Top Online Data Analytics Master's Programs

This is the age of data. It is the single biggest commodity in the world, the target of big business, government, and hackers alike. It's the one thing that every single industry has in common, and it's the center of the fastest-growing industry in the world – data analytics.

A master's in data analytics prepares professionals for careers in that vague industry commonly called big data, but big data is really all around.

Data analysts work in every sector, in every industry, and in every occupational level. For working data professionals who want to take the next step in their career, Best Master's Programs (BMP), an independent online guide to master's degrees and careers, has ranked the 25 Best Online Master's in Data Analytics.

The BMP ranking of the top data analytics master's programs is meant to help working professionals and career-changing adults find a program with a real return on investment and career impact.

There are three criteria to determine the ranking:

1. Cost (IPEDS data)
2. Salary Potential (College Scorecard data)
3. Student Review (Niche student reviews)

The top three master's in data analytics programs for 2020 are:

1. Georgia Tech
   
   The online degree program builds on undergraduate training and work experience to teach students to understand the vast amount of data available in a modern work environment. It emphasizes the potential of data analytics of business strategy and helps students recognize their options to advance in their careers.
   
   Degree: MS in Analytics
   
   
2. Worcester Polytechnic Institute
   
   The degree program emphasizes database management, data analytics, and leadership skills to help students gain the skills they need to improve their opportunities in a career or industry.
   
   Degree: MS in Data Science
   
   
3. CSU Global
   
   The online MS in Data Analytics degree program emphasizes organizational leadership and ensures that students are ready to take on a leadership role within a business or organization. It also recognizes the value of data analytics in a modern business environment and ensures that students have the skills to handle the challenges of keeping up with the technology within a company.
   
   Degree: MS in Data Analytics
   

A smart investment

"Receiving your master's degree in data analytics online allows you to pursue a career in a variety of industries where big data is used to solve problems and create strategies for advancement on different levels," said Contributing Editors Kayla Berkey and Michelle Rindy.

There are many career opportunities with a master's in data analytics: "A data science online degree gives you the credentials you need to move into higher positions of authority in management, or more specialized, in-demand roles," said Berkey and Rindy.

Data analytics is highly adaptable, as well; the principles remain the same whatever the industry. A master's in data analytics, then, is as close as it gets to a blank check in the 21st century. That's why online programs are a smart investment.

Most people who are interested in a master's in data analytics are already working in the area, so "Getting your data science degree online allows you to continue working in the industry and gaining the experience you need while you are still going to school," said Berkey and Rindy.

As the editors explain, "Employers will trust a master's of data science online degree because it shows your initiative to receive your education by whatever means possible. Most employers welcome graduates who have completed an online degree program."

To lead students to the programs that will work for them, BMP rankings feature only accredited institutions offering fully online and hybrid programs. Programs are ranked with publicly-available data like tuition cost and alumni salary, so prospective students can get a full picture.

The full list, in alphabetical order:

1. American University
2. Clarkson University
3. College of William & Mary
4. CSU Global
5. Georgia Tech
6. Indiana University
7. Johns Hopkins University
8. New Jersey Institute of Technology
9. Ohio State University
10. Oklahoma State University
11. Oregon State University
12. Regis University
13. Rutgers University
14. UCLA
15. University of California Berkeley
16. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
17. University of Missouri
18. University of North Carolina in Wilmington
19. University of North Texas
20. University of Notre Dame
21. University of Southern California
22. University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
23. University of Wisconsin Madison
24. Villanova University
25. Worcester Polytechnic Institute
    
    

Read more about each program on BMP's website. BMP also offers rankings and reviews of additional master's programs in all of the most popular fields, and career and salary information for the most in-demand jobs.