Should you study data analytics or business analytics?
Data analytics and business analytics share many similarities, but several key factors differentiate these two information technology (IT) fields. Which should you study, and which careers does each path prepare you to enter? Find answers to these and other key questions as you compare data analytics vs. business analytics.
By: James M. Tobin, Edited by: Valerie Black
Last updated: September 17, 2025
Data analytics vs. business analytics: What's the difference between these IT degrees?
Data and business analytics overlap in multiple ways. Both use specialized analytical techniques to guide data-driven decision-making. They both aim to help businesses identify opportunities to gain competitive advantages, improve efficiency, and increase profits. However, the two fields also differ in several subtle but important ways.
First, data analytics deals only with quantitative information, while business analytics considers both numerical data and all other aspects of a company's operational profile.
Second, the two disciplines interact with data differently. In data analytics, the data itself is the end goal, and analysts typically do not go beyond it. In business analytics, data is considered one piece of a larger analytical and interpretive puzzle with organization-wide implications.
You may encounter concepts from data analytics, business analytics, or both if you complete a bachelor's in IT. Some bachelor's in cybersecurity programs also touch on data and business analytics concepts, placing them in a systems and network security context. To learn more, compare IT and cybersecurity programs in further detail.
If you want to study analytical subjects in complete detail, you can also pursue dedicated degrees in data science or business analytics at the undergraduate or graduate level.
Salary and career outlook for analyst professionals
The following tables use Bureau of Labor Statistics data to profile two career tracks from each specialization. Data scientists and statisticians are potential data analytics careers, while management analysts and operations research analysts are potential business analytics careers.
| Job Title | Median annual salary (May 2024) |
|---|---|
| Data scientist | $112,590 |
| Statistician | $103,300 |
| Management analyst | $101,190 |
| Operations research analyst | $91,290 |
Factors like your location, experience, and education level can impact earning potential.
| Job Title | Projected job growth (2024-34) |
|---|---|
| Data scientist | +34% |
| Statistician | +9% |
| Management analyst | +9% |
| Operations research analyst | +21% |
Earning a master's degree in business analytics or data analytics can help you market yourself to employers and access these fast-growing careers.
Comparing master's in data analytics vs. business analytics
Data analytics programs explore quantitative analysis techniques, modeling strategies, and associated technologies.
Business analytics programs emphasize complex data analysis as a tool for solving specific real-world challenges commonly faced by companies.
Both program types typically lead to master of science degrees, and both tend to cover the following:
- Data mining
- Data storytelling
- Quantitative and statistical analysis
- Multivariate testing
- Predictive modeling
Differences often emerge when comparing data analytics vs. business analytics programs. Data analytics programs typically offer deeper and more comprehensive academic coverage of specific analysis techniques. Meanwhile, business analytics programs often touch on key business management concepts not normally featured in core data analytics curricula.
Admissions
Both program types share similar admission standards. You will likely need a bachelor's or master's degree, ideally in a STEM field, along with a strong academic record and undergraduate coursework in statistics.
Data science programs may prefer or require applicants with demonstrated knowledge of computer science. Similarly, some business analytics programs look favorably on candidates with business management or business administration credits or experience.
In either case, you will likely need to supply:
- Academic transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal essay
Schools may also request or require an interview, which usually occurs during the later stages of the admission process.
Admissions
Both program types share similar admission standards. You will likely need a bachelor's or master's degree, ideally in a STEM field, along with a strong academic record and undergraduate coursework in statistics.
Data science programs may prefer or require applicants with demonstrated knowledge of computer science. Similarly, some business analytics programs look favorably on candidates with business management or business administration credits or experience.
In either case, you will likely need to supply:
- Academic transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal essay
Schools may also request or require an interview, which usually occurs during the later stages of the admission process.
Data analytics vs. business analytics: which degree is right for you?
In comparing data analytics vs. business analytics, understand that these disciplines share many similarities. They develop similar and transferable skill sets.
Still, data analytics might be a better option if you prefer to work with and analyze raw data rather than understand the data's operational applications.
Conversely, business analytics could be a good fit if you're interested in data's role in operational management. Business analytics programs tend to take a broader, more holistic view of organizational function and how data-based insights can improve it.