Data Analytics Master’s Degrees: Best Programs, Jobs, and Salaries

A bachelor’s degree or bootcamp training can help you land entry-level or mid-level roles in the tech industry. However, for career advancement, you may need to earn a graduate degree in the field of your interest. Having a graduate degree will increase your employability and salary earnings while preparing you for leadership roles.

To earn a Master’s Degree in Data Analytics, you will need to have an undergraduate degree in a technical field. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find out what you need to begin a master’s program. We examine the best data analytics master’s degrees and the jobs you will have access to after finishing your program.

What Is Data Analytics?

Data analytics is the process of gathering and analyzing raw data to identify trends and make decisions with the information collected. This is done using various technical and mechanical processes, as well as algorithms. The information collected through data analytics has many applications but is commonly used to help businesses make better, more strategic decisions.

What Is a Data Analytics Master’s Degree?

A data analytics master’s degree is a program that teaches students the advanced skills and knowledge required to advance in the data analytics field. It prepares students for leadership and specialist roles within this discipline. The students who qualify for this program have a strong background in STEM courses, data engineering, data science, or computer science.

The program curriculum will help you

learn data mining

, data visualization, statistical methods, data architecture, predictive analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, ethics, and programming languages. It lasts from one to two and a half years depending on the school and learning format. Part-time and online courses usually last for a longer period.

Data Analytics Master’s Degree Requirements

The admission requirements of a data analytics master’s degree are an undergraduate degree in a related field as well as some years of job experience. During the application process, you’ll be asked to submit academic transcripts, your resume, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose or personal essay.

You may also be asked to submit GRE or GMAT scores. International students may need ELP scores. The program requirement to complete a master’s degree varies with each program. However, typically you’ll have to complete at least 45 credit hours in required courses to graduate.

How Much Does a Data Analytics Master’s Degree Cost?

According to NCES, the

average cost of master’s degrees

across all types of institutions is $19,314 per year. The average cost of tuition for public institutions is $12,171, while the cost of private institutions is $25,929, including for-profit and nonprofit. Nonprofit private institutions cost $27,776 and for-profit schools have an average tuition of $14,208.

Data Analytics Master’s Degree Financing Options: How to Pay for Your Data Analytics Degree

Some of the financing options available to fund your master’s degree program in the US include scholarships, work-study programs, grants, and student loans. Grants and student loans are offered by federal and state governments as well as private organizations.

Best Data Analytics Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview

Best Colleges for Data Analytics: Top Data Analytics Master’s Degree Programs

This section includes a description of the top schools and programs for your Master’s Degree in Data Analytics. Not all the programs are specifically

data analytics courses

. Nonetheless, they will all teach you the relevant analytics skills to start your career as a data analyst.

Master of Science in Applied Analytics | Columbia University

Columbia University is a private Ivy League research institution established in 1754. The Master of Science in Applied Analytics is a program designed to prepare students for careers in any field. The curriculum combines data analytics with leadership, management, and communication principles to help students become efficient professionals in the field.

Master of Science in Data Science | Drexel University

Drexel University was founded in 1891. It is a private research university that offers programs both on-campus and online and is dedicated to advancing the knowledge and skills of all its students. The Master of Science in Data Science program is offered both online and on-campus in full-time and part-time formats.

Master of Science in Analytics | Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research university established in 1885. The Master of Science in Analytics degree is a one-year interdisciplinary program that develops students’ skills in statistics, operations research, computing, and business. Students of this program will be able to integrate the skills in a way that provides solutions to analytics problems.

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Master of Science in Data Science | Illinois Institute of Technology

Illinois Institute of Technology is a private research university established around 1890. The Master of Science in Data Science program has a curriculum that equips students with the knowledge, analytical skills, and experience required to start a career as a data scientist. The program involves an in-depth study of problems with the aim of finding reasonable solutions.

Master of Science in Analytics | North Carolina State University

North Carolina University is a public land-grant research university founded in 1887. The Master of Science in Analytics program is the first of its kind in the US and is designed to equip students with the knowledge and

data analyst skills

needed to become professionals.

