Online MBA in Business Analytics vs Data Science: What Should You Choose?

Online MBA in Business Analytics vs Data Science: What Should You Choose?

#MBA
Arushi PanditaUpdated on 28 Jul 2025, 11:33 AM IST

With the surge in technological advancements and data-driven decision-making, specialised online MBA courses such as Business Analytics and Data Science have seen a significant rise in demand. These fields are redefining business operations in today’s digital economy. As a result, many working professionals and aspiring managers are considering an online MBA degree in these domains to stay relevant and future-ready.

This Story also Contains

  1. Overview of Online MBA in Business Analytics
  2. Overview of Online MBA in Data Science
  3. Online MBA in Business Analytics vs Data Science: What is the Difference?
  4. Online MBA in Business Analytics vs Data Science: Career Opportunities
  5. Online MBA in Business Analytics vs Data Science: Salary Insights
Online MBA in Business Analytics vs Data Science: What Should You Choose?
Online MBA in Business Analytics vs Data Science

These career-focused online MBA specialisations help students upskill in high-demand fields. However, both online MBA in business analytics and online MBA in data science differ greatly in their approach and depth of study. While online MBA in Business Analytics teaches about the use of data to improve and inform business operations, online MBA in Data Science focuses on the study of algorithms.

Understanding the differences in their goals and learning outcomes is crucial to making the right academic and career move. Students must make sure to choose the right online MBA specialisation depending on their current skill set, career goals, and interest areas.

Whether they are inclined towards strategic business planning or interested in solving problems through coding and algorithms, a clear comparison of these online MBA courses helps them identify the right online MBA path and gain success in the evolving data landscape.

Overview of Online MBA in Business Analytics

An online MBA in Business Analytics teaches students how to use data to make better business decisions. The course blends business knowledge with analytical tools such as Excel and SQL. Students learn to identify trends, interpret reports, and develop strategies in areas such as marketing, finance, and operations to improve organisational performance.

Key Subjects Covered

Online MBA in Business Analytics offers a balanced curriculum that integrates core management principles with data analysis techniques. The subjects are designed to help learners extract valuable insights from data and apply them to real business problems. Here are the key subjects covered in an online MBA in Business Analytics course:

  • Financial Reporting and Analysis
  • Business Research Methods
  • Analysing and Visualising Data with Power BI
  • Optimisation and Dimension Reduction Techniques
  • Multivariate Data Analysis
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Top Colleges Offering Online MBA in Business Analytics

Several online MBA colleges in India offer specialisation in business analytics. The table below highlights the top colleges offering online MBA in Business Analytics, along with their tuition fees:


If you are looking for a career at top firms in India and abroad, read out Top 10 Careers at Deloitte After Online MBA.

Overview of Online MBA in Data Science

An Online MBA in Data Science focuses on developing technical expertise in machine learning, statistics, and data engineering. The programme trains students in tools such as Python, R, and Hadoop to solve complex problems. An Online MBA in Data Science suits those students interested in building predictive models, automating insights, and working on data-driven innovations across industries.

Key Subjects Covered

An Online MBA in Data Science offers a comprehensive blend of business knowledge and advanced data technologies. The curriculum focuses on equipping students with the skills to analyse complex datasets, build predictive models, and create intelligent systems. Here are the key subjects covered in an online MBA in Data Science course:

  • Advanced Data Visualisation
  • Data Science Toolbox
  • Data Analytics with Python
  • Big Data Analytics
  • Fundamentals of Machine Learning
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Top Colleges Offering Online MBA in Data Science

Several colleges in India offer an online MBA with a specialisation in Data Science. The table below highlights some of the top online MBA Data Science colleges along with their tuition fees:


Whether you are a recent graduate and working professional, the Best Online MBA Courses by Top Universities will help you enrol in the top college and pursue your desired career.

Online MBA in Business Analytics vs Data Science: What is the Difference?

Online MBA in Business Analytics vs online MBA in data science differ widely in their subject approach. Online MBA in Business Analytics focuses on utilising data to drive strategic business decisions, while online MBA in Data Science delves deeper into algorithms, coding, and predictive modelling.

