Key Information:
- University of Cincinnati has the #1 best analytics bachelor’s degree.
- Bachelor’s in analytics equip students with vital skills in data analysis, quantitative analysis, and the use of big data in business decision-making.
- Graduates can pursue careers in various fields such as market research analysis, business intelligence, and operations analysis, where they apply their skills to solve real-world problems.
Analytics is more than a buzzword — getting a bachelor’s in business or data analytics is the first step toward a variety of career paths and opportunities. A professional with a degree in analytics may perform database management. Additionally, he or she may create data visualizations about insights and how to apply it. Other options for what can I do with a degree in business analytics are quantitative analysts, operations research analysts, and market research analysts.
Whether it’s called business analytics, data analytics, or business intelligence analytics, options include a market research analyst, business analytics specialist, operations analyst, or financial analyst. A person could also choose to become a marketing consultant. These careers are currently in demand. Plus, a person has a great deal of earning potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), marketing research analyst the median salary for this position is $63,120 per year, which is the same as $30.35 hourly.
Methodology: Ranking the Best Analytics Degrees
Students looking for the best degree for data analytics or the best business analytics degrees have an overwhelming number of choices. Just a few years ago, there were a handful of programs; today, data analytics majors are everywhere. Bachelor’s Degree Center editors have ranked the top traditional, on-campus programs with an eye for practical value. Programs are ranked according to Alumni Salary, Job-Market Reputation, and Tuition Cost, with data from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and Niche. BDC considers only accredited, reputable schools.
1. University of Cincinnati
When you’re looking for the best business analytics degrees, the BS in Business Analytics from the University of Cincinnati is a good option to help with your goals. The degree program emphasizes the technical skills students need to evaluate big data subsets in a business environment. It also provides the business education students need to offer the right suggestions to help a company grow and thrive.
The University of Cincinnati stands out by providing students with differing business analytics programs based on their academic achievements. The basic BS in Business Analytics gives students the fundamental knowledge they need to work in a business setting and provide the skills that companies need for their employees. Students who have high academic achievements can also consider the honor’s PLUS program or business scholars program. Both programs are merit-based and have specific standards for achievement before students qualify for the program.
Highlight: The University of Cincinnati offers scholarships to students in the business analytics program.
Degree: BS in Business Analytics
BS in Business Analytics from the University of Cincinnati
2. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers the best degree for data analytics for students who want to emphasize business intelligence. The BS in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics emphasizes the use of big data analysis as it applies to market analysis and business forecasting. It teaches students to use information in data sets to make predictions about future behavior from consumers or company customers.
The way Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota differs from other programs is the focus on the predictive aspects of data analysis. Students learn to use modeling tools to evaluate potential actions taken by customers. The modeling is based on company data, as well as analysis of other data sets, to determine the best course of action for a company’s long-term plans. It is an important set of skills for students who plan to work in a business environment.
Highlight: Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers credit to students for work experience or relevant life experience when it applies to a specific program.
Degree: BS in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota BS in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
3. Lamar University
Lamar University offers one of the best analytics degrees for students who want to work in a business or corporate environment. The BS in Data Analytics and Computation teaches students the processes and tools used to analyze and evaluate big data sets and to extract relevant information based on the needs of the company. It also ensures that students are able to use modeling tools to compute potential future outcomes based on past data.
Lamar University emphasizes communication as a critical part of the business analytics degree program. Students learn effective oral and written communication skills to ensure that they are able to work in a business setting and discuss potential goals with others that may not understand the full scope of technical skills used in analytics.
Highlight: Lamar University offers internship programs to students in the data analytics program who want to gain experience before completing their degrees.
Degree: BS in Data Analytics and Computation
Lamar University BS in Data Analytics and Computation
4. University of South Florida
The University of South Florida offers one of the best business analytics degrees for students who want to emphasize computer systems and information systems. The BS in Business Analytics and Information Systems teaches students the skills they need to evaluate and analyze big data sets or subsets for a company. It also provides students with the technical skills they need to work on information systems and to understand the computer science involved in gathering data.