Master of Science in Data Analytics Engineering | Northeastern University

The Master of Science in Data Analytics Engineering at Northeastern University aims to produce students who are experts in the field and capable of working efficiently. The curriculum includes engineering probability and statistics, data management, data mining, statistical models, artificial intelligence, algorithms, programming, data analytics, data science, and machine learning.

Master of Science in Analytics | Northwestern University

Northwestern University prides itself as one of the country’s leading private research universities. The institution was founded in 1851 and is ranked among the most prestigious universities in the world. The school’s Master of Science in Analytics degree is a full-time program that includes analytics projects and internships along with academics.

The curriculum covers courses in data engineering, data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and business analytics. The program seeks to produce students who will stand out with their skills in the industry and communicate the value of data.

Master of Science in Business Analytics | University of California, Los Angeles

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a public land-grant research university founded in 1882. UCLA’s Master of Science in Business Analytics program is ranked as the second-best in the world. The program is designed to fill the industry’s demand for experts who can understand data and communicate effectively with the layman.

Master of Science in Analytics | The University of Chicago

The University of Chicago is a private research university established in 1890. Ranked among the best in the world, it has a very low acceptance rate as it is very selective. The Master of Science in Analytics is designed for professionals with a background in technical fields looking to transition to data science.

The program involves hands-on experience as it is a project-based learning program. Students get to work on real datasets due to the relationship of the school with corporate partners. The program curriculum includes subjects in data mining, machine learning, statistical modeling, financial analytics, big data, data visualization, and artificial intelligence.

Master of Science in Business Analytics | University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota is one of the five schools in the University of Minnesota System. Founded in 1851, the institution is a highly ranked public land-grant research university. The Master of Science in Business Analytics is an on-campus program that covers statistics, programming, data engineering, data visualization, predictive analysis, machine learning, and casual experimentation.

Best Online Data Analytics Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview

Best Colleges for Data Analytics: Top Online Data Analytics Master’s Degree Programs

Online programs are designed for students who have major life responsibilities other than learning. There are several online programs available for those who want to earn their Master’s Degree in Data Analytics. Below is a brief description of the top schools and programs available online for this educational pathway.

Master of Science in Business Analytics | Carnegie Mellon University

Founded in 1900, Carnegie Mellon University is a global research institution with over 14,500 students from around the world. The Master of Science in Business Analytics is a program that is offered online and on-campus.

The program curriculum includes asynchronous and synchronous coursework to help the students learn as much as they can. The coursework includes viewing videos, slide presentations, and live sessions. Students also gain enough practical experience that they can start applying for jobs after graduating.

Master of Science in Data Analytics | Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University Global is an online public institution founded in 2007 that belongs to the Colorado State University System. The school offers several online programs, from certificate programs to graduate degrees.

The Master of Science in Data Analytics program is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the data science field. The program will instill in students leadership skills, decision-making skills, and business skills.

Master of Science in Data Analytics | Franklin University

Franklin University is a private nonprofit university for adult learners established in 1902. Franklin University has a campus in Columbus Discovery District. However, the majority of its students take online courses. The Master of Science in Data Analytics degree is a transfer-friendly program that prepares students to join the workforce upon graduation.

The curriculum of the program includes statistics, programming, data management, data visualization, data mining, machine learning, and advanced analytics. It focuses on building students’ skills using a hands-on approach to expose them to industry-standard tools.

Master of Science in Data Analytics and Public Policy | Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University was founded in 1876. It is a private research institution and is considered the first research university in the country. The Master of Science in Data Analytics and Public Policy equips students with knowledge of analytical methods, machine learning, predictive analysis, and text analysis.

Students also study database management systems, computational modeling, economic analysis, and survey methodology. They can specialize in political behavior and policy analysis, geospatial analysis, statistical analysis, or public management.

