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Organizations are increasingly using the word “Business Intelligence” (BI) more and more, but what does that mean? “BI” refers to various procedures and equipment used to gather and examine corporate data. They offer easily understood visual insights based on the facts to enhance data-driven decision-making.
Analysts are the highest-paid support personnel in businesses; this is especially true for those working for large corporations. According to data from Glassdoor alone, business intelligence analysts make an average annual pay of $98,000.
These professions strongly emphasize using technology and deeply comprehending a company’s operations, and graduates with a Business Intelligence master’s degree can open doors for more senior management positions.
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The Lowdown
Online business intelligence programs at the graduate level are a good choice for professionals interested in a data-related career. Graduate students in business intelligence programs gain comprehensive knowledge and skills in business technology that allow them to help non-techy staff use and understand complex business data.
Students will learn about dashboarding technologies and how to utilize them to make big data more palatable to everyone in an organization at all levels by integrating them with other IT systems.
Data mining, storage, and administration are frequently covered in the courses offered for a master’s in business intelligence. Graduate degree programs may provide concentrations in database design, modeling, or business technology integration to teach students how to enhance business acumen inside an organization.
For data experts who wish to assist other team members in better using business data, earning a master’s in business analytics is a fantastic alternative.
Methodology
Choosing from graduate schools that offer online Business Intelligence degrees at the master’s degree level can be daunting for prospective students. Our compiled list of today’s best programs is offered by reputable colleges and universities that meet the following criteria:
- Received regional/national accreditation, proving their compliance with the academic standards for higher education,
- Approved by programmatic accrediting agencies, including:
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business or AACSB
- International Accreditation Council for Business Education or IACBE, and
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs or ACBSP
- Features online or hybrid coursework for flexible, convenient, and affordable graduate learning,
- Utilizes today’s most advanced and up-to-date Business Intelligence resources, tools, and technologies that enable organizations to achieve their desired results,
- Employs competent teaching personnel with significant contributions and experience in the field of Business Intelligence,
- Promotes the welfare of students through offering financial aid, credit transfers, academic advising, and similar support programs,
- Widely recognized in industries where the principles of Business Intelligence apply.
For more details, please read our Methodology.
The 10 Best Online Master’s in Business Intelligence Degree Programs
University of Arkansas Grantham
Online Master of Science in Business Intelligence
The University of Arkansas Grantham is accredited by the DEAC – Distance Education Accrediting Commission. UAG’s online business degrees, including the Online Master of Science in Business Intelligence, have received specialized accreditation from the IACBE – International Accreditation Council for Business Education.
- This is a 36-credit hour program that can be completed in 24 months of regular course sequencing.
- Students who enroll in more courses per semester can earn the degree in less time.
- The program accepts up to 50% of transfer credits from degrees earned at other accredited institutions.
- There is a year-round enrollment for courses.
- NO GRE or GMAT is required; however, applicants must have a minimum GPA average of 2.5.
- Program core courses include Overview of Business Intelligence, Management of Information Systems, Decision Support & Intelligent Systems, and Strategic Management of Technology and Innovation.
- Upon completion of coursework, students will complete a Capstone Project-Business Intelligence to showcase the knowledge and skills they’ve learned throughout the program.
- The curriculum aims to help students succeed in the field and be able to create business models for company analysis and forecasting and process business intelligence technologies, among others.
What Makes This Program Unique:
In addition to core courses, the online business intelligence degree will help students develop five core professional competencies, including Communication, Distributed Collaboration, Professional and Social Responsibilities, Critical Thinking/Problem Solving, and Data Aptitude — to succeed in various professional and civic settings.
Did You Know?
UAG offers a few of the country’s most affordable online programs. Applicants do not pay an application fee and have one of the lowest tuition fees; students from out-of-state pay an in-state tuition fee. Additionally, online students are provided with a laptop.
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Online Master’s Degree in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
The Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is a Higher Learning Commission HLC-accredited institution that offers International Accreditation Council for Business Education IACBE-accredited degree programs. One of its popular business programs is the Master’s in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics offered online.
- To complete the program, students must fulfill the 33-credit hour requirement, with an average completion time of one year.
