytics plays out in real-world scenarios. The MABA program is primarily intended for those who expect to use data analytics in a business capacity, especially in roles involving strategic management or business consulting.
 

Similarities and Differences Between an MSBA and an MABA

Many MSBA and MABA programs hold much in common — including, most notably, a clear focus on business analytics. Take a closer look at the curriculum, however, and it becomes evident that these programs appeal to diverse types of students.
 

Similarities

From data visualization to big data and responsible AI, the business analytics masters and the applied business analytics masters cover many similar concepts. Similar to students of the MS in Business Analytics, MABA students learn data analysis tools and techniques. They take courses such as data analytics, predictive analytics, data visualization, and two AI classes — and, in fact, many required courses in the MABA curriculum overlap with those of the MSBA. Both programs reveal how data can be harnessed to drive innovation and productivity in the modern business landscape. These programs emphasize hands-on learning with real-world partners, offering various opportunities to take a deep dive into critical concepts while making the most of a uniquely immersive analytics lab environment.
 

Differences

The first main difference between the MSBA and MABA is that the former leans more heavily toward technical aspects of business analytics, whereas the latter is a more accessible version of an MSBA. The MSBA maintains a clear theoretical basis while making extensive use of programming languages such as Python and R. These technical concepts are covered less in depth within the MABA program, which focuses more on methods most relevant to managerial decision-making.

Another key distinction? The MABA is an online degree, while the MSBA program takes place in person and requires more of a commitment; it encompasses 45 graduate-level credits that span 3 semesters. This is a strictly on-campus, full-time, 1-year residential program — ideal for students who prefer to interact with faculty members and fellow students in a face-to-face capacity.

The MABA is shorter in duration and can be completed on a flexible timeline, featuring 12 courses that cover 30 credits. Many learning experiences resemble core courses from the MSBA but are offered in an online format. This particular program has been purposefully designed to meet the needs of busy working students, who may require greater flexibility than their counterparts in the MSBA program. 

As a MABA student, you do also have access to experiential learning delivered through the Carlson Analytics Lab in a semester-long course, whereas MSBA students’ experiential learning is structured differently in the curriculum. Still, the MABA degree maintains a collaborative focus, replacing in-person experiences with virtual group projects.
 

What Can You Do with a Business Analytics Degree?

Whether you ultimately choose to pursue the MSBA or the MABA, you can be confident in knowing that you will emerge with a powerful skill set and a clear competitive edge. Equipped with a masters in business analytics, you should feel prepared to take on a wide range of tech-driven roles.
 

Business Analytics Careers

Business analytics promises to drive innovation across numerous sectors. Beyond this, versatility can be found in the many niche applications of business analytics, which has a pivotal part to play within aligned fields such as data science, business intelligence, and even consulting. Below, we highlight several common business analytics jobs:
 

1. Data Analyst

As one of the most common jobs available in the expanding data-driven economy, the role of data analyst involves collecting and interpreting data, with the goal of revealing patterns or trends that influence business decisions. Through data visualizations and reports, these analysts help cross-disciplinary teams and stakeholders understand the data-oriented implications. Their efforts promote informed decision-making based on facts rather than intuition.
 

2. Business Intelligence Engineer (BIE)

Similar to the role of a business intelligence (BI) analyst but slightly more technical, business intelligence engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining data pipelines and systems that enable organizations to analyze and make data-driven decisions. They create dashboards, reports, and visualization tools to present insights — often working with databases, ETL (extract, transform, load) processes, structured query language (SQL), and BI platforms. Collaborating closely with data analysts, stakeholders, and other teams, BI engineers ensure data accuracy, accessibility, and relevance to drive strategic business outcomes. Their role bridges technical data management and business strategy by harnessing both analytical and programming skills.
 

