Most Affordable Big Data Degrees

Illinois Tech is based in Chicago, Illinois. It offers a Master of Data Science program that can be completed in sixteen months on a full-time basis or two years on a part-time basis. The program emphasizes the proper application of data research, and it prepares data professionals for responsible, ethical design-making through the study of mathematics, statistics, and computer science.

Features

Students will become experts in analyzing data, visualizing results, and articulating discoveries. The program also encourages critical thinking, communication, and good decision-making skills, which are essential to successful job performance. Students will learn:

• To approach data using the scientific method
• Question premises and think structurally
• And find real-world solutions to big data problems

Notables

Illinois Tech is one of the foremost polytechnic institutes in the Midwest. It was ranked among the top 25 “Most Rigorous” universities in the country. And it is, of course, considered one of the best as well.

West Virginia University is located in Morgantown, West Virginia. It has a long history of providing practical education to the residents of the state. It has recently expanded that mission to online offerings, including a Master of Science in Business Data Analytics through its College of Business and Economics.

Features

Classwork for this program includes the areas of business intelligence, ethics and data collection, business statistical methods, data mining, simulation modeling, visualization, decision science, management, and a business analytics practicum. Outcomes of the program include facility in:

• Statistical techniques
• Data mining strategies
• Databases
• and Sustainable and effective analytic tools

Notables

This degree can be completed in as little as 12 months and requires two brief residencies on campus. Because of the hybrid model, this is an ideal program for those who want the flexibility of online education as well as

The School of Professional Studies at the City University of New York offers ten bachelor’s degrees, eight bachelor’s degrees, and numerous undergraduate and advanced certificates and professional non-degree programs. It is designed to provide online and on campus programs that meet the needs of adults who are looking for a seamless way to finish or transition into a bachelor’s degree, earn a master’s degree or certificate in a specialized field, advance in the workplace, or change careers.

Features

The SPS offers an online Master of Science in Data Analytics. Through CUNY’s program students will build portfolios of increasingly complex projects using popular programming languages such as R and Python, popular languages in IT. Students will also gain hands-on experience:

• Building predictive and prescriptive models
• Practicing presentations
• Collaborating with teams on research projects

Notables

The MS in Data Analytics program culminates with a capstone project that represents highly sophisticated, but practical, solutions to address real world problems. Though a huge requirement, this capstone project is a great way to impress future employers.

The University of Wisconsin features a growing catalogue of online courses as well, and it remains one of the most well-respected public universities in the country in areas as diverse as linguistics, business, and the sciences.

Features

UW offers a Master of Science in Data Science. Students are trained in statistical and predictive models for business analytics as well as forecasting strategic methods of management in finances and operations. UW students are also trained in:

• Business intelligence solutions
• Data warehousing
• Mining techniques

Notables

UW also offers a Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics, which requires fifteen credit hours. Electives in UW’s program include business forecasting methods, web mining and analytics, marketing analytics, database marketing, and business intelligence technologies and solutions.

Regis University is a private Catholic institution located in Denver, Colorado. It is regularly featured in rankings of regional universities and online programs. Its College of Computer and Information Sciences offers an online Master of Science in Data Science.

Features

This 36-credit graduate degree that brings together technical skills with the Jesuit commitment to social impact, challenging students to consider the implications of big data on business and society. It specializes in the areas of:

• Data analytics
• Data engineering
• Statistics
• Predictive analytics

Notables

A unique feature of Regis’s program is that students are required to take courses in the ethics, privacy, and social justice in data science in addition to standard courses in the field. Students in Regis’s program will be prepared to assemble data, identify trends and patterns, implement data to effectively communicate, analyze data to identify new areas of revenue, appraise data for ethical issues, investigate how data science affects society, and more.

Georgia Southern University (GSU) is part of the wider University of Georgia system. GSU offers a Master of Science in Computer Science degrees with optional specializations in Data Mining or Data Warehousing.

