Find your perfect college degree
In an increasingly digital world, data has become quite indispensable, especially to business organizations.
Through analyzing data at their disposal, businesses can get valuable insights into customers, which proves vital in providing them with exceptional experience and products that meet their goals. This makes business intelligence an important part of the decision-making process.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics sees a 36% growth in the job outlook for data scientists. This means those pursuing a career in this field will find a wealth of opportunities to grow and succeed.
To start one’s journey in this lucrative and ever-growing industry, interested students may consider earning an online business intelligence degree. Some of the best online bachelor’s in business intelligence programs draw from the business analytics discipline to equip students to stay ahead of the curve.
Online students will be able to explore and master highly valuable skills, including database management, programming, problem-solving, market research, and advanced analytical techniques, among others. They can then pursue rewarding careers in various fields, from financial services and insurance to retail, manufacturing, and even healthcare.
Most graduates of online Business Intelligence degrees go on to become market research analysts, business intelligence analysts, data scientists, and so many more.
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The Lowdown
An online bachelor’s in business intelligence degree is an ideal choice for students who are passionate about leading businesses through the use of data-driven analysis.
The online learning format means business analytics professionals and busy students will be able to juggle their personal responsibilities along with their pursuit of higher education.
Fortunately, many online schools in the country cater to the unique needs of working adults. It is up to prospective students to decide the best online bachelor’s in business intelligence degree for their needs.
Methodology
Many of the country’s top-quality universities, private and public, offer a bachelor’s degree in Business Intelligence/Business Analytics, which opens the door for challenging but rewarding careers in many industries, especially those heavily reliant on good data for crucial decision-making processes.
We’ve put together a random, unranked list of the best online bachelor’s degree programs, which offer the same quality of education in a more convenient and accessible format.
The schools that made it to the list were picked based on a set of criteria, which includes the following features:
- Offers their degree in a 100% online or a hybrid format, which affords students more time flexibility that they can use to pursue other commitments, like a job.
- Features a curriculum that covers the fundamentals of business principles, as well as courses that cover relevant industry-specific tools, skills, and processes
- Prepares students for careers as business analysts, systems analysts, and other similar data-driven careers.
- Taught by experts in the field and/or have significant industry experience as practitioners themselves, which serves as a source of valuable real-world insights for students
- Gives students the right preparation to pursue other additional credentials while earning their coursework, such as industry-specific competency certification credentials, or offers additional tracks or appropriate concentration areas
- Offers competitive/affordable tuition rates, in addition to various options to reduce the business analytics cost of tuition through financial aid, scholarships, grants, and other options
- Holds the appropriate accreditation credentials, assuring students of the quality of education they are getting.
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Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Intelligence Degree Programs
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Bachelor of Science in Business Intelligence
Considered one of Colorado’s best online Business Intelligence degree programs, the Bachelor of Science in Business Intelligence from Metropolitan State University of Denver provides students with a solid foundation in business data analytics. To help students stay ahead of the curve, they are given access to state-of-the-art software used by data analysts.
- This business intelligence degree program teaches students how to turn data into actionable intelligence and ensure the effectiveness of the decision-making process.
- The program curriculum was developed and taught by expert faculty, equipping students with highly relevant skills like programming, database management, problem-solving, market research, and advanced analytical techniques.
- Some of the business intelligence courses include Database Management Systems, Security Essentials, Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining, Data Science and Big Data Analytics, Business Application Development, and so much more.
What Makes this Program Unique:
Since the course options and availability vary every semester, students are allowed to customize a degree plan that can help them meet their career goals more effectively. They have the opportunity to work with an advisor to make this happen.
Did You Know?
As part of their commitment to accessible and affordable education, Metropolitan State University of Denver offers one of the state’s most affordable tuition rates. In fact, about 46% of their students receive aid.
Arizona State University
Bachelor of Science in Business Data Analytics
Students who are passionate about big data and how it can transform businesses for the better may want to consider earning the Bachelor of Science in Business Data Analytics offered by Arizona State University. Students learn the ways to help companies generate valuable insight and reporting by combining data with effective, thorough, and accurate analysis.
- The online degree in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics enables students with the knowledge and skills necessary to create or manage big data initiatives.
- Students are being prepared to take on jobs within the information services and data analytics environments.
- Some of the technical competencies students will be able to develop throughout the program include asset analysis, descriptive analysis, integration, gathering, and prescriptive analysis, among others.
What Makes this Program Unique:
The program curriculum focuses on data warehousing, mining, and dimensional modeling. This makes the program an ideal choice for those who aim to pursue analyst and administrator roles in the future.
Did You Know?
The faculty at W. P. Carey School of Business puts importance on innovative research and impact. The faculty members are known to be experts in their chosen field, with accolades ranging from Nobel laureates, renowned journal publications, and National Academy of Sciences members, among others.
Oregon State University
Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics
The BS in Business Data Analytics offered by Oregon State University teaches prospective students how to integrate datasets and tools to address business opportunities and risks. They will gain a deeper understanding of operations, customers, and markets.
- The program curriculum focuses on applying data science tools to marketing and consumer analytics,
- Students explore techniques for data mining, text mining, data visualization, and statistical tools and techniques to up an organization’s strategic value.
- To earn the program, students are required to complete a minimum of 180 quarter credits. Some of the course topics they will cover include managerial accounting, principles of marketing, financial planning, international business, and operations management, among others.
What Makes this Program Unique:
Students enrolled in the program are given the chance to select an area of focus. Their specialization options include Digital Marketing Analytics, Sports Business, Human Resource Analytics, and Market Research and Consumer Analytics.
Did You Know?
The program is part of the Accelerated Master’s Platform, which means students have the opportunity to jumpstart on their master of science in business while they work toward their undergraduate degree in business analytics.
DeVry University
Bachelor’s in Business Intelligence and Analytics Management
Students passionate about exploring big data analytics to solve business problems will find Devry University’s Bachelor’s in Business Intelligence and Analytics Management an ideal choice. This degree program gives students the opportunity to learn all about data analytics management, including the use of analytical tools.
- The program curriculum explores the essential aspects of the field, from applications, databases, and data modeling to accounting, electronic business management, and e-commerce.
- Students will also get to learn all about supply chain support, database concepts, and managerial and business applications for data analytics, among others.
- On top of theory and applications, students will also get to acquire vital technical skills such as mastering software packages integral to analyzing financial data, exploring trends, and creating portfolios.
What Makes This Program Unique:
This specialization program can be part of these bachelor’s degree programs: bachelor’s degree in business administration, bachelor’s degree in management, and bachelor’s degree in technical management.
Did You Know?
Students who want to earn the degree faster may be able to do so as the classes start every eight weeks. Doing so will let them finish it in only two years and eight months. They can also reduce that time period by taking advantage of the online program’s generous transfer credits policy.
Grand Canyon University
Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics
Designed with working professionals in mind, the Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics from Grand Canyon University helps students develop a strong foundation in business while gaining a better understanding of how data informs business practices. Students will get to explore various aspects of business, including marketing, accounting, finance, economics, and management.
- The program curriculum teaches students all about data visualization and data mining to models while interpreting what these models show when forming business decisions.
- Students will get to acquire a set of important skills to be successful in the workplace. This includes business communication, critical thinking skills, information literacy, and data analysis.
- The curriculum also focuses on database structures, business analytics, and project management.
What Makes this Program Unique:
The degree program focuses on equipping students with competencies that will help them analyze and synthesize data while evaluating risks when it comes to business decisions.
Some of the core courses that they will cover include Fundamentals of Business Finance, Advanced Business Analytics, Strategic Management, and Introduction to Database Structures, among others.
Did You Know?
Students at Grand Canyon University can take advantage of the school’s generous scholarship opportunities. They can also benefit from the Progressive Transfer Policy, which will help them earn the degree faster, which will help them save money in the process.
Louisiana State University
Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics
Since data drives the modern-day business landscape, it is more important than ever to consult the expertise of data and business analysts. The Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics offered by Louisiana State University helps interested students become experts in the field, allowing them to gather and analyze data while helping businesses streamline their processes and improve their products.
- Students in this program will need to complete a total of 120 credit hours, with 43 of them allocated to business core courses and 21 credit hours devoted to business analytics core requirements.
- The program curriculum helps students learn how to sort through large datasets to make actionable business decisions with the aim of improving efficiency and increasing profits.
- Some of the topics covered in the program include data warehousing, data analytics, introduction to marketing analytics, and application of quantitative methods to contemporary issues and practices.
What Makes This Program Unique:
The program’s flexible learning format offers students a high-quality educational experience that they can work through when and where it suits them.
Did You Know?
Students will be able to apply their SQL for Analytics Certificate and Tableau Certificate to earn credits towards an online Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics. This can be done through the Prior Learning Assessment program, allowing students to save money and time.
Bellevue University
Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics
Bellevue University offers 100% online, hands-on learning in the form of the Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics degree program.
This program helps students navigate the world of mining Big Data and figuring out datasets, as well as learning how to present the data findings and apply them to the overall goals of an organization.
- Students will be able to brush up on their knowledge of programming, SAS software, information systems, applied statistics, data management, and business intelligence.
- This program is a good choice for those who want to prepare for industry certification exams in analytics or pursue an MBA, Master of Data Analytics, or Master of Data Science.
- At the end of the program, students are expected to use data analytics to influence business strategies.
What Makes this Program Unique:
Students who successfully completed and pass assessments for some of the business analytics courses such as Statistics for Analytics, Foundation of Business Analytics, SQL for Analytics, and Data Visualization will be able to acquire the Tableau Business and Data Analytics Certificate of Completion.
Did You Know?
Through the university’s generous credit transfer policy, students can accelerate their path to earning a degree by transferring their full associate degree into their bachelor’s degree while also getting credit for military experience and training.
American Public University
Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics
The American Public University offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics degree program for those who want to apply data analytics and mining techniques to meet the business objectives of an organization.
Students will learn all about basic operational and statistical analysis and optimization techniques.
- Students will learn how to collect and analyze data to solve business process challenges and create tools for better decision-making.
- The program curriculum involves hands-on learning, allowing students to complete problem-solving exercises with the use of fictional data sets and analysis.
- The Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs recognizes this flexible online program.
What Makes this Program Unique:
Students in this program must create a function or time-based analytics project that shows and interprets results and recommendations for decision-making. They are also allowed to specialize, with options including Security and Intelligence, Retail Management, Human Resources, Entrepreneurship, and Marketing, among others.
Did You Know?
The American Public University is friendly to military servicemen and veterans. Active-duty military, National Guard members, and reservists do not need to pay for the $85 technology fee.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers a BS in Business Analytics degree program that teaches students hands-on skills in gathering, processing, and analyzing data to generate actionable and insightful results.
- Students learn the program’s key content areas through hands-on/ activities, which range from data collection and analysis, performing complex analytics, and building data-gathering dashboards to presenting data effectively.
- Courses have an application-oriented design and build upon each other in terms of content and skills being taught. The program also concludes with a capstone project, where students get the chance to solve a real-world industry problem.
- By taking the four required Business Analytics courses in the program, students can also earn a SAS academic certification badge.
What Makes This Program Unique:
Compared to other business analytics programs, Embry-Riddle’s program is designed with a more pronounced business focus and the goal of achieving optimal business outcomes.
Did You Know?
This degree program has been partly reviewed for its content, progression, and job preparedness by several prominent industry partners, including IBM, Boeing, and SAS.
Purdue Global
Bachelor of Science in Analytics
Purdue University, through its Purdue Global campus, offers an online Bachelor of Science in Analytics degree program, which trains students to work within the big data & analytics field using industry-standard tools and prepares them for earning IT industry certifications.
- The program contains a total of 180 credit hours, with 10-week long courses. The program can be completed in 4 years.
- The program features a choice of 9 concentration areas that let students customize their degrees further, which includes game development, cloud computing, and supply chain management & logistics.
- Purdue Global is Higher Learning Commission-accredited.
What Makes This Program Unique:
This 100% online program trains students in a wide range of IT-related skills and includes courses on industry-standard software and tools. These, in turn, serve as good preparation for students to earn a number of relevant IT certifications.
Did You Know?
Purdue Global offers other online bachelor’s degree programs related to Business and/or Information Technology, including the self-paced and competency-based ExcelTrack® BS in Business Administration, and the online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology.
East Coast Polytechnic Institute (ECPI) University
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Business Analytics
ECPI University offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree program with a Concentration in Business Analytics, a 100% online program that develops students’ skills in leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving through a curriculum founded on theoretical business foundations and its practical application.
- The program includes courses on the relationship of business theory and principles in accounting, management, analytics, and operations.
- The Business Analytics concentration comes with a choice of two online degree tracks: Operations Analytics and Leadership Tracks.
What Makes This Program Unique:
ECPI University follows a year-round schedule with multiple start dates, and students in this online bachelor’s degree program can finish in as little as 2.5 years.
Did You Know?
Students who are looking to pursue further education after earning their bachelor’s degree may be interested in ECPI University’s online MBA program, which can be a good complement to the BSBA in Business Analytics degree program.
Lynn University
Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics
Lynn University offers a Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics degree program, a 100% online degree program that trains students to effectively harness data analysis in creating actionable insights for decision-making processes across industries.
- The 120-credit hour degree program includes training on data analysis, interpretation, and using data-derived insights, specifically, skills in data mining, visualization, and programming.
- Courses in the program curriculum include Corporate Finance, Cloud & Mobile Security, Data Programming, and Database Management & Security.
- Lynn University offers various options for financial aid, scholarships, and grants that can help students reduce the cost of their tuition.
What Makes This Program Unique:
Lynn University’s BS in Data Analytics is accredited by the IACBE, and with regard to the quality of their online learning, Lynn University is also recognized by Apple® as a distinguished school for continuous innovation in learning, teaching & the school environment.
Did You Know?
With regard to pursuing further education after earning a bachelor’s degree, Lynn University also offers a number of MBA programs, including Entrepreneurial Management, International Business Management, Media Management, and Leadership and Management.
Regent University
Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics
Regent University offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics degree program, a highly marketable program that prepares students with skills they can take to make data-driven business decisions and to train them to work with a wide variety of data.
- The program contains a total of 120 credit hours and is offered both on-campus and in an online format.
- The program uses current industry-standard software and modeling techniques and includes courses on Systems Analysis, Project Management, Big Data, and Information Systems.
- The program concludes with a Business Analytics Capstone, where students get to apply their course learnings in a particular project related to data-driven decision-making.
What Makes This Program Unique:
As a private Christian university, Regent’s Bachelor’s in Business Analytics is anchored on the university’s Christian principles and values, so students get the best skills training they can get, with a proper grounding that develops their sense of ethics and morals in their career.
Did You Know?
Regent University offers a number of related degree programs that students can pursue after their bachelor’s degree, which include the Master of Science in Business Analytics (available online) and the Regent University MBA program (also available online).
Georgia State University
Bachelor of Business Administration – Management Business Analytics
Georgia State University, through its online campus, offers a Bachelor of Business Administration – Management Business Analytics degree program, which prepares students to address various companies’ complex issues by developing their analytics skills grounded on a thorough understanding of business fundamentals.
- This degree requires completing 60 credit hours since this is a degree completion program.
- Courses can be taken fully online, although students may be required to take an orientation seminar or an exam on campus.
- This program is open to Re-entry/Re-admit, Transfer, and Transition students. To be eligible, students must have a GPA of 2.8 or higher, with no grade lower than a C-.
What Makes This Program Unique:
This program is offered as a Degree Completion Program, which makes the most of any qualified educational credits that students may have taken previously.
Likewise, this is an online program, but Georgia State offers students the chance to join various mentoring and networking events that let them join and access the university’s network of around 80,000 alumni.
Did You Know?
Georgia State University also offers a range of online graduate programs that can complement the BBA in Management Business Analytics program, including the online Flexible MBA.
Essential Skills for Business Intelligence Graduates
Mastery of Database Tools
It is a huge part of a business intelligence analyst’s role to work with data. Some of the tools often used to manage data include Excel and SQL. To succeed in this field, one must be familiar with data analysis tools that offer machine-learning solutions.
Data Visualization
Audiences often want to understand complex data without putting much effort into it. Accomplished data analysts should be able to interpret complex data and clearly communicate them in a way that can be easily grasped by ordinary people. This is where data visualization comes in. They learn to use visualization techniques like graphics to present data outcomes.
Problem-solving
It is important that business intelligence analysts are able to identify risks in organizations and find solutions. Their problem-solving skills come in handy. This means they can review every aspect of the situation and think of effective solutions.
Programming
Programming skills are needed to help business analysts manage and automate a workflow. Learning programming languages like SQL and Python will make their jobs so much easier, especially when it comes to reviewing and evaluating a company’s large dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do students learn from the best online Bachelor of Business Intelligence degree online?
Business intelligence involves helping organizations make data-driven decisions by combining business analytics, management information systems, computer information systems, enterprise data, computer science, data visualization, financial accounting, data mining, and other business operations concepts.
Most business intelligence online programs equip students with the knowledge and practical skills to help them interpret data and information. This prepares them for their future job as data analysts who solve complex problems faced by organizations while creating opportunities for businesses.
They may be given opportunities to work on real-world projects and master the use of analysis tools.
Some of the common courses covered in the business intelligence program curriculum include data science concepts, business analytics, digital business analysis, cyber security and governance, managing data and information, business intelligence, and data warehousing, among others.
What careers can graduates potentially get into with a degree in Business Intelligence?
Many businesses and industries increasingly work with and use big data to drive and inform many of their operations, processes, and decisions.
This data requires gathering, processing, management, and presentation to be useful and actionable, and graduates of business intelligence/business analytics degrees can occupy these careers and positions.
Some of these career paths include data analysts, financial analysts, market researchers, operations research analysts, budget analysts, and computer systems analysts. Other career options include data engineers and logistics managers.
The increasing use of Business Intelligence processes means skills in this area are starting to apply to industries that are not necessarily directly related to business, from as far afield as education, IT management, and even urban planning.
Should undergraduate Business Intelligence students consider pursuing a Master’s degree?
Bachelor’s degrees typically take four years to finish. This may seem like a long time to put off planning for further education, but in this case, the earlier the decision is made, the better.
In a realistic sense, advancement in most careers these days relies largely on additional credentials and advanced skills earned by taking up advanced degrees like a master’s degree, and it’s better to be able to plan for this earlier.
Crucially, some programs offer fast-track options, which let students transition seamlessly to a master’s degree by taking master’s level courses at the end of their undergraduate education.
Students taking up a degree in business intelligence/business analytics don’t have slim pickings for a future graduate degree; many MBA programs offer a concentration area in business intelligence or similar, and their degree can also be taken further with a dedicated master’s degree in business analytics.
What are the primary differences between online and on-campus Bachelor’s degrees?
Many universities offer their Bachelor’s in Business Intelligence/Business Analytics degree programs in on-campus, online, and hybrid learning formats.
Regardless of delivery format, all these degree programs follow a singular curriculum design based on a single set of learning outcomes, feature the same courses, use the same textbooks and resources, and are taught by the same set of faculty.
The main difference lies in not needing to go to campus for most of your time enrolled in the program in the case of going online. The lack of in-person, face-to-face interaction changes the dynamics and the learning environment somewhat and presents its own set of challenges, such as connectivity issues.
For some, taking classes online can become a lonely battle, and it takes just as much dedication and focus to finish an online degree as it does with traditional classes.
Summary Points
- Bachelor’s degrees in Business Intelligence/Business Analytics prepare students for careers that work with large amounts of data that are then used in crucial decision-making processes across a range of business-related industries.
- These degree programs typically train students on current industry-standard software, while some of these degree programs offer more emphasis on a wider range of analytics-related software and tools. They help students earn relevant industry certifications.
- The continuing increase in the use of big data and analytics in business and industry also signals a continuing demand for competent professionals trained in business analytics/business intelligence tools and skillsets.
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