Bachelor's in Business Analytics Degree
Learn How Data Analytics Inform Business Decisions and Practices
The Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics from Grand Canyon University (GCU) is designed for students who want to develop a strong foundation in business and learn how data informs business practices. As a business analytics student, you will be taught about all aspects of business, including:
- Marketing
- Accounting
- Finance
- Economics
- Management
In your program, you can learn to apply the analytical skills of data visualization and data mining to models, and then interpret what these models show to make business decisions.
Benefits of Pursuing a BS in Business Analytics Degree From GCU
The on-campus or online bachelor’s in business analytics degree is offered by the Colangelo College of Business. This means that your degree was created to address the needs of contemporary businesses, teaching you responsible business practices that emphasize a high pursue and conscious capitalism.
Your business courses are also instilled with a Christian worldview, meaning that you not only have the opportunity to develop academically, but personally and spiritually as well, while learning material based on the guiding pillars of business: servant leadership, ethics and entrepreneurism.
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Develop Skills for Using Analytics in Business Settings
At GCU, the BS in Business Analytics degree program was created around set of important skills that may help graduates in the workplace. Some of these skills include:
- Business communication and critical thinking skills
- Information literacy and data analysis
- Business operations and environments
- Legal, ethical and values-driven business
- Business analytics
Coursework and Competencies of the BS in Business Analytics Degree
This bachelor’s in business analytics degree combines coursework in business and analytics. Skills such as effective communication and critical thinking are also emphasized to help prepare you for business analytics careers. You may find yourself in positions where you not only interpret data, but share it across broad networks of stakeholders.
Some competencies that the business analytics program focuses on include:
- Demonstrating skills for effective collaboration, negotiation and teamwork
- Applying techniques for creative problem solving and encouraging innovation within organizations
- Designing and delivering persuasive business presentations
- Demonstrating appropriate research strategies for acquiring information necessary to meet specific business needs
- Applying strategies for analyzing and synthesizing data, and evaluating risk in making business decisions
- Using quantitative techniques and tools to analyze data relevant to business decision making
Specifically in this bachelor’s in business analytics program, you can use financial statements to analyze how effective an organization is. You will also be taught about supply and demand trends to measure market economies. In addition, you will have the opportunity to look at operations and management structures to solve business problems.
Career Opportunities With a BS in Business Analytics
Bachelor’s in business analytics program graduates will have been taught to follow industry-specific laws, regulations and ethical practices. Upon graduation, they can apply statistical analysis and modeling to data to promote effective business practices.
BS in Business Analytics grads may have the opportunity to fulfill several career opportunities. They may find work as:
- General and operation managers
- Operations research analysts
- Management analysts
- Data scientists
GCU Offers Accredited Business Degrees
GCU is an institutionally accredited university, offering degree programs that meet high educational standards set by its accreditor. The Colangelo College of Business has several programs that are accredited by The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), including the bachelor’s in business analytics. To learn more about programmatic accreditation, visit our Colangelo College of Business Accreditation page.
Bachelor’s in Business Analytics FAQs
If earning your on-campus or online bachelor’s in business analytics sounds like the right step for you, learn more by reading through some of the most frequently asked questions below.
Data analytics is a career that requires many workers, with a minimal supply of qualified professionals to do the job. According to Investopedia, “Because demand is strong and the supply of people who can do this job well is limited, data analysts command higher-than-average salaries and perks, even at the entry level.”1
Often, being involved with business analytics involves analyzing and interacting with large amounts of data. Such massive amounts of data can have major repercussions if there in an incident in analysis. Because of this, a career in data analytics involves focus and critical thinking. While challenging, it may be the ideal career path for you if you feel you could thrive in this environment.
Yes, you will need to have a solid background in mathematics for business data analytics careers. Several important areas of business analytics involve math, such as accounting, economics, finance and statistics. If math is not your strong suit, it may be advisable to spend some extra time focusing on strengthening your math skills to prepare yourself for your business analytics program.
Your specific salary will vary depending on your job title and other varying factors; however, we can look at the average median salary of a data scientist as reference. In May 2021, data scientists had a median annual salary of $100,910, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.2
Many careers in the business data analytics field are projected to experience much faster than average occupational growth within the next decade, for example, data scientists. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates job growth for data scientists to increase by about 36% from 2021 to 2031, accounting for an estimated increase of 40,500 jobs in the field.3
According to DataQuest, three of the top skills that employers want to see from data analysts include:4
1. Data cleaning and preparation
2. Data analysis and exploration
3. Statistical knowledge
Other skills listed that data analysts will use in their jobs include creating data visualizations, creating dashboards and reports, writing and communication, domain knowledge and problem-solving.
While business data analysts work closely with data analysis, it is not considered an IT job. However, like many IT jobs, these professionals will need to be familiar with specific database tools and programming languages to be able to effectively do their job.
1 Depersio, G. (2023, June 11). Data Analyst: Career Path and Qualifications. Investopedia. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Data Scientists, as of May 2021, retrieved on June 26, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as data scientists. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, and accept employment from, determines salary not only based on education, but also individual characteristics and skills and fit to that organization (among other categories) against a pool of candidates.
3 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2022, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Data Scientists, retrieved on June 26, 2023.
