The Top Business Intelligence MBA Online Programs

In today’s competitive business world, organizations must actively gather, store and evaluate data to effectively and accurately predict the immediate and long-term futures of their businesses. For this reason, numerous companies seek employees who have educational backgrounds in business intelligence.  Today, many online MBA schools offer concentrations in business intelligence.

An online Master of Business Administration in Business Intelligence prepares students for high-demanding jobs in the areas of data analysis and management as well as statistical methods and financial analysis and marketing.  Several top online MBA business intelligence programs provide students with fundamental skills in database systems, data visualization, business modeling and managerial leadership.  Students of business intelligence will also participate in enterprise data, performance management, supply-chain management and customer relations. Some programs also offer more specialized courses such as business intelligence in healthcare.

How can I tell if an online MBA business intelligence degree is right for me?

A business intelligence MBA online is for people pursuing careers with passion in market research, data warehousing and executive administration.

Some other characteristics that are common amongst many online MBA business intelligence students include:

• A flair for interacting with computers
• An ability for thinking creatively
• A flair for establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships
• A propensity for updating and using relevant knowledge
• A capability for communicating with supervisors, peers, or subordinates

How long does it take to earn an MBA online Business Intelligence degree?

A business intelligence MBA degree online takes approximately the same time to finish as any other MBA online. To earn this degree it typically requires 2 years of full-time schooling. However, students are able to earn the MBA at their own pace at some institutions that offer part-time or accelerated programs.

What are the prerequisites and admission requirements for MBA business intelligence schools online?

A bachelor’s degree is generally required before students can gain admission to online MBA business intelligence programs. While having an undergraduate degree in subjects such as operations research, applied statistics, statistics, and business administration may be ideal for those considering enrolling in a good MBA business intelligence online program, it is generally not required.

Many online MBA in business intelligence programs also base admission on the following criteria:

• Essays
• Personal interviews
• References or Letters of Recommendation
• Academic transcripts

What courses will I take in business intelligence MBA programs online?

Most accredited online business intelligence MBA schools require all students to take base courses in accounting, economics, finance, data analysis, operations management and marketing. Students develop a strong understanding of business administration concepts during the first-year of a business intelligence MBA online program. A few colleges with the best online business intelligence MBA rankings expect incoming students to be proficient in writing, calculus and business software applications as these skills are prerequisites of typical first-year coursework.

The second year of an online MBA in business intelligence commonly consists of specialized courses in database systems, data warehousing, data mining, global enterprise systems, management decision-making and business database design.  Students working towards an online Master of Business Administration in Business Intelligence often take specific electives such as fraud detection, financial forecasting or database security.

Students enrolled in online business intelligence MBA programs often do internships in order to enhance their education. These internships can be very helpful. Through them, students get an opportunity to put their learning into practical use. They also often make good business contacts.

What are the best online MBA in business intelligence books I should consider reading?

For students interested in business intelligence MBA careers, some insightful books include:

1. Business Intelligence: Making Better Decisions Faster (Stacia Misner) – Misner introduces the practice of business intelligence, with several real-life examples.

2. Information Dashboard Design: The Effective Communication of Data (Stephen Few) –The author presents a comprehensive look at creating dashboards for data presentation.

3. The Data Warehouse Toolkit: The Complete Guide to Dimensional Modeling (Ralph Kimball, Margy Ross-Wiley) – Authoritative, yet simple to comprehend, this text compiles dozens of modeling techniques for warehouse design.

4. Competing on Analytics: The New Science of Winning (Thomas Davenport, Jeanne Harris, Gary Loveman) – This book is a powerful look at how modern businesses compete, and in-depth reviews of current data analysis, modeling and forecasting tools.

5. Head First Data Analysis Statistics: A Learner’s Guide to Big Numbers, Statistics and Good Decisions (Michael Milton) –In this book, the author explains the best methods for collecting data for specific types of companies.

What are my future job prospects if I pursue Business Intelligence MBA jobs?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists several career options for people completing their MBA business intelligence online degrees. Graduates can count on a competitive and profitable business intelligence MBA salary upon entering the workforce. The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not provide specific information on the total number of business intelligence jobs available in the United States to date.

• Management Analyst – $78,160
• Operations Research Analyst – $70,960
• Statisticians – $72,830
• Financial Analyst – $74, 350

Those with an MBA online business intelligence degree, can expect analyst professions to grow at a 15% rate over the next decade. This increase in job growth is primarily because companies need different types of analysts to help make accurate predictions based on previously collected data. This makes students who earn degrees from business intelligent MBA schools online or offline in demand.

Many employers want graduates who have graduated from AACSB accredited business intelligence MBA programs. Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accreditation generally is evidence that that a business school gives students a quality education.