The University of South Florida emphasizes skills that are used in business environments as well as large organizations. It does not focus solely on the application of data analysis in a business or corporate environment. It also teaches students the skills they need to work in non-profit organizations or government positions. That flexibility allows students to focus on their personal goals for a career.
Highlight: The University of South Florida has an Analytics and Creativity Center that encourages students to practice their skills as they work on their degrees.
Degree: BS in Business Analytics and Information Systems
University of South Florida BS in Business Analytics and Information Systems
5. University of Wisconsin Whitewater
When you want to obtain the best degree for data analytics, the BS in Business Analytics from the University of Wisconsin in Whitewater is a good choice to help with your goals. The degree program emphasizes decision-making based on information provided in data sets or data subsets to ensure that students are able to provide advice in a company environment. It also offers students the training in ethics to ensure they are prepared to maintain high standards when working in a business.
The University of Wisconsin in Whitewater takes an interdisciplinary approach to business analytics. It recognizes that students need computer science skills, business skills, mathematics skills, and other abilities to work in analytics. That is why the degree program requires students to take classes to provide a firm foundation in multiple disciplines as part of their degrees.
Highlight: The University of Wisconsin in Whitewater is recognized as a military-friendly school that helps veterans with the process of obtaining a degree and evaluating their options for scholarships and assistance.
Degree: BS in Business Analytics
BS in Business Analytics from the University of Wisconsin
6. Rensselear Polytechnic Institute
The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offers one of the best analytics degrees for students who want to work in corporate environments or a business setting. The BS in Business Analytics emphasizes quantitative skills and computer science skills to ensure students are able to access and analyze big data. It also provides students with the skills to determine when information is useful to a company and when it is not information that will help the business grow and thrive.
At the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, students learn to make decisions and suggestions based on their analysis of large sets of data. It gives students the fundamental skills they need to analyze and evaluate information before recommending a course of action for a company. The emphasis on effective decision-making skills helps students with their long-term career goals.
Highlight: The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is recognized by Business Week as one of the best undergraduate schools for students in business analytics.
Degree: BS in Business Analytics
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute BS in Business Analytics
7. Florida State University
Florida State University offers a BS in Management Information Systems that helps students prepare for a career in information systems and data analytics. The degree program emphasizes technical knowledge as it applies to information systems, the management of data, and the analysis of big data to help a corporation or business grow. It also teaches students the business skills they need to understand the application of data in a real-world environment.
Florida State University stands out by taking an interdisciplinary approach that emphasizes finance, management, and accounting skills. It also teaches students the appropriate computer science skills and the use of analytics tools to ensure that students are ready to handle a challenging work environment. It gives students the fundamental abilities they need to reach their long-term career goals.
Highlight: Florida State University offers a variety of scholarships to undergraduate students, including four specialized scholarships for students in the business analytics department of the school.
Degree: BS in Management Information Systems
Florida State University offers a BS in Management Information Systems
8. University of Iowa
The BS in Business Analytics and Information Systems from the University of Iowa offers students the opportunity to gain relevant computer science skills and business skills to work in a corporate environment. It emphasizes the use of technology to enhance business decisions and uses big data sets to clarify the appropriate course of action for a company. The school teaches students the proper measures to evaluate information and use computer systems to make effective decisions for a company.
The University of Iowa gives students a strong foundation in business skills and data analysis skills to help them work in a company environment. The degree program emphasizes the use of information systems and data to determine the right course of action for a company’s long-term goals. It gives students the evidence they need to make effective choices to help a business grow.
Highlight: The University of Iowa allows students to choose between two concentrations: business analytics or information systems, so students can focus on the skills that are most relevant to their goals.
Degree: BS in Business Analytics and Information Systems
BS in Business Analytics and Information Systems from the University of Iowa
9. UMass Lowell
The BSBA in Analytics and Operations Management from UMass Lowell gives students a strong foundation in the skills associated with evaluating information and using it to manage the operations of a company. It emphasizes the use of data and information related to customers, the company, and the movement of products within a business to improve on business operations and the management of services.
