02/25/2025
A business analytics degree is an academic program that focuses on teaching students how to collect, analyze, and interpret data to support business decision-making. This degree combines coursework in data science, statistics, and business strategy to help students develop analytical and problem-solving skills. Graduates may apply these skills in various industries, using data-driven insights to optimize operations, identify trends, and support organizational goals.
Bachelor's Degree in Business Analytics
A bachelor's degree in business analytics typically takes four years to complete through an undergraduate program.
Some of the most common degrees for business analysts may mean earning a business major, or concentrating in business administration, computer science, finance, economics, accounting, data science or computer information systems.
Core subjects that could be in a business analytics curriculum may often include: business, social science, engineering and more. Some elective courses could be a way to explore more specific areas of study depending on your goals, like marketing analytics, financial analytics or operations analytics.
While in school, business analytics students may have access to resources such as career counseling, internship placement, and study abroad programs.
Students may be able to participate in workshops, seminars, and one-on-one coaching to make sure they’re presenting themselves in ways that will align with their career goals.
Master's Degree in Business Analytics
A master's degree in business administration (MBA) or a master's degree in business analytics may be two types of degree programs that offer advanced courses to prepare students for more specialized roles. These programs typically take around 1-2 years to complete. Some master's programs may offer opportunities for real-world experience, such as internships or mentorships, allowing students to work directly in their field of study.
Some foundational course offerings may include business intelligence, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), business strategy, data analysis, statistics and mathematical modeling.
Additional degree programs or dual degrees may be available for business analytics professionals seeking career advancement or specialization in a specific skill or field by earning a master's degree in business analytics (MSBA) and eventually doctoral programs in business analytics.
Accreditation in Business Analytics Degree Programs
When selecting a college or university, it's important to choose a program or institution that is accredited in the area you're interested in. Accreditation may ensure quality of the education you receive, credibility of the faculty and that the programs meet specific industry and educational standards.
Common program-specific disciplines for business schools may include:
- The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB)
- The International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
To check if a college or university is accredited, review the institution's website for more information or contact the admissions office.
Licenses and Certifications in Business Analytics
According to research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, obtaining certifications are not necessarily required for specific roles. However, there are business analyst certifications that are available for continuous learning opportunities, such as the Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) designation, or the Certified Management Consultant designation through the Institute of Management Consultants USA.
Benefits of a Business Analytics Degree
A few advantages of a business analytics degree could include:
- Problem-solving skills
- Improved decision-making skills
- Potential for competitive salaries in business-related careers, depending on market demand and individual qualifications.
- Strong analytical and technical skills
- Networking and industry connections in the business world
Career Opportunities for Business Analysts
A business analytics degree may provide pathways to various technical and business-related roles, depending on individual qualifications and job market conditions.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for business-related roles like management analysts is projected to grow 11% in the next decade.
Graduates with a business analytics degree may develop skills applicable to roles such as:
- Data analyst
- Business intelligence analyst
- Data scientist
- Operations analyst
- Financial analyst
- Market research analyst
- Supply chain analyst
Developing Skills for a Business Analytics Career
Some skills that business analytics students may find useful include technical skills descriptive analytics, business skills and communication skills. Depending on the role, students may need to learn how to collect data, analyze data, and interpret data.
Technical and analytical Skills: Business analysts may use technical and analytical skills to build and present predictive analytics while working with complex algorithms. Data visualization may be a useful skill when professionals encounter software like Power BI, BigQuery, IBM Db2, and Tableau.
Business knowledge and strategy: Business analysts may need to have a strong understanding of how businesses work so that they can align analytics with organizational strategies. These efforts may be helpful to assist leaders with data-driven decisions.
Communication: Business analysts often tell a story with their data findings. By presenting complex data and insights in a clear way, stakeholders may get a clearer picture of what their role is. Business analysts may also work with many different roles within a company so clear communication may be beneficial to collaborative environments and team-oriented projects.
The Role of Business Analytics in Business Decision-Making
Business analytics identifies patterns and provides insights that inform strategies and improve performance.
- Business analytics may enable data-driven decision-making by modeling outcomes using predictive analytics.
- Business analytics may help eliminate estimates and grey areas, potentially leading to positive outcomes in customer service.
- Business analytics is used in various industries, including medicine, technology, retail, and real estate.
By leveraging predictive analytics and data modeling, businesses can enhance efficiency, improve customer experiences, and make informed strategic decisions. From healthcare to finance and technology, business analytics provides valuable insights that organizations may use to interpret trends, optimize operations, and address challenges in a data-driven world.
American Public University makes no guarantees about future career advancement, job placement, or salary outcomes. Educational programs are designed to provide students with knowledge and skills that may assist them in pursuing their goals. Success in the job market depends on individual qualifications, market demand, and other factors beyond the university's control.