3. Data Scientist

Delving into statistical modeling, data scientists develop algorithms to uncover patterns, predict future trends, and facilitate data-driven strategies. However, this role tends to be more technical than other data-oriented positions. Rather than focusing on interpreting available data, these professionals leverage vast, unstructured datasets (along with programming languages and statistical methods) to improve custom models or algorithms.
 

4. Marketing Analyst

Applying the power of analytics to understand consumer behavior and market trends, marketing analysts leverage large volumes of data to reveal what exactly resonates with target audiences. From website visits to purchase history to social media metrics, these professionals use numerous marketing metrics to tell the story of the modern consumer, in turn helping shape strategies that will boost customer engagement and position brands for success.
 

5. Operations Analyst

Focused on process optimization — the purpose-driven effort to tailor and refine business operations so they are as efficient and cost-effective as possible — operations analysts gather extensive data about current business processes, revealing where bottlenecks are most likely to occur and why. From there, they propose, test, and analyze process improvements designed to overcome key challenges. Continuous monitoring ensures that these improvements deliver desired results far into the future.
 

6. Financial Analyst/Data Analyst in Finance

Shaping investment decisions and risk management strategies, financial analysts unveil the complex stories behind financial data as well as how these narratives relate to the big picture of organizational finances. These analysts may be detail-oriented, but they consistently demonstrate the value of a broad perspective when making deeply impactful investment decisions. Their nuanced understanding of market trends ensures that companies are poised to capitalize on exciting growth opportunities.
 

7. Healthcare Analyst

Committed to driving improvements in patient care (while also making this care more affordable and accessible), healthcare analysts rely on a wealth of clinical and financial data to support sector-specific decision-making. These professionals look to many sources to provide accurate and timely insights, including electronic health records (EHRs), billing data, and operational logs. They use a range of analytical tools and software solutions to reveal trends in patient outcomes, revenue cycle management, and beyond.
 

8. Supply Chain Analyst

Relying on data to evaluate key processes related to procurement, inventory, and distribution, supply chain analysts identify and assess bottlenecks in hopes of alleviating issues that hamper efficiency or accuracy. These professionals monitor everything from inventory levels to order fulfillment rates. Their insights can shape strategies that help organizations bridge the gap between supply and demand plus deal with market fluctuations. Additionally, this role may involve supplier management and logistics coordination.
 

9. Analytics Consultant/Data Science Consultant

Many data analysts and business intelligence professionals crave autonomy, which is well within reach when working as a consultant. Under this approach, analytics experts work with business clients, offering an outside perspective to help organizations pinpoint and address business challenges. Analytics consultants reveal how these organizations can use data-driven strategies to spark innovation. Their consulting work may revolve around many of the niches described above, such as healthcare analytics or marketing analytics.
 

3 Emerging Careers in Business Analytics

Given the rapid pace of change in business analytics, it is safe to assume that new career opportunities will emerge alongside cutting-edge technologies. Thus, it’s essential for professionals to feel confident in their ability to incorporate the latest tools (like generative AI) into their roles. Within this ever-evolving and expanding world of data-driven opportunities, a few unique jobs are beginning to gain traction:
 

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Engineer

Artificial intelligence and machine learning engineers create advanced algorithms to help machines learn from data as well as use data-driven insights to make predictions. Working extensively with machine vision, natural language processing, and other AI solutions, these highly technical professionals collaborate with software developers or data scientists to create powerful generative AI systems.
 

2. Customer Insights Analyst

Similar to marketing analysts, customer insights analysts strive to understand consumer perceptions and behavior, in hopes of boosting brand awareness and customer engagement. Customer insights analysts, however, focus more on understanding the consumer experience, with these insights helping marketing analysts do their jobs more effectively. Using sources such as surveys or focus groups, customer insights analysts gather data that informs personas or journey maps — tools that, in turn, can help shape products or services.
 