Features

GSU’s program is a 30-hour program, and it prepares students primarily for careers in the IT industry. The MSCS seeks to educate students in both theoretical and practical skills, for instance, both data mining and business application. Students can expect to be prepared in areas such as databases, artificial intelligence, Web systems, data mining, data warehousing, and distributed database systems. Areas of practical application include:

• Software engineering
• Wireless and mobile systems

Notables

GSU has been garnering national attention in recent years for a number of initiatives, perhaps most significantly for achieving status as a national rather than regional institution. In addition to its academic accolades, GSU has been acknowledged by many rankings as “best value” school.

Texas A&M University is located in College Station, Texas. It needs little introduction, particularly in a list of rankings in STEM fields. It is not only one of the largest universities in the country but also one of the leaders in higher education in the sciences and technology.

Features

Coursework for the MSA is offered through the Mays Business School and welcomes working professionals with strong quantitative skills, for example bachelor’s degree holders in the sciences, mathematics, business, and engineering. Students can expect to be prepared to serve in a number of careers, such as:

• Manufacturing,
• Natural resources
• Finance and insurance
• and many other sectors

Notables

The flagship school of the Texas A&M system, it has also expanded its online offerings in recent years. A&M offers a Master of Science in Analytics through its Department of Statistics. This program specifically is a 30-six hour degree, making it one of the more demanding programs on our list.

The University of Arkansas is located in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It is home to the Walton College of Business, an increasingly well-respected fixture on the national management education landscape. Students interested in big data will be interested in two of U of A’s programs: a twelve-hour online graduate certification in Business Analytics, or a Professional Master of Information Systems degree.

Features

Students who complete the graduate certificate can transfer to the MSIS program. Coursework for the program includes training in data management systems, decision support and analytics, and business intelligence and knowledge management, IT ERP fundamentals, e-business development, and/or systems development. Graduates have gone on to become:

• Data Analysts
• Statisticians
• And much more

Notables

Arkansas has also increased its number of online offerings in recent years.An additional benefit of U of A’s program is its partnerships with companies such as IBM, Microsoft, SAP, and others, which offer students opportunities to acquire experience with problems real companies face.

Located in Connecticut, Quinnipiac has come into the national spotlight in recent years by investing in online education. Quinnipiac offers a Master of Science in Business Analytics through its online campus, and it is designed with working professionals in mind.

Features

Quinnipiac is dedicated to turning its graduates into assets, and to this end, it offers coursework in a wide range of areas, such as data visualization, mining, management and warehousing, statistical analysis, information technology project management, and predictive modeling. Its graduates are in high demand in the data professions, and they have been placed in careers with:

• Marketing agencies
• Financial services
• Insurance
• Manufacturing, and more

Notables

Does the name “Quinnipiac” sound familiar? If so, you probably heard the school’s name during the 2016 U.S. Presidential race, during which Quinnipiac offered its expertise in data management through a number of well-publicized election polls.

This is the flagship school within the University of Oklahoma System. U of O has a long history of excellence as a large, public institution in areas as diverse as health care, business, and the arts. It is also known for being one of the first public institutions to incorporate digital technology into higher education.

Features

U of O offers a Master of Science degree in Data Science and Analytics, an intensive fourteen-month program offered through the School of Computer Science and the School of Industrial and Systems Engineering. Oklahoma’s program integrates both computer science and industrial and systems engineering. Coursework in the program includes:

• Data analysis
• Data analytics
• Systems engineering

Notables

Oklahoma’s program is designed to be flexible—it offers both online and on-campus options as well as full- and part-time enrollment, and students can opt for one of two completion tracks: coursework only or research-thesis.

Auburn University has a storied history both in the South and, more recently, as a national-level research university that has attracted attention for its design, engineering, and business programs. Auburn offers a Master of Science in Information Systems through its Harbert College of Business.

