Decoding Analytics Graduate Programs

MBA in Business Analytics vs. MS in Data Analytics vs. MAcc in Forensic Data Analytics

As data becomes the backbone of decision-making in modern business, the demand for professionals with analytics expertise continues to grow. The Gary W. Rollins College of Business at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) offers several graduate programs that prepare students for data-driven careers, but each program is tailored to different goals and backgrounds. If you’re exploring UTC’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Business Analytics concentration, Master of Science in Data Analytics (MSDA), or Master of Accountancy (MAcc) with a Forensic Data Analytics concentration, understanding the key differences will help you make an informed choice.

1. Master of Business Administration (MBA) – Business Analytics concentration

Best for: Professionals aiming to move into leadership roles with a focus on applying data insights in strategic business decisions

Program overview:
UTC’s MBA is a broad-based business degree designed for working professionals. The Business Analytics concentration adds an analytical edge, teaching students how to use data to inform decisions across various departments, such as marketing, operations and finance.

Key features:

• Combines core business courses (leadership, strategy, finance) with data-focused electives
• Analytics topics include data visualization, predictive analytics and business intelligence
• Offered fully online or a mix of online and in-person classes
• Prepares graduates to bridge business and technical teams

Potential careers:

• Business analyst
• Product manager
• Operations manager
• Marketing analyst

2. Master of Science in Data Analytics (MSDA)

Best for: Individuals seeking in-depth technical training in data science, machine learning and statistical analysis

Program overview:
The MSDA program is a specialized degree focusing on the full lifecycle of data—from collection and cleaning to modeling and interpretation. This is the most technical and data-centric of the three programs.

Key features:

• Emphasizes programming, database management, statistical methods and machine learning
• Includes a capstone project to demonstrate practical data analysis skills
• Ideal for individuals seeking an in-depth exploration of data analytics
• May require prerequisites in statistics

Potential careers:

• Data scientist
• Data analyst
• Business intelligence developer
• Machine learning engineer

3. Master of Accountancy (MAcc) – Forensic Data Analytics concentration

Best for: Accountants or finance professionals looking to specialize in fraud detection, compliance or investigative analytics

Program overview:
The MAcc with a Forensic Data Analytics concentration blends traditional accounting education with specialized training in fraud detection, forensic analysis and regulatory compliance through data.

Key features:

• Prepares students for certified public accountant (CPA) eligibility, depending on prior coursework
• Focuses on forensic techniques, internal controls, audit analytics and legal or regulatory aspects
• Ideal for roles in internal audit, forensic accounting or risk management
• Includes data mining and forensic software tools

Potential careers:

• Forensic accountant
• Internal auditor
• Fraud analyst
• Compliance officer

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Summary table

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If you’re looking to dip your toe into analytics without committing to a full degree, the graduate certificate in Business Analytics may be the right path for you. It offers an abbreviated program to gain proficiency in data warehousing, predictive modeling and data visualization. It’s ideal for aspiring data analysts and those in management roles who are aiming to integrate data analytics into decision-making processes. The best part: some classes may be transferred into the MBA – Business Analytics concentration or the MSDA program if you decide to pursue a masters.

Your choice among these programs should reflect your professional background, career goals and preferred balance of business versus technical content. If you want to lead organizations using data as a tool, the MBA – Business Analytics is your best bet. If your passion lies in extracting insights through coding and statistics, go with the MSDA. But if you’re an accountant looking to fight fraud with data, the MAcc in Forensic Data Analytics will give you the edge.

Whatever your goals may be, we’re here to help you reach them. Learn more about the Rollins College of Business graduate programs.