Selecting the right degree to help with your goals is a critical part of planning for your future. Before you can determine if a business analytics degree is appropriate for your needs, you want to clarify what you will learn. What is a business analytics degree? A business analytics degree is a type of program that focuses on the analysis of data as it applies to a competitive business environment. Is a degree in business analytics worth it for your goals? It depends on your plans for a career. If you want to work in a business environment and focus on evaluating information to improve a company, then it may be a good choice for your goals.
Is a business analytics degree worth it when you want to work in a leadership position? For individuals who plan to work in a leadership role, a degree in business analytics is a good choice. It provides the fundamental training you need to communicate with leadership in a company. It also teaches the advanced analytical skills you need to take on a challenging role within a company. Students are able to use STEM skills and develop analytical skills related to big data while also preparing to lead a team or take on more complicated leadership positions.
Methodology: Ranking the Best Business Analytics Degrees in America
The editors of Great Business Schools ranked the best business analytics degree programs by focusing on highly trusted, accredited colleges and universities across the US. From our initial pool, we ranked programs according to factors that matter to students of all ages: Affordability, Job Market Reputation, and Student Success, using data from College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Niche.
1. University of Virginia
The University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce offers a BA with a Business Analytics track that is recognized as one of the best business analytics degrees in Virginia and the country. UVA’s BA in Business Analytics prepares students for UVA’s MBA degree program. Coursework for the University of Virginia’s bachelor’s degree includes Database Management, Cybersecurity, Text Analytics, and Consumer Behavior, among others. Degree candidates in the Business Analytics track must attend the annual analytics consortium held at the university and complete 12 credit units from the business analytics curriculum.
Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia was established in 1819. The school operates a 1,100 acre, which serves nearly 25,000 students studying for more than 120 degrees offered through the university’s eight colleges/schools.
Highlight UVA is the flagship institution of higher learning in the state of Virginia.
Degree Business Analytics Track, BA to MBA Program
2. Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College of Information Systems, Public Policy, and Management offers a 16-month Business Intelligence and Data Analytics (BIDA) degree program considered among the best business analytics degrees in the nation. Core coursework for Carnegie Mellon University’s data analytics program includes Economic Analysis, Applied Econometrics, Digital Transformation, Organizational Design, a mandatory summer internship, and a senior capstone project in data analytics. Degree applicants for the business analytics degree program must complete the online application and submit GRE/GMAT scores, transcripts, and a video interview (optional but highly recommended).
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) was established in 1900 by philanthropist and steel tycoon, Andrew Carnegie. CUM’s school campus is home to about 15,000 (from more than 110 countries) students studying for degrees offered by CMU’s seven schools/colleges.
Highlight Carnegie Mellon University operates campuses in Qatar and Silicon Valley, CA.
Degree Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
3. Case Western Reserve University
Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Business Analytics degree program that provides an integrated step to a Master of Science degree in Management (MSM). Coursework for one of the nation’s best business analytics degrees includes Operations Analytics, predictive Modeling, Probability, Digital Analytics, and Data Mining, to name a few. Degree candidates graduate and find rewarding careers as a data analyst, a data scientist, statistician, or analysts’ intern, among others. Students have a team of professionals to help with their career in the school’s CMO – Career Management Office.
Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) was established when two established schools merged – Case Institute of Technology and Connecticut Western Reserve, in 1967. CWRU’s campus in downtown Cleveland serves nearly 12,000 students.
Highlight US News ranks Case Western Reserve University among the top 40 national universities in the United States.
Degree Business Analytics, BS/BA to MS Program
4. University of Miami
The University of Miami offers a Business Analytics Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) that is one of the country’s best business analytics degrees available in the education marketplace. Degree candidates must complete 120 credit units in coursework that includes Supply Chain Strategy, Operations Research, Data Mining, Object-oriented Programming, Mathematical Economics, and Decision-making, to name a few. Students explore the ethical issues in business decisions, delve into effective communication techniques, and become critical thinkers.
