Data is the present and future, so a master’s in data analytics is your ticket to a lucrative career. Organizations across every sector — finance, health, media, and more — are embracing the power of data to improve business processes, make better decisions, and develop more effective strategies. To join this ever-growing industry, you’ll benefit most from a data science master’s or data analytics master’s degree.
What’s more, the demand for data experts is increasing, and the supply simply can’t keep up. A bachelor’s data analytics degree is a fantastic start, but you won’t achieve top success without higher education. With one of the best master’s in data analytics on your resume, you’ll enjoy plenty of job opportunities and be able to build a rewarding career.
Top 3 Schools for Master’s in Data Analytics
| University | Program Information | Tuition |
| Columbia University, New York |
|
$2,428 per credit |
| George Washington University, Washington, DC |
|
$1,995 per credit |
| Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
|
$47,250 per academic year |
Best Master’s in Data Analytics Programs
Columbia University, School of Professional Studies
Master of Science in Applied Analytics
The School of Professional Studies of Columbia University is known for offering some of the leading management programs in the country. You can complete this Master’s in Applied Analytics program on a full-time or part-time basis. While the full-time option takes three consecutive terms on-campus, the part-time option is over six terms. If you want to study your master’s in data analytics online, pick the part-time option.
- Courses: Applied analytics in the organizational context, managing data, and analytics & leading change.
- Credits: 36
- Duration: Three terms full-time or six terms part-time
- Delivery: On-campus and online options
- Tuition: $2,428 per credit
- Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, loans, work-study, fellowships, and military benefits
- Acceptance rate: 6.7%
- Location: New York, NY
George Washington University, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Master of Science in Data Analytics
George Washington University is a private research institution that highly values diversity. In this program, you can choose between two tracks: Computer Science, and Engineering Management & Systems Engineering. The program is jointly offered by two different departments that specialize in these subject areas.
- Courses: Data analytics for engineers & scientists, programming for analytics, and advanced machine learning.
- Credits: 30
- Duration: 2 years full-time or 3 years part-time
- Delivery: On-campus
- Tuition: $1,995 per credit
- Financial aid: Scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships
- Acceptance rate: 43%
- Location: Washington, DC
View GWU’s Admission Results From Actual Applicants
Carnegie Mellon University, Mellon College of Science
MS in Data Analytics for Science (MS-DAS)
Carnegie Mellon University is known for its experimental approach to education and is one of the most innovative schools in the country. Unlike many data analytics master’s programs, this program focuses on applying data knowledge in the fields of physical sciences.
- Courses: Modern programming for data scientists, computational linear algebra, and advanced computational physics.
- Credits: 102 units
- Delivery: On-campus
- Tuition: $47,250 per academic year
- Financial aid: Scholarships, loans, and grants
- Acceptance rate: 17.3%
- Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Saint Joseph’s University
Master Of Science in Business Intelligence and Analytics (Data Analytics Track)
Saint Joseph’s is a Jesuit University offering over 220 academic programs across various disciplines. This program’s hands-on approach focuses on analyzing real-life case studies to allow students to build a deep understanding of data analysis.
- Courses: Business analytics, data mining, and analytics with machine learning.
- Credits: 30
- Duration: 1-1.5 years
- Delivery: On-campus, online, or hybrid
- Tuition: $1,163 per credit
- Financial aid: Graduate assistantships and veteran benefits
- Acceptance rate: 80.1%
- Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The University of California Berkeley, College of Engineering
The University of California Berkeley is one of the top names in data analytics and science education in the country. This data analytics master’s degree is offered by the university’s Industrial Engineering & Operations Research department, which was ranked #2 in their field by the US News & World Report.
- Courses: Analysis & design databases, risk modeling & simulation analytics, and optimization analytics.
- Credits: 29 units
- Duration: 11 months
- Delivery: On-campus
- Tuition: $66,700
- Financial aid: Scholarships, loans, corporate sponsorships, and veteran benefits
- Acceptance rate: 17.5%
- Location: Berkeley, California
Georgia Institute of Technology
Master of Science in Analytics
Georgia Institute of Technology, or Georgia Tech, is a world leader in technology education. This interdisciplinary program leverages the strengths of Georgia Tech’s three world-class colleges in computing, business, and engineering, and has three tracks: Analytical Tools, Business Analytics, and Computational Data Analytics.
- Courses: Data Analytics in Business, Data and Visual Analytics, and Computing for Data Analytics.
- Credits: 36
- Duration: 1-2 years
- Delivery: On-campus or online
- Tuition: $41,800 per credit
- Financial aid: Fellowships, loans, and federal work-study
- Acceptance rate: 21.3%
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia
View Georgia Tech’s Admission Results From Actual Applicants
American University, Kogod School of Business
American University’s Kogod School of Business was the first accredited business school in DC and boasts a student population that is 50% female. This program focuses on a business-centric education and emphasizes hands-on learning.
- Courses: Applied managerial statistics, predictive analytics, and financial statement analysis.
- Credits: 33 credits
- Duration: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
- Delivery: On-campus
- Tuition: $1,866 per credit
- Financial aid: Scholarships, loans, and grants
- Acceptance rate: 38.7%
- Location: Washington, DC
Binghamton University, The Graduate School
Binghamton University is one of the best schools in the Northeast and has been recognized for its diverse curriculum and inclusive campus. This interdisciplinary program involves hands-on study of real-world projects. It’s jointly offered through three different departments: engineering, applied sciences, and arts & sciences.
