A master's in data analytics can prepare you to solve business problems using data. With this degree, you can compete for roles like data engineer, senior data analyst, and business intelligence consultant. You might also use your degree as a stepping stone to a Ph.D. to pursue careers in research and higher education.
If you already hold a bachelor's degree and a thorough grounding in computer science, mathematics, and engineering, then a master's degree could be the right choice.
Using the guide below, you can find a data-centric ranking of the top five master's in data analytics programs. You can also discover more about data analytics careers, what to expect from your degree, and how to choose the right program.
Top 5 Master's in Data Analytics Programs
If you want to step up your career and complete a master's in data analytics, several programs can help you reach your goals. Here are our top five master's in data analytics programs for 2023.
Learn more about how we classify our rankings.
#1 Best Master’s Degrees in Data Analytics 2023
CUNY Queens College
- Queens, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
CUNY Queens College, with an 80-acre campus in Flushing, Queens, offers more than 100 master's degrees, including 40 accelerated programs. Established over 85 years ago, QC is part of the 25-college City University of New York system.
Master of Arts in Data Analytics and Applied Social Research
Queens College delivers a master's in data analytics degree through its sociology department, which employs 34 faculty. Enrollees can pursue concentrations in applied social research, program evaluation and policy analysis, market research, media and marketing, and data science.
Students have opportunities like social research internships and faculty assistantships to explore topics like migration or public health. To finish the degree, learners write a thesis or research project.
Applying to Queens College
Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a 3.2 minimum GPA, including a B+ or higher in a statistics or research methodology class. In addition to the online application, prospective students submit a statement of purpose and three letters of recommendation.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Tuition: $470/credit (in state); $855/credit (out of state)
- Required Credits: 35-38 credits
- Delivery Format: On campus
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Best Master’s Degrees in Data Analytics 2023
Long Island University
- Brookville, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded in 1926, Long Island University offers more than 220 programs. The school maintains two brick-and-mortar campuses and the LIU Global campus for online learning.
Master of Science in Data Analytics and Strategic Business Intelligence
Long Island University's College of Management offers a flexible master's in data analytics degree for students of all experience levels. Learners can study full time or part time over 1-2 years. Classes run on evenings and weekends at the LIU Post campus.
Coursework covers topics like data analytics and machine learning, data privacy and regulatory compliance, and data management. Students also learn to use R and Python in data science contexts. The program culminates with an internship — upon finishing the 100 supervised internship hours, learners complete a capstone project about their experience. The program qualifies as an Optional Practical Training program for F-1 visa students.
Applying to Long Island University
Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA. Prospective students submit a resume, a personal statement, and two letters of recommendation. Though not required, candidates with GMAT or GRE scores and at least two years of full-time career experience receive admission preference.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Tuition: $1,352/credit
- Required Credits: 30 credits
- Program Length: 1-2 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
Percent Online Enrollment
20%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Best Master’s Degrees in Data Analytics 2023
SUNY Buffalo State
- Buffalo, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Established in 1871, Buffalo State offers 60 graduate programs. The school belongs to the State University of New York system, which includes 64 institutions.
Data Science and Analytics Master of Science
Buffalo State offers an MS in data science and analytics. Learners take evening classes on campus and can complete the degree in 15 months of full-time enrollment. The program qualifies as an Optional Practical Training program for F-1 visa students.
Core courses cover topics like machine learning, analytics, and statistics. Elective options include data strategy and governance, geospatial programming, and communication for leaders and managers. Learners also complete a master's project to finish the degree.
Applying to SUNY Buffalo State
Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA from an accredited school. They submit a two- to three-page statement of intent that outlines their educational and career aspirations. Candidates also interview with a faculty member.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Tuition: $5,655/semester (in state); $11,895/semester (out of state)
- Required Credits: 30 credits
- Program Length: 15 months
- Delivery Format: On campus
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Best Master’s Degrees in Data Analytics 2023
Texas State University
- San Marcos, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded in 1899, Texas State boasts a student body of 38,000 across two campuses — San Marcos and Round Rock. The institution offers 92 master's programs and 14 doctoral degrees across ten colleges.
Data Analytics and Information Systems M.S.
Texas State's McCoy College of Business offers an MS in data analytics and information systems with accreditation from AACSB International. Full-time learners can complete the degree in three semesters. Courses run in the evenings. Students can take classes online or in person at both of the university's campuses.
Students take core courses like data warehousing, forecasting and simulation, and machine learning. The program offers two tracks: In the thesis version, enrollees complete a research thesis. In the non-thesis track, students take electives like Agile project management for business professionals, supply chain management, and healthcare informatics. The degree also offers independent study and internship options. All learners must pass a written comprehensive exam to graduate.
