Key Information:
- Indiana Wesleyan University has the #1 top school for a fast online analytics bachelor’s degree.
- Fast online bachelor’s in analytics cover various aspects of analytics, from data mining to predictive analytics.
- Graduates are prepared for high-demand roles in analytics, enhancing their employability and potential for career advancement.
An online accelerated data analytics bachelor’s degree is a great way to earn your degree if you want to reduce the amount of time you spend in school and apply for jobs that will allow you to get work. The advantages associated with an online accelerated degree program are numerous. First, you complete your studies online. This means that you can study when it’s most convenient for you. Your coursework must be completed by specific deadlines that are set by the school.
Another advantage of an online accelerated data analytics program is that you can complete your studies at the school of your choice no matter how much distance separates you from the school. While you are completing your studies, you have the option to apply at jobs that are within your specific industry of choice. You can learn valuable skills and gain experience by working side by side with people who have been in the business for several years. This type of experience can be invaluable since much of what the older works know is no longer taught in school. While technology is the name of the game, the fact is the knowledge has been around for much longer than that. Their information is an excellent backup resource if the time comes when the advanced tools provided by technology aren’t readily available.
Methodology: Ranking the Best Online Accelerated Data Analytics Degree Programs
For working adults who want to complete their online bachelor’s in analytics quickly, speed is important, so Bachelor’s Degree Center editors started our ranking by seeking out schools that provide an accelerated path to a degree. But quality comes first, so these accredited programs are also ranked according to their cost, salary potential, and student reviews, using data from Niche, IPEDS, and College Scorecard.
1. Indiana Wesleyan University
Indiana Wesleyan University’s BS in Marketing with a concentration in marketing analytics is one of the best online accelerated data analytics degree programs in the country. The program teaches students to develop problem-solving and business analytics skills and apply them to marketing. Students learn to solve complex business problems using data analysis and critical thinking. Courses include economics principles for managers, foundations of marketing analytics, management perspectives, predictive marketing analytics, statistics for marketers, and data mining for marketers.
Indiana Wesleyan University is a Christian institution that is committed to producing graduates who are strong in leadership, scholarship, and character and ready to take on the world. The school emphasizes a commitment to Christian service, stewardship, and leadership. Indiana Wesleyan’s story is one of innovation, growth, and faithfulness.
Highlight: The core marketing program and one specialization can be completed in just 12 months.
Degree: BS in Marketing Analytics Online — 12 months
Indiana Wesleyan University’s BS in Marketing
2. Rasmussen College
Rasmussen College offers a bachelor’s degree in data analytics that is one of the best online accelerated data analytics bachelors degree programs available. The program’s curriculum is focused on preparing students for their careers and has integrated opportunities for hands-on learning. The program is flexible to accommodate students’ needs. Students earn their Data Analytics SAS Joint Certificate upon completion of the relevant courses. This program prepares students to solve business problems using data analytics.
Rasmussen College is focused on its students’ needs, including affordable tuition and innovative programs. The school has scholarship opportunities available to help students finance their education. There is a generous transfer program, allowing students to get credit for the work they have already completed at other schools. Rasmussen offers a flexible curriculum that allows students to balance their education with their other responsibilities.
Highlight: This program can be completed in as little as 18 months.
Degree: BS in Data Analytics Online — 18 months
Rasmussen College BS in Data Analytics
3. Liberty University
The Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a concentration in data analytics from Liberty University is one of the best online accelerated data analytics degree programs. This program is perfect for students who are interested in both business and data analytics. Students learn how to use data to influence important business decisions. The program covers business analytics, data collection methods, predictive and prescriptive analytics, finding patterns in data, and using SQL and data modeling to help businesses make better decisions. The program is 100% online.
Liberty University is an evangelical Christian college with a strong liberal arts curriculum. The school has more than 400 online programs that are available to students around the world. Liberty trains students who love God and want to serve Him while serving their communities. The school emphasizes research, academic theory, and hands-on training. Liberty strives to prepare students to embrace and adapt to changes in the workforce.
Highlight: Students can transfer up to 75% of the program.