3. Product Analyst

Offering valuable support for product development teams, product analysts examine data related to product performance and customer satisfaction. This information can uncover opportunities for improvement or even innovation. Insights obtained by product analysts may also shape pricing strategies or marketing campaigns. Product analysts can expect to work closely with product designers, product managers, and even quality assurance engineers.
 

Industries Hiring Business Analytics Graduates

Data analytics holds value across all industries, but currently, adoption varies considerably from one field to the next. Sectors at the forefront of the data analytics revolution (and therefore, more inclined to hire candidates with business analytics skills) include:
 

Technology

While the tech industry deserves credit for the innovations that drive business analytics, this field also relies on business analysts to enhance product development and improve operational efficiency. Analytics provide valuable insights into user behavior and system performance. This information can determine how (and whether) new tech solutions are developed while helping industry leaders optimize technological infrastructure to enhance both performance and security.
 

Finance and Banking

Increasingly valued for managing risks and optimizing investments, analytics allow financial institutions to gain deep insights into consumer behavior and market trends while also navigating the complications of regulatory compliance and even fraud detection. Analytics can elevate everything from portfolio management to credit scoring accuracy.
 

Healthcare

Ongoing challenges related to compliance and labor shortages have prompted the healthcare field to adopt a more data-centric approach and leverage health information to enhance everything from clinical decision-making to revenue cycle management. Healthcare leaders are eager to work with business analytics professionals to uncover compelling opportunities to serve patients and drive revenue.
 

Retail and E-commerce

Offering a reliable approach to optimizing pricing strategies, business analytics holds immense potential in retail and e-commerce, where demand forecasting can make a world of difference. With customers demonstrating elevated demands for prompt shipping and personalized experiences, analytics hold the key to meeting or even exceeding these expectations.
 

Consulting Firms

Lending valuable perspectives, consultants can uncover concerns — and propose solutions — that might not occur to internal teams or employees. Some businesses still struggle to find or employ analytics professionals and may instead outsource these initiatives to consulting firms, which can use analytical tools and techniques to support data-driven recommendations.
 

Manufacturing

Capable of enhancing operational efficiency and quality control, manufacturing-related analytics strategies can influence every aspect of the production process. Demand forecasting and supplier insights can prove especially impactful, helping manufacturers overcome common supply chain and labor challenges.
 

Entertainment and Media

Analytics play a surprisingly significant role in creative fields to reveal what audiences find interesting and how these experiences can drive revenue. As subscription models take over, analytics promise to optimize these services, ensuring that customers can access and consume content they find appealing. This thereby makes it easier to retain loyal subscribers and avoid high churn rates.
 

The Carlson School's MSBA and MABA Program Advantage

Intrigued by the analytics opportunities highlighted above? You could be an ideal candidate for pursuing a business analytics masters. Offering multiple analytics-focused programs at the graduate level, at the Carlson School, we strive to empower the analytics leaders of tomorrow.
 

Skills Acquired in the Business Analytics Programs

Both the business analytics masters and the MABA promote fundamental analytics skills, providing not only a conceptual overview but also opportunities to apply these competencies through case studies and projects. Examples of skills acquired while pursuing an MSBA or MABA include:

• Exploratory data analysis
• Programming languages (like Python)
• Data visualization techniques
• Artificial intelligence
• Machine learning
• Predictive modeling
• Data mining
• Extract, transform, and load (ETL)

In addition to promoting technical skill development, the MSBA and MABA emphasize soft skills such as communication and collaboration. These skills are in high demand, with employers also citing a desire to find the most adaptable and creative professionals. Immersive learning opportunities help you develop equally important critical thinking and problem-solving competencies, but in the context of technical systems and solutions.
 

Embrace Business Analytics Opportunities with the Carlson School of Management

Do you envision a meaningful future in business analytics? You have the power to leverage data and drive change — but first, you’ll need to take a deep dive into data analytics tools and techniques. At the University of Minnesota, our Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) and online Master of Applied Business Analytics (MABA) can prepare you for a bright future.