The demand for data professionals has skyrocketed in recent years. According to a report by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Data Analytics is one of the highest-paid MBA specialisations in this decade.
Naturally, many STEM graduates aim to pursue a higher degree in this domain. But what should you choose? An MBA in Data Analytics or an MS?
If you’ve been asking the same question, read this blog to learn everything related to an MBA in Data Analytics vs an Master's in Data Analytics.
Key Highlights :
- Top colleges for an MBA in Data Analytics include the University of Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of California, Berkeley, while leading institutions for a Master’s in Data Analytics are Northwestern University, New York University, and the University of Michigan.
- The tuition fee for an MBA in Data Analytics ranges from USD 40,000 to USD 80,000 (INR 33 lakhs to INR 66 lakhs), whereas an Master's in Data Analytics can range from USD 50,000 to USD 100,000 (INR 40 lakhs to INR 90 lakhs).
- The MBA in Data Analytics combines business education with analytics, preparing graduates for leadership roles, while the Master’s focuses on technical skills for specialised data analysis careers.
- After an MBA in Data Analytics, you can expect a starting salary of USD 90,000 (INR 75 lakhs), while after an MS, you’ll get around USD 70,000 (INR 58 lakhs).
- 1. Reasons to Pursue a Postgraduate Degree in Data Analytics
- 2. MBA vs. Master's in Data Analytics: Key Differences
- 3. MBA vs Master's in Data Analytics: Curriculum
- 4. MBA vs Master's in Data Analytics: Eligibility & Admission Requirements
- 5. Top Colleges for MBA and Master's in Data Analytics
- 6. MBA vs Master's in Data Analytics: Jobs & Salary
Check your eligibility at over 2000+ universities by connecting with our experts!
Reasons to Pursue a Postgraduate Degree in Data Analytics
Pursuing an MBA or Master's in Data Analytics equips you with the skills to navigate and leverage large datasets, driving strategic decisions in a business environment. With companies increasingly relying on data-driven insights, these programs offer the perfect blend of analytical expertise and business acumen. graduates highly sought after in the job market.
Here are a few reasons you should consider pursuing your post-graduate degree in Data Analytics:
- High Demand: Data-driven roles are increasing across industries, which has lead to a high demand for professionals skilled in analytics.
- High-paying Roles: Data Analytics experts, whether an MS or MBA, command lucrative salaries due to the specialized skills they bring to organizations.
- Diverse Roles: Graduates can explore roles like Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Manager, Data Scientist, or Product Manager after an MS or MBA in Data Analytics.
- Interdisciplinary Subjects: Both these programs combine technical skills like programming and statistics with essential business knowledge.
- Future Career Plans: As data continues to grow in importance, professionals with these skills will stay relevant in the evolving job market.
MBA vs. Master's in Data Analytics: Key Differences
When considering a career in data analytics, it’s essential to understand the differences between an MBA in Data Analytics and a Master’s in Data Analytics. While an MBA in Data Analytics majorly focuses on business and leadership roles, a master’s degree in Data Analytics often focuses on machine learning and data-driven roles. Below is a table that clearly outlines the differences between an MBA and Master in Data Analytics, making it easier for you to choose :
|
Features |
MBA in Data Analytics |
Master's in Data Analytics |
|---|---|---|
|
Overview |
Combines business education with analytics. |
Focuses on technical and analytical skills. |
|
Core Courses |
Marketing, finance, management, analytics. |
Statistics, machine learning, programming. |
|
Technical Skills |
Business intelligence, data-driven decision-making. |
Programming (Python, R), database management. |
|
Career Focus |
Leadership roles in data-driven environments. |
Technical roles in data science and analysis. |
|
Typical Duration |
1-2 years |
1-2 years |
|
Top B-schools in India |
IIMs, SPJIMR, XLRI |
IITs, NMIMS, ISI |
|
Top B-schools Abroad |
Wharton, Harvard, London Business School |
MIT, Stanford, University of Edinburgh |
Whether you aim to pursue an MBA focused on Data Analytics for strategic insights or a Master’s in Data Analytics for technical expertise, we can help you enhance your profile and achieve your goals. Elevate your MBA application with Yocket Premium, where our expert guidance has already empowered over 1,000 students to secure spots at top B-schools.
