What Can You Do With a Business Analytics Degree?

Companies and organizations are increasingly turning to business analytics to tackle challenges, drive innovation, and achieve their goals with precision. At its core, business analytics transforms vast amounts of data into actionable insights, empowering organizations to make bold, strategic decisions. By gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data from diverse sources, business analytics professionals unlock the potential for progress and efficiency, which helps businesses stay ahead in a competitive landscape.

The demand for business analytics expertise is surging, with the market projected to more than double in size—from $84.42 billion to $176.14 billion—between 2024 and 2031, according to a 2024 report by Verified Market Research. This growth reflects the increasing reliance on data-driven solutions to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities.

Technology may provide the tools; however, it’s the determination and ingenuity of skilled professionals that turn raw data into transformative outcomes. Armed with an advanced degree in business analytics, individuals are equipped to lead the way in shaping the future of industries. 

The possibilities of your future with a business analytics degree are as expansive as the challenges you are ready to conquer. From optimizing operations to driving innovation, this degree empowers you to make a lasting impact and redefine what’s possible in the world of business.

Benefits of Earning a Master of Science in Business Analytics 

Earning a Master of Science (MS) in Business Analytics degree can create a pathway for people to experience myriad advantages that can help define their career. 

Improved Job Prospects

Earning a master’s degree in business analysis can deepen an individual’s knowledge and skill set. It can also serve as validation of their acumen, opening up a wider range of job opportunities. What’s more, it can open the door to jobs that may otherwise not be accessible, as some employers may set a master’s degree as the educational benchmark for employment consideration.

Strong Compensation Opportunities

The roles that people can pursue after earning an advanced business analytics degree can be crucial for an organization’s strategic development. The value tends to be reflected in the compensation associated with the degree. According to Payscale, the median annual salary of those with an MS in Business Analytics was $77,000 as of March 2024.

Join an In-Demand Industry

Organizations are turning to business analytics roles to help them bolster their immediate and long-term goals. This trend is reflected by job growth in the broader data science field and is associated with data analytics as well as several other key data-driven roles. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of data scientists to grow by 36% between 2023 and 2033, much higher than the average for all occupations (4%). 

A Chance for Constant Learning

As business analytics techniques constantly evolve, individuals can continually update their knowledge in the field. Doing so keeps them abreast of developments in the field after they’ve earned their business analytics degree. Attending conferences, such as the annual Analytics Without Borders conference, can be an excellent way for business analytics professionals to get exposed to the latest analytics-driven innovations and trends, which can allow them to keep their acumen at the leading edge of the analytics field.

Career Paths for Master of Science in Business Analytics Graduates

What can you do with a business analytics master’s degree? The breadth of applications associated with the field allows individuals several different roles to consider.

Data Analyst

Data analysts collect and analyze data drawn from multiple sources to compile insights on how a company can improve its business growth and maintenance strategies. Those in the role use different types of analysis tools and techniques to identify trends that can allow companies to stay ahead of consumer and industry behaviors, thus keeping them at the forefront of their industries. According to Payscale, the median annual salary of data analysts is approximately $68,000 as of October 2024. Meanwhile, the BLS reported the median annual salary of data scientists, a similar role, at $108,020 as of May 2023.

Management Analyst

Management analysts, also known as management consultants, use data insights to recommend ways for companies to optimize their efficiencies. They analyze financial data and operational procedures to spot inefficiencies, and they work with company leaders to develop strategies to mitigate these gaps. The BLS reported the median annual salary of management analysts at $99,410 as of May 2023.

Operations Research Analyst

Operations research analysts use various forms of data to identify and resolve organizational problems. They typically use a combination of software-driven data models, from historical sales data to customer surveys, to help improve existing processes in ways that can make holistic operational improvements. Examples of processes are elements like improving supply chain efficiency or resource allocation. The BLS reported the median annual salary of operations research analysts at $83,640 as of May 2023.

Digital Strategy Manager

Digital strategy managers, also known as digital strategists, use data to help develop highly targeted marketing campaigns that can put a company in front of the right audience with greater efficiency. Those in the role gather and analyze data to identify the consumer groups that make the most sense for a company to pursue. They also use data to help determine the best media channels to deliver the company’s campaign message. According to Payscale, the median annual salary of digital strategy managers was approximately $77,000 as of September 2024.

Place Yourself in the Future of Business 

The numerous avenues graduates can pursue with a business analytics degree underscores the diverse and important nature of the field. As technology continues to integrate itself within the business space, the work of highly trained business analytics professionals will continue to make a large impact on companies. This news is excellent for those pursuing an advanced degree in the field, as this means their work could ultimately be quite meaningful.

Bryant University’s MS in Business Analytics degree can help you enter this increasingly important field with confidence. This science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degree program is designed to help you fortify your existing knowledge base with the advanced techniques, tools, and strategies that can ultimately position you to be an industry leader. International students who have F-1 visas may qualify for a 24-month STEM optional practical training (OPT) extension to their visa upon completion of the program.

Discover how Bryant can help you advance your career path in business analytics.