Top 5 Reasons Why Getting a Master’s in Business Analytics Is a Great Career Move

Are you a recent college graduate looking to enter the exciting and challenging world of business? Or are you already a seasoned professional wanting to supercharge your career with new, in-demand skills and know-how? Business analytics, with its blend of data analysis, business expertise and technological insight may be just the career for you.

In our rapidly digitizing economy, a master’s degree in business analytics can set you apart to become a prime mover in the growing field of data science and business analytics.

Here are the top five reasons why getting a master’s degree in business analytics may be right for you.

1. Growing Demand. As the digital economy matures, companies across all industries are turning to big data to gain customer insights and drive decisions. The demand for analytics professionals who can leverage data for problem solving is strong and growing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects data scientist careers to grow 35% through 2032, which far exceeds the 5% average growth rate for all occupations.
2. Increased Compensation. The strong demand has resulted in lucrative salaries for business analytics professionals. According to Salary.com, the average salary in the United States for analytics professionals is over $106,000 as of July 2024. Further, Payscale.com research shows that in 2023, professionals with a master’s degree earned an average of $15,000 more per year than those with only a bachelor’s degree.
3. Multiple Career Opportunities. As an analytics professional, the knowledge and skills you possess can set you on the path to any number of careers. You can become a data scientist, a management consultant, or work in finance or market research. As more industries undergo digital transformation, you’ll be free to choose where you work, whether it’s with start-ups, nonprofits, or in corporate settings such as health care, finance, technology, retail, sports and more.
4. Competitive Edge. In the modern job market, having skills in business analytics sets you apart. It’s not just about understanding data, but about deriving meaningful conclusions that can steer business strategies. A master’s degree in business analytics can position you at the leading edge as more companies integrate analytics into their operations.
5. STEM-Designated Program. Our master’s program in Business Analytics is a STEM-designated program that emphasizes developing your quantitative and technical skills, making you a stronger candidate for jobs that focus on these skills. If you are an international student, you may also find the STEM designation advantageous since it means you can work in the U.S. for up to three years without needing sponsorship.

Ready to start your journey?

If you love working with data and are open to learning new concepts and skills, a master’s degree in business analytics can help you become a leading force as more companies integrate analytics into their operations. Want to get started? Montclair State University’s Master of Science in Business Analytics program can prepare you for a future full of possibilities.