Data Science and Business Analytics are the most in-demand career options with excellent growth prospects. Both these fields deal with a large volume of data. However, there are some differences between them that students must know. So, let’s read this guide to understand the difference between Data Science, Business Analytics, and Data Analytics, and other interesting information.

Key Highlights

• What is Data Science?
• What is Business Analytics?
• The differences between Data Science vs Business Analytics: Main points
• Best universities to study Data Science and Business Analytics
• What is Data Analytics?
• Key differences between a Data Analyst and a Business Analyst
• Business Analytics vs Data Analytics vs Data Science: Which one to choose?

What is Data Science?

Data Science is an interdisciplinary field that deals with extracting valuable information from structured and unstructured data by using Algorithms, Maths, Statistics, Machine Learning, etc. The main goal of Data Science is to make informed predictions by studying historical and existing data trends.

What is Business Analytics?

Business Analytics involves collecting, organising, and analysing business data to gain insights and make better decisions. It focuses on improving operational efficiency, identifying new opportunities, and making data-driven decisions for business growth. Business Analytics professionals earn handsome salaries depending on the industry and job role.

Also Read: Data Science masters programs in the USA: An interesting guide

The differences between Data Science and Business Analytics: Key points

Basis	Data Science	Business Analytics
Objective	It focuses on extracting meaningful business insights from data and predicting future outcomes.	It is a sub-field of Data Science and focuses on solving business problems by analysing, interpreting the data, and making strategic decisions.
Data type	It deals with both structured and unstructured data.	It primarily deals with structured data.
Skills required	Excellent knowledge of programming languages (especially R and Python), coding, and statistical & mathematical skills are required to become a skilled professional.	A professional requires proficiency in tools (SQL, Excel, and Tableau), data analysis and interpretation skills.
Major applications	It is primarily employed by industries like E-commerce, Manufacturing, Technology, etc.	Business Analytics is commonly used in industries like Marketing, Healthcare, Entertainment, etc.
Some popular career options	Data Scientist Machine Learning Engineer Data Engineer Data Architect	Business Analyst Analytics Manager Business Intelligence Developer Operations Research Analyst

Also Read: All you need to know about a Master’s in Data Science in Australia

Best universities to study Data Science and Business Analytics

Universities	Courses Name
University of Pennsylvania, the USA University of Alberta, Canada University of East London, the UK	MBA in Business Analytics
The University of Edinburgh, the UK University of Michigan-Dearborn, the USA Nanyang Technological University, Singapore	MS/MSc in Business Analytics
Harvard University, the USA King’s College London, the UK The University of Melbourne, Australia	MS in Data Science
Monash University, Australia Durham University, the UK The University of British Columbia, Canada	Master of Data Science
University of Plymouth, the UK University College Cork, Ireland HEC Montreal, Canada	MS Data Science & Business Analytics

What is Data Analytics?

Data Analytics involves analysing data, understanding the basic trends and patterns, and drawing meaningful conclusions. Data Analysts are hired to perform this particular task.

Also Read: MBA in Business Analytics: Universities, courses, eligibility and career avenues

Key differences between a Data Analyst and a Business Analyst

Basis	Data Analysts	Business Analysts
Job responsibilities	They collect, interpret data, and derive insights to solve business-related problems. They also present findings in an easy-to-understand language.	They focus on finding the best methods to improve the overall business productivity.
Collaboration	They team up with business leaders and other Analysts to understand data-related and business-related requirements.	They collaborate with Project Managers, Developers, and Data Engineers to meet business expectations.
Skills required	Excellent knowledge of programming languages and coding is a must.	They have sound knowledge of Excel, spreadsheets, etc., and possess exceptional analytical skills.

Business Analytics vs Data Analytics vs Data Science: Which one to choose?

Business Analytics, Data Analytics, and Data Science are the three most emerging career options involving data with some fundamental differences. For instance, Business Analytics can be the right choice if you want to help organisations make data-driven decisions. However, if you possess excellent knowledge of Statistics and Maths, and concepts like Machine Learning, etc., you can consider a Data Science course. Last but not least, if you have an analytical mindset and interpreting a large volume of data excites you, a master’s degree program in Data Analytics can be a good choice.

Also Read: MS in Business Analytics in the USA: A detailed guide

Therefore, it is important to understand the differences between these three fields and consider other factors like educational background, area of interest, skill set, and academic goals before choosing the right career path.

So, if you are interested in pursuing a master’s course in any of the fields mentioned above but are facing financial challenges, you can opt for a student loan. At Avanse Financial Services, we offer customised education loans with multiple benefits. So, get in touch with us today to know more about a loan for education and its benefits.