Data analytics professionals guide organizational direction through data-driven insights, far beyond traditional number-crunching tasks. Corporate culture now drives the business industry, including organizations of all sizes, operations and functions.
Advanced education has become essential for data analytics professionals seeking to meet the demands of today’s data-driven workplace. The online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Concentration in Data Analytics program from Southeastern Oklahoma State University equips students with practical tools and leadership skills to turn data insights into business outcomes.
Data Analytics Drives Business
“Big data,” a term popularized by McKinsey Global Institute in its May 2011 report, has become a critical business asset. Organizations are increasingly using predictive and prescriptive analytics to make informed business decisions, optimize processes and enhance customer experience.
Analyzing data involves organizing, interpreting and structuring assets into contextual and actionable information for business leaders. It is precisely what enables professionals to solve problems, develop reliable projections and generate insights upon which critical business decisions are based. Data analytics strategies and leadership are essential to any competitive business.
There are three main disciplines within data analytics:
- Descriptive statistics quantitatively describe features in sets of data.
- Predictive analytics uses various statistical techniques, including predictive modeling, machine learning and data mining, to make predictions.
- Prescriptive analytics involves applying math and computational sciences to suggest decisions that leverage predictive analytics and descriptive statistics.
Distinct Job Markets Afford Diverse Opportunities
No matter which specific career path you choose after earning your MBA, you will likely utilize data analytics. Many working professionals choose to focus squarely on analytics, where opportunities for high-demand positions continue to develop. For these positions, training in a specialized MBA program provides a career advantage by developing problem-solving abilities, broad business acumen and soft skills such as communication and teamwork.
Graduates of the Southeastern MBA with a Concentration in Data Analytics online degree are equipped to enter analytics-enabled jobs and data science roles. High-level executive roles in the analytics field include operations analyst, supply chain manager, business intelligence analyst and marketing manager. PWC reports that analytics is accelerating innovation and reshaping modern businesses.
High Demand Awaits MBA Graduates
The high demand for data analytics professionals is projected to grow. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the following median annual salaries and projected growth rates between 2024-2034 for different data analytics jobs:
- Operations research analysts (related to a data analyst) earn $91,290 per year, with a 21% projected job growth rate.
- Market research analysts earn $76,950 per year with a 7% projected job growth rate.
- Management analysts earn $101,190 per year with a 9% expected job growth rate.
The median pay for each of these positions tends to be higher for MBA graduates than those with bachelor’s degrees — the minimum education standard for some positions. Related occupations for mathematicians, statisticians, information security analysts and economists all have strong job growth and compensation projections as well.
The recent surge in the data analytics and AI industry is largely driven by advances in data collection and AI technologies, prompting companies to accelerate their investments. According to Wavestone’s 2024 Data and AI Leadership Executive Survey, the majority of firms now report significant investment in data and AI initiatives, with over 60% of organizations allocating substantial budgets to these technologies.
The growing investments in data and AI highlight an urgent need for skilled analytics professionals. Organizations are actively seeking well-trained individuals who can turn data into actionable business insights. Southeastern’s online MBA with a Concentration in Data Analytics degree was developed in collaboration with leading state and regional employers to prepare graduates for these critical roles. With demand for data-savvy leaders continuing to rise, MBA graduates with expertise in data analytics are well-positioned to capitalize on these opportunities.
Learn more about Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s online MBA with Concentration in Data Analytics program.