UMass Lowell stands out by emphasizing the application of data to the operations of a business. It ensures that a company is using information and data sets to improve on the delivery of products, the maintenance of company services, or the operations of the business. That specialized focus on the use of data plays a key role in standing out as an employee and ensures that students are able to take on leadership roles.
Highlight: UMass Lowell offers tuition assistance and helpful services to military veterans or active-duty members of the military.
Degree: BSBA in Analytics and Operations Management
BSBA in Analytics and Operations Management from UMass Lowell
10. Arkansas Tech
The BSBA in Business Data Analytics from Arkansas Tech is one of the best analytics degrees for students who want to emphasize business skills and analytical skills related to big data. The degree program gives students a strong foundation in mathematics, computer science, and business to prepare for a career in a technology-heavy field. Students also learn effective decision-making skills based on the data available to the company.
Arkansas Tech stands out by ensuring students are able to use data to make predictions about the market as it applies to a company’s products or services. The degree emphasizes business skills to help students make decisions about the use of data. It also teaches marketing and organizational skills that may help the company grow when dealing with changes to information and data.
Highlight: Arkansas Tech offers scholarships and financial aid to students who qualify based on merit or financial need.
Degree: BSBA in Business Data Analytics
BSBA in Business Data Analytics from Arkansas Tech
11. University of Miami
The University of Miami offers a BSBA in Business Analytics that prepares students to work in a corporate or business environment. The degree program emphasizes the use of big data to make decisions within a company. It teaches students to use science, mathematics, statistics, and computer data as a critical part of the decision-making process as it applies to a company or corporation.
The University of Miami stands out by emphasizing the scientific method as a critical part of data analysis. It focuses on preparing students to use the different parts of the scientific method to evaluate, compare, and finalize choices for a company. By using data and proper analytical skills, students are able to make predictions about customer behavior or business activity in the future.
Highlight: The University of Miami is AACSB-accredited for its business analytics and other business-related degree programs.
Degree: BSBA in Business Analytics
University of Miami offers a BSBA in Business Analytics
12. University of Houston Downtown
The BS in Data Science from the University of Houston Downtown gives students a strong foundation in data analytics and the science behind data management. It prepares students to work in a fast-paced environment and ensures that students know the processes involved in evaluating big data as it applies to different organizations and businesses. The degree emphasizes a strong foundation in computer science and data management to prepare students for a challenging career.
The University of Houston Downtown emphasizes math, statistics, and science as a critical part of data science. It teaches students the process of using computer programming, data analytics, math, and data mining to provide a strong foundation that applies to multiple career opportunities. It also provides students with the ability to gather, organize, sort, and analyze information using computer programs and systems to make effective decisions that help a company grow.
Highlight: The Data Science program at the University of Houston Downtown is the first undergraduate program of its kind in Texas.
Degree: BS in Data Science
BS in Data Science from the University of Houston Downtown
13. University of Texas at Dallas
The University of Texas at Dallas offers a BSBA in Business Analytics that emphasizes the tools used in data management to prepare students for a rigorous career in a business environment. The degree program teaches students the relevant business and management skills they need to make decisions and suggestions to help a company grow. It also offers leadership training students need to take on an active management position in their careers.
The University of Texas at Dallas gives students a strong foundation in business and data analytics that prepares students for a fast-paced career. Since it is a concentration in business administration, it emphasizes the business skills that are relevant in a modern and technology-heavy work environment. It also recognizes that students may use big data to develop effective marketing and operations strategies, so it gives students the fundamental skills they need to break down and analyze big data sets.
Highlight: The University of Texas at Dallas offers internships to students in the undergraduate program.
Degree: BSBA in Business Analytics
University of Texas at Dallas offers a BSBA in Business Analytics
14. Ohio State University
When you’re looking for the best business analytics degrees to help with your career objectives, the Ohio State University offers a BS in Data Analytics that fits your needs. The BS in Data Analytics teaches students to apply the principles used in science to large sets of data. It emphasizes critical thinking skills and prepares students to take on a challenging role in a technologically advanced career.
