We’re increasingly living in a world of data, with each of us creating and consuming an enormous amount every day. The data revolution has also produced a revolution in education, with more and more institutions, including some here in Virginia, offering training that marries data and management.
Sponsored School(s)
Business analytics is one of the fastest-growing fields in higher education, with employers in all types of industries in great need of individuals who can use data to inform decision-making. Virginia is home to about 20 business programs, many of which offer business analytics graduate degrees.
SEE ALSO: 20+ Online Masters in Business Analytics Ranking
We wanted to understand which programs in the commonwealth offer the biggest bang for the buck, so we analyzed all applicable degrees offered in Virginia in business analytics or related fields, comparing them across areas like cost, delivery method and flexibility, giving special weight to degrees that can be earned entirely online.
Here’s a look at the four degrees we believe are the best investment in Virginia.
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. Regent University
1000 Regent University Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464
Business Analytics Degree:
- Master of Science in Business Analytics
Other Applicable Degrees:
- MBA (online & traditional), Online Master of Arts in Product Management, Online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership
Program Description:
A fully online Master of Science in Business Analytics from Regent University earns the top spot on our list thanks to tuition costs that are well under $25,000, making the degree one of the most affordable business analytics master’s degrees in the entire U.S. Students must complete their degree within five years, but the typical path takes about two years, and most students will be able to earn an SAS badge indicating their expertise in data analytics.
Degree Details:
Accreditation
AACSB
Admissions
Bachelor’s degree; GMAT or GRE not required; TOEFL score required for international applicants
Tuition
$20,250 (30 credits)
Online?
Yes
#2. Longwood University
201 High St., Farmville, VA 23909
Business Analytics Degree:
- MBA in Real Estate
Other Applicable Degrees:
- Online MBA in General Business
Program Description:
Though it offers an MBA as opposed to an MSBA, Longwood University earns the second spot on our list by virtue of a degree that’s unique in Virginia and across the U.S. In fact, no other university in the commonwealth offers an online MBA in Real Estate, and a low cost (less than $15,000 in total tuition) makes this degree even more appealing for those interested in the ever-evolving real estate industry. Most students should be able to complete their training in about a year.
Degree Details:
Accreditation
AACSB
Admissions
Bachelor’s degree; GMAT or GRE required, can be waived with 3.0 undergraduate GPA or combination of varying levels of professional experience (between three and eight years) and GPA; TOEFL score required for international applicants
Tuition
$12,307 in-state; $12,617 out-of-state (31 credits)
Online?
Yes
#3. College of William and Mary
101 Ukrop Way, Williamsburg, VA 23186
Business Analytics Degree:
- Master of Science in Business Analytics
Other Applicable Degrees:
- Online Master of Science in Marketing, MBA (online & traditional)
Program Description:
The Raymond A. Mason School of Business at William & Mary is home to an online Master of Science in Business Analytics that’s quickly become a leader in the field after being introduced just a few years ago. Motivated students will be able to earn their degrees in as little as 15 months, though the program does lack customization, as learners follow an established curriculum.
Degree Details:
Accreditation
AACSB
Admissions
Bachelor’s degree; GMAT or GRE required, can be waived with extensive mathematics undergraduate coursework
Tuition
$41,600 (32 credits)
Online?
Yes
#4. University of Virginia
100 Darden Blvd., Charlottesville, VA 22903
Business Analytics Degree:
- Master of Science in Business Analytics
Other Applicable Degrees:
- Executive MBA, Full-Time MBA
Program Description:
Though it’s the most expensive degree to make our list of Virginia finalists, the online-optional Master of Science in Business Analytics at the University of Virginia should make many students’ short lists. A joint offering of the Darden School of Business and McIntire School of Commerce, UVA’s degree can be earned in just one year, which is especially attractive for those with flourishing careers who don’t want to be bogged down by a master’s program. Those who are able to attend in person will benefit from UVA Darden’s home in Arlington, a short trip away from the nation’s capital.
Degree Details:
Accreditation
AACSB
Admissions
Bachelor’s degree; GMAT or GRE required; TOEFL score required for international applicants
Tuition
$63,562 in-state; $63,742 out-of-state (30 credits)
Online?
Yes (optional)