If learning more about business analytics — the core types and their applications, the basic skill set, and the typical career paths — has gotten you interested in pursuing a business analytics career of your own, the first step is to find an educational program that will work for your background and help you meet your goals. While historically in-person degree programs were the primary way to gain enough experience and expertise with analytics to land an entry-level job, there have never been more inexpensive, flexible options to gain a business analytics skill set if a traditional degree isn’t for you. Here are your options:
Business Analytics Bachelor’s Degree Programs
What are they?
In the US, bachelor’s degrees are typically four-year undergraduate degrees during which students declare a major that determines their academic focus. Students ultimately interested in business analytics typically major in computer science, applied mathematics, finance, business, or economics.
Who are they for?
Bachelor’s degrees are usually designed to be pursued right after high school, though students with nontraditional backgrounds are almost always welcome to apply. US bachelor’s degrees are also open to international students provided they can demonstrate English proficiency through a TOEFL or similar exam.
How much do they cost?
According to data from educationdata.org, an average bachelor’s degree at a public university costs $102,828 over four years, while a private university averages $218,004 to attend for four years.
Learn more about business analytics bachelor’s programs.
Business Analytics Master’s Degree Programs
What are they?
A business analytics master’s degree is a one- to two-year graduate degree that provides advanced training in business analytics skills and concepts, often while giving students more freedom to pursue individual interests and projects than they would have as undergraduates. Increasingly, business analytics master’s degrees are available online, following a broader trend in higher education.
Who are they for?
Data analytics master’s degree programs are for bachelor’s degree holders — in STEM, in the social sciences, or even in the humanities — who are looking to either advance their existing analytics careers or transition into analytics careers.
How much do they cost?
Educationdata.org pegs the cost of the typical master’s of science degree in the US at $61,200, though master’s degrees from public universities are significantly more affordable, averaging $29,150.
Learn more about business analytics master’s programs.
Business Analytics Bootcamps
What are they?
Bootcamps are months-long, intensive courses of study focused on helping learners land an entry-level data analytics job, with most including extensive career services. While some business analytics bootcamps exist, there are also many data analytics bootcamps that will provide the education necessary to land a business analyst job.
Who’re they for?
Bootcamps are for those who want to transition into business analytics quickly without paying for an expensive degree program. While some bootcamps will stipulate that students enter with existing experience in programming or statistical analysis, many allow complete beginners to enroll.
How much do they cost?
The average bootcamp cost $11,727 in 2020.
Learn more about business analytics bootcamps.
Business Analytics Certificate Programs
What are they?
Certificate programs can offer online training in one or several business analytics skills like SQL, data visualization, or statistical analysis. After completing the program, students are able to display their certificate on their resumes and LinkedIn.
Who’re they for?
Certificate programs are great options for cost-conscious aspiring analytics professionals who want more flexibility in curriculum and modality than is possible in bootcamps, bachelor’s, or master’s programs.
How much do they cost?
Business analytics certificate programs range in cost from free to several thousands of dollars, depending on the educational provider’s reputation, the modality, and the extent of the curriculum.
Learn more about business analytics certificate programs.