4 DataQuest. (2023, May 18). 8 Data Analyst Skills Employers Need to See in 2023. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
If you are passionate about leading business through the use of data-driven analysis, a Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics could be the right path for you. Fill out the form on this page to learn more.
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
- UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-154, Applications of College Algebra: 4
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
- PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4
- BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- HIS-144, U.S. History Themes: 4
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Core Courses
Course Description
This course introduces core components of computer, information systems, and analytics technology. Students examine how organizations use technologies to analyze business processes and data and learn fundamental skills for business analytics.
Course Description
In this course, students examine basic accounting concepts and explore how accounting information assists business leaders in making financial decisions that increase profitability and contribute to competitive advantage. There is specific emphasis on the analysis of financial statements in the business decision-making process, budgeting, and factors businesses must consider when determining appropriate pricing of goods and services. Prerequisite: MAT-134, MAT-144, MAT-154, or higher subsequent math course.
Course Description
This course introduces models and practices used by contemporary marketers in fast-paced, dynamic, domestic and global markets, including the marketing concept and processes for developing, implementing, and assessing the effectiveness of marketing plans. Building from a foundational understanding of consumer behavior and marketing research, students examine the development and implementation of marketing mix strategies and tactics with an emphasis of how marketing integrates within all aspects of business.
Course Description
Drawing upon real-world management situations, this course is a study of individual and group behavior in organizations through detailed coverage of the functions of management, individual differences/diversity, leadership, motivation, decision making, organizational design, and organizational change and development. Emphasis is placed on how an understanding of organizational behavior leads to effective management practice.
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to the practical application of descriptive and inferential statistics in business. Topics include probability, probability distributions, the central limit theorem, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation, and regression. Prerequisite: MAT-134, MAT-144, MAT-154, or higher subsequent math course.
Course Description
This course covers foundational programming topics with specific focus on data science concepts. Students gain working knowledge of selected industry software programming tools that are relevant to data science topics. Prerequisites: BIT-205 and BUS-352.
Course Description
This course examines the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of relational database structures. Emphasis is on appropriate application and implementation. Prerequisite: BIT-200 or BIT-205 or CST-110, or CST-111 or CST-105 or ITT-111.
Course Description
This survey course covers the basic concepts of microeconomics and macroeconomics. The course begins by addressing the fundamental concepts of scarcity, choice, opportunity cost, and comparative advantage. The course builds on these fundamentals to explain the market forces of supply and demand, market efficiency, the economics of the public sector, and the firm's behavior under competitive market conditions. The second half of the course focuses on basic macroeconomic concepts, including measurement of national income, economic growth, and productivity. In addition, this course covers the monetary system and the classical theory of inflation.
Course Description
This course is an introduction to managerial finance and the financial markets, analysis of financial statements, time value of money, interest rates, asset valuation, assessment of risk, cost of capital, and capital budgeting. Prerequisites: ECN-220, ECN-351, or ECN-361; and ACC-240 or ACC-250.
Course Description
This course examines various areas of information technology project management. Traditional and agile project management topics are covered with specific focus on information technology projects. A project management software scheduling tool is also used in the course. Prerequisite: BIT-200, BIT-205, CST-111 or ITT-111.
Course Description
This course covers selected descriptive analytics topics with specific focus on data visualization techniques. Students are introduced to several industry software tools used for visually describing data behavior. Prerequisites: BIT-205, BIT-352, and BIT-320.
Course Description
This hands-on course explores foundational concepts and techniques related to data mining through the use of selected industry software applications. Selected data mining techniques are used to gain actionable insights from data pertaining to business organizations. Prerequisite: BIT-431.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course examines the role of governance and ethics within information technology. Topics include understanding and satisfying Sarbanes/Oxley, preparing for an information technology audit, complying with government regulations such as HIPAA, and understanding data-privacy issues. Students examine real-world case studies. Prerequisite: BIT-200, BIT-205, CST-110, or CST-111.
Course Description
This course covers key concepts related to predictive and prescriptive analytics by combining information technologies and statistical techniques to extract meaning from organizational data. Students apply predictive and prescriptive analytics techniques in order to understand the business environment and guide business-related decisions. Use of selected industry tools to apply predictive and prescriptive analytics techniques is also addressed. Prerequisite: BIT-430 or BIT-431.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course serves as the capstone experience in business and management, introducing students to functional, business, and corporate strategy from the perspective of a strategy analyst. Tools and techniques are applied to the student’s previous knowledge of accounting, finance, management, analytics, marketing, economics, entrepreneurship, and leadership acquired through their individual programs of study. Students integrate strategic analysis to demonstrate mastery of a wide variety of business domains. Prerequisites: MGT-420 or MGT-422HN; FIN-210 or FIN-350; and MKT-245 or MKT-315.
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to designing, planning, operating, and controlling production systems. Emphasis is on managerial concepts and strategies relating to the management of operations in both manufacturing and service environments. Quantitative and qualitative methods and tools are introduced and applied. Prerequisite: BUS-352, MAT-274, MAT-374, or ESG-374.
Course Description
This course covers special topics in business analytics. Students use critical thinking skills to frame analytics problems, build and apply appropriate analytics models, and communicate relevant findings. The course also covers topics related to working with unstructured data. Prerequisites: BIT-415, BIT-435, and BIT-446.
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.