- Students will study business intelligence, artificial intelligence, big-data analytics, and presentation techniques in-depth.
- They’ll graduate with the skills and knowledge necessary to become experts in identifying the cause-and-effect links of data problems and offer effective problem-solving techniques.
- The curriculum offers application-based coursework, allowing students to develop problem-solving skills.
- The program uses a user-friendly online learning platform that allows non-techy students to access coursework easily.
- The coursework aims to help students become better decision-makers in various professional sectors, including Marketing, Customer Service, Human Resources, and Accounting.
- Students with low to no GMAT/GRE scores can apply for the program.
What Makes This Program Unique:
The program allows students to fully customize their degrees by choosing a certificate program that best aligns with their career goals: Business Analytics, Healthcare Analytics, or Artificial Intelligence.
The business analytics certificate program focuses on giving students knowledge on solving business data and enhancing business performance. Healthcare analytics focuses on providing students with the knowledge necessary for implementing technology in the healthcare field.
On the other hand, the artificial intelligence certificate concentrates on helping students use AI-centered models.
Did You Know?
This degree program uses a combination of real-time data, which allows students to analyze multiple data from different industries. This helps them develop the skills necessary to traverse a complicated environment and emerge as a polished expert who can generate the best results no matter the situation.
Rockhurst University
Online Master’s Degree – Business Administration in Business Intelligence
The HLC – Higher Learning Commission is the accrediting agency of Rockhurst University. RU offers an AACSB-approved Online MBA in Business Intelligence.
- Students must complete 30 credit hours of the MBA core courses in addition to 8 credit hours of business analytics courses.
- Courses are either an 8-week or a one-day course that is presented in specific terms throughout the year. The program also has a generous transfer credit option.
- While the average completion time of the program is two years, students can study in an accelerated format and graduate in a year or less.
- Students specializing in Business Analytics must enroll in Applied Data Mining, Data Visualization, and Analytics and Strategy courses.
- They must also choose between Web and Social Media Analytics and Dashboard Creation and Implementation.
- Students will be trained to use large analytics programs, such as Google Analytics and Tableau, to help them gain all the necessary competencies to become team managers,
- The curriculum will also give students real-world business-related issues to develop their decision-making skills.
- In addition to MBA core and business intelligence courses, students can customize their degrees further and choose their own electives.
What Makes This Program Unique:
The online MBA in Business Intelligence program aims to help you advance into management jobs, better understand organizational roles, and develop your leadership abilities. You will get knowledge of the required methods for improving business decisions in any organization.
Did You Know?
For students without a graduate degree or professional certification, a 3.25 GPA or higher from an AACSB-accredited business program, a terminal graduate degree, or three years of professional, full-time work experience demonstrating career advancement, the GMAT is required for admission.
DeVry University
Online MBA in Business Intelligence and Analytics Management
Accredited by the HLC – Higher Learning Commission, DeVry University offers an Online MBA in Business Intelligence and Analytics Management. The MBA degree is accredited by the ACBSP – Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
- This online degree program focuses on giving students the skills and knowledge necessary to lead businesses with cutting-edge solutions and the ability to comprehend big business data.
- Online students learn from knowledgeable on-campus professors using fresh approaches to solving company problems.
- The program length depends on a student’s course load per semester; however, the average full-time student with transfer credits completes this MBA with a specialty in two years and eight months.
- Students who wish to complete the degree faster should enroll in accelerated courses or take on more course load per semester.
- The cutting-edge curriculum will teach students about analytics strategies, tools, technology, and many more.
- Application of Business Analytics II, Developing and Managing Databases for Business Intelligence, and Predictive Analysis are the required courses to earn the MBA with a specialty.
- Upon completion of coursework, online students must complete a capstone project to demonstrate their readiness to work in business administration and intelligence.
- Students can waive up to three courses from their undergraduate degrees in business, technology, and other closely related majors.
- No GRE/GMAT scores are required.
What Makes This Program Unique:
Students can earn another credential while completing their MBA in business intelligence and analytics management through the 2-in-1 design. Students can request to embed courses in the MBA program towards the Business Intelligence and Analytics Management certificate.
Did You Know?
