Pre-MBA Degree: MSc in Data Analytics vs MSc in Finance

I graduated from college last year with a bachelor's in business with a concentration in finance (Cumulative GPA: 3.1, major GPA: 3.6) and want to pursue a master's degree prior to my MBA in order to build expertise and mitigate by undergraduate GPA. I'm currently torn between pursuing a Master's in Data Analytics (Business Analytics track) or Finance (Investments track) and my goal is to transition from strategy consulting to private equity.

A degree in data analytics would help me become a more well-rounded Analyst/Associate as well as develop an in-demand skill, while the advanced degree in Finance would help be build expertise in Finance. How do you believe these two degrees would affect my business school and/or private equity recruiting prospects? Also, any general advice for people who plan to pursue a different Master's degree prior to their MBA? Thanks!

1 Comments
 

Et qui eum unde est dolorem. Consequatur culpa ad inventore consequuntur non itaque quod ea. Ut cumque voluptas facere perspiciatis voluptas autem placeat. Quam aperiam vitae voluptas dolores et. Facere ut et est hic qui vitae facere aliquid. Harum ut qui est est quas ipsa.

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.0%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.6%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (77) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (70) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”