Features

This is a 30-credit degree that places a heavy emphasis on information technology. Graduates of Auburn’s program can expect to be prepared in an array of areas, from business intelligence and analytics to database analysis. Further, you will gain experience in:

• Administration
• Systems architecture
• Information security
• Software engineering

Notables

For those who want a more interdisciplinary degree, this is a great route to go. Students will also explore big data issues through courses such as predictive modeling, data communication, quantitative methods, and advanced database administration and development. Students can complete the degree fully online if they wish.

Northwestern University is located in north Chicago, Illinois and needs little introduction. It is one of the best schools in the Midwest and across the nation. Northwestern offers a Master of Science in Predictive Analytics, one of the very first online big data degree programs in the country.

Features

One of the features that sets Northwestern’s program apart from others is the areas of application they prepare students for, such as sports management and performance analytics, web and network data science, advanced modeling techniques, marketing and risk analytics, and data visualization. Students can expect to be prepared in:

• Database administration
• Predictive modeling and quantitative analysis
• Communication of analytics
• And leadership development

Notables

Northwestern is a globally and nationally ranked university with a vibrant research culture. It is a pacesetter not only in national research universities but internationally as well. It leads the pack in any number of disciplines, from business and law to the arts and sciences.

The University of Nebraska is located in Lincoln. It offers students interested in big data a Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Business Analytics. It will appeal particularly to students who have an interest in applying data solutions to business challenges.

Features

Whether you are looking for a brief, specialized program in analytics or a more comprehensive program, Nebraska will appeal to a wide variety of students. Nebraska also offers a twelve-credit graduate certificate in business analytics, which can be completed in a year or less. Both programs offer training in:

• Information technology and statistics
• Business analytics, econometrics
• Strategic database marketing
• And data mining applications

Notables

University of Nebraska Lincoln is the flagship school of the University of Nebraska system. It is one of the leading public universities not only in the Midwest but in the country also. Equally, its online offerings are robust.

Arizona State University has locations in both Phoenix and Tempe. It is one of the nation’s most active research universities. ASU offers a Master of Science in Business Analytics, a sixteen-month program that can be completed on a part-time basis.

Features

Each course in ASU’s program lasts five weeks, and students take classes one at a time. The program requires ten courses total, but students can work at their own pace according to their goals and capabilities. Coursework in the program includes training in everything from enterprise analytics to applied analytics, data mining to data-driven quality management. You’ll also gain a foundation in:

• Analytical decision-making tools
• Business analytics strategy
• Marketing analytics
• And more

Notables

ASU is another national-level leader in both on-campus degree programs and online education. It has quickly established itself as one of the standards in online higher education. Its Carey School of Business, one of the largest in the country, in particular has been a pacesetter in distance education for business students.

DePaul University, located in Chicago, Illinois, is a Catholic university with a mandate to provide education access to lower-income and minority students. It has been recognized as the most diverse university in the country by the Princeton Review. DePaul offers a Master of Science in Predictive Analytics through its College of Computing and Digital Media. The MSPA is also affiliated with DePaul’s Data Mining and Predictive Analytics Center.

Features

Students in both programs can expect exposure to a wide array of subjects relevant to big data, such as programming, tools and techniques for computational analysis, and statistics and data analysis. Additional subjects include:

• Mining big data
• Social network analysis
• Programming machine learning applications
• Intelligent information retrieval, and more

Notables

DePaul also offers a Graduate Analytics Certificate, a five-course program that is less involved compared to the MS degree. This is a great way to gain advanced experience and deepen your education without breaking the bank. It will still appeal to employers and take less time to complete. You can always use the credits later to fulfill the full degree if you want.

Central Connecticut State is an affordable school located in New Britain, Connecticut. CCSU offers a Master of Science in Data Mining, a degree directly relevant to students interested in careers in big data. Coursework can be completed online, but students should be prepared to travel to campus at the completion of their degree to present a final thesis project.

