Woman Studying Data Analytics

Recently, we explained what data analytics is, and here we’ll review why it’s so important to modern business practices.

As part of this discussion, we’ll cover what data analytics entails, what data analysts actually do, and why you should consider getting into the field.

Virtually everyone has heard of data analytics, business analytics, big data analytics, or the many other terms used to refer to this discipline, but few people seem to understand why it’s so important to modern organizations.

Simply put, data analytics is critical to the success of modern businesses because data analysts themselves are the individuals responsible for reviewing key performance metrics, interpreting that data, and using it to determine an effective strategy for driving organizational performance.

After you’ve learned everything you need to know about what makes data analytics such a critical discipline, fill out our information request form to receive additional details about CSU Global’s 100% online Master’s Degree Program in Data Analytics, or if you’re ready to get started, submit your application today.

What is Data Analytics?

Data analytics is the process of storing, organizing, and analyzing data for business purposes.

This process is used to inform key decision-makers and allows them to make important strategic decisions based on data, rather than hunches.

At modern organizations, data analysts are responsible for helping guide core business units and practices, including extremely important processes like:

  • Marketing
  • Information Technology
  • Human Resources
  • Accounting
  • Sales
  • Business Development

As you may imagine, this process and the critical role played by data analytics and professional data analysts have made them incredibly important members of virtually every organization operating in any sector of the economy.

What Do Data Analysts Actually Do?

Data analysts are responsible for handling a variety of important responsibilities, including tasks like:

  • Data warehousing
  • Data mining and visualization
  • Business analytics
  • Predictive analytics
  • Enterprise performance management

Accordingly, data analysts play an important role in helping senior leadership teams make difficult decisions about driving organizational effectiveness, efficiency, and profitability.

Some of the key skills data analysts need to perform these complicated tasks include:

  • Analyzing large and complex sets of data.
  • Applying policies and procedures to protect the privacy and security of the data that they analyze.
  • Articulating analytical conclusions and strategy suggestions in writing, verbally, and visually via multimedia presentations.
  • Employing data analytics solutions for business intelligence and forecasting purposes.
  • Practicing ethical standards when handling data and analytics.
  • Utilizing predictive analytics to address core business challenges.

Clearly then, data analyst jobs require excellent attention to detail, expert-level statistics and mathematical skills, and a deep understanding of statistics and predictive analytics.

Should I Pursue a Career in Data Analytics?

Knowing that data analytics is a difficult discipline and a challenging role, why would you want to pursue a career in the field?

First, the field is growing rapidly, and demand for skilled data analysts is projected to grow rapidly over the next decade.

In fact, the BLS predicts that employment for roles related to data analytics will rise considerably quicker than the average rate of growth for all occupations between 2021 and 2031. 

These roles include:

Because the industry is growing so quickly, and demand for related roles is predicted to continue rising at such a fast pace, it’s a great time to consider entering the industry.

Next, anyone interested in playing a critical strategic role in a modern business or other organization should think about developing analytics skills.

As we mentioned earlier, data analysts are the professionals responsible for helping senior leadership make important strategic decisions about core business units, making those people trained in data analytics an essential asset for modern organizations.

Accordingly, top positions in this field command excellent salaries, with some of the top jobs for Master’s program graduates earning a considerable average annual income:

Even roles for Bachelor’s program graduates pay quite well, as some of the best jobs for MIS and Business Analytics alumni include:

If you’re looking to play a central role as a strategic business advisor, and you want to earn an excellent income, then you’d be hard-pressed to find a better field than data analytics.

How To Launch a Career in Data Analytics

While you might be able to get an entry-level role in the industry without first completing a Bachelor’s or Master’s program, it may be far easier to break into the field if you’ve finished a degree program before you apply for related roles.

Why? Because the best way to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities you’ll need to be successful as a professional data analyst is to study data analytics in an academic setting, like CSU Global’s online Bachelor’s Degree in MIS and Business Analytics, or our online Master’s Degree in Data Analytics. 

These programs will provide you with the experience and knowledge you need to launch a career in the analytics industry, while also giving you the academic credentials needed to catch the eye of hiring managers looking to fill related positions.

Earning a degree in analytics will increase the chances that you’re capable of bringing value to an organization from day one, and choosing to study at CSU Global will ensure that your degree is respected by the hiring managers you’ll be looking to impress when it comes time to pursue your first industry role.

Should I Get a Bachelor’s or a Master’s Degree in Analytics?

We suggest enrolling in the degree program that best meets your professional needs.

To determine your needs, review your current education credentials, your knowledge, and experience in data analytics, and weigh those against your long-term career goals.

If you’re new to analytics and just looking to get your foot in the door, or if you lack an undergraduate degree, then you may want to consider our Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems and Business Analytics.

However, if you already have some experience in the industry, if you’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree, or if you want to pursue leadership or managerial-level roles, then you’ll want to consider our Master’s Degree in Data Analytics instead.

If you’re having trouble choosing between a bachelor’s or master’s degree, consider contacting an Enrollment Counselor by calling 1-800-462-7845, or by emailing enroll [at] csuglobal.edu.

The good news is that whichever program you choose, getting your degree will help develop your skills and abilities, while choosing to get your degree from CSU Global will ensure that you’ll graduate prepared to launch a lifelong career in the industry.

Can I Get My Degree in Data Analytics Online?

Yes, you can get a regionally accredited online Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Analytics from CSU Global. 

Our accelerated online degree programs were designed entirely for online students, and they offer far more flexibility and freedom than traditional in-person programs.

We make it easy to juggle your educational pursuits with existing work and family responsibilities, as our programs offer:

  • No requirements to attend classes at set times or locations.
  • Monthly class starts.
  • Accelerated, eight-week courses.

If you’re looking for a degree program with the flexibility to fit into your already busy life, then there may be no better option than choosing to study with us.

Why Should You Choose to Study Analytics at CSU Global?

Our Bachelor’s Degree program in Business Analytics and our Master’s Degree program in Data Analytics are both regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

These programs were designed to provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a professional analyst, featuring a curriculum designed specifically for the workplace.

Both programs are also taught exclusively by educators who have relevant and recent industry experience, so you can rest assured that you’ll be learning modern solutions to real-world business problems and that you’ll graduate prepared to provide value to any organization.

Our programs also rank exceptionally well, with each of them earning top 5 rankings in their respective fields, including:

  • A #1 ranking for Best Online Bachelor’s in Management Information Systems Programs from Best Colleges for our Bachelor’s in MIS and Business Analytics.
  • A #3 ranking for Best Online Master’s Degree in Data Analytics by Best Masters Programs for our Master’s in Data Analytics.

Furthermore, CSU Global itself has also recently received several distinguished rankings, including:

  • A #1 ranking for Best Online Colleges & Schools in Colorado from Best Accredited Colleges.
  • A #1 ranking for Best Online Colleges in Colorado from Best Colleges.
  • A #10 ranking for Best Online Colleges for ROI from OnlineU.

Finally, CSU Global offers competitive tuition rates and a Tuition Guarantee to ensure your rate won’t increase as you're getting a degree in the desired field, thus saving your money and time.

To get additional details about our fully accredited, 100% online analytics degree programs, please give us a call at 800-462-7845, or fill out our Information Request Form.

Ready to get started today? Apply now!