The University of Miami (UM) is a private institution of higher learning that was established in 1925. UM is organized into 12 colleges/schools that offer more than 300-degree programs at varying levels. UM’s student population nears 18,000 students.
Highlight The University of Miami maintains an impressive library with nearly 4 million volumes in almost 6 million square feet of library space.
Degree Business Analytics, BBA
5. University of Vermont
The University of Vermont’s Grossman School of Business offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree program in Business with a Business Analytics concentration that is recognized among the best business analytics degrees in the northeast and the country. Coursework for the University of Vermont’s business analytics degree program includes Econometrics, Supply Chain Management, Marketing Research, Decision-making for Business, and Quantitative Analysis, to name a few. Many students pursuing a business analytics concentration also co-major in computer science or statistics.
The University of Vermont was established in 1791 and is considered an original public ivy university. The school is a land grant school, space-grant and sea-grant institution of higher education. UVM’s medical center is the largest hospital complex in the state of Vermont.
Highlight The University of Vermont’s student center received the first Gold LEED certification in the United States.
Degree Business Analytics, BA
6. Auburn University
Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business offers a BS in Business Analytics that ranked as one of the best business analytics degrees in the southeast US and the state of Alabama. Coursework for Auburn University’s business analytics degree includes Predictive Modeling, Enterprise Management, Big Data, Quantitative Communication for Business, Macro/microeconomics, advanced business finance, business law, and Business Analytics, to name a few. Students enrolled in AU’s analytics undergraduate degree must complete 123 credit hours, plus an internship to graduate from Auburn University’s program.
Auburn University was established in 1856 as a land-grant school through the Morrill Land Grant Act. Additionally, AU is a sea-grant and space-grant institution of higher education. Auburn University’s campus is located in a college town, serving more than 30,000 students.
Highlight Auburn University was initially founded as the East Alabama Male College.
Degree Business Analytics, BS
7. Saint Louis University
Saint Louis University’s (SLU) Chaifetz School of Business offers a BS in Analytics and Enterprise Systems that has received accreditation from the AACSB – the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Saint Louis University’s analytics degree program is considered one of the best business analytics degrees in the Midwest and the state of Missouri. Students graduate from SLU’s undergraduate degree in business analytics prepares graduates for a career as a systems analyst, a database administrator, a web developer, a network admin, or a systems designer.
Saint Louis University is a private university that was established in 1818. The school has a religious affiliation with the Roman Catholic (Jesuit) Church. About 8,000 students are enrolled in SLU at the St Louis campus or the international campus located in Madrid.
Highlight Saint Louis University holds the distinction of being the 2nd oldest Jesuit institution of higher education in the nation.
Degree Analytics and Enterprise Systems, B.S.
8. University of Tennessee-Knoxville
The University of Tennessee- Knoxville’s (UTK) Haslam College of Business offers a BS in Business Analytics. This course provides several concentrations to students in marketing, collateral option, information management, business/ engineering integration, international business, and supply chain management. UTK’s best business analytics degrees include coursework in data mining, regression analysis, statistics, database management, and data visualization, among others. UTK’s undergraduate program in business analytics is the perfect stepping stone to the school’s graduate program in business analytics.
The University of Tennessee- Knoxville was established in 1794, several years before Tennessee was adopted as the 16th state. UT Knoxville is the flagship and member school of the University of Tennessee system. Nearly 29,000 students attend UTK studying for degrees offered by the university’s eleven colleges/schools.
Highlight UTK holds the distinction of being the only school to have three simultaneous presidential paper editing projects.
Degree Business Analytics, BS
9. Marquette University
Marquette University’s College of Business offers a BS in business analytics that is recognized as one of the midwestern US’ best business analytics degrees. Marquette’s undergraduate business analytics degree includes classes in Integrative Business Analytics, Data Analysis, and Advanced Business Analytics, to name a few. Students majoring in business analytics must complete 30 credit hours in classes from the business analytics curriculum. Degree candidates in Marquette’s undergraduate analytics degree program must complete Marquette University’s core business curriculum for finance, economics, business law, marketing, human resources, accounting, and ethics.