Features

CCSU’s program offers students cutting-edge training with the latest in data modeling technology, and students take courses they might not have the opportunity to take at other institutions, such as multivariate analysis, clustering and affinity analysis, predictive analytics, genomics and proteomics, and text mining. There is also room for particular areas of specialization—the program offers concentrations in:

• Experimental design
• Artificial intelligence
• Nonparametric statistics
• Applied stochastic processes

Notables

Recently CCSU has doubled down on its commitment to making education affordable and accessible. It has set itself up for success by expanding its online offerings in recent years. And it puts excellent higher education in reach for a larger public.

Oklahoma State University (OSU) is located in Stillwater. It offers a Master of Business Analytics, a 33-credit program designed for working professionals, through its Spears School of Business and Watson Graduate School of Management. Students can opt to specialize in Business Data Mining or in Marketing Analytics.

Features

In addition to the Master of Business Analytics, students can also earn certificates in a Data Mining, Predictive Analytics, and Marketing Data Science. Whatever course students happen to opt for, students will take a diverse range of courses, including in:

• Programming languages (such as Python)
• Analytics
• Marketing and business
• Statistics, and more

Notables

Oklahoma State University has been investing heavily in online education in recent years and has managed to offer some of the most affordable distance education programs on the market. Indeed, OSU’s programs are some of the most diverse and affordable on our list.

Thomas Edison State University is a public university. It is located in Trenton, NJ. TESU offers a Master of Science in Information Technology, which is available online and can be completed in two years.

Features

TESU is known for its capability in technological education, and its MSIT program is geared toward IT. Graduates of the MSIT program will acquire facility in technical skills of the principles and theories of information technology, analyze the societal implications of the technical, ethical and regulatory issues of information technology, compare and contrast major IT components, and apply their knowledge to marketing, product, project and personnel management for an IT business. Students will also gain proficiency in:

• Computer networks
• Data communications
• Distributed database management systems

Notables

TESU specializes in addressing the needs of working adults and nontraditional students. It seeks to help adult learners, working professionals, and military personnel achieve their goals of obtaining high-quality post-secondary education.

Indiana University in Bloomington, the flagship school of the Indiana University system, is a nationwide-leader in public education in a wide variety of fields, including business and STEM fields. It also features a highly active research community. IU offers a Master of Science in Data Science through its School of Informatics and Computing, a thirty-credit program that prepares students in data collection, analysis, and use. Students can choose either the Technical Path or the Decision-Maker Path, depending on whether their primary interest is in computing and statistics or in management and leadership.

Features

Coursework in the MSDS program includes business analytics, Python, real world data science, data semantics, systems and protocol security, applied machine learning, and the management, access, and use of big and complex data. IU offers a number of opportunities outside the coursework component of the degree through such programs as:

• The BEST Aspiring Entrepreneur Program
• ICE (Informatics and Computing Entrepreneurs) group
• The Velocity Conference for graduate students
• VisionTech Entrepreneur Advisory Sessions

Notables

In addition to the MSDS degree, IU also offers a twelve-credit graduate certification in Data Science. Again, this is a great way to dip your toes in without having to commit to several years of education. IU Bloomington is nationally and globally ranked.

Cal State Fullerton is part of the California State University system. It is located in Orange County but has begun to increase its online offerings significantly in recent years. For the purposes of this list, CSF offers not one but two options: the Master of Science in Information Science and the Master of Science in Statistics.

Features

Students in the Master of Science programs typically take two courses per term, and courses are often interactive. Coursework in the MS degrees includes areas such as business intelligence, regression analysis, forecasting, statistics, project management, database design and processing, and data mining. Students will develop expertise:

• Identifying, designing, and managing data storage and sets
• Recognizing strategies for analysis, methodology, and decision making
• And much more

Notables

It also offers an accelerated online graduate certification in Data Science, a short, five-course program that will allow working adults to get the qualifications they need in the big data field quickly. Cal State Fullerton is regularly featured in national, regional, and state rankings.