Ohio State University emphasizes computer science, math, and statistics as a critical part of data analytics. It ensures that students are aware of the application of specific skills and information to analytics as it applies to business. By giving students the skills to evaluate information and use computer systems, it allows students to offer effective solutions to help a company grow and develop.
Highlight: Ohio State University offers scholarships to students who are studying data analytics.
Degree: BS in Data Analytics
Ohio State University BS in Data Analytics
15. Eastern Florida State College
Eastern Florida State College offers one of the best analytics degrees for students who want to focus on the scientific aspects of data management and analysis. The BAS in Data Science teaches students the fundamentals of science as it applies to big data and the use of technology to mine, analyze, and manage data for a corporation or business. It gives students a strong foundation to help them keep up in their careers.
Eastern Florida State University stands out by emphasizing flexibility in student education. It offers evening classes and online classes to help students keep up with their studies. It also offers blended classes for students who want to combine traditional classroom programs with online classes for a flexible schedule. Students can also take traditional on-campus classes during the day if they do not have obligations or concerns that limit their time.
Highlight: Eastern Florida State College is SACSCOC-accredited and meets the standards of education to obtain accreditation.
Degree: BAS in Data Science
Eastern Florida State College BAS in Data Science
16. Drexel University
Drexel University offers the best degree for data analytics when students want to co-major in other studies. The Business Analytics degree program is designed around the co-major structure, so students are able to obtain skills related to big data and data analytics as it applies to business, and are able to develop additional skills that may enhance their options for their careers. The program prepares students to work in a career that is driven by data and modern technology.
Drexel University helps students find the right major and studies to reach their goals. Since it offers business analytics as a co-major, students are able to enhance their degrees with different skills that relate to big data and analytical skills. It opens doors of opportunity when working in large corporate environments, tech-heavy industries, or even modern legal fields that may require a vast knowledge of computer systems and technology to address new privacy concerns or relate legal challenges.
Highlight: Drexel University offers a forum for professional speakers in data analytics for students who want to learn from first-hand accounts about analytics in the workplace.
Degree: Business Analytics (co-major)
Drexel University Business Analytics
17. Chapman University
The BS in Data Analytics from Chapman University is one of the best business analytics degrees for students who want to work in an exciting new field and industry. Since data analytics skills apply to a variety of industries that range from legal and medical industries to large businesses and accounting firms, students are able to gain a broad perspective on the use of big data in different situations. It also provides a strong foundation in the technical skills involved in data analytics and maintenance.
Chapman University emphasizes scientific skills as they apply to big data and data analytics as a critical part of the degree program. It recognizes that students will need to understand the scientific method and the skills associated with the sciences to use data analytics in many environments. That is why it emphasizes computer science and related skills as part of the analytical program.
Highlight: Chapman University offers scholarships to students in the Data Analytics program that may cover a large portion of college expenses for qualifying students.
Degree: BS in Data Analytics
BS in Data Analytics from Chapman University
18. Florida International University
Florida International University offers a BBA in Business Analytics that gives students a strong foundation in relevant skills associated with big data management. The degree program teaches students statistics and the application of statistics to data analysis. It also teaches students how to use different data analytics tools so that they are able to keep up with the needs of a business or organization.
Florida International University emphasizes communication skills as it relates to data analytics to prepare students for challenging leadership roles or to work with other professionals. It ensures that students are able to communicate orally or through a written format in a concise, clear, and simple manner. By giving students a strong foundation in technical skills and focusing on communication skills, it provides a well-rounded education that prepares students to work in a business setting.
Highlight: Florida International University is a STEM-designated school recognized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Degree: BBA in Business Analytics
Florida International University BBA in Business Analytics
19. University of Toledo
The BA in Data Analytics from the University of Toledo is one of the best analytics degrees for students who want to grow in their careers. The degree program combines communication skills with analytical skills related to big data and computer systems to help students gain the ability to work in different environments and situations. It also gives students the fundamental leadership skills they need to advance over time as they gain experience in their fields.
The University of Toledo prepares students to work in a variety of industries. It gives students a well-rounded education that prepares them to handle different career options. It also ensures that students understand the ways they can apply their analytical skills to work in industries that do not always seem related to big data, such as the legal field or accounting fields. By giving students a strong foundation, they can work in unique environments.