Degree: BBA in Data Analytics Online — transfer 75%
Liberty University BBA in Data Analytics
4. Maryville University
Maryville University offers an online bachelor’s in data science that is one of the best online accelerated data analytics bachelors degree programs online. This program prepares students to make informed business decisions by correctly interpreting relevant data. Students learn the data analytics skills they need to succeed in the lucrative data analytics field. Courses include math modeling – Excel, introduction to Python, calculus III, SAS programming, probability I and II, mathematical statistics, and machine learning.
Maryville University takes a personal approach to learning. Students have individualized support from a student advisor throughout their entire program. Each student creates a personalized educational path to help them meet their career goals. Maryville believes that everyone except the classroom work should be easy. That’s why the school helps students navigate the admissions process and provides support service to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Highlight: Students can transfer up to 88 credits.
Degree: BS in Data Science Online — transfer 88 credits
Maryville University BS in Data Science
5. American Public University
Students searching for the best online accelerated data analytics degree might be interested in the BS in Business Analytics from American Public University. Students learn to apply data mining and analytics to help their companies make better decisions. Hands-on learning is incorporated into the program, allowing students the opportunity to work with fictional data sets to solve realistic business problems. Graduates are prepared to excel in their careers as data scientists, analytic system designers, and business analysts.
American Public University offers more than 200 certificates and degrees, and classes start every month. The tuition is affordable and financial aid is available. The school has awarded more than 100,000 degrees since 1995 and has over 90,000 alumni. American Public University caters to working adults, so the average student age is 32.
Highlight: 72% of graduates do not need to take out student loans while enrolled at APU.
Degree: BS in Business Analytics Online — transfer 90 credits
BS in Business Analytics from American Public University
6. Bay Path University
The business analytics program at Bay Path University is one of the best online accelerated data analytics bachelors degree programs available. The program teaches students how to manage and analyze data in order to make better business decisions. Students learn to incorporate data from multiple sources, set up models that help them understand the data, and make the data understandable to their managers and other business leaders. The program covers computer software applications that organize and manipulate data.
Bay Path University is proud of its entrepreneurial roots. The school is constantly innovating to adapt the academic experience to each student’s needs. Bay Path helps students find the connection from classroom learning to leadership training to experience that sets them on the path to success. The school’s motto, Carpe Diem, reminds students to seize not just the day, but every moment, before the opportunity passes them by.
Highlight: Students can take part in travel opportunities such as the Capitals of the World trip or the One America trip.
Degree: BS in Business Analytics Online — transfer 90 credits
7. Colorado Tech University
Colorado Technical University offers a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in data analytics that is one of the best online accelerated data analytics degree programs around. This program prepares students for careers as highly-skilled data professionals. Students learn how to analyze data in order to make better business decisions. The programs covers managerial skills, teaches students how to communicate their findings, and familiarizes students with data analytics. This online program is flexible enough to accommodate students’ schedules.
Colorado Technological University focuses on using innovative technology to serve a diverse population. The school gives students options so they can decide when, where, and how to pursue their degrees. The school is dedicated to flexibility, innovation, and excellence. CTU incorporates advanced technology into the curriculum and uses it to provide students with a better learning experience.
Highlight: Fast Track™ exams allow students to earn credit for what they already know.
Degree: BSBA in Data Analytics Online — transfer 90 credits
Colorado Technical University BS in Business Administration
8. Grand Canyon University
The BS in Business Analytics from Grand Canyon University is one of the best online accelerated data analytics bachelors degree programs in the US. This program provides students with a strong foundation in both business and data analytics. Students learn how data can influence business decisions and practices. Students learn accounting, marketing, finance, management, and economics. They learn to apply data mining and data visualization skills and use models to make informed decisions. The program covers information literacy, business analytics, business operations, and communication.
Grand Canyon University is a Christian school that has been around for over 65 years. The school is committed to a Christian worldview and to continued growth and expansion. GCU is making changes to both its on-campus facilities and online offerings to make room for the growing number of students attending the school.
Highlight: GCU also offers an Applied Business Analytics degree, which focuses less on business and more on data mining, database structures, and project management.
Degree: BS in Business Analytics Online — transfer 90 credits
BS in Business Analytics from Grand Canyon University
9. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University offers a BS in Data Analytics that is one of the best online accelerated data analytics degree programs in the nation. The program teaches students to use data to help them make better business decisions for their organizations. The demand for employees who are skilled in data analysis is growing as the amount of data available continues to grow. Students in the program create a digital portfolio to show their prospective employers after graduation. There are multiple start dates to choose from, and students have access to support services to ensure their success.
