Introduction: Why Data Analytics?
Data analytics is one of the fastest-growing fields today. Businesses need experts who can work with data to help them make better decisions. If you’re thinking about a career in data analytics, now is a great time to start. But how do you learn all the skills you need while managing other responsibilities, like work or family?
That’s where a Hybrid Master’s Program in Data Analytics comes in. This program is designed to give you the best of both worlds: the flexibility of online learning and the benefits of in-person classes. In this blog, we’ll talk about why this hybrid program is a great choice for people who want to get their master’s in data analytics by 2025.
What is Hybrid Education?
Hybrid education means you learn in two ways: online and in-person. Some parts of your classes will be online, which means you can study whenever and wherever it’s most convenient for you. Other parts will be in-person, where you can meet teachers and classmates, ask questions, and take part in activities that help you learn better.
This mix of online and in-person learning gives you the flexibility to keep up with your studies, even if you have a busy schedule. It also gives you the chance to interact with others and get hands-on experiences that are hard to get online.
Why Hybrid Education Works: Facts and Figures
The demand for online education has never been higher. In fact, nearly 61% of undergraduate students and 56% of postbaccalaureate students are taking at least one course online, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES, 2022). This shift to online learning shows how much students value the flexibility it offers. But what if you could have the best of both worlds—online learning combined with in-person experiences?
Hybrid education is the answer. Research has shown that hybrid learning is not only as effective as traditional in-person education, but it is often more effective than both online-only and in-person-only methods. Studies also show that hybrid courses outperform in-person-only courses in terms of student outcomes. This means that students who experience a blend of online and in-person learning are more likely to succeed and retain what they’ve learned.
For students in the Hybrid Master’s Program in Data Analytics for 2025, this means you’re joining a growing trend of learners who value both flexibility and real-world experiences. With hybrid education, you’ll have the opportunity to take advantage of this proven method of learning, while still getting the hands-on skills and networking opportunities that are key to working in the field of data analytics. This also means finding the right university which offers proper equipment, accreditation and other facilities.
The Power of In-Person Learning
While online learning offers flexibility, it sometimes lacks the social connection and access to campus resources that can help students succeed. Research shows that in-person learning helps students build stronger relationships with professors and peers, which can make all the difference in their educational journey. In-person students have opportunities to meet face-to-face, form study groups, and get direct support when needed.
For example, some masters programs at Kansas State University, which follow a hybrid model, have shown impressive success. One of their hybrid programs has a 95% re-enrollment rate, which is much higher than the 81% re-enrollment rate of another fully online program at the same university. This higher re-enrollment rate reflects the value students place on the in-person components of their hybrid program—an aspect that helps them stay connected and engaged.
In your data analytics journey, the opportunity to meet in-person for certain courses and projects will not only provide you with the necessary technical skills but will also give you the chance to network and engage with like-minded professionals in the field.
Hybrid Master’s Programs in Data and Business Analytics
Here are some hybrid master’s degrees in Data and Business Analytics for students who want to make the best of both worlds, online and offline classes.
Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) at Dominican University of California
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) at Dominican University of California is a one-year program for both recent graduates and working professionals. The program teaches important skills in business analytics, focusing on data analysis and tools like Python, R, SAS, and Tableau.
The program is part of the Barowsky School of Business, which is accredited by the AACSB, meaning it meets high academic standards. The program lasts 12 months and is hybrid, meaning students will take online classes and attend in-person sessions. Students will meet on campus two Saturdays per month and have two online sessions each week. This setup is ideal for people who want to learn while working.
After finishing the program, graduates can work in roles like data analyst, business analyst, data scientist, financial analyst, and more. The program also has a STEM designation.
Curriculum and Credits
The MSBA program is a 36-credit curriculum, consisting of 12 courses and a practicum experience. The program’s core courses cover essential areas such as data management, advanced data analysis, machine learning, business analytics, and more. Each course is 3 units, and students are expected to complete two courses every term (seven weeks per term). The required courses include:
- Applied Data Analysis (3.00 units)
- Programming for Data Analytics (3.00 units)
- Data Visualization and Storytelling (3.00 units)
- Data Management for Business Analytics (3.00 units)
- Advanced Data Analysis (3.00 units)
- Machine Learning for Business (3.00 units)
- Cloud Computing (3.00 units)
- Ethics, Risk Management, and Data Security (3.00 units)
- Marketing Analytics (3.00 units)
- Optimization for Business Analytics (3.00 units)
- Business Analytics Practicum (3.00 units)
- Finance Analytics (3.00 units)
Total Credit Hours: 36
The program also emphasizes data visualization and the ethical implications of data analysis, preparing students to effectively communicate complex data insights to business leaders.
