Business analytics transforms raw numbers into insights that strengthen strategy, whether you are assessing staffing needs or considering retail store layouts. Organizations across industries increasingly depend on skilled professionals who understand how to bridge data and business strategy.
As demand for data-driven strategy grows, so does the need for specialists with advanced business analytics training. The online Master of Science in Information Systems (M.S.I.S.) – Business Analytics program from Northern Kentucky University (NKU) equips professionals with technical expertise and leadership abilities to succeed in various careers. Explore what you can expect to learn in an online business analytics program, the career opportunities it creates and how NKU prepares graduates to excel.
What Is a Degree in Business Analytics?
A business analytics degree teaches students how to interpret data and apply insights to support strategic business decisions. Rather than focusing specifically on statistics or computer science, graduate-level business analytics programs integrate technical knowledge and skills with an understanding of business fundamentals to produce graduates who are equipped for data-driven business contexts. Students develop the technical skills to reveal patterns and predict outcomes, then they learn to connect these findings to business objectives, such as improving efficiency, customer experiences or growth opportunities.
Ideal candidates for business analytics degrees are interested in problem-solving, evidence-based approaches and understanding how data supports organizational outcomes. This degree also often appeals to business professionals preparing for leadership positions or other individuals interested in pivoting to analytics-focused roles.
What Skills Will You Gain With a Business Analytics Degree?
An M.S.I.S. in business analytics degree covers both technical and managerial aspects of business analytics. With coursework in information systems, project management and advanced analytics, students gain the experience to manage data and lead strategic decision-making.
Business analytics trains students on tools and methods that transform raw data into actionable insights. Graduates of NKU’s program leave with these technical skills:
- SQL for managing and querying databases
- Data visualization using platforms such as Tableau
- Statistical programming with R
- Analysis and modeling with statistical software
To succeed in business analytics roles, graduates must also possess complementary soft skills. Business analytics coursework integrates interpersonal skills that assist with decision-making and leadership, such as:
- Communication to explain and present complex data to non-technical colleagues and stakeholders
- Critical thinking for assessing and weighing evidence
- Problem-solving to identify and address business challenges
- Attention to detail in managing and analyzing data
What Can You Do With a Business Analytics Degree?
A business analytics master’s degree equips graduates for a wide range of roles that require competency in business strategy and technology. Some graduates pursue careers in statistics and science, focusing on data science and machine learning to develop predictive models. Others apply their skills in more business-oriented or leadership roles, helping organizations make informed, strategic decisions and protecting them from adverse outcomes. Common career paths for business analytics grads include:
- Business intelligence analyst
- Data scientist
- Database architect
- Data analyst
- Chief data officer
- Management consultant
Business analytics is applicable across industries. In hospitality and retail, data and business analysts optimize customer experiences through data on preferences and behaviors, while nonprofits and government agencies use analytics to allocate resources efficiently. Beyond these industries, professionals can also find business analytics roles in technology, finance, entertainment, consulting and more.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects careers in data science, including business analyst roles, to grow by 34% through 2034. Compensation across these roles is also competitive, with data scientists earning a median annual wage of $112,590 across all roles and averaging $126,940 in enterprise management roles.
Why Should You Pursue a Career in Business Analytics?
Organizations increasingly rely on data and business analytics to optimize daily and long-term operations, creating demand for professionals who understand how to translate raw data into actionable strategy. According to BLS, this growth equates to an average of 23,400 job openings each year, making business analytics careers among the fastest-growing in the country.
With professional opportunities and job security in both new roles and leadership positions, business analytics graduates can advance into senior roles where they contribute or manage operational priorities, budgets and data quality. Business analytics expertise and a versatile skill set may also qualify graduates to work in executive positions, where they oversee overall organizational data and strategy.
Competitive salaries further reflect the value of data and business analytics, with top executives in company and enterprise management earning a median wage of $239,200 annually. As organizations increasingly integrate business analytics into core functions, professionals with these skills can safeguard and futureproof their careers.
Inside NKU’s Online M.S.I.S. in Business Analytics Program
NKU’s online M.S.I.S. – Business Analytics degree offers a comprehensive and rigorous education in business intelligence, data analytics and visualization and other topics. The university’s accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) differentiates the program in the marketplace and ensures that students receive an education that meets the highest academic and professional standards, positioning graduates for success in a competitive job market.
With a fully online format, affordable tuition and financial aid services, NKU’s M.S.I.S. – Business Analytics program allows students to balance education with personal and professional commitments. Faculty provide online instruction and mentorship backed by academic expertise and real-world experience.
Prepare for What’s Next in Business Analytics
A master’s degree in business analytics offers a pathway into one of the fastest-growing and most versatile career fields. Graduates are prepared for roles that span industries, from technology to healthcare.
NKU’s online M.S.I.S. – Business Analytics program combines flexible learning with comprehensive coursework, helping students work toward their goals in a supportive setting. Explore how earning a degree through NKU can help you achieve your career goals and apply today.
