While the MSBA is a highly specialized study option that teaches advanced data science and business intelligence, the MBA is a general management degree designed for aspiring business leaders. The two options differ in their curricula and in the career outcomes they prepare students for.
If you want to specialize in a quantitative field like analytics and build a data-driven career, the MSBA is a suitable option. If you already have a few years of work experience and want to grow your business and leadership potential, an MBA might be a strong opportunity to achieve that.
What Is an MSBA? A Focused Approach to Analytics
You will mostly encounter the abbreviation MSBA in US graduate schools, but that doesn’t mean you can’t study business analytics elsewhere – you might just see it under a different name. ESMT Berlin (Germany) offers a Master in Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (MAAI), London Business School (UK) has a Masters in Analytics and Management (MAM), while at ESSEC Business School (France) students could opt for the Master in Data Sciences & Business Analytics (DSBA).
Regardless of the specific abbreviation, this type of program usually awards graduates with a Master of Science degree. It is designed for people with a quantitative background who want to further specialize in the field and solve business problems with analytical tools.
Core Curriculum: Advanced Data Science and Business Intelligence
When it comes to MSBA program details, the curriculum is one of the first places to look to gain more insights about this degree. Core courses almost always include programming languages such as R and Python, focusing on data analysis and machine learning applications. Data management is integral to ensure that students can efficiently handle large datasets. Subjects like applied statistics, econometrics, and machine learning are essential for building a solid analytical foundation.
On the business side of the program, you can expect courses in business economics, strategy, and organizational behavior. Subjects with a focus on business communication teach students to convey analytical findings to non-technical audiences, while data visualization is crucial for presenting data insights clearly.
Typical Candidate Profiles
Based on the core curriculum of programs like Master’s in Data Analytics or Business Analytics, you can see they are suitable for candidates who already have a knack for fields like science, mathematics, or economics. Problem solvers who want to dive deeper into technical or quantitative topics while also developing their business potential will feel in the right place.
To demonstrate their quantitative background, applicants need to either have a relevant Bachelor’s degree, or present a strong aptitude test score such as GMAT or GRE. These tests assess the analytical and problem-solving abilities of candidates.
No experience in business is necessary, as the career paths after an MSBA for tech professionals are diverse. Take as an example Nivedha Gautham Raj, who studied at the Tepper School of Business (US). She discovered she could combine her passion for tennis with her engineering expertise to build a career in sports analytics. “This realization has guided my pursuit of a graduate degree in business analytics, where I aim to leverage data-driven insights to enhance performance and strategy in the tennis world,” she highlights.
Comparing the MBA and MSBA: Curriculum and Outcomes
Unlike Master of Science programs in data or business analytics, MBA programs in general management are not nearly as focused on technical fields. Many business schools offer electives or specialization tracks in analytics. However, their main goal is equipping students with the skillset to lead teams, overcome challenging business scenarios, and make important decisions.
Management vs Analytics Skillsets
The MSBA is highly technical, with emphasis on statistical analysis and data mining. The MBA, on the other hand, has strategic breadth and prioritizes leadership, finance, and marketing skills, while analytics is just one component of the program.
An MBA with data analytics focus could be a strong fit for professionals who want to enter or continue growing in a tech-related field, but in managerial roles. Just like Malene Rohde from South Africa, who chose the MBA in AI, Data & Analytics at the University of Amsterdam (the Netherlands): “I studied industrial engineering in South Africa, then joined First National Bank in Johannesburg as a business process engineer. After a while, I realized that I wanted to further my education,” she says and adds: “I started looking around, but couldn’t decide between a Master’s in data science, very focused, or something exploring the broader field of data analytics and AI. Then I came across this MBA in Amsterdam.”
Flexibility and Career Applications
The preference for building a career in analytics vs management career should also influence your decision. Depending on the specific program, opting for an MBA leaves more flexibility to pursue diverse career paths after graduation compared to a highly specialized MSBA for tech professionals. As the MBA is designed to train confident and empathetic leaders, it gives students the opportunity to land a job in various roles across different industries, even if they’re not strictly technical in nature.
An MBA with data analytics focus can open doors for positions such as:
- Analytics Manager
- Director of Strategic Operations
- Business Strategy Consultant
- Digital Transformation Leader
- Product Strategy Manager
A Master’s in Business Analytics will prepare students for more technical, hands-on analytics roles:
- Data Scientist/Data Analyst
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Predictive Analytics Specialist
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Marketing Analytics Manager
Which Degree Aligns With Your Career Aspirations?
Choosing between MSBA vs MBA depends on your professional goals and background. If you’re seeking deep technical skills in data analysis, the Master’s in Business Analytics offers a specialized path with strong programming and statistical training. Conversely, if you’re aiming for leadership roles that make the most of data and analytics strategically, an MBA provides broader management perspectives.
Start by considering your current skill set and long-term career objectives. Tech-oriented professionals might find the MSBA more aligned with their aspirations, while those looking for executive potential will benefit from the MBA’s general business approach. Some programs even offer hybrid options, blending technical insights with strategic management.
The most important thing is that both degrees can propel your career in the data-driven world of business – it all depends on your desired impact.
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