From Raw Data to Strategic Insights: Skills Gained with the MS BIDA
From Raw Data to Strategic Insights: Skills Gained in the M.S. BIDA Program Transforming raw data into a strategic, actionable... Read More
Online Master’s in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics Degree
Inform the Decision-Making of Top Executives Using Data
Learn to uncover the root causes of organizational challenges, communicate with stakeholders, and implement successful solutions with the online Master of Science in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics (M.S. BIDA) program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. You’ll build business intelligence, artificial intelligence, and big-data analytics skills that directly apply to the real world. By graduation, you’ll be a go-to professional who can be counted on to determine cause-and-effect relationships and suggest sound problem-solving strategies.
The online master’s in business intelligence and data analytics degree fuels your decision-making with the perspective of multiple stakeholders and the power of data analytics. It shows you how to access, analyze, and communicate your answers to questions regarding financial decisions, supply chain efficiency, and workforce optimization.
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The M.S. BIDA Difference
Increase your success by choosing a business intelligence and data analytics degree focused on your professional growth. With Saint Mary’s online M.S. BIDA program, you’ll build the innovative leadership skills you need to further your business career, plus the flexibility you need to prioritize your education without interrupting your personal schedule. You’ll receive support and expert instruction from industry leaders while accessing your courses through a flexible, fully online learning platform.
Program Highlights
- An application-based program
- Three certificate offerings to tailor your studies
- Python language offered
- GRE/GMAT not required
- Discover scholarships available through our partnerships with several regional and national employers. See if your employer is part of our Trusted Partnership Program. Learn more.
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s MS Business Intelligence and Data Analytics program is proudly affiliated with the International Institute for Business Analytics (IIBA). The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to align with the IIBA’s standards for the Business Analytics Body of Knowledge. This strategic alignment provides students with a unique opportunity to enhance their career potential as they pursue their studies. Additionally, students have the option to prepare for an IIBA exam during their coursework, further enhancing their qualifications in the field of business intelligence and data analytics. This affiliation ensures that graduates are well-prepared to excel in the ever-evolving world of business analytics.
M.S. BIDA Program Accreditation
This program is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), recognizing our commitment to delivering business education that aligns with the university’s mission of developing confident, competent, and ethical leaders for today’s changing business environment.
This accreditation not only reflects the high quality of our graduates — who possess in-demand skills valued by employees — but also reflects the strong presence of the Lasallian mission in action, as witnessed by the IACBE in every interaction with students, alumni, faculty, staff, leaders, and external business partners. At Saint Mary’s, we deliver on our promises. They go beyond words — they’re a commitment we live by.
Course List & Requirements
The online Master of Science in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics program offers a curriculum that draws on industry trends, insights from experienced faculty, and technological advancements. To earn the degree, you’ll complete 11 courses, including five core courses, a capstone experience, one MBA course, and four courses from your chosen certificate program.
Alumni Testimonial
“All of the professors’ thoughtfulness, attentiveness, and responsiveness were beyond my expectations. The projects they assigned were directly applicable to a business setting.”
– Regan Luker, 2020 MS BIDA Online Graduate
Specialize with Graduate Certificates
Saint Mary’s offers graduate certificates so you can specialize your degree and accelerate your advancement potential. Choose from the following:
Share Your Success
Saint Mary’s supports your success by providing you with the tools necessary to not only achieve your professional goals but to share them with the world—especially the digital world.
As part of our commitment, Saint Mary’s offers an opportunity for you to be awarded digital badges. Digital badges are a graphic verification representing your achievement after completing a specific online course or program.
Admissions
Ready to apply? Learn about taking the next steps.
General Requirements
- Applicants may apply for admission to master’s degree and graduate certificate programs at any time during the year.
- Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution and maintained an overall grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale.
- Applicants must demonstrate the language proficiency necessary for successful graduate coursework.
Prerequisite Coursework and Experience
No prior experience is necessary beyond an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution
GMAT and GRE Exam Scores
GMAT and GRE scores are not required.
Transfer Credits
Students may transfer a maximum of six semester credits earned before admittance upon recommendation of the program director and with approval of the dean.