Dr. Herman DeVry, the founder of DeVry University, was the first to create a portable movie projector. Dr. DeVry was passionate about technology and wanted to bring visual education into the classroom.
Nova Southeastern University
Online MBA in Business Intelligence and Analytics
Nova Southeastern University offers the AACSB International-accredited MBA in Business Intelligence and Analytics.
- This program is best for students who want to enroll in a fast-paced MBA degree program specializing in business intelligence and analytics.
- To earn the degree, students must complete 38 business administration courses and 15 business intelligence courses.
- Digital Transformation and Analytics Strategy, Database Systems, Data Management and Business Intelligence, Data Mining, and Predictive Analytics Fundamentals are the required specialty courses.
- Students who want to learn in a hybrid learning format can speak with an academic advisor and enroll in weekly on-campus lectures at NSU’s Fort Lauderdale/Davie campus.
- Graduates gain the ability to make better decisions, use AI in the workplace, cut costs, streamline processes, and create profitable new company prospects.
- No standardized tests are required to qualify for the program.
What Makes This Program Unique:
While earning the MBA in business intelligence and analytics, students can pursue a Business Intelligence/Analytics Certificate. The main topics covered in this certificate program include databases, data warehousing, business modeling, data mining, and benchmarking sciences.
The best thing about this certificate program is how students learn from Fortune 500 business executives and other industry leaders and work hands-on on real-world projects.
Did You Know?
NSU is one of the most preferred universities in the state, thanks to its vast partnership with more than 100 local companies. Students working in one of the partner companies are eligible for up to 20% discounted tuition.
Full Sail University
Online Master of Science in Business Intelligence
Full Sail University, accredited by the ACCSC – Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, offers an Online Master of Science in Business Intelligence. While this degree is yet to earn accreditation, students will still receive high-quality education thanks to its renowned business faculty and experts.
- Students will be trained and equipped with the skills to gather and analyze Big Data and use it to a company’s advantage.
- Students produce visual representations that convey information crucial to various businesses by using technology as a lens to concentrate their insights.
- Students can earn an MSc in business intelligence degree in 12 months.
- Process Modeling and Analysis, Data Visualization and Creative Reporting are the degree’s highlights.
- Students develop advanced techniques for data visualization, case studies, creative reporting, project management, and leadership.
- The program has a series of integrated learning experiences in data management, qualitative data analysis, and business intelligence technologies.
- Upon completion of coursework, students will demonstrate their talents through a capstone project.
- Students without GRE/GMAT can apply for the program.
What Makes This Program Unique:
Applicants with at least five years of experience in management and leadership roles can reduce their required coursework and complete the online business intelligence degree program faster. An admissions representative will guide applicants who want to test their knowledge to reduce credit hours.
Did You Know?
Full Sail University recently launched a new program called the “Project LaunchBox.” This program helps students develop and maintain professional portfolios to keep up with a technologically-driven marketplace. To ensure students have reflective portfolios, each degree program has its own LaunchBox.
St. Joseph University
Online Master of Science – Business Intelligence and Analytics
St. Joseph University, accredited by the MSCHE-Middle States Commission on Higher Education, offers an Online MSc in Business Intelligence and Analytics degree. This degree program is accredited by the AACSB.
- This online program is one of the fastest, most accelerated business intelligence and analytics master’s degrees.
- Students must complete 30 credit hours to earn the degree, with an average completion time of 1.5 years.
- Students who want a hands-on learning experience can enroll in some on-campus classes; however, on-campus classes are not accelerated.
- Classes are offered in accelerated 8-week courses.
- While no standardized tests are required, applicants should have two years of professional experience in business, technology, and other fields.
- The curriculum was designed to help students become effective twenty-first-century business analysts who can organize, lead, and manage teams in various professional sectors.
- The program allows students to tailor their degree and choose one of the four concentrations: Cyber Analytics, Data Analytics, Managerial, or Data Science.
What Makes This Program Unique:
This graduate program has received support from the SAS Institute — a leader in analytics — allowing graduates to have a SAS-certified degree.
This title helps students have a more competitive edge workplace where knowledge of technology, such as data mining, data warehousing, market intelligence, computer science, and online analytical processing, is crucial.