MBA vs Master's in Data Analytics: Curriculum
While both MBA and Master's in Data Analytics programs teach you valuable technical skills, they cater to different career goals and audiences. They usually have a similar learning focus (data analysis), but their curriculums differ significantly. While the MBA focuses heavily on business-related objectives and strategy, the MS offers more technical learning about the discipline. The differences between the curriculum of MBA and an Master's in Data Analytics are below:
MBA in Data Analytics
It is a graduate-level business degree combining MBA coursework with specialised training in data analytics. The curriculum for MBA in Data Analytics includes core MBA courses along with a focus on data analysis techniques. Key areas of study feature:
- Core MBA courses (e.g., marketing, finance, management)
- Data analysis and visualisation
- Business intelligence
- Predictive analytics
- Data-driven decision-making
- Leadership and strategy
Master's in Data Analytics
The Master’s in Data Analytics focuses on developing technical and analytical skills necessary for analysing and interpreting complex data. During Master's in Data Analytics, students engage in a range of specialised topics aimed at enhancing their data expertise, including:
- Statistics and probability
- Machine learning
- Data mining and exploration
- Database management
- Programming (e.g., Python, R)
- Data ethics and governance
MBA vs Master's in Data Analytics: Eligibility & Admission Requirements
The eligibility and admission requirements for an MBA in Data Analytics typically include a bachelor's degree, professional work experience, and standardised test scores (like GMAT or GRE).
On the other hand, a Master’s in Data Analytics often requires a bachelor's degree in a related field, with work experience and standardised tests.
To be eligible for a master’s and MBA program in Data Analytics, you must have the following:
- 12+3 or 15 years of education
- A bachelor’s degree in a related field
- Valid GMAT/ GRE score (depending on whether you choose an MS/ MBA)
- Work experience (most top-ranked B-schools need 3 years of professional experience)
- A statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
Now let’s discuss the admission requirements for both the Data Analytics programs to help you navigate the application process:
|
Features |
MBA in Data Analytics |
Master's in Data Analytics |
|---|---|---|
|
Educational Background |
A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline. |
A strong background in mathematics, statistics, or computer science. |
|
Professional Experience |
Often requires 2 to 5 years of professional experience. |
Work experience may be preferred but is not always mandatory. |
|
Admission Tests |
GMAT, CAT, or XAT scores may be required; some programs may waive this based on significant work experience. |
GRE; may be needed depending on the specific programme. |
|
Letters of Recommendation |
Usually requires 1-2 letters of recommendation from professional or academic contacts. |
Typically requires 2-3 letters of recommendation, often from academic or professional references. |
|
Personal Statement or Essay |
A personal statement outlining career goals and reasons for pursuing the MBA |
A statement of purpose detailing your interest in data analytics and career aspirations |
|
Interview Process |
May require an interview as part of the selection process. |
Some programs may include an interview to assess fit and interest. |
Top Colleges for MBA and Master's in Data Analytics
When considering an MBA or Master's in Data Analytics, several prestigious colleges stand out for their well-known programs. Institutions like the University of California, London Business School, and INSEAD offer specialized MBA programs that focus on business with data-driven decision-making skills.
For MS programs, schools such as the University of Illinois, and the University of Warwick offer data science, analytics, and business intelligence. These programs are often data-driven and make decisions based on real-world projects. An MBA or an MS degree in Data Analytics prepares you for leadership roles in data-centric environments.
Top Colleges for MBA in Data Analytics
Many institutions offer various specialised MBA prograMaster's in Data Analytics, which combine with business courses and analytical training. Some top colleges for MBA in Data Analytics include the MIT Sloan, LBS, and INSEAD. Students learn to use data for strategic insights, making them valuable assets in various industries.
Below are a few colleges that are top leading schools for MBA in Data Analytics :
|
University Name |
QS 2025 Ranking |
|---|---|
|
MIT Slogan School of Management |
1 |
|
London Business School |
6 |
|
University of California |
7 |
|
INSEAD |
8 |
|
Columbia Business School |
10 |
Top Colleges for Master's in Data Analytics
Universities known for their strong data analytics programs include the University of California, Berkeley, New York University, and the University of Chicago. Each offers a different curriculum and valuable networking opportunities in the tech industry.
Below are a few top colleges for Master's in Data Analytics :
|
University Name |
QS 2025 Ranking |
|---|---|
|
Carnegie Mellon University |
14 |
|
University of Illinois |
22 |
|
University of Michigan |
25 |
|
University of South California |
32 |
|
University of Warwick |
35 |
MBA vs Master's in Data Analytics: Jobs & Salary
A specialised degree in Data analytics can get you a starting salary as high as USD 90,000 (INR 75 lakhs). Whether you want to do an MBA or an MS depends on your professional goals, but you must know that both can set you up for a lucrative career.