The following table highlights a detailed comparison between an online MBA in Business Analytics vs Data Science to help students make informed decisions in their management careers.

ParametersOnline MBA in Business AnalyticsOnline MBA in Data Science

Curriculum Focus

Focuses on business management with data analysis and interpreting data to drive decisions.

Merges business fundamentals with deep technical skills to process, model, and predict using complex datasets.

Skillset Gained

Data interpretation, performance tracking, statistical analysis, and strategic decision-making.

Programming, machine learning, data engineering, statistical modelling, and artificial intelligence.

Tools Used

Excel, Tableau, Power BI, SAS, SQL

Python, R, SQL, Spark, Hadoop

Suitability

Professionals with commerce, business, or management backgrounds looking to enhance data capabilities.

Students with technical, engineering, computer science, or mathematical backgrounds seeking analytical and coding roles.

Industry Demand

Demand in sectors such as baking, marketing, healthcare, and logistics.

Demand across IT, AI/ML, fintech, and large-scale tech companies.

Entry Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with 50% from a recognised university, along with basic understanding of business processes.

Bachelor’s degree with 50% with a technical background and interest in coding.

Learning Difficulty Level

Moderate, more focused on understanding business scenarios through data.

High, requires strong aptitude in logic, mathematics, and programming.

Future Scope

Growing with the expansion of data-driven business models across all industries.

Rapidly expanding with high demand in Artificial Intelligence technologies.

Online MBA in Business Analytics vs Data Science: Career Opportunities

An online MBA in Business Analytics or Data Science can open doors to diverse, high-demand career paths. While Business Analytics roles focus on data interpretation and strategic decision-making, Data Science careers emphasise technical skills such as coding and machine learning. Here are the job roles provided in online MBA in Business Analytics and Data Science:

Online MBA in Business Analytics

Online MBA in Data Science

Business Analyst

Data Scientist

Marketing Analyst

Machine Learning Engineer

Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst

Deep Learning Engineer

Analytics Consultant

Data Engineer

Market Research Analyst

Data Architect

Performance and Reporting Manager

Big Data Analyst

Operations Research

Business Intelligence Developer


Students pursuing an Online MBA degree also receive placement support from the top universities offering this management programme. Learn Online MBA With Placement 2025: Highest Salary Packages, Top Recruiters.

Online MBA in Business Analytics vs Data Science: Salary Insights

Salary expectations for graduates of online MBA programmes in Data Science and Business Analytics vary based on role, experience, and industry. Both fields of study offer competitive salaries for different positions within an organisation. Here is the detailed breakdown of salary trends, for both online MBA specialisations:

Online MBA in Business Analytics vs Data Science: Salary Insights

Source: Ambition Box, Glassdoor, & Indeed

Online MBA emerged as an affordable alternative to its on-campus counterpart. Several top universities offer cheapest online MBA programmes in India. You can check Online MBA Fee Structure: Tuition Fee, Admission Fee, Annually, Semester-Wise to make an informed decision towards your career.

Online MBA in Business Analytics vs Data Science: Who Should Choose?

Choose Online MBA in Business Analytics If:

  • You are interested in interpreting data, creating dashboards, and working on business strategies.
  • You have a business, commerce, or non-tech background.
  • Seeking business analytics opportunities in marketing, human resources, or finance.
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Choose Online MBA in Data Science If:

  • You are interested in learning about programming, machine learning, and predictive modelling.
  • You have an engineering, computer science, or statistics background.
  • Seeking work opportunities in AI, big data projects, fintech, and automation.

An online MBA in Business Analytics and Data Science help students lead rewarding careers in today’s data-driven economy. While online MBA in Business Analytics is designed for strategic thinkers, online MBA in Data Science caters to tech-focused professionals. Students must choose based on their background and interests to build a successful future-ready skill set in the business landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do online MBA courses hold the same value as regular MBA?
A:

UGC-entitled online MBA from reputed universities are valued equally in the industry, especially when combined with relevant skills and practical experience.

Q: Is work experience mandatory for admission to online MBA programmes?
A:

Work experience is preferred but not mandatory for Indian universities offering Online MBAs in Business Analytics or Data Science.