Marquette University was established in 1881 and became the first coed school dedicated to Catholic Studies. The school’s urban campus covers nearly 100 acres and serves more than 11,500 students. Marquette University consists of eleven colleges/schools.
Highlight Marquette University was named in honor of the missionary Jacques Marquette.
Degree Business Analytics, BS
10. Valparaiso University
Valparaiso University’s College of Business offers two of the best business analytics degrees in the state of Indiana and the midwestern United States. Valparaiso University offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Business Analytics that requires students to complete 125 credit units to graduate, plus an internship or cooperative education experience. Classes for Valparaiso’s undergraduate analytics degree in business include Data Mining, Statistics, Decision-Making in Business, Database Management, and a 3-credit internship. Previous internships available to Valparaiso students include Dow, the FBI, US Steel, the Red Cross, Northern Energy, and Bank First National, among others.
Valparaiso University was founded in 1859 by members of the Methodist faith. Today, however, the school maintains a religious affiliation with the Lutheran Church. Valparaiso University’s suburban campus covers more than 300 acres and serves more than 4,400 students.
Highlight Valparaiso University is organized into five colleges/schools, including engineering, business, nursing, Christ College, and Law School.
Degree Business Analytics, BS/BA
11. Saint Mary University
Saint Mary University’s Greehey School of Business offers a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in Accounting and Data Analytics that is recognized among the best business analytics degrees in Texas and the entire southern part of the United States. Degree candidates must complete 150 credit units to graduate, which includes the full accounting degree program plus an additional 30 credit units in the business analytics field. Coursework includes Financial Modeling, Business Intelligence, Federal Taxation, Auditing, Statistics, Operations Management, and Organizational behavior, to name a few.
Saint Mary University is a Roman Catholic (Marianist) institution of higher education that was established in 1852. SMU’s urban campus serves nearly 2,400 students studying for more than 70-degree programs.
Highlight Saint Mary University holds the distinction of being the oldest Catholic school in the Lone Star State and the Southwestern US.
Degree Accounting and Data Analytics, BBA
12. Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green State University offers a BS in Data Science that prepares students to communicate using the language of statistics and math. BGSU’s best business analytics degrees require students to complete 122 credit units, including a senior capstone experience. Classes for this undergraduate degree in data science include Linear Algebra, Statistics, Calculus, Data Science, Statistical Learning, Regression Analysis, and a senior capstone project. Degree applicants should have a minimum of four years of college-prep math courses during their high school tenure.
Bowling Green State University is an institution of higher education that was founded in 1910. Bowling Green State University’s campus covers more than 1,200 acres and serves nearly 23,000 students across all campuses.
Highlight Bowling Green State University is organized into eight colleges/schools that offer more than 190 undergraduate degree programs.
Degree Data Science, BS
13. Loyola University of Maryland
Loyola University of Maryland’s Sellinger School of Business and Management offers a BS in Data Science that integrates the fields of statistics, information, and computer science. Students enrolled in Loyola University of Maryland’s best business analytics degrees must complete classes in Business Intelligence, Statistics, Calculus, Discrete Structures, Data Analytics, Multivariate Analysis, plus three electives, and a capstone project regarding the ethics of data science. Students graduate to find rewarding careers as business analysts, data mining specialists, business consultants, or business intelligence managers.
The Loyola University of Maryland was established in 1852. The Loyola University of Maryland maintains a religious affiliation with the Catholic Church (Jesuit). Loyola University of Maryland’s campus in suburban Maryland covers more than 90 acres and serves approximately 6,000 students.
Highlight Tom Clancy is an honored alumnus of the Loyola University of Maryland.
Degree Data Science, BS
14. Siena College
Siena College’s College of Business offers a BS in business analytics that is recognized among the best business analytics degrees in the northeastern United States and the country. Coursework for Siena College’s includes Time Series Analysis, Decision Making in Business, Business Intelligence, Statistics, Calculus, and Applied Matrix Algebra, plus core business course requirements. Internships are plentiful for degree candidates at Siena College in the many businesses headquartered in NY’s upstate capital region.