All transfer credits are also subject to both graduate school and programmatic criteria.
English Language Proficiency
Students with transcripts from universities located outside of the United States, unless from a waiver country listed here, are required to take and pass English Proficiency testing.
Saint Mary’s accepts:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 4 (formerly 72)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.0
- Duolingo with a minimum score of 105
- International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP) with a minimum score of 4.0
- Pearson Test of English with a score of 51
- EIKEN with a minimum of Pre-1
- Manchester Exam with a minimum score of 360
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following:
1. Completed application form.2. An official transcript(s) issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from the institution posting the applicant’s completed bachelor’s degree and other relevant transcripts documenting program prerequisites and potential transfer credits. (An official transcript is one that is sent to the university by the credit-granting institution.)
Saint Mary’s can order and cover the cost of transcripts from institutions that allow third-party requests for eligible degree-seeking applicants. Contact your enrollment counselor for more information.
Transcripts from countries other than the U.S. must be evaluated on a course by course basis by a university accepted evaluation service, such as World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, Educational Perspectives, One Earth International Credential Evaluators or any approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES.org) and be deemed equivalent to accredited U.S. university standards.
Application Materials should be directed to the Office of Admission
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
2500 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Or electronically: tcadmission@smumn.edu
Application Deadlines
Fall semester term 1 – August 1
Fall semester term 2 – October 1
Spring semester term 1 – December 1
Spring semester term 2 – February 1
Summer semester term 1 – April 1
Summer semester term 2 – June 1
Notice of Acceptance
You can expect to be notified about your acceptance approximately two weeks following your application completion date.
Tuition and Fees
A college education is invaluable. You can take it wherever you want to go or as far as you want to go. The cost of quality education should not get in the way of reaching your goals. Here at Saint Mary’s, we are committed to providing an accessible, quality education that is focused on enhancing your personal and professional growth. Explore cost breakdowns for tuition and other fees of the Master of Science in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics program.
Master's in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics Careers & Salary
No longer does a master’s in business intelligence and data analytics belong to just the math-minded programmer. Business intelligence and analytics inform decision-making and drive optimum results in marketing, business development, purchasing, human resources, accounting, customer service, and more. Our graduates have gone on to pursue careers as Data Analysts, Project Managers, Consultants, Systems Analysts, Operations Analysts, Data Engineers, and more. Many of our students have reported getting jobs or promotions in the field within the first four classes of the M.S. BIDA program. You can advance in one of the following careers that are popular for M.S. BIDA graduates:
Computer and Information Research Scientist
$131,4901Data Scientist
$167,0402Financial and Investment Analyst
$166,5603Management Analyst
$93,0004Operations Research Analyst
$82,3605Business Analyst
$83,1106AI Developer
$104,2967
9%
growth rate is expected for management occupations from 2020 to 20308
What You'll Learn
As a graduate of this program, you will be able to:
- Analyze the economic and marketing impact on business operations and objectives
- Work with imperfect data to find the perfect solution
- Categorize consumer behavior and assess its influence over buying decisions
- Adapt technology and software solutions to build business intelligence capabilities
- Improve data collection capabilities
- Assess the cause of conflict in organization settings
- Apply ethical strategies to manage conflicts in diverse environments
- Articulate assumptions, analyses, and interpretations of data in an oral format
Alumni Testimonial
“The program has helped me develop better problem solving, deeper critical thinking, and has enhanced my analytical mind set.”
– Anthony Houle, 2022 MS BIDA Online Graduate
Saint Mary's University's Center for Business Analytics
Saint Mary’s University’s Center for Business Analytics is a dynamic initiative that aligns perfectly with our institution’s core objectives: fostering community engagement, driving workforce development, and establishing ourselves as a regional hub for activities in the fields of business analytics and cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence. With some of the region’s premier business intelligence and data analytics programs, across multiple campuses, our Center’s mission is to harness these strengths for the betterment of our community. We are dedicated to providing sustainable educational seminars and workshops to a diverse audience, including military veterans, low-income residents, and the underserved. Our primary goals include developing a robust, industry-centered workforce pipeline, advancing industry-relevant research through partnerships, and becoming a recognized hub for thought leadership and cross-institutional collaboration in the exciting realms of business analytics and technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my degree say that it is from an online program?
