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9 Best Online Master’s in Business Intelligence Degree Programs

Written by College Cliffs Team At CollegeCliffs.com, our team, comprising seasoned educators and counselors, is committed to supporting students on their journey through graduate studies. Our advisors, holding advanced degrees in diverse fields, provide tailored guidance, current program details, and pragmatic tips on navigating application procedures.

Reviewed by Linda Weems I got started researching colleges and universities about 10 years ago while exploring a second career. While my second career ended up being exactly what I’m doing now, and I didn’t end up going to college, I try to put myself in your shoes every step of the way as I build out College Cliffs as a user-friendly resource for prospective students.

Updated: March 18, 2024, Reading time: 21 minutes

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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.

Best Online Master's in Business Intelligence - fact

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.

Quick audio summary:

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:

For more details, please read our Methodology.

College Cliffs is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

The 10 Best Online Master’s in Business Intelligence Degree Programs

University of Arkansas Grantham

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

DeVry University - Keller Graduate School of Management

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.

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

Nova Southeastern University - H.Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship

Online MBA in Business Intelligence and Analytics 

Nova Southeastern University offers the AACSB International-accredited MBA in Business Intelligence and Analytics

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

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. 

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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 

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.

What is a Master's in Business Intelligence?

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.

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