The Best Associate Degrees in Business Analytics to Launch Your Career
Companies are increasingly seeking professionals with industry-level skills to help their businesses thrive. One of these professionals is the business analysts. Fortunately, you can become one with just an associate degree. Take a look at the pros and cons of getting an Associate Degree in Business Analytics.
Keep reading to learn about the best associate degrees in business analytics that you can pursue. You’ll also get to learn the salary for professionals in the field and why it is a fantastic career path for you.
Overview: The Top 10 Associate Degrees in Business Analytics
Finding the best business analytics associate degree programs is not an easy task. There are plenty of institutions willing to train students in business analytics skills. However, not all of the available programs advertised reflect the competitive nature of the business environment.
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Below you will find the best available programs for you to become a business analyst. All information was sourced from the school’s official websites. The figures reflect the tuition fee for the academic year 2021 to 2022, unless otherwise stated.
| School and Degree | State | Tuition | Online Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Business Analyst Associate Degree |
WI | $10,514 | No |
| Pima Community College Associate of Science in Business Analytics |
AZ and Remote | $4,000 | Yes |
| Gwinnett Technical College Associate Degree in Applied Science in Business Technology |
GA | In-State (Fall Semester 2019): $100 per credit hour Out-of-State (Fall Semester 2019): $200 per credit hour Foreign Students (Fall Semester 2019): $400 per credit hour |
No |
| Northcentral Technical College Business Analyst Associate Degree |
WI and Remote | $9,741 | Yes |
| Southern New Hampshire University Associate of Science in Data Analytics |
Remote | $19,200 | Yes |
| Broward College Associate of Science in Business Analytics |
FL | In-State, On Campus: $117.90 per credit hour Out-of-State, On-Campus: $373 per credit hour In-State, Online: $122.90 per credit hour Out-of-State, Online: $243.40 per credit hour |
No |
| Wake Technical Community College Associate in Applied Science in Business Analytics |
NC and Remote | In-State: $2,432 Out-of-State: $8,576 |
Yes |
| Miami Dade College Associate in Science in Business Intelligence |
FL and Remote | $7,093.20 | Yes |
| Normandale Community College Associate of Science in Data Analytics |
MN and Remote | On-Campus: $171.31 per credit hour Online: $191.31 per credit hour |
Yes |
| Coastline College Associate of Science in Data Analytics |
CA | $2,760 | Yes |
What Is an Associate Degree in Business Analytics?
An Associate Degree in Business Analytics helps students learn integral information and practices to start their careers as business analysts. The two-year degree prepares professionals for entry-level positions in companies. They can also act as a bridge to completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Analytics.
In the two-year program, you will learn the technology and essential skills to navigate the business arena. You will learn how to investigate and analyze business performances to maximize profits. You will also know how to make the right business decisions based on the data you acquire.
Why You Should Get an Associate Degree in Business Analytics
You should get an Associate Degree in Business Analytics to learn how to analyze data and gain business intelligence. If you love mathematics or have a background in statistics, you should consider acquiring this degree. Below are the top reasons for pursuing an Associate Degree in Business Analytics.
- Shorter time to completion. An Associate Degree in Business Analytics only takes two years to complete. This is half the time it takes to earn a bachelor’s degree in the same field, which typically takes around four years.
- More affordable. Because associate degree programs only take two years to complete, they are consequently cheaper than bachelor’s degree programs.
- To learn predictive modeling. You will learn data mining and probability statistics to measure different trends in business. You will also learn how to improve customer relations, productivity, and sales. Having the know-how in these areas will help boost your job prospects.
In Detail: The Best Associate Degrees in Business Analytics
Now that we have looked at the key facts and figures of each program, it’s time to zoom in on their key features, including their strengths and weaknesses.
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College | Business Analyst Associate Degree
The program explores different business structures, operations, and policies. This is an exceptional program for you to learn how to evaluate business practices and improve them. By pursuing this program, you can easily work in many industries including manufacturing, insurance, and finance.
Business Analyst Associate Degree Pros
- You can transfer your credits towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or Organizational Leadership offered by the University of Wisconsin and Lakeland University
- Builds advanced skills
- Opportunities to study abroad
Business Analyst Associate Degree Cons
- You must have at least a cumulative high school or college grade point average of 2.6
- You have to earn an average of C in English composition
Pima Community College | Associate of Science in Business Analytics
This program will serve you best if you are looking for a stepping stone for a bachelor’s degree program. The lessons will help you learn essential business skills that will help you transition to a four-year degree with ease.
