For modern organizations of all stripes, whether they’re major multinational corporations, corner mom-and-pop shops, charities or even educational institutions, being able to use data to their advantage is mission-critical.
Sponsored School(s)
The use of data to guide organizational decision-making is part of a growing field of study called business analytics. Building a successful career in business analytics usually means completing advanced study in the tools, principles and techniques of the field. While it’s possible to learn some of these aspects on the job, most people in the field eventually complete a graduate degree in business analytics.
SEE ALSO: Top Online Masters in Business Analytics Ranking
Fortunately for students here in Arkansas, there are several options available for those interested in earning a master’s degree in business analytics — even better, most of them can be completed entirely online.
We wanted to help students in the state sort through their options, so we studied the business analytics master’s degree offerings at all business schools in the state, and we’ve isolated the four that we believe best balance academic rigor, value, flexibility and more. Each of the schools to make our list of finalists has been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Our Selection Criteria
- Reputation: How the university and program is thought of by its peers.
- Credibility: How well the program ranks in major degree rating publications.
- Flexibility: How flexible the program is in terms of online class times, time to complete degree, etc.
- Value: Comparison of the quality of education to cost.
Programs in This Section
- University of Central Arkansas
- Arkansas Tech University
- Henderson State University
- University of Arkansas
#1. University of Central Arkansas
201 Donaghey Ave., Conway, AR 72035
Business Analytics Degree:
- MBA With Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics
Other Applicable Degrees:
- MBA in Information Management, MBA in Finance
Program Description:
An online MBA with a graduate certificate in Business Analytics from the University of Central Arkansas is the top program on our list thanks to a flexible delivery system that allows for 100% online instruction and a total tuition cost that’s less than $10,000. Other concentrations in the MBA program include finance, healthcare administration, information management and international business, and students can complete their degrees in just about one year.
Degree Details:
Accreditation
AACSB
Admissions
Bachelor’s degree; GMAT or GRE required for applicants with undergraduate GPA below 3.3; English proficiency scores required for international applicants
Tuition
$9,129 (30 credits)
Online?
Yes (optional)
Visit School
https://uca.edu/mba/data-analytics/
#2. Arkansas Tech University
106 W. O St., Russellville, AR 72801
Business Analytics Degree:
- MBA in Business Data Analytics
Other Applicable Degrees:
- MBA in Digital Marketing (online), Master of Science in Information Technology, Master of Science in Health Informatics
Program Description:
The online MBA in Business Data Analytics at Arkansas Tech is affordable, both for in-state students and non-Arkansas residents. A digital marketing concentration is also available, and the typical student should be able to earn their degree in 12 to 18 months.
Degree Details:
Accreditation
AACSB
Admissions
Bachelor’s degree; GMAT or GRE required with undergraduate GPA below 3.5; English proficiency scores required for international applicants
Tuition
$11,400 in-state; $20,160 out-of-state (30 credits)
Online?
Yes
Visit School
https://www.atu.edu/catalog/graduate/programs/mba.php
#3. Henderson State University
1100 Henderson St., Arkadelphia, AR 71999
Business Analytics Degree:
- MBA in Data Science
Other Applicable Degrees:
- Online MBA in Management, Online MBA in Engineering Management
Program Description:
Henderson State University’s MBA in Data Science is offered in a 100% online format, and tuition is low, keeping it in line with most other similar programs in the state. Students can complete their degree in as little as 14 months, and notable data science coursework includes Evidence-Based Management and Analysis and Marketing Management.
Degree Details:
Accreditation
AACSB
Admissions
Bachelor’s degree; GMAT or GRE required with undergraduate GPA below 3.0; English proficiency scores required for international applicants
Tuition
$11,550 (33 credits)
Online?
Yes
Visit School
https://degree.hsu.edu/online-programs/business/mba/data-science/
#4. University of Arkansas
Willard J. Walker Hall 310, Fayetteville, AR 72701
Business Analytics Degree:
- Master of Applied Business Analytics
Other Applicable Degrees:
- Master of Information Systems, Master of Economic Analytics, Master of Supply Chain Management, MBA
Program Description:
Last but not least, the Master of Applied Business Analytics offered in the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas is home to the fourth and final program to make our list. In addition to being offered in a hybrid format, U of A’s degree is also the most expensive on the list. But students can opt to attend full-time or part-time, and those who are able to focus solely on their education will be able to complete the degree in a year.
Degree Details:
Accreditation
AACSB
Admissions
Bachelor’s degree; GMAT or GRE required; English proficiency scores required for international applicants
Tuition
$29,680 (30 credits)
Online?
Hybrid
Visit School
https://walton.uark.edu/graduate-programs/business-analytics-masters-degree/professional-maba.php