Highlight: The University of Toledo offers research opportunities to students in the undergraduate program.
Degree: BA in Data Analytics
BA in Data Analytics from the University of Toledo
20. Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University offers a BS in Business Data Analytics that focuses on the application of data analytics to the business industry. It recognizes that students need a combination of business skills and data analytics skills, so it gives students a strong foundation in both fields of study. That emphasis on exploring the ways that business and technology intersect ensures that students are able to keep up with a career in a modern work environment.
Western Kentucky University explores the relationship between business, society, and technology to give students a strong foundation that helps with their career goals. It recognizes that societal aspects may impact the way that businesses handle different goals, and it provides students with the critical skills they need to analyze data to help companies make decisions that are socially responsible and work well for the company goals.
Highlight: Western Kentucky University is AACSB-accredited for its business data analytics degree program.
Degree: BS in Business Data Analytics
Western Kentucky University offers a BS in Business Data Analytics
21. University of North Texas
The University of North Texas offers the best degree for data analytics when students want to combine computer science skills with business skills. The BBA in Business Analytics recognizes that big data and analysis of big data plays a critical role in the decisions made by modern businesses. It focuses on teaching students the technical skills they need to evaluate information and then recommend solutions for companies to reach their target audiences.
The University of North Texas stands out by teaching students the proper use of artificial intelligence as it applies to data mining and analysis, as well as the appropriate predictive modeling to develop solutions for long-term goals. By giving students a strong foundation in technical skills and then teaching them to apply their knowledge to a business setting, the program helps students address concerns or problems that may arise in their jobs.
Highlight: The University of North Texas offers scholarships to current and future students who plan to take the business analytics degree program.
Degree: BBA in Business Analytics
University of North Texas BBA in Business Analytics
22. William Peace University
William Peace University offers a BS in Business Analytics that prepares students for the rigors of a technologically advanced career path. The degree program emphasizes quantitative analysis, statistical evaluation, and data analysis to help businesses or a department of a company with the decision-making process. It provides an opportunity for students to learn the technical skills they need to develop predictive models for potential outcomes based on data and analysis of the information.
William Peace University emphasizes the use of analytical tools and technology to help students develop effective models and predictions. It prepares students for the challenges and rigors of their careers by teaching them to use different tools to gather information, evaluate the data, and clarify the possible outcomes based on statistics.
Highlight: William Peace University offers merit-based scholarships and grants to qualifying transfer students or first-year students.
Degree: BS in Business Analytics
William Peace University BS in Business Analytics
23. Concordia University Wisconsin
The BS in Data Science and Applied Analytics from Concordia University Wisconsin provides students with the skills they need to wade through the data available in modern business environments and evaluate potential outcomes based on the information. It also teaches students to apply the theories used in the classroom to a real-world environment based on the goals of the company or organization where they work.
Concordia University in Wisconsin emphasizes the importance of strong ethics in student education. It prepares students to analyze big data and advise companies for their goals, while also teaching them the ethics behind data analysis and the proper ways to address concerns that may arise as it applies to ethical standards.
Highlight: Concordia University in Wisconsin allows students to select from three concentrations with data analytics for more specialized skills and career opportunities.
Degree: BS in Data Science and Applied Analytics
BS in Data Science and Applied Analytics from Concordia University Wisconsin
24. Ball State University
Ball State University offers a BA and a BS in Business Analytics emphasizes the use of statistics in data analysis to help businesses make sense of large data sets and clarify the ways that it is possible to use information. It gives students a strong foundation in mathematics and statistical analysis to provide businesses with a prediction of future behavior or situations that may impact the company.
Ball State University stands out by giving students the opportunity to develop technical skills that relate directly to predictive modeling and decision-making in business. It uses a combination of technical skills and analytical skills with statistics and mathematics to predict potential outcomes and help businesses find the best solutions to reach long-term goals.
Highlight: Ball State University requires students to complete a capstone project on managing big data before students finish their degrees.