Southern Methodist University is located in Dallas, Texas. It is one of the larger and wealthier private research institutions in the country, and it boasts a well-rounded offering of undergraduate and graduate programs in both the arts and sciences.

Features

It has also invested heavily in its online offerings. SMU offers a Master of Science in Data Science, an interdisciplinary program offered collaboratively by the Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, the Lyle School of Engineering, and the Meadows School of the Arts. Recent graduates have been placed in:

Education

• Government
• Large corporations
• Nonprofit
• Healthcare and more

Notables

SMU’s approach to education in data is project-based, which reflects how students might encounter problems in real-world scenarios. Its curriculum is intentionally interdisciplinary, and it offers an ideal balance between the flexibility of online education and a traditional graduate school experience.

The University of Maryland Global Campus is based in Adelphi, Maryland. It offers two options for students interested in big data: a Master of Science or graduate certification in Data Analytics. Students have a choice whether to pursue their degree online, on campus, or a combination of both.

Features

UMGC encourages students to combine technical expertise and business acumen from the outset of the program. Coursework in the program is exhaustive and includes everything from decision management systems to data management and visualization. You’ll also learn the ins and outs of:

• Data mining
• Predictive modeling
• Big data analytics, and more

Notables

The University of Maryland Global Campus occupies a unique and needful niche in higher education: it was founded specifically to meet the educational needs of working adults and non-traditional students. UMGC has therefore placed a heavy emphasis on online and distance education, which appeals to military personnel, working professionals, and others.

Iowa State is a well-known public institution that has made its mark in affordable and accessible education for as many students as possible. It is one of the leading research universities in Iowa, and it is particularly well-known for its engineering and business programs.

Features

ISU offers a Master of Business Analytics, which reflects a combination of their areas of strength and utilizes faculty from computer science, electrical and computer engineering, statistics, and industrial and manufacturing systems engineering departments. Students can expect to encounter a wide variety of subjects in their coursework, including:

• Project management
• Statistical and predictive modeling
• consumer sentiment analysis
• Knowledge discovery, and more

Notables

Students can complete their degree from Iowa State online, but brief residencies are required. Students are also required to finish their program with a capstone project. Both of these requirements encourage students to have a hands-on learning experience.

Saint Mary’s College is located in Notre Dame, Indiana. It is a Catholic liberal arts college that offers a Master of Science in Data Science degree designed for students with strong mathematical backgrounds and interests. The program is designed to be completed primarily online.

Features

Saint Mary’s program emphasizes the mathematical and computational aspects of data science, and it encourages expertise in the tools necessary to work with today’s big data problems.One student in the program had this to say about his experience: “I’m able to dig beyond what a simple analyst can do, and not only tell them what happened, but why it happened, and why we came up with the answers we did.” Students will learn:

• A variety of programming languages
• Big data analysis and methodology
• And much more

Notables

Saint Mary’s boasts a stellar academic reputation. This is owed in no small part to its extraordinarily high retention and graduation rate, generous financial aid, and strong placement records.

Another school with a mandate to provide education for non-traditional and working adult students, Bellevue University is in Bellevue, Nebraska. It has likewise invested heavily in its online offerings. Its efforts have paid off—it is now recognized as one of the highest quality online educators in the nation.

Features

Bellevue offers a Master of Science in Business Analytics that is designed to prepare students for careers in managing the big data problems of today’s large corporations. Coursework in the program covers:

• Business administration fundamentals
• Project management
• Computer information systems
• Management systems, and much more

Notables

Bellevue’s degree is designed to be flexible, affordable, expedient, supportive, and real-world focused. It is also designed to cover as many disciplines as possible, from business to IT. Bellevue students enjoy an excellent placement record in a wide variety of industries.

Nova Southeastern University is located in Davie, Florida. It is one of the most diverse campuses in the United States. Nova offers a Master of Science in Information Technology, a 36-credit graduate degree focused on the systems and software of big data.

