Data has become a valuable asset in modern business. Companies rely on data-driven decision-making to stay competitive, using analytics to transform raw information into actionable insights. By leveraging these insights, organizations can identify trends, optimize operations and gain an advantage over competitors in the marketplace.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

If you are interested in a business analytics career, earning a degree is a great first step toward gaining the necessary knowledge and experience. It is estimated that over 85% of business analysts have at least a bachelor’s degree, while over 45% have a master’s degree or higher.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Business analytics has applications in virtually every industry. For example, healthcare, finance, retail and entertainment organizations rely on data analysis professionals to make informed decisions and plan future growth.^{(See disclaimer 3)} The field is also evolving with advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning and big data integration, creating new opportunities for innovation.

Additionally, the skills gained through business analytics, such as data interpretation, problem-solving and strategic thinking are useful across many sectors.

Earning a degree in business analytics will teach you how businesses and organizations use data to drive decision-making. This degree program typically covers many aspects of business, including marketing, finance, economics and accounting.

You may choose to earn a bachelor’s degree to gain foundational knowledge about the field and prepare for entry-level roles. Some individuals choose to pursue master’s or even doctoral degrees to further their qualifications and potential career opportunities.

What Do You Learn in Business Analytics?

The skills you are taught when earning a business analytics degree are geared toward developing successful business strategies. This involves improving performance and efficiency. 

Some of the skills covered in a business analytics program include:

• Data visualization software and techniques
• Data mining
• Governance and ethics
• Predictive and prescriptive statistics
• Fundamentals of finance and economics

How Does Business Analytics Differ From Data Science or Business Intelligence?

Business analytics, data science and business intelligence are similar fields that rely on data, but they seek to accomplish different outcomes. 

Data science goes deeper into the data and is more technical. It uses programming, machine learning and advanced algorithms to analyze large and complex data sets, including unstructured data, like text or images. The goal of data science is to create models that can guide actions. 

Business intelligence is more focused on data reporting and visualization. It turns raw data into dashboards and reports so businesses can see what happened and why, often in real time. Business intelligence tools help track performance, while business analytics focuses on predicting outcomes, and data science works on building smart systems and solutions. 

Business analytics examines past data to identify patterns and trends that help businesses make better decisions. It often uses statistics and simple models to predict future trends.

A business analytics degree can prepare graduates to apply their knowledge across a range of growing fields and industries. Common job responsibilities for roles in business analytics include collecting and analyzing data, creating reports and dashboards, improving business processes and communicating insights to stakeholders.

Some common business analytics careers include:

• Management analyst
• Data scientist
• Market research analyst
• Statisticians

Industries That Hire Business Analytics Graduates

Many industries rely on business analysts. Some of the most common industries that benefit from their expertise include:

• Data science: Business analytics has a lot of applications in data science, such as interpreting data and building predictive models.
• Management analysis: Business analytics majors help consultants or internal teams analyze operational data to improve efficiency and profitability.
• Market research analysis: Business analytics graduates support market research teams by evaluating consumer behavior, identifying trends and helping companies make data-driven decisions about product development and marketing strategy.
• Statistics and forecasting: Statisticians depend on business analytics skills to design studies, analyze quantitative data and build forecasting models that inform organizational planning and long-term strategy.

Essential Soft Skills for Success

Top skills for business analysts include critical thinking skills to look at problems from multiple angles and apply their knowledge to find solutions. They spend a lot of time explaining complex data in simple terms, so communication skills are also key. Attention to detail ensures that all data is reported accurately.

These roles often require strong time-management skills, as business analysts may need to prioritize multiple projects at one time while meeting deadlines. Adaptability and collaboration also come in handy for working closely with other departments and business partners.

Those who have furthered their education and experience in the field may be interested in advancement opportunities. Business analytics roles often involve greater responsibility and influence and may offer opportunities to guide organizational change. Individuals with deep analytical knowledge may position themselves to move into leadership roles that shape long-term business directions. 

Certifications and Advanced Degrees

Professionals interested in strengthening their credentials may choose to pursue industry-recognized certifications or graduate degrees. One option is the Certified Business Analysis Professional certification from the International Institute of Business Analysis. This credential demonstrates that you have competency in business analysis practices.

GCU offers two graduate pathways designed to enhance analytical and leadership skills. The Master of Science in Business Analytics program focuses on data-driven decision-making and advanced analytical techniques. Our MBA in Business Analytics program blends core business leadership competencies with specialized analytics coursework. These programs help equip professionals with the tools needed for complex, data-centered environments.

Business analytics may be a good choice for your major due to the vast career applications across multiple industries and the growing reliance on data-driven decision-making. As organizations increasingly use data to improve efficiency, understand customer behavior and guide strategic planning, professionals with strong analytical skills may be well prepared to step into these roles. Job growth for data scientists is projected to grow by an estimated 34% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).^{(See disclaimer 4)} 

Market Opportunities and Job Growth

According to the BLS, about 23,400 openings are projected each year, on average, for data scientists from 2024 to 2034.^{(See disclaimer 4)} This demand, paired with the field’s versatility and long-term career growth potential, makes business analytics a future-focused degree path.

Salary Expectations

Salaries in the business analytics industry vary by role, location and level of education. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for data scientist occupations was $112,190 in May 2024.^{(See disclaimer 5)} Additionally, the median annual wage for management analysts was $101,190 in May 2024.^{(See disclaimer 6)}

If you are interested in a career in business analytics, GCU can help you prepare for your future with new skills and a solid understanding of the field. Our Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics program is designed to help you build a solid foundation across multiple aspects of business. If you already have some existing business education, you may consider our Bachelor of Science in Applied Business Analytics program. These curricula are shaped by key principles of business — servant leadership, ethics and entrepreneurship.