Associate of Science in Business Analytics Pros
- Flexible classes with a self-paced option and online assistance called NetTutor
- Affordable tuition fee
Associate of Science in Business Analytics Cons
- Multiple prerequisites in math and writing may require additional coursework
- Does not feature career services
Gwinnett Technical College | Associate Degree in Applied Science in Business Technology
Gwinnett Technical College developed this program to help students gain knowledge and practical skills essential to succeed in the business world. If you join this program, you will gain a deeper insight into accounting, management, business administration, and the legal system.
Associate Degree in Applied Science in Business Technology Pros
- Extensive employment opportunities in accounting, finance, or management
- Access to career services upon graduation
- Develop career-oriented skills in different areas of business
Associate Degree in Applied Science in Business Technology Cons
- Does not feature a self-paced learning option
Northcentral Technical College | Business Analyst Associate Degree
By attending Northcentral Technical College, you will learn the best practices to gather business intelligence. The full-time program will prepare you to be a link between information technology experts. The school also provides associate degrees for you to become a data analyst.
Business Analyst Associate Degree Pros
- Available in in-person and online modes of delivery
- Prepares students for roles in business analysis, data analysis, and more
- Opportunities to transfer your credits toward a bachelor’s degree in multiple universities
Business Analyst Associate Degree Cons
- Cost of books is over $1,000
Southern New Hampshire University | Associate of Science in Data Analytics
For only $320 per credit, you can easily start your career as a business analyst today. At SNHU, you will learn career-oriented skills and knowledge. The program will help you learn how to solve different organizational problems while applying data analytics standards.
Associate of Science in Data Analytics Pros
- Able to participate in Teradata University Data Challenge, a competition that challenges your data analytic skills
- Participate in various events that celebrate diversity and inclusion in tech
- Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education
Associate of Science in Data Analytics Cons
- Doesn’t feature a self-paced learning option
- No in-person delivery of instruction
- The acceptance decision may take a bit longer for this program
Broward College | Associate of Science in Business Analytics
This is an excellent school if you are looking for a well-rounded training program. This program covers topics such as computer and Internet literacy, principles of microeconomics, and data-based marketing. At the end of this program, you will be ready to take on entry-level roles both in the private and public sectors.
Associate of Science in Business Analytics Pros
- Popular among students seeking business analyst certifications
- Relatively affordable, with one of the lowest tuitions in South Florida
- Access to internships, apprenticeships, and job opportunities
Associate of Science in Business Analytics Cons
- No self-paced learning option
- Only in-person classes are available
Wake Technical Community College | Associate in Applied Science in Business Analytics
Wake Technical Community College curriculum provides students with the skills that help them to come out of the program job-ready. The complete coursework includes statistical and analytical theory, data mining, warehousing, predictive modeling, and best practices. You will have hands-on experience in handling theoretical and practical concepts.
Associate in Applied Science in Business Analytics Pros
- Offered in both traditional (16 weeks) and accelerated (eight weeks) formats
- No industry experience is needed to enroll
- Builds in-demand skills
Associate in Applied Science in Business Analytics Cons
- The classes are not flexible. If you are a parent or a working professional, you will need strict discipline to juggle your studies and other obligations.
- Career services are not offered
Miami Dade College | Associate in Science in Business Intelligence
This is a great program to get you job-ready in only two years. You will learn all essential topics to help you learn how to gather, store, analyze and provide access to users for making profitable business decisions.
Associate in Science in Business Intelligence Pros
- Learn data mining algorithms as well as data visualization
- Access to online and in-person learning options
- Scholarships, grants, and other financial aid are available
Associate in Science in Business Intelligence Cons
- There are no career services
Normandale Community College | Associate of Science in Data Analytics
This is an excellent program that will help you learn the basic tools of statistics, mathematical analysis, and computer programming. By the time you graduate, you will acquire enough transfer credits to help you earn a bachelor’s degree.
Associate of Science in Data Analytics Pros
- Earn 60 credits that you can transfer towards a bachelor’s program
- Available online and in person
- You will also learn statistics for data science
Associate of Science in Data Analytics Cons
- Not in-depth enough to pursue roles beyond entry-level
- The tuition fee is subject to change depending on the season you enroll and other additional charges
Coastline College | Associate of Science in Data Analytics
You will obtain a solid foundation in business intelligence, analytics, and data science. The school designed the program to help students learn how to become data analysts, business analytics specialists, operations research analysts, or market research analysts.