No. The degree you earn online from Saint Mary's is identical to the degree offered on campus.
Is this program accredited?
Yes. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Are there set times when I can start the program?
You may apply for admission at any time. After you are admitted, you may begin taking online classes at the start of any semester: Spring, Summer, or Fall.
How long does the program take?
You will complete 36 credit hours of program work in as little as one year (completion times may vary).
Is there a campus residency requirement, or is the program entirely online?
The program is fully online. You do not need to attend Saint Mary's ground campuses.
Will I be required to attend online classes during set times?
No. As long as you submit assignments by their due dates, you can work and study when it's most convenient for you.
Is this a self-paced program?
No, these are instructor-led courses. While there are no set class times, there are assignments with set due dates.
What are the admissions requirements?
All eligibility and admissions requirements can be found on the program's Overview page.
Are there any special technology requirements I need for my coursework?
Yes. Certain coursework requires software only compatible with a Windows-based PC and will not properly work on a Mac. You will either need a Windows PC or partition your Mac so that the required Windows OS software is available.
What type of support is available to me? What if I have a question about homework or need help with a technical issue?
All support systems available to on-campus students are available to online learners as well — academic advisers, professors (reachable by phone or email), a dedicated student services coordinator, and 24/7 technical support at 877-308-9954 ext. 3.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. Many types of financial aid are available to those who qualify. Call 877-308-9954 to speak with an enrollment counselor.
How do I get started?
Call 877-308-9954 to speak with an enrollment counselor, request more information online, or go directly to the Online Application Process.
What is a Master's in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics?
A Master's in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics (M.S. BIDA) is a graduate degree that teaches professionals how to collect, analyze, and interpret large datasets to inform strategic business decisions. At Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, the program covers AI, big-data analytics, Python, and business intelligence tools — preparing graduates for roles like Data Scientist, Business Analyst, and Operations Research Analyst.
Is Saint Mary's online M.S. in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics accredited?
Yes. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and the M.S. BIDA program is additionally accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). The program is also affiliated with the International Institute for Business Analysis (IIBA).
How much does the online Master's in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics cost at Saint Mary's?
Tuition for the M.S. BIDA program is $775 per credit. The program requires 33 credits, making the estimated total tuition approximately $25,575. Scholarships may be available through Saint Mary's Trusted Partnership Program with regional and national employers.
How long does it take to complete an online Master's in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics?
The M.S. BIDA program at Saint Mary's can be completed in approximately two years, though some students finish in as little as one year depending on course load. The program consists of 33 credit hours and offers multiple start dates throughout the year — in the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters.
What can you do with a Master's in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics?
Graduates of the M.S. BIDA program pursue careers across industries in roles such as Data Scientist (avg. $167,040), Financial & Investment Analyst (avg. $166,560), Computer & Information Research Scientist (avg. $131,490), Business Analyst, Operations Research Analyst, Data Engineer, and AI Developer. The degree is applicable across healthcare, finance, marketing, supply chain, and HR sectors.
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Sources and Disclaimer
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Computer and Information Research Scientists.” April 18, 2022. Retrieved on June 14, 2022, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Data Scientists.” March 31, 2022. Retrieved on June 14, 2022, from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes152051.htm.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Financial and Investment Analysts.” March 31, 2022. Retrieved on June 14, 2022, from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes132051.htm.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Management Analysts.” April 18, 2022. Retrieved on June 14, 2022, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Operations Research Analysts.” April 27, 2022. Retrieved on June 14, 2022, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/operations-research-analysts.htm.
- Salary.com. “Business Analyst.” Retrieved on January 8, 2024, from https://www.salary.com/research/salary/listing/business-analyst-salary.
- Salary.com. “AI Developer.” December 27, 2023. Retrieved on January 8, 2024, from https://www.salary.com/research/salary/posting/ai-developer-salary.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Management Occupations.” April 18, 2022. Retrieved on June 8, 2022, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/home.htm.
*Completion times may vary