Features

Nova also offers a Graduate Certificate in Business Intelligence and Analytics. Both programs are offered through the College of Engineering and Computing, and they offer training in business intelligence, data mining, and organizational decision making. Coursework in the program includes decision support systems or business modeling, database management and applications, data warehousing, data mining, and a capstone project in business intelligence. Graduates of the program work in:

• Business intelligence analytics or architecture
• Data warehousing
• Information technology business analysis

Notables

This school occupies another unique niche in higher education—it was founded as a graduate school from the beginning rather than primarily an undergraduate institution. It emphasizes education in the social science and sciences, and is also well-known for education in technology and distance education.

Elmhurst College is a small liberal arts college in Elmhurst, Illinois. It is located just outside Chicago and offers a Master of Science in Data Science that can be completed in as quickly as two years, even at a part-time pace. Elmhurst also offers a Graduate Certificate in Data Science.

Features

Elmhurst’s program emphasizes both the theory behind big data management as well as the applied skills involved in real-world scenarios, such as analytical modeling and decision making based on data sets, as well as the software skills involved in these applications. Coursework for the program includes:

• Quantitative methods
• Data warehousing
• Data mining project
• Programming languages and environments, and more

Notables

Elmhurst regularly appears in rankings of best regional schools. Its degrees can be completed online or on campus, or a mix of both. Choose your own adventure!

Saint Louis University offers programs up to the doctoral level and also a number of online programs. SLU offers a Master of Science in Applied Analytics through its School of Professional Studies, which is designed specifically for working professionals. The program is structured in accelerated eight-week courses for both full-time and part-time students alike.

Features

The program requires 36 credit hours to complete, and students are required to complete a capstone project in analytics to finish the program. The program prepares students in the diverse areas of data science and information technology. In addition to studying data mining and research methodology, you will also study:

• Business analytics
• Programming and problem solving
• Information retrieval and visualization
• And much more

Notables

Saint Louis University is the oldest university west of the Mississippi River! It regularly receives attention as one of the top national research institutions in the United States.

Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Saint Joseph’s University is a private, Catholic university. It has invested heavily in its online programs in recent years. Through its Haub School of Business, it offers a Master of Science in Business Intelligence and Analytics.

Features

Coursework for Saint Joseph’s program includes subjects such as data warehousing, DSS modeling, enterprise data, business intelligence, critical performance management, and business process modeling. Graduates of Saint Joseph’s program have secured employment in a range of industries, including:

• Information Technology
• Healthcare Management
• Education
• And more

Notables

One of the unique features of Saint Joseph’s program is that it includes an SAS certification, which will provide graduates a leg up on the competition in the job market. Furthermore, this degree is available fully online for those who are looking primarily for a distance program.

Brandeis, a relatively younger university, is located in Waltham, Massachusetts. Brandeis offers a Master of Science in Strategic Analysis, a degree that prepares professionals specifically for decision-making positions in big data. The degree is available fully online.

Features

Skills that graduates of the program at Brandeis can expect to acquire include identifying, interpreting, and communicating patterns in large data sets and then creating actionable and prioritized items for whatever organization they happen to be working for. Coursework in the program includes business intelligence, marketing analytics, data governance, and visualization. Graduates of the Brandeis program have secured employment in a wide range of fields, including but not limited to:

• Project Consultants
• Compliance Managers
• Data Architects or Scientists
• Marketing Consultants, and more

Notables

Though young, Brandeis has wasted no time establishing a world-class reputation in New England and beyond. Indeed, it is regularly featured in rankings of the top universities of any sort in the country.

Colorado Technical University is primarily an online university. More than 90 percent of its students study from a distance. CTU offers the only Doctor of Computer Science on our list with a specialization in Big Data Analytics. It is a 96-credit hour program designed for students who are not just interested in big data but want to pursue careers as leaders in the field.

