Sep 30, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog 2024-2025 
    
Undergraduate Catalog 2024-2025

Business Analytics, B.B.A.



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Description

This is an approved STEM major. In today’s data-driven world, studying Business Analytics offers you an invaluable opportunity to remain competitive and relevant in various industries. This field blends practical skills in data management, statistical analysis, and predictive modeling with a deep understanding of business operations, enabling you to make data-backed decisions that drive organizational success. By mastering Business Analytics, you gain a versatile skill set that is highly sought after in sectors ranging from finance and healthcare to technology and retail. Furthermore, this knowledge empowers you to identify trends, optimize processes, and foresee market changes, making you indispensable assets to any team. Additionally, the analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and technical expertise developed through Business Analytics open doors to high-demand, lucrative careers, providing a substantial return on your educational investment. In essence, Business Analytics is not just about handling data; it is about shaping the future of business in an increasingly digital world.

What careers can this major prepare you for?

In this major, you will be prepared for careers such as business analysts, business intelligence analysts, data analysts, data architects, data scientists, big data engineers, data visualization analysts and market research analysts.

What skills are developed within this major?

Skills developed within this major are grouped into three categories: 1) Technical skills, 2) Soft skills and 3) Domain-Specific knowledge.

Technical skills consist of the following:

  • Data Analysis and Statistical Skills: statistical analysis, hypothesis testing, and data mining techniques.
  • Data Visualization: clear, insightful visualizations using tools like Tableau, Power BI.
  • Programming Languages: Python or R for data manipulation, analysis, and machine learning.
  • Database Management: SQL to extract and manipulate data from various sources.
  • Machine Learning: predictive analytics.
  • Data Warehousing and ETL: Knowledge of data warehousing concepts and ETL
  • Big Data Technologies: Understanding of big data technologies like Hadoop, Spark, and their ecosystems for handling large datasets.
  • Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: reporting and analysis

Soft Skills comprise:

  • Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: approach problems logically -> data-driven solutions.
  • Communication Skills:  ability to translate complex data findings into understandable insights.
  • Business Acumen: align analytics work with organizational goals.
  • Project Management: manage projects, timelines, and resources effectively.
  • Collaboration: work effectively in teams to gather requirements and deliver insights.
  • Ethical Judgment: ethical implications of data usage and ensuring privacy and compliance standards.

Domain-Specific Knowledge

  • Provides relevant context to tailor analytics solutions effectively

Admission to Major


Major Declaration Standards

  • Completion of the required BBA lower core coursework with a final grade of C or better.

Pre-Business BBA Degree: BBA Major Declaration Course Requirements

  1. ENG 100/ENG 101 - College Writing I
  2. ENG 102 - College Writing II
  3. MTH 148 - Mathematics for Business Majors I or MTH 167 - Precalculus Mathematics I (MTH 148 preferred)
  4. ACT 221 - Introductory Accounting I 
  5. BUS 151 - World of Business
  6. BUS 201 - Applied Business Statistics
  7. ECN 201 - Principles of Macroeconomics
  8. IST 203 - Spreadsheet Skills and Applications

Hours Required for Degree


Minimum hours required for degree: 120

Minimum hours required for major: 36

College Requirements


See college page  for college requirements.

Major Requirements


Note: MTH 148 - Mathematics for Business Majors I  or MTH 167 - Precalculus Mathematics I  (completion of MTH 148  is the preferred course)

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