Demand for data professionals is at an all-time high, with projected job growth of 34% over the next ten years. These experts collect and interpret data, helping companies identify trends, evaluate performance, and make informed decisions. 

In this growing field, job titles such as business analysts, data scientists, and business intelligence specialists are often used interchangeably, despite their differing areas of expertise. What does each role involve, and which career path best matches your goals and skills?

MSBA vs. Data Science: How Hiring Managers Define the Difference

For data professionals, two popular pathways for postgraduate degrees are a Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) or a Master’s in Data Science. While both degrees can advance your knowledge and prepare you to make sense of a range of data, there are key differences between the two that hiring managers notice. 

MSBA vs. Data Science:

  • An MSBA focuses on preparing candidates to analyze data and use insights to recommend decisions, strategies, and solutions that add value to businesses.
  • An MS in Data Science focuses on teaching candidates to use tools to organize and derive meaning from data, relying heavily on concepts in math, statistics, engineering, and computer science.
  • Students in an MSBA program focus on skills related to statistics, showing data visually, forecasting, and analytical reasoning. MSBA candidates also learn how to identify, evaluate, and recommend actions to management teams. 
  • Those studying an MS in Data Science master various technologies to make sense of large data sets, such as Microsoft Excel, SQL, Python, and machine learning.

Business Analytics vs. Data Science: Career Paths and Job Expectations

Some companies require only one role to fill both functions of a data scientist and business analyst, while other companies include both roles. Many times, data professionals work for consulting firms or as individual consultants. 

Common job titles for data professionals include business analyst, data analyst, data scientist, management analyst, business intelligence analyst, and management consultant. 

In companies with only one data professional, they may use any of the above titles. Typically, in a combined role, functions include both data collection and interpretation as well as analysis and recommendations for business decisions. In settings where both specialists in data science and business analysis are present, work is often collaborative to achieve outcomes. 

Although some functions overlap, data scientists tend to focus on collecting and evaluating data, creating algorithms and models to identify patterns and make predictions, and visualizing data. Business analysts analyze the data to derive meaning, identify areas for improvement, and recommend relevant strategies. Recommendations may include organizational changes, new business solutions, optimizations to supply chains and resource allocation, and more. 

As a general rule, experts with a business analytics background get more involved in business strategy. Also, business analysts tend to work closely with the management team to define and implement changes, with an emphasis on future outcomes. For these roles, companies prefer candidates with a strong business background and proficiency in data science, such as programming languages and statistical analysis. 

On the other hand, those with a background in data science lead data collection, interpretation, and analysis. Although they may make recommendations, they often aren’t as involved in business strategy. Some common projects for data scientists include creating and designing databases and building custom machine learning tools. Candidates for these roles need a robust background in machine learning, programming, math, and statistics. 

BI vs. Data Analytics: Where Business Intelligence Fits In

The fields of business intelligence, or BI, and data analytics also overlap. Many experts view BI as a subset of the broader field of data analytics. While data analytics encompasses the collection, examination, and interpretation of data, business intelligence applies this data to unique business contexts to inform decision-making. 

Hiring managers prefer BI-focused candidates when their goals include reports and dashboards to help monitor KPIs or uncover areas for improvement. Another consideration is the data type and source. BI is often preferred for structured data, while data analytics is more effective at manipulating unstructured data. 

Another difference in scope is the time frame. While BI typically engages with current and immediate performance, data analytics may focus more on forecasting, modeling, and long-term goals.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, common job titles for BI analysts include: 

  • BI Consultant
  • BI Coordinator
  • Strategic Business and Technology Intelligence Consultant

Another common position is a reporting analyst. These experts bridge the gap between the data analysis team and management, using data to create useful reports and dashboards that meet the company’s needs. Analytics consultants play a similar role, helping turn data into recommendations and informed decision-making.

MSBA vs. MBA: Which Degree Signals Analytics Leadership?

Either an MSBA or an MBA can help you move forward in your business career. The best choice for you depends on your interests and goals. While both require business acumen and an understanding of strategy, each offers a unique career path. 

An MSBA is a more specialized and technical degree that directs your career path toward senior roles in analytics, consulting, and data science-related jobs. On the other hand, an MBA is a broader business degree that can be applied to many industries and a wider range of management positions.

If you excel in the technical aspects of data analysis, such as statistics, identifying patterns, coding, and databases, an MSBA might be right for you. For those who prefer diving deep into business strategy and serving in leadership, an MBA may be the better choice. 

What Hiring Managers Expect in 2025 (Skills Beyond the Degree)

Whether you delve into data science, business analytics, or business intelligence, companies value employees with essential in-demand skills. With a data science or business analytics degree, you can offer expertise in data storytelling, cross-functional collaboration, ethical data use, AI literacy, modeling, and forecasting. 

Specifically, a survey conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council showed that data analysis and strategy are among the most in-demand skills employers are seeking.

In the hiring process, candidates who show interest in ongoing learning and professional development shine. Additionally, graduate education can help you stay competitive and knowledgeable as technology evolves. For long-term career success, a graduate degree can help you earn more and achieve job stability, according to the BLS. 

How to Make Your Choice

Are you ready to take your career to the next level? Get started with our insightful quiz that will help you narrow down your choices.