M.S. in Business Data Analytics: Turn Data Into Business Decisions

Master data-driven decision-making in just 10 courses. A STEM-designated, IACBE-accredited graduate program covering statistics, big data, predictive analytics, and data visualization, built for business professionals, online with low residency.

  • STEM-Designated
  • IACBE Accredited
  • 30 Credits, 10 Courses
  • Online With Low Residency

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Why Choose NLU for Business Data Analytics?

34% Growth
Projected growth for data scientists through 2034 (BLS)

One of the fastest-growing career fields in the country.

STEM-Designated
Technical rigor, plus OPT eligibility for international students

A credential that signals serious analytics skill.

Business-Focused
Analytics grounded in business decisions, not pure data science

Translate technical insight into organizational action.

$112,590
Median, data scientists (BLS, May 2024)

Analytics roles span every industry.

10 Courses
30 credits, no filler

A focused, efficient path for working professionals.

Program at a Glance

How long?
30 SH
10 focused courses
What format?
Online + Low Residency
Flexible for working professionals
What growth?
34%
Data scientists (BLS, 2024-2034)
What salary?
$112,590
Median, data scientists (BLS, May 2024)

What You'll Learn

  • Apply statistics and analytics to business problems
  • Manage and analyze big data
  • Build predictive models and forecasts
  • Communicate insights through data visualization
  • Practice ethical, secure analytics
  • Deliver an applied analytics capstone project

Full Course List

Foundations
The value of analytics in business decision-making.
Statistics
The statistical foundations of data analysis.
Ethics
Data security, privacy, and ethical practice.
Big Data
Managing and querying large datasets.
Strategy
Turning analysis into business strategy.
Predictive
Modeling and forecasting future outcomes.
Visualization
Communicating insight through compelling visuals and narrative.
Capstone
An applied, portfolio-ready analytics project.

Next start: September 21, 2026 — seats filling fast.

Admissions Requirements

  • A written statement of academic and professional goals
  • At least two letters of recommendation
  • Online application at nl.edu with official transcripts
  • A faculty review of your application
  • Maintain a 3.0 GPA in the program

It showed me that behind every spreadsheet was a real person whose success could be influenced by something as simple as when an email was sent or whether a reminder was triggered.

Karen Morales Business Data Analytics Student, Class of 2025
A Top-Growth Field

Data scientist roles are projected to grow 34 percent through 2034, far faster than almost any occupation (BLS).

STEM, With OPT Value

The STEM designation signals technical rigor and provides OPT extension eligibility for international students.

Analytics for Business Leaders

Not a computer science degree, an analytics program that turns data into the decisions that move organizations.

Where Will Your Degree Take You?

$112,590
Median, data scientists (BLS, May 2024)
Data Analyst
Business Intelligence Analyst
Predictive Analytics Specialist
Analytics Manager
Data Visualization Specialist
Marketing or Healthcare Data Analyst

Data analytics is one of the fastest-growing fields in business. NLU’s M.S. prepares graduates for analytics roles across every industry, from healthcare and finance to marketing and operations, as data analysts, business intelligence analysts, and analytics managers.

Data scientists earn a median salary of $112,590 with 34 percent projected growth and about 23,400 openings a year (BLS, May 2024). The business framing distinguishes graduates from pure data science degree holders by ensuring they can translate technical insight into strategic decisions.

How to Apply in 3 Simple Steps

  1. Request Information

    Submit the form above. An NLU admissions advisor will reach out within one business day to answer your questions.

  2. Connect With an Advisor

    Your advisor walks you through the application, your analytics career goals, and the online and low-residency format.

  3. Apply and Start Classes

    Submit your application at nl.edu with no application fee, transcripts, a goal statement, and two recommendations. Next start: September 21, 2026.

Take the First Step

No commitment required. An NLU advisor will reach out within one business day to map your path into business data analytics.

Take the First Step
  • STEM-Designated
  • IACBE Accredited
  • 30 Credits, 10 Courses
  • Online With Low Residency

*Salary and growth: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Data Scientists (SOC 15-2051), May 2024.

**Curriculum, STEM designation, and accreditation: SmartCatalog, National Louis University, Business Data Analytics M.S. (nl.smartcatalogiq.com); IACBE.