The Order of the Friars Minor established Siena College in 1937. Siena College is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church (Franciscan). The school’s suburban campus in Loudonville – in the capital region of New York State – is home to more than 3,100 students and the St. Bernardine of Siena Friary.
Highlight Siena College school offers academic degrees in liberal arts, science, and business.
Degree Business Analytics, BA
15. Simmons University
Simmons University’s School of Mathematics, Computing and Statistics offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Data Science & Analytics that prepares graduates for a career as a meteorologist, data analyst, data architect, epidemiologist, and data scientist, to name a few. Students enrolled in Simmons’ best business analytics degrees complete an internship plus coursework in Statistics, Algebra, Regression Analysis, Data Mining, and Interoperability, to name a few. Internship opportunities began as early as a student’s freshman year. Simmons’ undergraduate data science degree has received accreditation from the AACSB – the Association to Advance Collegiate Business Schools.
Simmons University was established as an all-women’s college in 1899 but operates coeducationally at present. Simmons University’s urban campuses in the Back-Bay area of Boston serves nearly 5,000 graduate and undergraduate students.
Highlight Simmons University is a member school of the Fenway College Consortium, which includes four other local schools.
Degree Data Science & Analytics, BS
16. Marist College
Marist College’s School of Computing Technology offers a BS in Data Science and Analytics that requires degree candidates to complete 120 credit units to graduate. Marist College’s best business analytics degrees include coursework like Machine Learning, Statistics, Calculus, Data Mining, Data Visualization, plus a data science capstone and internship to graduate. Graduates find rewarding careers in the fields of academia, government, science, and business. Marist offers students the opportunity to choose a minor in math, computer science, technology, economics, chemistry, biology, political science, and criminal justice, to name a few.
Marist College was established in 1929 as a Catholic school. The school retains a religious affiliation with the Roman Catholic (Marist Brothers) Church. Marist College’s student enrollment exceeds 6,500 students studying for the more than 50 academic degrees offered by the school.
Highlight Marist College operates a campus that overlooks the majestic Hudson River in New York and another in Florence, Italy.
Degree Data Science and Analytics, BS
17. Pace University
Pace University’s Lubin School of Business offers an interdisciplinary BBA in Business Analytics that prepares graduates for a career as a financial analyst, operations analyst, business consultant, market researcher, and operations research analyst. Degree candidates in Pace University’s best business analytics degrees must complete 120 credit units include classes in Visual Analytics, Statistics, Finance Data Analysis, Data Mining, SQL for Business, Business Strategy, and Risk Analysis, to name a few.
Pace University was established as a private school in 1906. More than 8,000 students attend Pace University’s campuses in New York City and the neighboring county to the north – Westchester County. Harvard University has recognized pace University as a transformative educational experience.
Highlight Pace University is home to the Actors Studio Drama School and the long-running show Inside the Actors Studio.
Degree Business Analytics, BBA
18. Bethel University – Saint Paul
Bethel University – Saint Paul’s Department of Business and Economics offers a bachelor’s degree in Business with a specialization in Business Analysis and Analytics that is considered among the best business analytics degrees available in the education marketplace. Students graduate from Bethel University’s prepared for careers as a market strategist, a trend analyst, a business consultant, a data analyst, or business analyst, to name a few. Bethel University boasts a graduate employment placement rate of 98%.
Bethel University – Saint Paul was established in 1871 as a private institution of higher education. The school’s 275+ acre campus is home to more than 6,400 students and is located near Lake Valentine. Bethel University is an evangelical Christian school that has an affiliation with the Converge.
Highlight Bethel began as a seminary for Swedish Baptist immigrants.
Degree Business Analysis and Analytics
19. Chaminade University
The Chaminade University of Honolulu offers a BS in Data Science, Analytics & Visualization that is recognized among the best business analytics degrees available in the education marketplace. Coursework for Chaminade University’s data science degree includes Digital Humanities, Data Journalism, Geo-tagging, Data Analytics, and Ethics Seminar, to name a few. Students enrolled in Chaminade University’s business analytics program have a seven-course prerequisite, which includes SQL, Calculus, Python, and Machine Learning, among others.