Master of Science in Data Analytics | Oregon State University

Oregon State University is a public land-grant university that offers over 200 undergraduate programs and advanced degrees. The Master of Science in Data Analytics program allows students to explore real-life problems and apply the analytical tools and the technical and soft skills required to become professionals in the field.

The curriculum includes data analytics, programming and data structures, data science tools, applied machine learning, statistical methods, data visualization, survey methods, and a capstone project.

Master of Professional Studies in Data Analytics | Penn State University World Campus

Penn State World Campus was founded in 1998 as the online campus of Pennsylvania State University. The Master of Professional Studies in Data Analytics program helps students to gain the knowledge and practical skills required to start data analytics careers. The curriculum covers statistics, computer science, machine learning, and software engineering.

Master of Science in Data Analytics | Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private institution that offers both online and on-campus programs in undergraduate and graduate degrees. The data analytics master’s program teaches students to use advanced statistical techniques and software tools to perform their duties as professionals.

Students will also learn the application of computational, analytical, and modeling skills needed in the analytics field. The curriculum covers predictive analysis, data visualization and presentation, the data analytics life cycle, critical thinking, quantitative analysis, and Agile/Scrum management techniques.

Master of Science in Data Analytics | University of Maryland Global Campus

University of Maryland Global Campus is a public university and part of the University System of Maryland. The Master of Science in Data Analytics program is designed to fill the need for professionals in the data industry. The program provides hands-on experience using several analytical tools to prepare students for the job market.

The curriculum includes database management, decision management systems, data management and visualization, machine learning, predictive modeling, big data analytics, and a capstone project. Students also learn theories with real-world applications and practical skills that they can immediately apply in the field.

Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics | University of Missouri

The University of Missouri is a public land-grant research university founded in 1839. It is a part of the University of Missouri System. The data science and analytics master’s program is designed to prepare students to join the industry with the relevant knowledge and skills for a rewarding career in the field.

The curriculum includes data analytics, big data visualization, databases and analytics, big data security, data and information ethics, biohealth analytics, data journalism, geospatial analytics, high-performance computing, human-centered science design, and a capstone project.

Master of Science in Data Analytics | Western Governors University

Founded in 1997 by a group of Western governors, WGU is a private, online non-profit institution. The Master of Science in Data Analytics degree prepares students to be experts in data mining, management, mapping, and munging. The program is fully online and focuses on theory and application to allow students to learn as they practice.

The program is designed to help professionals advance in their careers and allows students to learn while working. The curriculum includes courses in data visualization, data analytics, data mining, data management, and a capstone project.

What’s the Average Data Analytics Master’s Degree Salary?

The

average salary of a data analyst with a master’s degree

is $79,000, according to Payscale. This is a high salary overall and the demand for data analysts means the earning potential is quite high, especially when paired with a master’s degree credential.

Top Data Analytics Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview

*Figure taken from the BLS page for database administrators and architects

Best Data Analytics Master’s Degree Jobs Explained

Senior Operations Manager

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $103,650
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  8%
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  2,411,900
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  New Jersey, New York, Connecticut

Operations managers are an important part of an organization. They are in charge of managing the team, improving business operations, and ensuring the quality, productivity, and efficiency of a company’s product and staff.

Application Architect

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $116,964
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  
  22%
  
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  1,847,900
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Washington, California, New York

Application architects are professionals in charge of the design and development of software applications. They work with the applications development team and stakeholders to oversee the design process from inception to the end.

Machine Learning Engineer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $113,358
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  
  22%*
  
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  33,000
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  California, Virginia, Washington

Machine learning engineers are professionals who design and develop self-functioning AI software to make accurate predictions and solve data problems. Some examples include recommended searches, virtual assistants, and driverless cars.

Information Security Analyst

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $103,590
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  33%
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  141,200
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  California, New York, New Jersey

Information security analysts design and execute software to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems from cyber attacks. You don’t need to earn a master’s degree to become an information security analyst. Many aspiring professionals in this field are instead choosing to attend a

top cyber security bootcamp

.

