Business Analytics Major

Business analytics takes a data-driven approach to the world of business, using statistics and data modeling to develop new business insights. As a business analytics major you will learn the scientific process of using data to make better decisions in various areas of organization, not-for-profit and government entities.

The analytics courses offered at Grand View are taught by industry-experienced professionals to ensure that students learn problem solving skills, translation of business problems into analytical frameworks, business intelligence and predictive analytics – all skills that are sought after by employers.

You will learn to address real-world problems and challenges. After graduating, you will be equipped with the skills needed to become an in-demand data-driven decision maker. The analytics programs at Grand View feature 1-1 mentorship and support from faculty, the building of an analytics portfolio and a capstone project.

A degree in Business Analytics emphasizes skills in business, computer science, communication and statistics.

You will be ready to succeed in our data-driven world!

Compare Analytics Programs

	Bachelor's	Certificate	Certificate
Format	Full-time	Full-time	Part-time
Location	Des Moines, Iowa	Des Moines, Iowa	Des Moines, Iowa
Program Length	4 years	2 semesters	3 semesters
Degree Checklist	VIEW	VIEW	Same as full-time certificate

Wondering whether you should pursue business analytics, computer science, or management information systems?

Explore the differences

Why Grand View?

Business analytics is one of the fastest growing occupations in Iowa (Iowa Workforce Development)
There are more business analytics jobs available than data science jobs
A solid mix of core competencies the industry seeks both in business analytic and application perspectives
An interdisciplinary program with faculty collaborating across departments
Valuable internships in Des Moines

Career Options

Graduates will be able to seek positions at both large and small companies. There is a high demand for data-driven decision makers in all sectors from agriculture to health care to government.

Rewarding careers can be found in the following jobs:

Analytics Consultant
Analytics, Visualization & Insight Manager
Consumer and Market Knowledge Manager
Data Analytics & Reporting Manager
Data Curator
Data Wrangler
Digital Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial Manager
HR Manager
Information Technology Specialist
Management Analyst
Marketing Analyst
Operations Analyst
Portfolio Analyst
Product Analyst
Sales Analyst
Sports Analyst
Workforce Analytics Manager

WHAT CAN I DO WITH THIS MAJOR?

Course Requirements

Download BUSINESS ANALYTICS Degree Checklist

DOWNLOAD ANALYTICS CERTIFICATE CHECKLIST

DOWNLOAD PROFESSIONAL SALES CERTIFICATE CHECKLIST

Program Philosophy

Dr. Oscar Aguilar

“Being an analytics professional is like being a detective. You will be investigating and knocking on several doors. Often, the first doors will not take you anywhere; however, after a few tries you will knock on the right door and hit home run!"

GV Degree Combinations

You may also be interested in one or more of the following:

How Are They Different?

Business Analytics

An analytics professional concentrates on processing, analyzing and visualizing information. Their main goal is to discover actionable insights for current problems in a number of business areas like HR, marketing, customer service, and operations.

Data Scientist

A data science position, such as business intelligence architect, systems analyst, data engineer, data warehouse specialist, or data mining analyst, requires more technical skills. A data scientist’s main goal is to ask questions and locate potential avenues of study. They predict potential trends and find better ways to analyze information, accomplishing this by using techniques that combine computer science, statistics, and machine learning to parse through and explore massive, disparate, and disconnected data sets.

Did You Know?

If you pursue a career in Business Analytics, your role will not be the same as a data scientist!

A business analyst concentrates on processing, analyzing, and visualizing information. Their main goal is to discover actionable insights for current problems in a number of business areas like HR, marketing, customer service, and operations.

Career Growth

The demand for professionals with business analytics skills is growing, fueled by four main trends:

A shift toward data-driven organizations and data-driven decision-making (commonly reported as “big data" initiatives)

The exponential growth of structured and unstructured data due to widespread usage of mobile devices, cloud computing and social media

The shift in business computing from "transaction processing" to "interaction processing," whereby customer and business partner engagement are facilitated by a growing array of IT-based platforms and associated experiences

Significant improvements in data software and systems.

Business and governments need sharp, savvy professionals — such as data scientists, data architects, data modelers, data visualizers, and data infrastructure operators — who can help them manage and provide clarity to a potentially overwhelming volume of data. The starting annual salary for a business analyst averages around $65,000 in recent years.