Chaminade University was established in 1955. The school is affiliated with the Marianist Roman Catholic Church. More than 2,700 students attend Chaminade University studying for more than 25 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Highlight Chaminade University offers specialized degrees in business, nursing, biology, education, design, religious studies, and criminal justice.
Degree Data Science, Analytics and Visualization, BS
20. Jacksonville University
The Davis College of Business at Jacksonville University offers a BA in Business Analytics, which has received accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Business Schools (AACSB), the only school in north Florida or southeast Georgia. Students enrolled in Jacksonville University’s best business analytic degrees graduate to find rewarding careers as a management consultant, an analytics consultant, a data scientist, and a business intelligence officer, among others. Jacksonville University’s undergraduate business analytics degree program requires the completion of 120 credit units, plus a required experiential learning experience.
Jacksonville University is a private school that was founded in 1934 as a junior college. Jacksonville University’s waterfront campus in downtown Jacksonville is home to more than 4,100 students studying for more than 100 undergraduate and another 20+ postgraduate academic degrees offered by the university’s six schools/institutes.
Highlight Jacksonville University’s flight team competes nationally against other schools and was the first-place finisher in 2007.
Degree Business Analytics, BA
21. Hofstra University
Hofstra University’s Zarb School of Business offers a BBA with a concentration of Information Systems and Business Analytics that is accredited by the AACSB – the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. US News and the Princeton Review recognize Hofstra University’s best business analytics degrees among the best business schools and programs. Coursework for Hofstra’s business analytics undergraduate degree includes Web Analytics, Python for Analytics, Intro to Simulation, and Business Forecasting, to name a few. Internships available with Ernst & Young, Intel, Cablevision, and Cisco, to name a few.
Hofstra University is a private university that was established in 1935 on Long Island, New York. Hofstra University is organized into ten colleges/schools that serve about 11,000 students on the university’s 200+ acre suburban campus.
Highlight Hofstra University originally began as a satellite facility for NYU on land owned by William Hofstra.
Degree Information systems and business analytics, BBA
22. Chatham University
Chatham University offers a BS in Applied Data Science Analytics that is considered one of the best business analytics degrees available today. Chatham University has been awarded as a college of distinction. Students enrolled in Chatham University’s undergraduate business analytics degree are permitted to take classes at U of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. Coursework for Chatham’s business analytics degree includes Machine Learning, Database Management, plus internship opportunities with PNC, Hilton, Ford, Google, Home Depot, and the Pittsburgh Steelers, among others.
Chatham University was established in 1869 as the Penn. Female College. The school was renamed to Chatham College in the mid-1950s. Chatham University is organized into three schools/colleges – Chatham College, College for Graduate Studies, and the College for Continuing and Professional Studies.
Highlight Chatham University has been recognized by Kaplan as one of the most interesting colleges and universities in the United States.
Degree Applied Data Science Analytics, BS
23. Widener University
Widener University offers a BA in Business Analytics, which has received accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Business Schools (AACSB). Widener University’s best business analytics degrees require the completion of 122 credit units over four years. Widener University offers an accelerated option for students to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in only five years. Students enrolled in Widener’s data science program also have the option of completing as a yearlong paid practicum, while studying for the degree
Widener University was established as a prep school in 1821. The school has had several name changes in its nearly 200-year history. The school’s urban campus in Chester, PA, is near Philadelphia and New York City and home to more than 6,300 students.
Highlight Widener University operates four campuses in Chester, Exton, Harrisburg, PA, and Wilmington, DE.
Degree Business Analytics, BA
24. Manhattan College
Manhattan College offers aBS in Business Analytics that is considered among the best business analytics degrees in the northeastern US and in New York state. Manhattan College’s undergraduate degree in data science prepares students for a rewarding career in healthcare, finance, politics, telecommunications, and the media, to name a few. Degree candidates enrolled in Manhattan College’s business analytics program have the option of competing in the national Business Analytics Conference & Competition.
Manhattan College was established as a Roman Catholic (Lasallian) school in 1853 in downtown Manhattan, NY, on Canal Street. The school’s campus in NYC’s most northern borough covers more than 20 acres and serves nearly 3,200 students studying for academic degrees offered by the college’s six schools. Money magazine recognizes Manhattan College as a national transformative institution of higher education.
Highlight The school offers academic degrees in engineering, business, and education at the baccalaureate level.
Degree Business Analytics, BS
25. Ohio State University
Ohio State University offers a BS in Data Analytics that requires students complete coursework in calculus, visualization, software design, probability & statistics, and data mining, to name a few. Degree candidates in Ohio State University’s best business analytics degrees will also complete an internship in one of the many companies available in the banking, retail, sports, finance, and healthcare industries. More than 70% of OSU data analytics graduates have one job offer prior to graduation. Previous graduates work for JJP Morgan Chase, Zillow, and Ford.
Ohio State University was established in 1870. The school is the flagship campus and a space-grant, sea-grant, and land-grant institution of higher education. The school’s main campus covers more than 1,500 acres and serves more than 61,100 students.
Highlight OSU’s business school is recognized among the top 15 schools in the country by Bloomberg Businessweek.
Degree BS in Data Analytics
Is Business Analytics a Good Career?
If you are considering a degree in business analytics, then you want to consider your long-term goals. It is a good choice if you plan to work in a leadership position or you want to learn the corporate communication skills you need to move forward in a corporate career. The program may also help if you have worked in a business setting previously and want to develop your technical skills to improve company growth.
A career in business analytics is a good choice when you want to work in a corporate setting. The degree program teaches students the process of analyzing data sets and predicting potential future outcomes based on statistical probability. It also provides students with a strong foundation in communication skills that help them clarify potential concerns to decision-makers in the company.
Careers in business analytics focus on helping businesses grow by providing actionable solutions to help address potential concerns. It uses big data and information to evaluate outcomes, so businesses can adjust to changes or situations that may arise over time.
A career path in business analytics offers a variety of potential opportunities for students. The challenge when evaluating a career in analytics is clarifying the role you may play in a business. You also want to look into careers in analytics that allow you to advance over time. Companies need professionals who are able to evaluate the data, clarify the potential outcomes, and advise the top leadership to make better choices for long-term growth. By clarifying the potential growth of your career, you are able to determine if a company has the opportunities you want to reach your long-term goals.
Taking on a business analytics degree prepares you to work in a STEM field as well as a business environment. It is a flexible degree program that helps you evaluate statistical data and present options for businesses to make effective decisions.
What Can I Do with a Degree in Business Analytics?
What can I do with a business analytics degree? It depends on your interests and goals. When you are asking what can I do with a degree in business analytics, you are ultimately looking into various solutions for your long-term goals.
When you are looking into what can I do with a degree in business intelligence and analytics, the obvious career is working as a business analyst. The career focuses on utilizing the skills you develop in the degree program. You focus on analyzing big data sets and using statistics to clarify potential outcomes. The career combines computer science skills with statistics and business skills to come up with realistic solutions to address concerns for a company.
If you are interested in spending more time focusing on the analytical aspects of the degree, then you may consider a role as a data scientist. A data scientist may focus on computer science or analysis. You can focus on your area of interest and emphasize the skills that appeal to your personal goals.
Individuals who are more interested in evaluating future outcomes may also consider a career in quantitative modeling. The degree provides the fundamental training you need to assess potential risks to a company and make predictions about future outcomes. You use quantitative strategies and modeling to predict future outcomes and then make suggestions based on the solutions that may help the company grow.
A business analytics degree offers a variety of opportunities for your career. You are able to work in computer science, data analytics, predictive modeling, or other areas of data analytics that appeal to your personal interests and long-term career goals.
Carrie Morris
Author
Warren Dahl
Editor-in-Chief