Did You Know?
This online MSc in business intelligence and analytics was the first AACSB-accredited program to offer online coursework.
Additionally, online students can still take advantage of on-campus facilities at no additional cost. They can take advantage of dedicated career and academic mentorship programs to reach their professional objectives.
Post University
Online Master of Science in Business Intelligence
Post University, a New England Commission of Higher Education-accredited university, offers an online Master of Science in Business Intelligence. This online MS in business intelligence program is accredited by the ACBSP-Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
- This degree program requires students to complete 32 credit hours.
- The curriculum aims to help students develop skills that will help them make solid strategic decisions in the future to store big data of various businesses.
- Balanced Scorecards and Performance Dashboards, Project and Change Management, Data Storage Methods, and Decision Support and Intelligent Systems are some of the core courses.
- Students can spot possibilities to enhance various operations and procedures by efficiently gathering, cleaning, and filtering raw data.
- The coursework covers several topics, including corporate performance, data management and analytics, and customer relationship management.
- Online students learn and work closely with renowned business intelligence and analytics experts.
- Students are not required to submit GMAT scores.
What Makes This Program Unique:
The program is dedicated to seeing its students succeed. As a result, the school goes above and beyond to deliver a remarkable learning experience.
This program will help students complete their degrees smoothly by giving them individual academic advisors to guide them from choosing courses to landing internships.
Did You Know?
Post is dedicated to giving students a personal and genuine higher learning education. In addition to offering plenty of student support services, students should expect to receive individualized attention from their instructors.
University of Colorado – Denver
Online Master’s in Information Systems – Business Intelligence Systems
Accredited by the HLC-Higher Learning Commission, the University of Colorado – Denver offers an Online Master’s in Information Systems that allows students to specialize in Business Intelligence Systems. The program is accredited by the AACSB – Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
- The MIS degree requires students to complete 30 credit hours, 15 for core courses and 15 for electives and specialization courses.
- Students must complete four courses to earn the BIS specialization: Text Data Analytics and Visualization, Business Intelligence Systems, Business Intelligence in Finance and Healthcare, and Data Warehousing and Administration.
- The BIS concentration equips students with the necessary knowledge to comprehend the collection of integrated tools that use procedures, technologies, and applications.
- The coursework will allow students to extract helpful information from a company’s various business systems for organizing, storing, and analyzing internal data.
- No GMAT/GRE is required.
What Makes This Program Unique:
Online students can apply for internship opportunities and participate in various on-campus events where various business leaders in technology show up in one place to collaborate and impart knowledge.
Two of the most popular events on campus include the Annual Tech-Smart Panel Event and the Transamerica Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics Student Club.
Did You Know?
Regardless of their MIS program specialization, students can join the Information Systems Association (ISA) student chapter. Members will gain access to various networking opportunities and other opportunities that will help them find job openings in the information systems and technology sector.
Overview of the Master’s in Business Intelligence
Looking at how competitive businesses are today, companies must only start inputting data about their operations and capabilities and produce new opportunities, strategies, a competitive advantage, and stability. And the only way they can do this is to either learn about business intelligence or hire an expert.
With a master’s degree in business intelligence, students will learn how to report and analyze data about the business.
These degree programs help students develop proficiency in using tools and technologies like benchmarking, data mining, business performance management, process mining, complex event processing, predictive analytics, text mining, prescriptive analytics, and online analytical processing.
While coursework depends on the curriculum, the most common master’s in BI courses include:
Data Science and Analytics
This course allows students to earn the knowledge necessary to approach problems involving data applications. This course talks about statistics and visualization.
Data Visualization
This course covers analytical tools, the form of communication, and the foundation for interactive information dashboards. Students will gain knowledge of the best practices, hone their analytical abilities, and discover how to create dashboards for stakeholders.
Data-Driven Decision-Making
This course teaches students how to use facts, measurements, and data to make informed strategic business decisions that align with the company’s goals, objectives, and initiatives.
Introduction to Business Analytics and Intelligence
This foundational course introduces students to the science of business analytics and intelligence while keeping an eye on digital space numbers.