Applying to Texas State
Applicants need a bachelor's degree from an accredited school. Prospective students submit GMAT or GRE scores, responses to essay questions, a personal statement, a resume, and three letters of recommendation.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges; AACSB International
- Tuition: $357/credit (in state); $777/credit (out of state)
- Required Credits: 30 credits
- Delivery Format: Online, On campus
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best Master’s Degrees in Data Analytics 2023
The University of Texas at San Antonio
- San Antonio, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Texas at San Antonio was founded in 1969. The school offers 73 master's degrees and 27 doctoral degrees. The school received R1 Carnegie research status in 2022.
Data Analytics Master's Degree
The University of Texas at San Antonio offers a master of science in data analytics with two tracks: The standard option requires 30 credits. The 33-credit track focuses on critical technology studies and intelligence studies and requires enrollees to take national security-related courses. Students choose a daytime class or evening class cohort. The program qualifies as an Optional Practical Training program for F-1 visa students.
In both tracks, enrollees take classes like deep learning on cloud platforms, data-driven decision-making and design, and predictive modeling. Learners in the critical technology studies version of the program also take courses like national security and human-digital technology relationships; analytic methods, interpretation, writing, and briefing of intelligence; and the role of U.S. intelligence in national security. All students complete a two-course practicum sequence and a statistics-related comprehensive exam.
Applying to UTSA
Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, including 18 credit hours related to the data analytics field. Prospective students submit a statement of purpose and a resume. Letters of recommendation are optional.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges; AACSB International
- Tuition: $1,217/credit (in state); $3,278/credit (out of state)
- Required Credits: 30-33 credits
- Program Length: 12-24 months
- Delivery Format: On campus
Percent Online Enrollment
98%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Why Get a Master's Data Analytics Degree?
Businesses have used data to make decisions since at least the 19th century. With the rise of modern computer systems, data analytics became its own career field. As companies continue to collect larger data sets, they need more capable employees to make sense of it. Today, companies in virtually all industries employ data analysts, data engineers, and database administrators.
In 2016, the World Economic Forum named data analytics as one of the jobs to watch in the future. In their research, Accenture found that 87% of employees recognized data as an asset, but 74% said they felt overwhelmed or unhappy working with data. Some even reported they felt so stressed by data that they had taken time off work to cope with their feelings.
You can be one of the people who bridges the gap and helps turn raw data into good decisions. If you have a bachelor's degree and a background in computer science, engineering, or mathematics, a master's degree in data analytics may offer the ideal next step. Earning this degree can bring several benefits, including:
-
Specialized Knowledge and Skills: Data analysis techniques, statistical modeling, data visualization, and programming languages can equip you with the skills to work with large datasets, extract valuable insights, and make data-driven decisions.
-
Career Advancement: Many employers value advanced degrees and specialized training. A master's degree can make you a more attractive candidate for roles such as data scientist, data analyst, business intelligence analyst, or data engineer.
-
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Enrollees learn how to approach complex business problems, formulate hypotheses, gather and analyze data, and draw meaningful conclusions.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What To Expect From Master's in Data Analytics Programs
A master's in data analytics can equip you with the foundational knowledge, skills, and techniques you need to solve business problems using data. You may also take courses covering ethics, data law, and moral data use.
Typically, this degree requires 1-2 years of full-time enrollment to complete, although some accelerated programs may allow you to finish in 10 months. The degree typically requires about 30 credits or more for an MBA or an MS in computer science with a data analytics concentration. You may conclude the program with a capstone or thesis project.
This degree can be highly affordable, with some programs charging $10,000 or less in tuition. You may be able to cover some of this cost with grants, computer science scholarships, or employer reimbursements.
Admission Requirements
Data science programs generally require each applicant to hold a bachelor's degree in data analytics from an accredited institution. They may also expect a minimum GPA, such as a 2.75 overall or a 3.0 in the last two years. Generally, incoming master's students need strong backgrounds in mathematics, electrical engineering, computer science, or computer engineering.
Some schools expect prospective students to submit GRE or GMAT scores with their applications; however, this requirement declined during the COVID pandemic and has not rebounded.
Degree and Specialization Options
You can earn an MS in data analytics or an MBA with an emphasis in data analytics. The MS emphasizes the tools and techniques of data analytics, while MBAs place data analytics within a business leadership context. In some cases, data analytics is a concentration within larger computer science degrees.
Many schools offer data analytics master's degrees in online and in-person formats, and some universities allow students to blend courses through hybrid delivery. Depending on the school, you may take online courses through asynchronous learning or participate in virtual live lectures through synchronous delivery.
Popular Master's in Data Analytics Courses
Each school sets its data analytics curriculum based on the strengths of its faculty, perception of the market, and data research facilities. The following selection includes classes drawn from real data analytics master's degrees.
- Data Analytics in R: Building on the principles of statistical modeling, this course covers linear and logistic regression. Students learn to apply additional regression and classification techniques in R.
- Data Manipulation: Learners use Pythonand/or SQL to load, manipulate, process, clean, aggregate, and group data. In this advanced course, students also explore NumPy and Pandas libraries.
