Business Analytics graduates will be able to analyze data and use the findings to guide organizational decision-making. The program cultivates organizational and technical competencies to implement data gathering, cleansing, integration and modeling tasks, as well as data asset analysis for business applications. The program covers data warehousing, dimensional modeling, big-data analytics methods, and visualization tools and techniques, and it introduces topics such as data mining and predictive analytics.
Business Analytics
Undergraduate - Business Students
Full-time Program
Based on National Averages
Median Starting Salary
$56,500
By 2024, Hiring Trends Predict
20% Growth
Refer to the Program Guide in the Advising Handouts for the complete list of requirements.
Required Courses
- BSAN 326 or IST 326: Database Management Systems
- BSAN 415: Data Analysis and Forecasting
- BSAN 440: Foundation in Business Analytics
- BSAN 450: Data Mining and Predictive Analytics
- BSAN 480: Business Analytics Capstone
- +2 Advanced Business Electives
Elective Courses
- BSAN 320: Fundamentals of Application Development
- BSAN 325: Systems and Analysis Design
- BSAN 330: Project Management
- BSAN 420: Data Visualization in Business
- BSAN 430: Marketing Analysis
- BSAN 465: Customer Relationship Management
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; and 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.
Typical positions include:
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Clinical Data Analyst
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Marketing Analyst
- Data Analyst
- Database Architect
- GIS Technologist
- Business System Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Quantitative Analyst
- Statistical Analyst
- Supply Chain Manager
Admissions
Freshman Direct Admission
Incoming freshmen are eligible for direct admission to the School of Business if they meet all of the following requirements:
- Earn an ACT score of 25 or above or a SAT combined score of 1200 or above (math and critical reading)
- Earn at least a 3.25 high school GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Indicate a business major on application to KU
Competitive Admission
Current KU students that wish to enter the School of Business must go through the Competitive Admissions process. There are two application cycles each year – a February 15 deadline for fall admission, and a September 15 deadline for spring admission.
Students apply during the semester they will complete the following minimum application requirements:
- Junior standing (60 credit hours)
- Minimum 2.5 GPA overall AND in business and economics coursework (both KU and non-KU credits)
- Completion of foundation coursework (list of coursework)
Applicants satisfying these requirements are ranked by academic merit and considered for admission based on rank and available space.
Transfer Students
Only students admitted to KU through Office of Admissions (domestic students) or International Undergraduate Admissions (international students) are permitted to complete the KU School of Business application. Admission to the School of Business is done through the Competitive Admission process.
International Students
International students must be admitted to KU through International Recruitment and Undergraduate Admissions prior to completing the KU School of Business application.
Incoming international freshmen who meet the following requirements will be admitted directly to the School of Business:
- ACT composite: 25+ (SAT equivalent: 1200+ critical reading and math)
- 3.25+ high school GPA
- English-language proficiency (see below)
International students may also enter the School of Business through the Competitive Admissions process. There are two application cycles each year – a February 15 deadline for fall admission, and a September 15 deadline for spring admission.
Students are eligible to apply to the School of Business during the semester they will complete the following minimum application requirements:
- Junior standing (60 credit hours)
- Minimum 2.5 GPA overall AND in business and economics coursework (both KU and non-KU credits)
- Completion of foundation coursework (list of coursework)
TOEFL Requirement
- TOEFL total score of 92 or higher, as well as minimum subscore of 23 on the written and speaking components of the TOEFL exam (see policy details below)
Learn more about applying to the School of Business as an international student.
Edwards Campus BBA
For adult non-traditional students in Johnson County and the metropolitan Kansas City area, the KU School of Business offers the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) at the KU Edwards Campus.
Contact Student & Academic Services
1160 Capitol Federal Hall
1654 Naismith Drive
Lawrence, KS 66045
1654 Naismith Drive
Lawrence, KS 66045
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