Data Mining
This course covers the fundamental data mining concepts and tools, including data sources, data cleaning tools and techniques, standard data mining algorithms, statistical modeling, and well-liked tools for mining both structured and unstructured data.
Differences Between Business Intelligence and Business Analytic
While business analytics employs historical data to operate operations that support customer demands and boost productivity, business intelligence uses both past and present data.
Additionally, business analytics focuses on several tools that execute various operational applications, whereas Business Intelligence primarily focuses on reporting the studied data.
Business Analytics will use Business Intelligence reports as inputs to process the extracted information more complexly and depict the studied data. In contrast, Business Intelligence is a method of evaluating the already available data.
While Business Analytics lacks control over vast volumes of data, Business Intelligence employs statistical analysis, predictive analysis, and predictive modeling to establish current trends and identify the causes of recent results or events.
Career Opportunities for Online BI Graduates
Depending on your abilities and interests, you will have the foundation and expertise to pursue a career in business intelligence across various job options once you have finished your degree.
If you have two to four years of expertise, you can quickly advance to a more senior position overseeing your own teams and projects, such as Head of BI or Data Insight.
The following are prevalent roles in BI:
Business Intelligence Analyst
These experts are in charge of comprehending big collections of organizational data. Based on their discoveries, they create company procedures and plans.
Business Intelligence Developer
This job is more technical. They are in charge of creating and/or enhancing BI systems and converting source data into uniform formats suitable for dashboards and reporting. They are in charge of overseeing database applications as well.
Business Intelligence Engineer
In addition to clients, customers, and various internal divisions, BI Engineer collaborates with BI Analysts and Developers. Along with implementing data-based tools and procedures, their duties also include improving them.
Business Intelligence Project Manager
BI project managers are in charge of several initiatives, including leading a team in developing and deploying data warehouses, portals, apps, and other BI reporting deliverables.
Additional positions could be as a SQL Server Business Intelligence Developer, Data Analyst, or BI Semantic Model Developer, among others.
Skills To Pursue Careers in Business Intelligence
Business Decision Making
The capacity to comprehend and communicate with the specific industry and organization being evaluated in the business domain is crucial for every business analyst.
The staff must have a firm understanding of the business model, goals, and strategies of the organization and the industry, as well as its main problems and rivals.
Visualization Software
Becoming familiar with some visualization software can be useful in pursuing business intelligence careers. Sisense, Zoho, Microsoft BI, and Tableau are a few examples of visualization tools. The one that has received the most mentions, though, is Tableau.
SQL
As one of the greatest and most widely used database languages, organizations now list SQL as a requirement for employment, making it crucial to understand SQL.
Data Analysis & Modelling
Understanding data and information and turning it into insights is what this skill is. High-level data models are used in data analysis and modeling, which requires conceptual thought. One must be proficient in Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, and other visual modeling programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Master’s in Business Intelligence?
A master’s degree in business intelligence is one of the best-specialized programs that teach students both business and technological acumen.
This degree program provides students with the tools they need to gather data efficiently, analyze it with cutting-edge analytical tools, and create crucial strategic business suggestions.
Is a Business Intelligence degree worth pursuing?
Yes. Earning a master’s degree in business intelligence will help you advance your knowledge, skills, and earning potential.
What’s the timeline for completing a Master’s in Business Intelligence online?
An online business intelligence master’s degree typically requires two to three years to finish and 30 credits. Certain fast and accelerated degree programs can be completed in as little as one year. Furthermore, several colleges have monthly start dates, reducing coursework delays.
What are the stark differences between Business Intelligence and Business Analytics?
Business intelligence is a technique that enterprise industries use to assess their existing company data and give past (historical), present, and future events of their business operations.
Business analytics uses tools and methods to keep examining and extracting data and conclusions from historical business data to fuel successful future business planning.
Summary Points
- A Master’s in Business Intelligence degree equips students with advanced business and technological skills and expertise, opening doors to various high-paying and prominent employment opportunities.
- Online business intelligence programs and business analytics programs are different, even if they share some overlapping definitions.
- Business intelligence is for people excited about discovering patterns in massive volumes of data and using those patterns to alter their organization, community, or corporation. Business intelligence professionals earn a lucrative living.
Additional Information:
