Should you get a master's degree in business analytics or data science?
While it can be confusing, business analyst and data scientist are distinct roles with different functions. Knowing this distinction can help you decide on the master's degree that best aligns with your career goals.
Read on to determine which program — a master's in business analytics or a master's in data science — might be better suited for you.
Business analysts vs. data scientists
While both business analysts and data scientists focus on data, they use different methods to harness and analyze data and pursue different goals.
According to O*NET, business analysts use data to identify and solve business-specific problems. Their responsibilities include:
- Interpreting structured data using analytical tools.
- Identifying and forecasting trends to improve an organization's operations or profitability.
- Presenting findings and recommendations to clients and stakeholders.
- Extending their scope of work to marketing, finance, operations, and accounting analytics.
On the other hand, data scientists extract, analyze, and interpret complex datasets. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that data scientists:
- Integrate computer programming, machine learning, and statistical and mathematical methods to mine, extract, and analyze structured and unstructured data.
- Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership using data visualization tools.
- Work in various settings, including public and private sector, insurance companies, and research firms.
Salary and career outlook
Data scientists rank among the 20 fastest-growing occupations between 2023 and 2033, according to the BLS, placing fourth with a projected job growth of 36%.
Some business analyst roles are also projected to grow during this period. For example, management analysts are projected to see an 11% increase in job opportunities.
Graduates with a master's degree in these fields can also likely expect competitive salaries upon entering the workforce.
Data scientists have a higher earning potential, with a median annual salary of $108,020 in 2023.
Salaries for professionals with master's in business analytics degrees can vary by their industry, chosen specialty, and years of experience. For instance, market research analysts earned a median annual salary of $74,680 in 2023, while management analysts earned a median annual salary of $99,410, according to the BLS.
It's important to note, however, that some business analyst roles may require prior education or experience in a specialized field, such as computer science, accounting, or mathematics.
Business analytics vs. data science: Which degree is right for me?
Although master's in business analytics and data science programs share some overlapping courses, their core classes and specialization tracks prepare graduates for different job opportunities with specific skills.
Master's in business analytics
What is your background?
You have a bachelor's degree or commensurate experience in business, finance, communications, marketing, or similar fields
What would you like to do?
Use data to identify business problems through data mining and statistical analysis to provide data-driven business solutions.
What skill would you like to acquire?
Business analytics, business acumen, communication, data analysis, data mining, data visualization, marketing analytics, predictive modeling for business analytics, and SQL and Python fundamentals.
Which career paths interest you?
Financial analyst, management analyst, marketing research analyst
Master's in data science
What is your background?
You have a bachelor's in mathematics, engineering, or computer science or experience in programming, databases, or statistics.
What would you like to do?
Analyze large structured or unstructured data sets using algorithms, statistics, machine learning, and emerging technologies to inform business decisions.
What skill would you like to acquire?
Machine learning, big data management, deep learning, natural language processing, predictive and statistical modeling, and programming.
Which career paths interest you?
Data scientist, machine learning engineer, data architect
Admissions requirements
Admissions requirements for a master's degree in business analytics and data science vary by program, but they may include:
- Bachelor's degree
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Official transcripts
- Résumé or curriculum vitae
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- TOEFL score (if applicable)
- Application fee
- GRE score (some programs may waive this)
Prospective students interested in data science master's programs should note that they may need to meet additional admissions requirements, such as a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or similar fields. Prerequisite courses or experience in programming, databases, or statistics may also be necessary.