Degree: BA or BS in Business Analytics
Ball State University BA and a BS in Business Analytics
25. Seattle University
The BABA in Business Analytics from Seattle University teaches students the business skills that are relevant in a technologically advanced work environment. It prepares students to analyze big data sets for a company and then make decisions based on the statistical data and the potential outcomes that apply to the business. It ensures that students have the technical skills to handle the management of big data as well as the business skills to make effective suggestions to help with company growth.
Seattle University differs from other programs by emphasizing critical thinking skills as it applies to data analysis, business development, and technology. It focuses on the intersection between business, technology, and information to help with long-term decisions.
Highlight: Seattle University offers small class sizes to help students keep up with their students and to ensure that students can reach out to professors when they have questions or concerns about class materials.
Degree: BABA in Business Analytics
BABA in Business Analytics from Seattle University
What are Some In-Demand Analytics Specializations?
When someone wants to earn an analytics bachelor’s degree, he or she may want to know about the specializations in analytics that are in demand. What can I do with a degree in business analytics? An in-demand specialization in data analytics offers a student job stability once he or she earns a degree. One example of the specializations in analytics that is in demand is biomedical informatics. This particular specialization focuses on biological and medical information systems, which are becoming more and more common. Additionally, they’re changing to keep up with advances in technology.
Business analytics is another one of the most in-demand specializations in data analytics. It focuses on business. Primarily, this degree option revolves around finance, accounting, operations, and logistics. It’s an in-demand specialty because business analysts will always have a place.
Coursework will include study in machine learning, algorithms, predictive analytics, project management, data engineering, and programming languages like Python and SQL. Analytics courses for an online bachelor of science data science degree will emphasize problem-solving skills.
Admission requirements for a full-time online program will often be lower than a traditional bachelor’s degree program. Online data analytics programs may require work experience as a prerequisite, as well as previous higher education credits. You can also often find a master of science online degree.
Is Business Analytics a Good Career?
First and foremost, a career in business analytics is beneficial in numerous ways. For one, a person who wants to earn a degree in business analytics will find that there are various careers in business analytics. Therefore, a person can explore his or her options.
Since a person has a choice of more than one career path in business analytics, it’s possible to explore his or her options.
Additionally, a career in business analytics is in demand at the moment and will continue to remain strong as long as businesses are keeping up with technology. As mentioned above, one of the careers in business analytics is an operations research analyst. This particular career path in business analytics is expected to grow by 26 percent from 2018 until 2028. This job growth is much faster than the average job. Another career path in business analytics is a marketing research analyst. This job is expected to grow by 20 percent from 2018 until 2028, which is faster than average.
Many of the careers in business analytics offer a lucrative salary. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for an operations research analyst is $88,350 annually. A research analyst, on the other hand, earns an average of $63,120 per year.
Is Data Analytics a Good Career?
Data analytics is a good career for a person who is interested in data and research. Plus, there are numerous careers in data analytics a person can choose from. One example of a career in data analytics is a market researcher. Another career in data analytics is a statistician. Other examples of careers in analytics include a data miner or an analyst and information technology specialist.
In today’s world, data scientists are in demand. With the business world changing, careers in analytics are becoming more and more popular and necessary. Any data analyst will remain popular for years to come. For example, a career in analytics as a statistician is expected to grow by 30 percent, which is much faster than the average job.
A career in analytics can earn a person a high salary. For instance, a career in analytics as a statistician can earn a person $88,190 per year or even higher.
Fortunately, how to start career in data analytics is as simple as earning a degree. Keep in mind that how to start career in data analytics requires at least a bachelor’s degree. Those with a master’s degree have more options and a higher earning potential.
Careers in big data analytics are rewarding for those who enjoy technology. Additionally, a person who chooses one of the careers in big data analytics has the potential to work with major companies.
Overall, the career prospects in data analytics are high. Plus, the career prospects in data analytics can grow as a person grows in the field.
If a person is asking why a career in data analytics, there’s the possibly of taking on a leadership role. When considering why a career in data analytics, a person should understand that a management role in this field can earn a person over $100,000 per year.
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Best Online Bachelor’s in Analytics