- Regression and Predictive Modeling: This course introduces participants to relationships among variables. Students learn to test a hypothesis, select a model, and make a prediction.
- Deep Learning: Students build and apply networks by using AI. Topics include optimization, computer graphics, deep language models, computer vision, and unsupervised feature learning.
How Much Will a Master's in Data Analytics Cost?
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported that the average master's degree reached $19,749 in tuition and fees per year as of the 2020-2021 academic year. That's about $40,000 for a two-year degree. Averages can be misleading, however, making it important to research each prospective school's fees and tuition costs.
A master's degree in data analytics can range from less than $10,000-$65,000 or more for an entire program. Most students can help fund their education through scholarships, fellowships, grants, employer reimbursements, or student loans.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Jobs for Master's in Data Analytics Graduates
A master's degree in data analytics can help you compete for many tech jobs. The following careers represent a cross-section of potential options.
Data scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data to help companies solve business problems. Specifically, these professionals may spot trends in information, create data models, or use machine learning techniques to improve products. Often, data scientists have previously served as data analysts, data engineers, or statisticians.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree (Master's degree preferred)
- Average Annual Salary: $99,400 (Oct. 2023)
- Job Outlook (2020-30): +31.3%
Software engineers design, create, and test applications and computer programs for end users. They may build entirely new programs or work to make existing programs faster, easier, or more intuitive. Software engineers typically hold advanced skills in coding languages, object-oriented programming, and database architecture. They may also have professional certifications and advanced degrees.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree (Master's degree preferred)
- Average Annual Salary: $92,310 (Oct. 2023)
Data Engineer
Data engineers convert raw data into useful information. As the bridge between data systems and decision-makers, data engineers may work with database pipeline architectures; develop usable algorithms; or ensure compliance with state, federal, and corporate data security guidelines.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree (Master's degree preferred)
- Average Annual Salary: $95,660 (Oct. 2023)
Business Intelligence Analyst
Business intelligence analysts break down and interpret data, create visuals, and present information to key corporate decision-makers. Key skills for succeeding as a business intelligence analyst include data visualization, coding, business domain knowledge, and communication.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree (Master's degree preferred)
- Average Annual Salary: $73,600 (Oct. 2023)
Senior Data Analyst
Senior data analysts oversee teams of analysts — the professionals who convert data into insights. They may work with in-house teams, third-party providers, or tools that help extract data.
Choosing the Right Data Analytics Program
It's tempting to look only at prestige, cost, or time as you review possible master's degrees. When comparing data analytics programs, however, be sure to consider all the relevant factors, including:
- Student-Teacher Ratio: According to the NCES, the ratio of full-time students to full-time faculty at four-year institutions stands at about 15-to-1.
- Staff Credentials: What percentage of the teaching staff hold a terminal degree such as a Ph.D?
- Location: Colleges within a 100-mile radius of your home may have formal or informal connections with employers that you can use to your advantage in your job search.
- Alumni Network: A robust alumni network in which graduates hold strong connections to both the university and data analytics employers can be an indicator of a valuable program.
- Admission Requirements: Do you meet the school's admission requirements, or will you need additional coursework or higher test scores?
- Accreditation: Your school needs to hold institutional accreditation for you to qualify for federal financial aid, credit transfers, and certain certifications.
Should You Get Your Degree Online?
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated public acceptance of online education as nearly all students moved from the classroom to their homes. The University of the Potomac reported that 70% of students and 77% of faculty members preferred internet-based learning to in-person learning.
Although online learning may help students save money and time, it comes with its own set of challenges. Learning at home demands discipline and technical skill, and it may not suit learners who prefer classroom-based interactions among peers and instructors.
Explore more ways to learn data analytics:
Top Bachelor's Degrees in Data Analytics
Best Data Analytics Bootcamps
Online Data Analytics Bootcamps
Overview of Data Science Degrees
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
FAQ About Earning a Master's in Data Analytics
What can you do with a master's degree in data analytics?
With a master's degree in data analytics, you can pursue careers like data scientist, data analyst, and data engineer, along with software engineer, analytics manager, or business intelligence analyst. You may also qualify for a Ph.D. program in data analytics or data science.
Is a master's in data analytics hard to get?
To earn a master's in data analytics, you need a solid understanding of math and statistics. You also need to know how to write code, and you must have strong analytical skills. With these strengths, you can succeed as a data analytics student.
Is coding required for data analytics?
Data analysis requires some basic knowledge of coding languages such as R, Python, or SQL. While many data analysts need to know how to code, coding is not typically a key part of data analytics.
Is a master's in data analytics worth it?
A master's degree in data analytics can prepare you for a lucrative career as a data engineer, senior data analyst, or business intelligence consultant. These respected, high-paying careers commonly offer a return on a 1-2 year investment in higher education.
Page last reviewed September 22, 2023.
Edited by