Q: Do these online MBA programmes offer placement support?
A:

Several top universities offer virtual placement support, career counselling, and resume-building sessions as part of their online MBA placement support.

Q: Can non-technical students pursue an Online MBA in Data Science?
A:

Yes, non-technical students can pursue an online MBA in Data Science, but a strong interest in programming, mathematics, and statistics is essential to succeed.

Q: Is Online MBA in Business Analytics better than Online MBA in Data Science?
A:

Online MBA in Business Analytics suits business-focused roles, while online MBA in Data Science is better for tech-driven careers. Students must choose based on their interests and career goals.

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Questions related to MBA

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to MBA ?

Hello, the MBA in Finance at Andhra Mahila School of Informatics is a 2 year program where you’ll study subjects like accounting, financial management, and strategy along with projects and internships. The total fee is around 90,000. Placements are decent, with an average package of about 3.5 to 4 LPA, and companies like Deloitte, Infosys, and ICICI visit the campus. If you stay focused and build skills, you can get good opportunities through the placement cell.

Yes, you can pursue an MBA at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow, through the CAT exam.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: A bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) from a recognized university.

  • Entrance Exam: A valid CAT score is required for admission.

Admission Process:

  1. Application: Register online through the BBAU admission portal.

  2. Entrance Exam: Appear for the CAT exam and obtain a valid score.

  3. Counseling: Shortlisted candidates will be called for counseling based on their CAT scores.

  4. Document Verification: Submit necessary documents for verification.

  5. Fee Payment: Complete the fee payment to confirm admission.

Course Details:

  • Duration: 2 years (full-time).

  • Specializations: Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, among others.

Placement Opportunities:
BBAU has a strong placement record, with top companies recruiting MBA graduates.

For more details and to apply, visit the  official BBAU MBA admission page

Yes Anil, after completing GNM with 4 years of experience, you are eligible to pursue MBA or PGDM. It’s a good option if you want to grow into hospital administration, healthcare management, or pharma management roles. Institutes like Goa Institute of Management (Healthcare PGDM), Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences, or even General MBA programs in reputed B-schools can be considered. Your professional experience will add strong value during admission and placements. I would personally suggest going for a Healthcare/Hospital Management specialization to align with your background.

The best MBA courses in India are mostly offered by IIMs, ISB, FMS Delhi, XLRI, and also by IITs that run management schools.

According to the QS Global MBA Rankings 2025, IIM Bangalore is the top MBA institute in India, followed by IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Calcutta. ISB Hyderabad also ranks high in both Indian and global rankings. The Financial Times Global MBA Rankings 2025 place ISB Hyderabad at 27 worldwide, IIM Ahmedabad at 31, and IIM Bangalore at 57. These show that Indian business schools have a strong global presence.

The IIRF 2025 ranking puts IIM Ahmedabad in first place overall. FMS Delhi is ranked second and is known for being affordable with very good placements. IIM Calcutta and IIM Bangalore are also among the best. For executive MBA programs, ISB Hyderabad is considered the top school in Asia.

IITs also run respected MBA programs. IIT Delhi (DMS) and IIT Bombay (SJMSOM) are considered the best among them. They are good options especially for those interested in operations, analytics, and technology management.

In summary, the most recognized and best courses for MBA in India are at IIM Bangalore, IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Calcutta, and ISB Hyderabad. FMS Delhi is also an excellent option if you want strong placements with very low fees. IIT business schools like IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay also provide very good opportunities, especially if you want to combine management with a technical background.

Hello,

Here are some of the top MBA colleges in Mumbai:

  • IIM Mumbai (NITIE)

  • SJMSOM, IIT Bombay

  • SPJIMR

  • JBIMS

  • NMIMS (School of Business Management)

  • K J Somaiya Institute of Management

  • TISS Mumbai

  • Welingkar (WeSchool)

  • SDA Bocconi Asia Center

If you are looking for top placement and brand value , IIM Mumbai, SJMSOM, SPJIMR and JBIMS are the best.
For affordable options with good ROI , TISS and JBIMS stand out.

Hope it helps !