Admission Requirements – No GRE/GMAT
Admission to the MSBA program is competitive. Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree: A completed undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.
- GPA: A minimum 3.0 GPA in previous coursework.
- Application Materials:
- Completed Application
- Official Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- Resume showcasing professional or academic experience
- Statement of Purpose (1-page essay outlining your reasons for pursuing the MSBA and your professional goals)
- Letter of Recommendation or an Interview with the Dean
- Students are not required to submit GRE or GMAT scores
Note: The application process is on a rolling basis, and early submission is encouraged.
Duration and Format
- Duration: The MSBA program is completed in 12 months.
- Format: The program is hybrid, consisting of in-person classes (two Saturdays per month) and online sessions(two sessions per week). This structure is ideal for working professionals who want to develop new skills without sacrificing their current employment.
- Location: The program is offered at Dominican University of California, located in the San Francisco Bay Area, providing students access to a vibrant tech industry hub.
Tuition and Aid
The tuition for the MSBA program for the 2024-2025 academic year is as follows:
- Tuition Rate: $1,155 per unit
- Total Units: 36 units
- Total Tuition: $41,580
- Additional Fees:
- Campus Comp Fee: $630
- Technology Fee: $187.50
- Graduate Activities Fee: $174
- Total Estimated Cost: $42,571.50
Financial Aid
Dominican offers several ways to make this program more affordable:
- Scholarships and Grants: Non-repayable awards available to eligible students.
- Federal Loans: Graduate students may qualify for Unsubsidized Stafford Loans of up to $20,500 per year.
- Work-Study: Students may apply for on-campus or community-based work-study opportunities to supplement their income.
- Financial Aid for Equipment: Financial aid may be available for the purchase of required laptops (up to $2,000). Loaner laptops are also available for students who qualify.
Cornell University’s MS in Business Analytics Program
Program Overview
Cornell University offers a Master’s in Business Analytics (MSBA) program created to help professionals gain essential skills in data science and business. The program focuses on teaching students how to use data to solve real business problems and make better decisions.
- Duration: The program lasts 16 months and is part-time, making it perfect for people who are working while studying.
- Credits: You’ll need to complete 30 credit hours to earn your degree.
- Mode of Learning: Most of the program is online, with two in-person residency weeks in Ithaca, NY, and New York City for hands-on learning and networking.
Curriculum
The MSBA program has a mix of online courses and in-person sessions.
- Core Courses: You’ll take 11 core courses that cover the basics of business analytics, like data analysis, business strategy, and decision-making.
- Electives: You’ll choose 6 elective courses that allow you to specialize in areas like marketing analytics, finance analytics, and supply chain analytics.
- Residencies: You’ll attend two one-week residency sessions: one in Ithaca at the start and another in New York City later on. These weeks are for in-depth learning and meeting your classmates and professors.
- Capstone Project: Near the end, you’ll work on a capstone project, where you apply everything you’ve learned to solve a real-world business problem using data.
Admission Requirements – No GRE/GMAT
To apply for the MSBA program, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree: You need to have completed an undergraduate degree from a recognized university.
- Academic Transcripts: You’ll need to provide your academic records from all the schools you’ve attended.
- Resume/CV: A current resume showing your work experience and education.
- Letters of Recommendation: You must submit two letters of recommendation—one from a recent employer or supervisor, and the other from either an academic or professional source.
- Statement of Purpose: A short essay explaining why you want to pursue the MSBA, your goals, and how your background has prepared you.
- Personal Statement: A statement sharing your personal journey and how it led you to want to study data analytics.
- English Proficiency: If English is not your first language, you may need to provide proof of your language skills.
- No GRE/GMAT Required: You don’t need to take the GRE or GMAT test for admission.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The cost of the program is $84,952 for the 2024-2025 academic year. This is divided into four equal payments, due at the start of each term.
- Application Fee: There is a $105 fee when you submit your application.
- Admission Deposit: If you’re accepted, you will need to pay a non-refundable $1,500 deposit to secure your spot.
- Accommodation Costs: You’ll need to pay for your lodging during the two residency weeks, but the program provides guidance on where to stay.
Financial Aid
- Federal Loans: U.S. students can apply for federal student loans to help cover tuition costs.
- Merit Scholarships: All applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships.
- Veteran Benefits: Veterans may be eligible for benefits through the Yellow Ribbon Program if they qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
UCLA Anderson MS in Business Analytics (MSBA)
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) at UCLA Anderson School of Management is a 15-month, full-time program designed to help students develop the skills needed to turn business data into meaningful insights. This program u-skills you with the tools and knowledge to make smart decisions in this data-driven world.