Features

Courses in CTU’s program include database systems, business intelligence, analytics for big data, principles of research methods, qualitative and quantitative research methods. Doctoral students are expected to complete a dissertation, and the degree is typically completed in three years. Graduates of CTU’s program will be equipped to pursue careers in senior level leadership positions, in:

• Consulting
• Higher education
• And in the technological sectors of business, government, and nonprofit

Notables

While a for-profit university, Colorado Technical University has nevertheless worked its way into national recognition by outlets such as, U.S. News & World Report, NSA, and Homeland Security. CTU has established a reputation for its online degree programs, which are both diverse and growing.

Lewis University is a small, private Catholic liberal arts university. Lewis offers a Master of Science in Data Science, which prepares students for all of the technical and analytical demands of big data. It is a thirty-six credit hour degree that offers two specializations: computer science and computational biology and bioinformatics.

Features

Coursework in Lewis’s program includes data mining, visualization, predictive analysis, and data management. Students who opt for the computational biology specialization will take courses in data systems in the life sciences, mathematics for data scientists, and the healthcare industry. Faculty and students work closely together in Lewis’s program, and students can expect to receive training:

• In large-scale data storage systems
• Encryption and authentication systems
• Statistical programming
• And languages such as Python and Java

Notables

Lewis regularly receives attention as a leading school in the Midwest region. It has also increased its online offerings to great effect in recent years. Not surprising then, Lewis is ranked for both its traditional and online programs.

Slippery Rock is part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. has grown out of its humble beginnings as a teacher’s college and now offers undergraduate and graduate programs in technology, business, education, and more in addition to a variety of online programs.

Features

Slippery Rock offers a Master of Science in Data Analytics through its Mathematics Department, a thirty-three credit program that can be completed in as little as ten months or in two years on a part-time basis. Coursework in SLU’s program includes training in:

• Statistics
• Data mining
• Regression methods
• Big data analysis and forecasting

Notables

One of the benefits of Slippery Rock’s program that is shares with only one or two others on our list is that students will graduate not only with their degree but also with a joint certificate in statistical applications and data analytics from SRU and the SAS (Statistical Analysis System) Institute for advanced analytics.

Capella is another for-profit university that has managed to garner the respect of the higher education world through its consistent quality and regional accreditation. Students interested in big data will find a home in two different programs: Capella’s MBA program, which offers a specialization in Business Intelligence, which also offers opportunities for students to earn additional graduate certifications, and their Master of Science in Analytics.

Features

Capella’s MSA program prepares data analytics professionals to work with, understand, and transform data. Students will also learn to apply their knowledge to real-world problems and communicate their results to whatever organization they happen to work for. Students are introduced to tools such as SAS, R, Python, and Tableau. They will also develop expertise:

• Data mining and statistics
• Applied analytics
• Modeling and forecasting
• Visualization, and more

Notables

Capella is unique as the first university to receive U.S. Department of Education approval for an innovative competency-based curriculum model, in which students demonstrate accomplishment in skills areas rather than working through a traditional credit-hour system.

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is part of the larger University of Tennessee system. Well known for its business curriculum, UTC offers an MBA degree with a concentration in Business Analytics, which prepares students not just for the technical know-how necessary for data professionals but also the professional business training necessary to thrive in management.

Students who concentrate in UTC’s MBA Business Analytics focus will receive training in data storage, reporting, and analysis. For full-time students, the program can be completed in as few as 16-24 months, while part-time students can expect to take longer. Coursework for UTC’s program covers:

• Database and data warehouses
• Prescriptive analytics
• Data mining and data analytics
• Advanced data analysis

Notables

It has a long history of offering a wide variety of practical education opportunities at an affordable rate for a diverse student body. That has continued to be true as it has expanded into the online education market. UT Chattanooga offers an array of alternative learning experiences.

