Business analytics intersects statistics, programming, and strategy to help boost the performance and stability of organizations. As large datasets become increasingly available and more complex, organizations rely on professionals who can transform raw data into impactful business decisions.
At Youngstown State University (YSU), the online Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program helps students enhance their knowledge and skills to connect analytics and decision-making. Learn more about what this degree entails, the skills you’ll gain and the business analytics career paths you can access.
What Is a Master of Science in Business Analytics?
A Master of Science in business analytics is a graduate program that combines business fundamentals with advanced data analytics. Students complete coursework in topics like accounting, finance, leadership, and communication to reinforce business acumen and gain the managerial knowledge necessary to inform organizational strategies.
Building on this foundation, an MSBA degree places greater emphasis on technical aspects than an MBA, preparing students to develop data-driven questions that address business and economic challenges. Students gain technical expertise through advanced courses in artificial intelligence, machine learning applications, predictive modeling and data visualization, enabling them to collect and analyze large volumes of data while identifying trends and forecasting outcomes.
The degree suits working professionals aiming to advance their careers as well as recent computer science graduates or early-career business analytics professionals who want to acquire specialized expertise. The curriculum often appeals to students who enjoy structured problem solving, cross-functional collaboration, and the application of AI and machine learning to business challenges.
What Skills Will You Gain in a Business Analytics Program?
A business analytics program develops both technical and soft skills. Graduates with these skillsets can identify organizational challenges and translate data into actionable insights. Technical skills include:
- Data visualization: Translate complex datasets and analyses into charts, graphs, dashboards and other visuals for non-tech audiences.
- Exploratory data analysis: Detect trends, anomalies and relationships in large datasets.
- Programming languages: Knowledge in Python, SQL and R, and application to data analytics workflows.
- Predictive modeling and data mining: Identify organizational risks, opportunities and patterns.
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning: Automate processes and workflows and support predictive analytics.
Soft skills complement technical abilities by enhancing leadership capability in data-driven environments. An MSBA also reinforces these interpersonal and managerial skills:
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Creativity/problem solving
- Adaptability
- Critical thinking
What Can You Do With a Master’s Degree in Business Analytics?
Earning a master’s degree in business analytics offers a wide range of professional opportunities. Organizations across most industries utilize business to varying degrees, so graduates work in various industries, such as healthcare, finance, technology, logistics and retail. Titles and salary ranges vary depending on location, industry and other factors, but graduates often pursue these career paths:
- Business intelligence analysts develop dashboards and reports that track performance and opportunities.
- Data analysts mine and analyze data, build SQL queries and present data.
- Data scientists develop predictive and prescriptive models, utilize machine learning and create data management solutions.
- CRM analysts segment customers, measure campaigns and inform personalization strategies.
- Operations managers use analytics to plan staffing, manage budgets and improve throughput.
- Marketing analysts measure market trends, campaign ROI, consumer behavior and pricing tests.
- Healthcare data consultants improve healthcare quality and access by analyzing population health models, cost-of-care, and other clinical and operational data.
- Financial analysts oversee forecasting and profitability models.
Across these roles, median annual salaries range from $76,950 for market research analysts to $112,590 for data scientists. Professionals with an MSBA may also progress to management titles or top executive roles, which offer a median salary of $122,090 and the potential to earn up to $239,200.
Why Do Employers Value Graduates With Business Analytics Skills?
Employers recognize the competitive advantage of professionals who can connect technical analysis to strategic decisions. Business analytics graduates have the practical knowledge to interpret large volumes of data, identify opportunities, and turn information into actionable and measurable strategies.
Organizations also look for leadership readiness, and graduates’ abilities to lead with a combination of technical, communication and management skills make them strong candidates for advanced roles. Business analytics graduates can set standards for data quality, model documentation and visualization to build trust in analytics outputs. Their specialized skillset enables them to coordinate with IT on data pipelines, work with finance on performance metrics and collaborate with operations leaders on strategy implementation, helping organizations make informed decisions and scale data models.
Inside the Online Master’s in Business Analytics Program at YSU
YSU’s online MSBA offers a 30-credit, fully online curriculum as a flexible pathway to advanced education and career opportunities. Offered through the Williamson College of Business Administration, this program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), and its curriculum demonstrates YSU’s commitment to rigorous academic standards.
With flexible schedules, multiple start dates and affordable tuition, this program lets working professionals pursue their educational goals while remaining present in their careers. Students also have access to one-on-one support from experienced faculty members, virtual library resources, IT services engagement through class chat rooms and discussion boards.
Core coursework combines business foundations with applied data analytics, covering subjects such as microeconomics, financial markets, healthcare analytics and marketing strategy. Students also complete courses in AI for business, predictive analytics and data management to understand how data informs organizational decisions.
Explore the Online Master’s in Business Analytics at YSU
The online MSBA program at YSU prepares graduates for roles that demand technical skills and strategic insights. Careers span industries such as healthcare, finance, retail and technology, with opportunities ranging from data analyst positions to high-earning leadership roles.
YSU’s online MSBA program equips students with the leadership and advanced analytical skills needed to succeed in data-focused economies. Review details about the program to learn how it can advance your career, or apply today to start working toward your professional goals.