Jobs & Salary After MBA in Data Analytics
An MBA in Data Analytics is perfect for aspiring leaders who want to make informed decisions using data. It unlocks leadership opportunities in data-driven industries, future-proofing your career. You can expect an average salary of USD 97,000 (80 lakhs) after an MBA in Data Analytics The following table outlines various job roles in data analysis and related fields, along with their descriptions and salary ranges in India and abroad.
|
Job Role |
Description |
Salary in India (yearly) |
Salary Abroad (yearly) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Data Analyst |
Focuses on interpreting complex datasets to inform business decisions and strategy. |
6 lakhs to 9 lakhs |
USD 82,640 (68 Lakhs) |
|
Business Intelligence Analyst |
Analyses data trends and helps organisations make strategic decisions based on insights. |
3 lakhs to 15 lakhs lakhs |
USD 99,864 (82 lakhs) |
|
Product Manager |
Oversees product development, using data insights to inform features and customer needs |
10 lakhs to 21 lakhs |
USD 50,000 (41 lakhs) |
|
Consultant |
Advises businesses on data-driven strategies and improvements to optimise performance. |
5.5 lakhs to 13 Lakhs |
USD 67,349 (55 lakhs) |
|
Chief Data Officer (CDO) |
Responsible for overseeing data governance and strategy within an organisation. |
11 lakhs to 16 lakhs |
USD 166,000(137 lakhs) |
|
Marketing Analyst |
Utilises analytics to shape marketing strategies and improve customer targeting. |
6.5 lakhs to 10.5 lakhs |
USD 81,515 (67 lakhs) |
|
Operations Manager |
Uses data analysis to enhance operational efficiency and performance. |
3 lakhs to 07 lakhs |
USD 65,000 (53 lakhs) |
|
Financial Analyst |
Analyses financial data and market trends to guide investment decisions and financial planning. |
04 lakhs to 09 lakhs |
USD 34,247 (INR 34 lakh) |
Jobs & Salary After MBA in Data Analytics
If data analysis is your passion, consider a Master's in Data Analytics. This degree helps you develop advanced technical skills to uncover hidden insights and drive business solutions. It's perfect for a specialised, data-focused career.
After an Master's in Data Analytics, you can expect an average salary of USD $85,000 to $90,000 (70 to 74 Lakhs). The following table presents various job roles within data science and analytics, detailing their descriptions and salary ranges in India and abroad.
|
Job Role |
Description |
Salary in India (yearly) |
Salary Abroad (yearly) |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Data Scientist |
Specialises in statistical methods and machine learning to develop predictive models. |
10 lakhs to 18 lakhs |
9 to 13 lakhs USD 95,000 (78 lakhs) |
||
|
Machine Learning Engineer |
Designs algorithms and systems for automated data processing and analysis. |
10 lakhs to 20 lakhs |
10 to 15 lakhs USD 90,000 (74 lakhs) |
||
|
Data Engineer |
Focuses on building and maintaining the infrastructure for data generation and processing. |
8 lakhs to 15 lakhs |
8 to 13 lakhs USD 80,000 (66 lakhs) |
||
|
Quantitative Analyst |
Uses statistical techniques to analyse financial data and support investment decisions. |
9 lakhs to 16 lakhs |
10 to 15 lakhs USD 85,000 (70 lakhs) |
||
|
Data Architect |
Designs and manages data systems and structures for optimal data storage and access. |
12 lakhs to 22 lakhs |
11 lakhs to 16 lakhs
|
||
|
Research Analyst |
Conducts in-depth analysis of market trends and data to support research initiatives. |
6 lakhs to 10 lakhs |
6 lakhs to 14 lakhs USD 50,000 (41 lakhs) |
||
|
Data Visualisation Specialist |
Creates visual representations of data to make insights more accessible to stakeholders. |
7 lakhs to 12 lakhs |
7 lakhs to 13 lakhs USD 70,000 (58 lakhs) |
||
|
Analytics Consultant |
Works with organisations to develop and implement analytics strategies for improved decision-making. |
8 lakhs to 15 lakhs |
8 lakhs to 12 lakhs USD 75,000 (62 lakhs) |
This table format clearly distinguishes the job roles available after pursuing an MBA and a Master’s in Data Analytics, along with their respective descriptions.
From the Desk of Yocket
When choosing between an MBA in Data Analytics and a Master’s in Data Analytics, consider how each can advance your career in a data-driven world. An MBA combines business acumen with analytics, preparing you for leadership roles. A Master’s in Data Analytics, on the other hand, focuses on technical expertise, equipping you to analyze and interpret complex data.
By aligning your long-term goals with the unique skills each program offers, you can make an informed decision. For personalized support, book a free consultation with Yocket experts, who can guide you in selecting the ideal program and maximizing your potential in data analytics.