Southern New Hampshire University is a private school with more than 90,000 online students. It is growing more quickly than most other university and offers more than 200 programs. US News & World Report named the school Most Innovative University in the North for 2020.
Highlight: Southern New Hampshire University boasts one of the lowest tuition rates in the country.
Degree: BS in Data Analytics Online — transfer 90 credits
Southern New Hampshire University BS in Data Analytics
10. Thomas Edison State University
The BS in Data Science and Analytics from Thomas Edison State University is also one of the best online accelerated data analytics bachelors degree programs. The program can be completed online and is designed to meet the needs of working adults. Courses include principles of statistics; optimization – linear programming; predictive analysis I, II, and III; introduction to network analysis; interactive data visualization, forecasting analytics; SQL – introduction to database queries, and intro to Python programming for analytics.
Thomas Edison State University specializes in providing self-directed education for adult students. The school seeks to provide the type of education its students need to move ahead in their careers and to provide alternative learning experience that address their students’ varied learning styles. Thomas Edison provides outstanding value with affordable tuition and fees.
Highlight: Students can earn credits toward the degree by completing courses through Statistics.com.
Degree: BS in Data Science and Analytics Online — transfer 90 credits
BS in Data Science and Analytics from Thomas Edison State University
Why Should I Choose an Online Analytics Degree?
Everyone’s employment goals are different. When it comes to earning their online data analytics degree, many prefer a structured learning environment, like an on-campus classroom to prepare them for the work environment they will enter into once they graduate. Others, however, want to complete their school work online so they can finish their education and go straight into the workforce. The education the student receives will be the same. It’s simply the environment in which they learn is different.
By pursuing an online analytics degree, the student can apply for jobs within their field of interest and start in an entry-level position. This provides additional learning experiences for the student that they may not get if they hire in after college and bypass the entry-level positions. Although the payscale is lower when you start, the ability to work your way up through the ranks and increase your pay sets a pattern for advancement that you can continue to pursue all the way through your career.
Look for a bachelor of science in:
- computer science
- information technology
- information systems
- business intelligence
- computer programming
- data management
When you choose your degree, find out as much as you can before enrollment. Is there a capstone project? What GPA do you need to meet the admission requirements? Can you study part-time or only full-time? How do you choose elective courses? Do you have all your prerequisite classes?
If you choose to go on to graduate programs, like a master of science, a good undergraduate program will prepare you.
Will a Certification in Business Analytics Help My Career?
Big data is here to stay. Receiving a certification in business analytics can help your career in much the same way your degree program can. Although receiving a certification is not the same as a full diploma, it does show that you have taken the initiative to pursue additional learning and that you have taken a targeted program to assist you in developing specific skill sets that can help you in your analytics career. Certifications can also be applied to degree programs at a later date if the student ever chooses to go back to school to finish earning their degree. Receiving a certification on its own does offer benefits, but using it as a stepping stone to eventually receiving your data analytics degree at a later date.
Completing a certification in business analytics program while working on an online degree program can give you a boost while you are waiting to finish your degree. Not only does it show your employer that you are steadily advancing, it also gives you the incentive to keep moving forward. In some companies, students who earn their certification may qualify for a work-study program in which the company they work for will match their educational costs and give them credit for working at the same time.
What If I Don’t Need a Full Degree?
There may be times when you only need specific courses instead of a full degree. In tech, sometimes work experience is more important than any credential when you want to become a data analyst. Real-world skills like decision-making and communication skills also have great value.
When this occurs, the completion of those classes often comes with a certificate of completion that you can provide your employer showing them that you have successfully completed the work and are ready for more responsibility. Certification programs are designed to include specific, core classes that contain the “meat” of the degree program. While the other courses are valuable, this type of certification allows the student to enter the workforce prior to gaining their actual diploma.
Certifications are often included in some of the online accelerated data analytics degree programs so the student can complete their coursework much quicker and more efficiently than if they had to work through the entire degree program to begin working. There are several certification programs for business analytics that can be completed online allowing the student to complete the certification in a shorter amount of time than if they were required to finish it in a classroom setting.
In a course or certificate, you can learn to use analytical tools and build specific skills like:
- cloud computing
- supply chain management
- operations research
- predictive analytics
- algorithms
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