The exciting and emerging field of business analytics is surging in popularity for one very simple reason — the future of organizations of all types relies on data. That means whether it comes to a major corporation, a small business, a nonprofit group or even an educational institution, employers increasingly require the assistance of people like business analysts.
Sponsored School(s)
The field, which marries data science and business, offers challenges and opportunities for those with the training to secure high-level roles. That usually means earning a master’s degree in business analytics. Fortunately for students in Iowa, there are multiple options for colleges and universities that offer this education, but that also means weighing out your options.
SEE ALSO: 20+ Online Masters in Business Analytics Ranking
We wanted to help students make their choice, so we studied all the business programs in the state to narrow down which business analytics degrees in Iowa are the best investment. While we didn’t limit our analysis only to Iowa schools that have been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), because that’s an important marker for many jobs, all the programs to make our list of finalists are AACSB-accredited. In addition to AACSB approval, we also gave programs extra points for flexibility and cost.
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
#1. Drake University
2507 University Ave., Des Moines, IA 50311
Business Analytics Degree:
- Master of Science in Business Analytics
Other Applicable Degrees:
- Master of Business Administration (online, hybrid options)
Program Description:
Drake’s fully online Master of Science in Business Analytics earns the top spot on our ranking by virtue of being the only Iowa business analytics master’s that can be earned entirely online. Further boosting its score was the fact that it’s also the cheapest degree of the three, costing students around $21,000 in tuition costs. Part-time students should be able to finish their degree in a couple of years, and the degree track culminates in an applied business analytics project that gives students a chance to collaborate with teammates to solve a problem with data.
Degree Details:
Accreditation
AACSB
Admissions
Bachelor’s degree required; GMAT or GRE required but waived through at least 2021 due to pandemic; English proficiency scores required for international applicants
Tuition
$21,000 (30 credits)
Online?
Yes
Visit School
https://online.drake.edu/master-of-business-analytics/
#2. Iowa State University
2167 Union Drive, Ames, IA 50011
Business Analytics Degree:
- Master’s in Business Analytics
Other Applicable Degrees:
- Master of Real Estate Development, Master of Science Information Systems, MBA in Business Analytics
Program Description:
Iowa State’s Ivy College of Business is home to a Master’s in Business Analytics that’s designed to be finished in less than two years. The format is a hybrid one in which coursework is done online, but at least three visits to the Ames campus are required, including to finalize and present their capstone project. ISU also offers an MBA in Business Analytics that includes some online coursework.
Degree Details:
Accreditation
AACSB
Admissions
Bachelor’s degree; GMAT or GRE required, minimum score not published; English proficiency scores required for international applicants
Tuition
$25,000 (30 credits)
Online?
Hybrid (three on-campus events required, coursework delivered online)
Visit School
https://www.ivybusiness.iastate.edu/masters/business-analytics/
#3. University of Iowa
108 John Pappajohn Business Building, Iowa City, IA 52242
Business Analytics Degree:
- Master of Science in Business Analytics
Other Applicable Degrees:
- Xxxx
Program Description:
Designed to be completed in just three semesters, the Master of Science in Business Analytics at the University of Iowa is the final Iowa business analytics master’s program to make our slate of finalists. It’s the most expensive and does not include significant online coursework, but the accelerated program is STEM-designated, while an internship program can help about-to-be graduates make important professional connections.
Degree Details:
Accreditation
AACSB
Admissions
Bachelor’s degree; GMAT or GRE accepted but not required; English proficiency scores required for international applicants
Tuition
$34,115 in-state; $52,904 out-of-state (42 credits)
Online?
No
Visit School