The Greensboro member within the wider University of North Carolina System is a mid-sized, regional, public research university. It offers a Master of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Business Analytics. It also offers an online post-bachelor’s certificate in Business Analytics that has been developed in partnership with SAS.

Features

Coursework for UNC Greensboro’s program includes data management, systems analysis and design, information systems management, project management, models and methods in business analytics, and more. The program is designed to provide the most up-to-date information, knowledge, and skills possible in the field, and students will be prepared to:

• Work with large amounts of data
• Interpret and present that data
• Apply that knowledge across industries

Notables

The University of North Carolina Greensboro has been hard at work appealing to students in need of advanced education in business and technology, particularly non-traditional students and part-time learners. It has put numerous services and resources in place to ensure academic success to alternative learners.

The City University of Seattle is a small, private university in Seattle, Washington. It offers a range of degree opportunities across both academic and professional levels. One of those programs is the Master of Science in Computer Science degree with a concentration in Data Management/Big Data. The degree requires 45 credit hours to complete.

Features

CUS’s program is designed to offer both technical education and business knowledge, that is, both theory and practice. The program is flexible but also rigorous to meet the demands of the highly competitive job market. Coursework in the program includes computer architecture, software engineering, software testing, information security, and technical project management. Students can also specialize in:

• Programming
• Technology management
• Development management
• Cloud development, more

Notables

CUS has garnered quite a bit of attention in recent years for its online education efforts from outlets such as U.S. News & World Report and the Princeton Review. Indeed, CUS programs are especially designed to provide not just a theoretical foundation, but to develop communication skills in its students, to give them hands-on experience, and more.

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private research university. It was founded to provide accessible, affordable education to returning learners. SNHU also offers a Master of Science in Data Analytics, a program designed as a Professional Science Master’s for employment in scientific and technology-oriented industries.

Features

SNHU’s program is recognized by the Professional Science Master’s (PSM) national office as a Professional Science Master’s program, which is any degree designed to allow students to pursue advanced training in science or mathematics while developing workplace skills valued by employers. Coursework in SNHU’s program includes:

• Foundations of data and decision methods and modeling
• Presentation and visualization of data
• Optimization and risk assessment
• Predictive analytics

Notables

SNHU is the standard-bearer of online education. It is regularly recognized for its innovation in the field of distance learning. Its business programs in particular receive regular attention for excellence.

Overview

Located in Washington, DC, American University is a top-ranked university. It comes as little surprise that this university has strong programs in politics and business. American University offers a Master of Science in Analytics, which can be completed between one and two years.

Features

American University places equal emphasis on the theoretical and practical dimensions of big data. Students will be able, for instance, to both identify data-based issues and communicate them—and their solutions—effectively and clearly. The program also provides students with numerous opportunities for hands-on experience through local organizations, career services, networking, and more. Students at American University’s MSA have the option of specializing in seven different areas, among them:

• Accounting forensics
• Biostatistics
• Business fundamentals
• Computational statistics, and more

Notables

American University is known for its political activity, public service, and commitment to traditional American values. It is recognized for national-level excellence, particularly in the business and management fields, by outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, the Princeton Review, and more.

Dakota State University (DSU) has established its reputation as a leader in research and education in the areas of technology and STEM fields. DSU offers a Master of Science in Analytics, which offers the opportunity to specialize in either Healthcare Analytics or Information Systems. The program prides itself on being both flexible and affordable.

Features

This is the ideal program for those looking for an exhaustive introduction to big data. Indeed, there will be few things DSU students aren’t prepared to face. Possible career outcomes for DSU students include

• Data analyst, scientist, or architect
• Governance specialist
• Visualization specialist
• Predictive modeler, and so much more

Notables

DSU has also invested heavily in various types of online, distance, hybrid, and on-ground education models to great success. But perhaps one of the most unique aspects of DSU’s program is its optional emphasis on healthcare, which offers courses in healthcare information, healthcare informatics and systems technology, data analytics in healthcare, and health information lifecycle governance.