It’s a STEM-certified program, which means you’ll learn not only business strategies but also technical skills like coding, data analysis, and machine learning. By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to work in top companies that rely on data to drive their business.
Program Structure and Curriculum
The MSBA program is designed to give you both the technical skills and the business knowledge you need. You will complete 40 credit hours over the course of 15 months. The curriculum covers topics like:
- Data Management & Cloud Platforms: You’ll learn to work with popular platforms like AWS and Azure that companies use to store and analyze large amounts of data.
- Advanced Analytics & Machine Learning: The program teaches you to use advanced data techniques and tools like machine learning and data visualization.
- Applied Analytics Project: In this hands-on project, you’ll work on solving real-world business problems for a company, giving you practical experience.
- Industry-Based Electives: You can choose electives based on industries like healthcare, entertainment, and fraud analytics to specialize in the area that interests you most.
- Data Storytelling: You will also learn how to explain complex data findings clearly and effectively to non-technical business leaders.
Admission Requirements
To apply for the MSBA program, you need to meet these requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree: You need to have an undergraduate degree from a recognized school.
- GPA: You should have at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- GMAT/GRE Scores: You need to have:
- GMAT: A score of 710 or higher, or
- GRE: A Quantitative score of 167 or higher.
- Programming Experience: Some prior experience in programming, especially in Python, is important.
- Quantitative Skills: A solid understanding of subjects like calculus, linear algebra, statistics, and probability is required.
- English Proficiency: If you are an international student, you need to show proof of English skills (TOEFL/IELTS).
- Essays: You’ll need to submit personal essays as part of the application.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are strongly encouraged to support your application.
- Work Experience (Optional): Experience in a field that uses data analysis can help, but it’s not required.
- Interview: Interviews are by invitation only.
Application Deadlines for 2025:
- Round 1: January 10, 2025
- Round 2: March 14, 2025
- Round 3: May 31, 2025
Tuition and Financial Aid
The total tuition for the MSBA program for the 2024-2025 academic year is approximately $72,000 for the entire 15-month program. This covers tuition, fees, and other academic costs.
- Living Expenses: You’ll also need to budget for living costs in Los Angeles, which can range from $20,000 to $25,000 per year, depending on your lifestyle.
- Books & Supplies: Around $1,500 for the entire program.
Financial Aid: UCLA Anderson offers several options to help with the cost of the program:
- Loans: U.S. students can apply for federal student loans, while international students can explore private loan options.
- Scholarships: The school offers some merit-based scholarships, but competition is strong.
- Internships: The program includes a summer internship, which can help you offset living expenses and gain real-world experience.
Wrapping It Up: Why a Hybrid Data Analytics Program fits you
So, here’s the thing: we live in a world where data is everything. Companies, big or small, rely on it to make decisions, solve problems, and grow. And if you want to be part of that, a master’s in data analytics could be your ticket to success.
But let’s be real, going back to school is a big commitment. Between work, family, and everything else, you might wonder how you can find the time for classes, assignments, and projects. That’s where a hybrid program—where you combine online learning with in-person sessions—comes in. It’s the best of both worlds: you get the flexibility to learn when it works for you and the chance to connect with others and get hands-on experience in person.
Programs like the ones at Dominican University of California, Cornell, or UCLA show us that hybrid learning works. Students get the technical know-how and the business skills they need while also making connections with classmates and professors that can help in real life. It’s not just about sitting in front of a screen all day—it’s about building relationships, networking, and getting experience you can’t get from a computer alone.
If you’re thinking about a career in data analytics, the good news is that there’s never been a better time to jump in. With a hybrid master’s program, you don’t have to put your life on hold to level up your skills. By 2025, you could be walking across a stage, ready to take on the world of data analytics and make some serious impact.
So, why not start now? It’s the perfect way to learn, grow, and prepare for a brighter future.
References
- https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/online-education/online-course-delivery-and-instruction/the-best-of-both-worlds-exploring-the-benefits-and-challenges-of-hybrid-education/
- https://business.fiu.edu/academics/graduate/insights/posts/the-benefits-of-hybrid-education-the-best-of-both-worlds.html
- https://www.collegehippo.com/graduate-school/programs/top-ranked-masters-degree-business-analytics-data-analytics?swcfpc=1
- https://www.dominican.edu/academics/graduate-programs/master-science-business-analytics-msba
- https://www.johnson.cornell.edu/programs/specialized-masters/ms-in-business-analytics/
- https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/degrees/master-of-science-in-business-analytics-msba