MBA Data Science vs MBA Business Analytics

Data plays an important role in various industries, whether analyzing quarterly e­arnings or conducting in-depth medical studies. It helps stakeholders make informed decisions and drive positive outcomes. The current trend suggests that data and business analytics will continue to transform how businesses operate, becoming an inte­gral part of every organization in the future.

Given the high demand for e­xperts in this field, pursuing a Master of Busine­ss Administration (MBA) degree focusing on data science and business analytics can position students for le­adership roles within this important and evolving area. Read on to learn more about these two online MBA degree­s.

Overview of MBA in Data Science

An MBA in Data Science is a two-year degree program that can be pursued by anyone who passes the basic eligibility criteria. The master’s degree course aims to teach students the knowledge and techniques to convert unstructured, semi-structured, or fully structured data into meaningful insights. These insights then assist businesses to develop or redesign their strategies and facilitate operational decision-making to devise a data-driven action plan.

The subjects commonly covered in the course are Structured Query Language (SQL), Data Visualization, Predictive Analytics, Python, Marketing Analytics, Information Security in Business, and Cloud Computing. The course entails a wide range of multi-paradigm languages used for programming and coding. The knowledge and expertise gained during the course come in handy in various fields like Marketing, Finance, Consumer Goods, Education, Services Industry, etc.

Overview of MBA in Business Analytics

MBA in Business Analytics is a four-semester learning program for students and professionals aspiring to advance in high-growth business analytics and big data. Three major skills an individual gains through the intensive learning curriculum are:

1. Collecting, organizing, data and performing data mining to identify patterns and trends
2. Conducting a predictive analysis
3. Creating data-driven strategies that drive success

A business analyst is a facilitator in an organization to make business operations and systems function more seamlessly and efficiently. Business analysts possess strong critical-thinking skills that help them determine, implement, and evaluate business metrics to meet company or customer information needs.

MBA Data Science vs MBA Business Analytics

Comparing data science and business analytics programs can help you decide the ideal program for your career goals and inclinations. While MBA Business Analytics combines business fundamentals with data analysis to make informed decisions, MBA Data Science emphasizes statistical analysis techniques to find patterns in the data collected.

• Eligibility Criteria

The MBA Business Analytics and MBA Data Science typically require a bachelor’s degree in BCom/BBA/BTech or any equivalent degree with a minimum of 50% (45% for reserved category) from a recognized university. Candidates awaiting results of degree examinations can also apply subject to degree submission before the course’s commencement.

• Skillset

An MBA in business analytics helps students and professionals build a strong foundation of mathematical analytics and algorithms for data science. The program equips individuals with technical expertise by imparting a conceptual and working understanding of tools and programming languages required to translate data sources into tangible solutions.

Conversely, through a master’s in data science, an individual learns the fundamentals of business economics necessary for decision-making, business analytics, and statistics. Additionally, the candidate gains leadership and team management skills that help them lead and work with cross-functional teams.

• Curriculum

The MBA in Business Analytics course curriculum covers business fundamentals while training you to consider business from a data-driven perspective. Modules typically entail the following topics in detail:

1. Managerial Economics
2. Data Modeling
3. Statistical Analysis
4. Business Intelligence
5. Legal and Ethical Aspects of Analytics
6. Corporate Communication
7. Project Management
8. Risk Management 
9. Predictive Analysis

On the other hand, the course curriculum for an MBA in data science typically entails data-focused topics like:

1. Database Management
2. Social Media Analytics
3. Data Mining for Business Analytics
4. Data Science in Markets
5. Marketing Analytics
6. Regression Analysis

• Career Opportunities

With the growing demand for professionals with knowledge and expertise in data analysis, career opportunities in business analytics are witnessing a boom. Some of the most lucrative job opportunities with an MBA in business analytics include the following:

1. Business Analyst

These are professionals responsible for improving a company’s processes, products, services, and systems. They identify what’s technologically and financially feasible to propel an organization’s growth and success. A business analytics job has relevance in almost every field, including e-commerce, education, finance, banking, agriculture, logistics, manufacturing, etc.

2. Data Analyst

A data analyst works with the data collected through primary or secondary sources, facilitating decision-making. They conduct surveys, gather information, and convert the data in an easy-to-understand manner.

3. HR Analyst

HR analysts bring a new dimension to the role of HR, where data and insights back employee decisions. The statistical analysis thus performed helps the organization find better candidates, mitigate turnover or absenteeism, motivate the current workforce, and fix staffing issues.

Additionally, MBA Business Analytics can also apply for the job roles of Marketing Analyst, Supply Chain Analyst, Financial Analyst, etc.

Master’s in Data science on the other hand also promises bright career prospects, given the surging demand for skilled professionals. Some of the job roles professionals with MBA data science play in the industries mentioned above are: 

1. Data Analyst
2. Data Scientist 
3. Data Engineer 
4. Product Analyst 
5. Machine Learning Engineer 
6. Decision Scientist

Data Analyst vs Data Scientist vs Data Engineer:

Job Role	Data Analyst	Data Scientist	Data Engineer
Responsibility	– Visualize and interpret data	– Source and analyze data – Run experiments to uncover patterns and trends	– Building data pipelines – Optimizing organizations’ big data
Skills	– Data Visualization – Analytical skills	– Data modeling – Analytical skills – Problem-solving	– Data and web service integration – Knowledge of databases and data warehouses
Tools	– SQLExcelTableau	– Python – SQL – Tableau  – Machine learning	– Java – C++ – Python – Hadoop

• Industries to Explore

Career paths with an MBA in Data Science and an MBA in Business Analytics include opportunities in various industries, such as consulting firms, IT companies, financial institutions, e-commerce companies, healthcare organizations, retail, agriculture, banking, and marketing agencies. MBA in Data Science also finds use in the insurance, travel industry, gaming, and aerospace and defence sectors.

MAHE’s MBA and Our Specializations

Business professionals seeking a high-growth career trajectory with large income potential may want to consider getting their degree in data science or business analytics.

Specialized MBA programs for data professionals from Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) provide essential skills in business analytics and data science. Candidate­s can choose between online­ and on-campus courses, ensuring a caree­r-enhancing experience. The curriculum offers compre­hensive training in both theore­tical principles and practical data analysis applications in business contexts.

Conclusion

As data science and business analysis continue to grow in popularity, more companies seek MBA graduate­s with strong analytical skills. Choosing between data science and business analytics is difficult, as both specializations present promising career opportunities. The demand for professionals with an MBA in Business Analytics or Data Science has significantly increased. Hence, pursuing a career in any of these specializations can unlock new doors and pave­ your path toward your dream career.