Database Administrator

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $98,860
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  8%**
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  168,000
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  New Jersey, Washington, District of Columbia

A database administrator is in charge of managing the computer systems of a company. They have to ensure the functionality, reliability, and security of the database and also perform regular maintenance. To

become a database administrator

, you need expertise in programming languages like SQL and Python as well as good communication skills.

Data Architect

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $98,860
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  8%**
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  168,000
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  New Jersey, Washington, District of Columbia

Data architects work with database administrators to build and maintain secure databases for a company based on its requirements. You should

become a data architect

if you are looking for a career with high earning potential and job security.

Statistician

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $92,270
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  33%
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  42,000
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Idaho, New Jersey, Massachusetts

Statisticians are professionals who gather, analyze, and interpret data to solve real-world problems using statistical methods. They use the information they get in their research to help businesses and organizations make well-informed business decisions.

Big Data Engineer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $89,838
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  22%*
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  33,000
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  California, Virginia, Washington

Big data engineers create, test, and maintain data storage systems. They are also in charge of an organization’s data retrieval, storage, and distribution. If you are looking to

become a big data engineer

, you should work on your programming skills and become familiar with machine learning techniques, data mining, and data management.

Business Intelligence Analyst

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $69,781
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  
  14%
  
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  907,600
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey

A business intelligence analyst manages the data retrieval and analysis process of an organization. They communicate with business executives and the IT department to analyze data to determine and meet a company’s needs.

Data Analyst

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $61,841
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  
  25%
  
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  104,100
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  District of Columbia, New Jersey, California

A data analyst collects, stores, analyzes, and interprets data in order to assist individuals and organizations in making better decisions. They use their expertise to ensure that the data collected is accurate and usable for decision-making by developing statistical and predictive models.

*Figure taken from the BLS page for computer and information research scientists

**Figure taken from the BLS page for database administrators and architects

Data Analytics Bootcamp vs Data Analytics Master’s Degree: Which Is Better?

Data analytics bootcamps are short-term, immersive programs that prepare students to start careers as data analysts. Because these programs are skill-based and more affordable, they can be a better option than a master’s degree in certain situations. However, a master’s degree has its own set of advantages.

Benefits of a Data Analytics Master’s Degree

• 
  Increased job opportunities.
  
  With a master’s degree, you have access to a wider range of job opportunities, as you are no longer limited to entry-level or mid-level jobs.
• 
  Advanced skills.
  
  You gain advanced technical skills that will increase your efficiency and give you a competitive advantage in the job market.
• 
  Expert instruction.
  
  The faculty in charge of master’s degrees are usually experienced professionals in the field.
• 
  Increased employability.
  
  With a master’s degree, your chances of securing the jobs you apply for are much greater.
• 
  Impressive salary.
  
  A data analytics master’s degree will give you access to jobs that pay handsomely. Most people that earn a master’s degree see their earning potential grow.

Benefits of a Data Analytics Bootcamp

• 
  In-demand skills.
  
  Coding bootcamps focus on equipping their students with the skills that employers in the industry are looking for.
• 
  Hands-on training.
  
  Bootcamps teach their students using a hands-on approach to give them real-life experience and make them more hireable.
• 
  Low-cost.
  
  Bootcamps are very affordable.
  
  Some come at no cost
  
  or offer a deferred payment plan.
• 
  Flexible.
  
  A data analytics bootcamp will have a more flexible curriculum and learning format to make it accessible to mid-level workers and professionals.
• 
  Career services.
  
  
  The best data analytics bootcamps
  
  offer extensive career support in the form of interview prep, resume reviews, or events to connect students to potential employers.

Should You Get a Master’s Degree in Data Analytics?

You should get a Master’s Degree in Data Analytics if you have an undergraduate degree in a technical field and want to break into tech or advance in your career. Having a master’s degree makes it easier to secure a

high-paying role

. This degree will equip you with the advanced skills and expertise in data analytics techniques needed to handle executive roles.

Data Analytics Master’s Degree FAQ