Deciding to pursue a master's degree in a business field is a great way to expand your career options or help you to advance in your current career. But a "master's degree in business" isn't a one-size-fits-all solution.

Instead, there are many different types of business master's degrees to choose from. Each is designed to prepare students for specific careers, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to excel. A Master of Science in Business Analytics, or MBSA, is no exception.

Wondering whether you're fit for a MSBA? Keep reading to find out.

What Is a Master of Science in Business Analytics?

An MSBA is a business graduate degree focused on big data as it relates to businesses. Businesses handle all kinds of data. There's information on their customers, sales and more, all of which need to be processed, analyzed and interpreted.

With a master's degree in business analytics, you'll learn how to do just that. You'll have a variety of careers to choose from after graduation in this competitive, exciting field.

To excel in your coursework, and in your future career, you'll need to have an interest in examining data. Alongside an analytical mind, you'll also need to have an interest in problem-solving; one of your main jobs will be to look at data and determine why it is the way it is, or make suggestions on changing it.

What Can You Do With This Degree?

There are a variety of careers you can pursue with an MSBA. Here are just a few popular MSBA careers:

• Data architect
• Chief technology officer
• Statistician
• Data analyst
• Project manager

Are You Ready to Enroll in a Graduate Degree Program?

Whether you decide that a master's degree in business analytics is the right choice or you decide to pursue a different type of business degree, you have another big decision to make; are you ready to enroll in a graduate degree program. Traditional master's degrees take anywhere from one to three years to complete. But during that time, you'll likely need to enroll full-time in courses. Your course load may be similar or slightly less than it was while earning your bachelor's degree.

If you're already working full-time in your chosen career field, are caring for a family or have other responsibilities, going back to school full-time may not be an option, even if it would open up a variety of opportunities for you. Luckily, there's an alternative.

An online MSBA program offers a practical solution for adults looking to continue their education and open up new opportunities without putting their lives on hold. In as little as two years, you could be on your way toward stepping up your current career or launching a new one in an exciting, competitive field.

Choosing the Right MSBA Program for You

Choosing to pursue a Master of Science in Business Analytics is a great step towards expanding your career opportunities. But like any graduate degree program, it takes time, work and commitment if you want to succeed. Choosing the right degree field can help as well.

An online MSBA program can help you earn your degree and open up new doors without putting your life on hold to go back to school.