The field of analytics has seen a massive and radical transformation after the rise of data science in recent times. Students who are interested in this emerging field often confused between the courses – MBA and MS in business analytics that can help them provide the right career path.
While the MBA was considered as a default option, the introduction of new programs and courses are giving new horizons to the students. To have a great career ahead, you need to choose the right course or program. Before we delve deep into the differences of these options, let us first understand these courses:
What is the MBA and MS in Business Analytics?
An MBA degree in business analytics mainly aims at providing the aspirants with an overall understanding of the functioning of the analytics industry. This degree may give a lowdown on the role that you required to perform in the company. While this course majorly attracts the managerial and senior roles, the degree provides aspirants with a good outline of various technicalities and intricacies of the field so that they will be able to troubleshoot issues whenever needed.
On the other hand, MS in Business Analytics is mainly focused on data interpretation and analysis. It is geared towards the technical-oriented roles and data-centric skills along with an overview of business strategies.
Course Content of MBA and MS in Business Analytics
Even though the course content may slightly vary from one institution to another and from one country to another, every course content covers some common topics. An MBA program in business analytics typically covers an understanding of several analytics technologies and tools to collect and analyze data while generating business insights and intelligence. It covers the following topics:
- Computer Simulation
- Decision Analysis
- Statistics
- Data Mining
- Optimization
- Artificial Intelligence
- Marketing
- Supply Chain
- Predictive Modeling
- Data Analytics and Modeling
- Designing Data Products
MS in business analytics emphasizes on technical subjects like machine learning, software engineering, analytical modeling along with hands-on experience in programming languages like Python, R, SAS, Hadoop, SQL, etc. This course equips with management, marketing, business fundamentals, financial planning, data review, qualitative and quantitative research, gap analysis, problem-solving skills, and so on.
Related:Â MBA in International Business vs. MBA in Marketing
Opportunities Available for MBA and MS in Business Analytics Students
When it comes to career and job opportunities in the industry, there is always a debate on which role gets more options along with higher-paying jobs. An MBA degree usually provides a wider horizon for job opportunities, while MS graduates generally lean towards job roles in data science, limiting the options available in this field.
Several reports have revealed that MBA degree holders typically get amazing salary growth. To conclude this, the earning potential and career opportunities are relatively higher for MBA graduates when compared to MS business analytics graduates.
What Should You Choose?
Having discussed the opportunities that both the job roles bring, the course should be chosen by keeping the interest, core capabilities, and career objectives of the candidate in mind. For instance, if you are willing to make your career in the field of data science, then MS in business analytics will be the right fit for you. On the other hand, if you want to broaden your horizons, an MBA degree in the same will be the best option.
Your decision also depends on the country you want to go to pursue the degree and the expenses that you are ready to bear and manage. You must check for the duration of the course as well to decide better.
What Do Employers Prefer?
Whether an aspirant is pursuing an MBA or MS, they can easily be recruited if they complete their education from a good and esteemed university or college. You can also choose the option of study abroad to acquire an international and globally recognized degree. In addition to a degree, employers also need the candidates to have the right set of skills to run processes and carry decisions.
For the analytics industry, both degrees can be quite competitive. Even though it is often debated as to which degree is better and offer more career opportunities, many leading employers might not even stress on the type of degree but look for the skills that a candidate brings to the table.
Final Words
No matter what decision you make will decide the career path for you, thus, adequate research about both the degree programs – MBA and MS in Business Analytics is extremely important. You can also make a list of the universities/colleges offering these programs and compare the course content, duration, post-study placements, course and tuition fees, etc. Then, based on these factors, you can decide whether you should go for an MBA program or MS program in business analytics.
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