Associate of Science in Data Analytics Pros
- Opportunities to transition to a bachelor’s degree program
- Available online and in person
- Financial aid available
Associate of Science in Data Analytics Cons
- There is no self-paced learning option
Online vs In-Person Associate Degrees in Business Analytics
Benefits of an Online Associate Degree in Business Analytics
- Flexible learning style. Learning online is much more flexible as opposed to in-person classes. The instructor and students have power over their learning schedule. You can easily select the self-paced option if you still want to keep a job while studying.
- Versatile learning environment. Online programs are well equipped to help students learn business analytics. You will receive extensive support from the school as well as various sources of content to learn effectively. The learning exercises are also quite different from a traditional classroom setup.
- Diversity. Because online associate degree programs are accessible anytime and anywhere, they attract students from all over the world. This allows you to interact with people of all backgrounds.
- Affordability. Online learning helps you save on transportation and accommodation costs, which you typically incur when learning in person.
Benefits of an In-Person Associate Degree in Business Analytics
- Real-time learning engagement. Nothing beats face-to-face interaction in a traditional classroom setup. The instructor can easily pick up cues from students who are struggling with certain topics. You can also ask the instructor to clarify concepts as you learn with ease.
- Peer learning. You get to develop deeper bonds with your classmates in comparison to online classes. If you seek an opportunity to make new connections in the industry, you should consider taking an in-person course.
- More structured. Compared to an online program, you have a guarantee of a fixed learning pattern. Your classes will not get affected by poor internet connection, power shortage, or other technical problems that a computer might face.
How to Pick the Best Business Analytics Associate Degree for You
Many students do not know how to select the best education path when starting a business analytics career. Having a checklist to guide you in choosing the right education track is vital for a successful career.
Below are the top five things you should consider before selecting any associate degree program in business analytics.
Establish Your Career Goals
Before you sign up for any program, you have to know your career goals.
You must establish why you need to pursue an associate degree in business analytics. Some students take the courses to launch, advance, or change their career paths. Find out what motivates you. The answer to this will help you select the best path to follow.
Identify Your Interests
Your interests will help fine-tune the list of majors in business analytics. There are plenty of degrees that can help you launch your career in the field, but not all of them are similar. These minor differences can alter your career vastly.
When you choose a major that aligns with your interest, you’d be able to retain information better and develop a thorough understanding of the lessons effectively.
Evaluate the Flexibility of Your Schedule
If you want to study while working, you should consider taking an online course. In-person classes do not provide the flexibility you may need to pursue both studies and a career. Do your research on the different offerings and find out your prospective program’s mode of delivery.
Assess the School’s Employment Rate
You should check on the job placement rates of the school that you are considering, particularly focusing on associate degree holders. You’d be able to narrow down your options and eliminate programs that are less successful from your list.
How Much Can You Earn With a Business Analytics Associate Degree?
According to Salary.com, the average business analytics degree salary for a business analytics manager ranges from $118,412 to $126,053 each year. This applies to holders of an associate degree. Acquiring a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Analytics, you will earn an average salary of $119,614 to $127,086.
If you want to advance your skills and increase your chances of promotion, you should consider obtaining a Master’s in Business Analytics. A master’s degree will help you attain top managerial positions and higher pay.
Find out which business analytics career track offers the highest salary in 2021 if you hold an associate degree.
The Top Business Analytics Associate Degree Careers
Many employers require at least a bachelor’s degree in business analytics to qualify in business analysis roles. However, you can still find hiring companies that accept associate degree holders.
Below you will find top business analytics associate degree careers and the corresponding average salaries. All figures were sourced from ZipRecruiter.
Why You Should Study Business Analytics in 2021
You should study business analytics in 2021 mainly because of the field’s increasing relevance. Studying business analytics puts you in an advantageous position in today’s market.
Businesses today are looking for ways to better their strategies, operations, and processes. They rely on business analysts who know how to handle and process big data to help them drive their profit margins. A background in data analysis and data science is also guaranteed to increase your job prospects.
These reasons make pursuing a business analytics degree worth it. Business analytics degree programs will take you through lectures and exercises that delve in mathematics, statistical modeling, and research in the context of business analysis.
If you choose to take a business analytics program, you will not only be well compensated but also guaranteed impressive job growth over the years.
