Master of Science in Data Analytics

Advance your career in data analytics.

The discipline of data analytics approaches data from a business perspective. Integrating data science, managerial acumen, and effective communication, data analytics can inform decision-making across all areas of the organization. It allows organizations to improve efficiency, control costs, and gain competitive advantages. Because both data and software for analysis are more accessible and affordable for organizations, qualified data analysts are in high demand.

The 30-credit master of science program can be completed 100 percent online in about 24 months on a part-time basis. The curriculum layers foundational theories, advanced tools and techniques, and practical applications of analytics in business. In addition, the program is aligned with the Certified Analytics Professional (CAP®) Handbook. CAP is a global professional certification for analytics professionals.

The core requirements include six courses that provide the foundation for using data to solve business challenges. Students will also complete four elective courses to round out their degree plan—choosing from electives in accounting, finance, information technology, marketing, management, and occupational safety.

It is now easier and faster for organizations to acquire data, and software advances have made data analysis more affordable and accessible. As a result, qualified data analysts are in high demand.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, careers related to analytics—including operations research analysts, market research analysts, and management analysts—are expected to grow faster than average. As organizations become ever more reliant on effective uses of data, the increased demand for qualified professionals is expected to accelerate.

In 2022, operations research analysts earned a national median pay of $85,720 per year, market research analysts earned a national median pay of $68,230, and management analysts earned a national median pay of $95,290.

While most entry-level positions require a bachelor’s degree, the BLS reports that career opportunities are best for professionals with at least a master’s degree.

To ensure a high quality graduate student group, all MS in Data Analytics students must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution and meet graduate admission criteria, in addition to one of the MS in Data Analytics admission criteria provided below. Many applicants will qualify for admission without GMAT/GRE scores.

Our interactive evaluation form can help you review the admission requirements and the documentation needed for official admission review.

If you do not meet the graduate admission criteria, please email us to determine if you could be admitted on a conditional basis.

International students must meet additional criteria and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Contact us for information and assistance.

Data Analytics admission criteria

Applicants must satisfy any one of the criteria from any of the four categories.

Military Service

Qualified veteran or currently active military personnel

Education

AACSB- or ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher
Regionally-accredited bachelor’s degree with a 3.25 GPA or higher
Graduate degree from a regionally-accredited or equivalent institution
UW-Whitewater graduate business certificate

Work Experience

Four or more years of professional work experience
Two or more years of professional work experience with a 3.0 GPA
Approved professional certification

GMAT Scores*

A composite score of at least 1,100 based on the following formula
(GMAT score) + [200 x (overall undergraduate GPA based on a 4-point scale)]
A composite score of at least 1,150 based on the following formula
(GMAT score) + [200 x (last half of undergraduate GPA based on a 4-point scale)]
A composite score of 950 – 1,100 for consideration of conditional admission based on the following formula
(GMAT score) + [200 x (overall undergraduate GPA based on a 4-point scale)]

*GRE scores are converted to comparable GMAT scores