- Courses: Machine learning & data mining, communicating & visualizing data, and predictive & inferential analytics.
- Credits: 30
- Duration: 10 months
- Delivery: On-campus
- Tuition: $11,310 per year
- Financial aid: Assistantships, scholarships, fellowships, research, and travel funding
- Acceptance rate: 43%
- Location: Vestal, New York
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
Master of Professional Studies in Data Analytics
Pennsylvania State University’s World Campus offers exclusive renowned online programs. This master’s is a flexible, online, and asynchronous program, allowing you to study at your own pace.
- Courses: Predictive analytics, data visualization, and applied demography in practice.
- Credits: 30
- Delivery: Online
- Tuition: $1,046 per credit
- Financial aid: Loans, scholarships, and military benefits
- Acceptance rate: 51%
- Location: University Park, Pennsylvania
Johns Hopkins University, Krieger School of Arts & Sciences
MS in Data Analytics and Policy
Johns Hopkins is a world-renowned name in advanced education. Its Data Analytics programs fall under the institution’s Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) division, which aims to further education in the most innovative fields. Though this Master’s in Data Analytics is an online program, you may choose to attend a few elective courses on-campus.
- Courses: Programming & data management, data visualization, and data science for public policy.
- Credits: 12 courses
- Duration: 16-24 months
- Delivery: Online
- Tuition: $4,405 per course
- Financial aid: Federal loans, scholarships, tuition benefits, and veteran benefits
- Acceptance rate: 11.1%
- Location: Washington, DC
View Johns Hopkins Admissions Results From Actual Applicants
Data Analytics Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
The exact requirements differ depending on the program, but most selection committees will ask for:
- Completed application form
- Application fee
- Post-secondary transcripts
- Resume
- Letters of recommendations
- Statement of purpose or personal essay
You may also have to submit:
- GRE or GMAT score
- English proficiency tests for foreign language students
Most programs also require you to complete an interview if you reach a certain stage of the process.
How Much is the Tuition for a Data Analytics Master’s Program
A data analytics master’s program from one of the best schools in the country can involve total tuition of around $50,000. However, you can also find programs with significantly less tuition, and public universities are generally more affordable.
Different Kinds of Master’s in Data Analytics Programs
A master’s in data analytics can have various tracks, specializations, and concentrations. Although business-oriented and science-oriented tracks are most common, you can also find more specialized options such as data analytics for policy and data analytics for research.
How Important is Accreditation When It Comes to Data Analytics Master’s Degrees?
It’s important to ensure the master’s in data analytics program you choose is regionally or nationally accredited, as this can significantly impact your career prospects. Employers typically look for accredited professionals because data analytics is a specialized field.
Why Get a Data Analytics Master’s Degree?
Data analytics is a rapidly-growing field, and qualified professionals are in high demand. Many organizations deal with vast quantities of raw data and require analysis to inform their business decisions. If you know how to handle data, analyze raw information, and transform it into useful knowledge, you’ll qualify for a range of exciting, well-paid roles.
How Much Will a Master’s Degree in Data Analytics Cost?
The cost of a master’s in data analytics program varies depending on the program, location, fees, and individual universities. Tuition can range anywhere from $10,000 to $60,000, though you’ll have to consider additional fees as well.
Jobs and Salaries for Master’s of Data Analytics
Here are some common jobs you can get with a master’s in data analytics:
- Intelligence Analyst ($72,511)
- Machine Learning Engineer ($113,499)
- Financial Analyst ($62,924)
- Supply Chain Manager ($84,194)
- Quantitative Analyst ($86,159)
How to Choose the Best Data Analytics Program
Here’s what you should consider before choosing a data analyst master’s program:
- Specialization: Will the program’s specializations help you get into your preferred industry or land your dream role?
- Cost: How much do tuition, fees, and other expenses cost? Does this match your budget?
- Financial aid: What kinds of scholarships, grants, and other financial aid are available?
- Duration: How long is the program, and how does it fit your career goals and life plans?
- Mode of delivery: Is the program offered online, on-campus, or in a hybrid format?
Key Takeaways
A master’s in data analytics can take you to high places in today’s data-driven society. These programs will equip you with the skills to analyze and interpret huge volumes of raw data and turn them into meaningful information.
For businesses, Big Data translates as big money. Data skills are also in high demand in science, research, technology, and public policy fields. A master’s in data analytics will help you secure well-paid jobs in a range of industries.
For more of the best degrees in data, take a look at our guides to the best Master’s in Data Science programs, Master’s in Information Systems, and online master’s degree programs.
Master’s in Data Analytics FAQs
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Is Data Analytics a Good Master’s?
Data analytics is undoubtedly a valuable qualification that will equip you with high-demand skills and can help you secure a well-paid job. In fact, it’s one of the highest-paying master’s degrees.
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What Can I do With a Master’s Degree in Data Analytics?
With a master’s in data analytics, you’ll be eligible for a wide range of jobs in today’s data-driven world across the business, computing, science and research, technology, and public policy sectors.
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What is a Data Analytics Master’s Degree?
A data analytics master’s degree will equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills for senior leadership roles in today’s data-driven world of business, science, and technology.
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Does Data Analytics Require Coding?
Data analytics doesn’t require advanced coding skills, but you do need a fair understanding of coding. You will also need to know how to use analytics, data visualization, and data management software.
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Is it Worth Getting a Data Analytics Master’s Degree?
Yes. According to a 2022 ButchWorks study, the base salary for data analyst professionals is $80,000, making this a lucrative career path.
Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.
