Bachelor of Science in Applied Business Analytics Degree
What Is a BS in Applied Business Analytics?
The Bachelor of Science in Applied Business Analytics from Grand Canyon University (GCU) is designed for students who have both a business mindset and an interest in using data and analytics to improve how businesses work. In this applied business analytics program, you will study applied business analytics and learn how to work with datasets to find meaning and answers to business questions. As an applied data analytics major, you can look forward to using analytical skills, such as defining and implementing models to help predict what might happen and decide on a course of action.
Benefits of the BS in Applied Business Analytics Degree
Learn Important Skills for Success
At GCU, the BS in Applied Business Analytics degree program was created around a set of important skills. These include:
- Applying descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics techniques
- Making tactical and strategic business decisions
- Utilizing data mining techniques to extract meaningful information from large databases
- Assessing data collection techniques and their impact on business decisions
- Using appropriate project management techniques to effectively manage analytics-related projects
- Effectively communicating complex analytics-derived information to stakeholders
Coursework Covered in the Applied Business Analytics Degree
This applied business data analytics BS degree from GCU combines coursework in business, analytics and technology. Because analytics and technology can be closely connected, information technology project management is also addressed in the program.
This BS in Applied Business Analytics degree program is transfer-friendly. It is specifically targeted toward students who have an existing foundation in areas of business, such as accounting, finance, marketing and management. Some additional course topics you will cover include the following:
- Computer technology
- Databases and database structures
- Business analytics and statistics
- Information technology ethics
- Project management
While completing your degree as an applied analytics program student, you will use technological tools, computer knowledge and databases to learn foundational analytics concepts. The coursework is designed to improve problem-solving and critical thinking skills. This applied business analytics degree program prepares applied data analytics majors to look for, analyze and interpret data. This process is then used to support effective decision-making. You could become an integral part of data-driven business environments.
Applied Business Analytics Degree vs. Business Analytics Degree
GCU offers both a Bachelor of Science in Applied Business Analytics and a Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics. Both programs prepare you for career options in business and analytics.
The differences between the applied and non-applied programs lie in the core involved. The coursework for the non-applied BS in Business Analytics focuses on business practices, while also including instruction in data visualization, data mining and predictive and prescriptive models.
The BS Applied Analytics program is a transfer-friendly program that removes components of the core program to focus on general marketing, financial decision making, organizational management and emphasis courses. You will focus more on the fundamentals of database structures, data mining, business analytics and project management. You will also look into governance and ethics within the realm of businesses technology to prepare for an audit, comply with government regulations and understand data-privacy issues. You will be taught to use core business knowledge and data to solve business problems using an analytics approach.
Career Pathways for Applied Business Analytics Degree Program Graduates
As a graduate of the Bachelor of Science in applied business analytics degree program, you will be taught to communicate analytics-related information to stakeholders. Coursework will provide you knowledge on how to follow industry-specific laws, regulations and ethical practices. Upon graduation, you will have been taught how to apply statistical analysis and modeling to data to enable effective business practices.
These skills prepare applied business analytics grads for several career opportunities. You may find work as:
- Data scientists
- Operations research analysts
- Management analysts
- General and operations managers
Bachelor’s in Applied Business Analytics Degree FAQs
If you’re thinking about becoming an applied data analytics major, read through our frequently asked questions to learn more about what to expect when pursuing a business analytics career.
Earning your degree in applied data analytics prepares you for a career in both business and data. Careers in data analytics offer job growth potential as well. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates job growth for operations research analysts to increase by about 23% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than average, accounting for an estimated increase of 24,700 jobs in the field.1 Job growth for management analysts is projected to grow by an estimated 10% from 2022 to 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.2
There are different salary expectations for applied analytics program graduates depending on the job you are in. We can look at operations research analysts and management analysts as examples:
- In May 2022, operations research analysts had a median annual wage of $85,720 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.3
- In May 2022, management analysts had a median annual wage of $95,290 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.4
Your previous background in data, technical skills and experiences with analytics can affect how challenging a business analytics program is for you. Those with minimal technical skills or experience managing data may find certain aspects of the program harder than others with more understanding in those areas. The same goes for business experience. However, that is why a program such as an applied business analytics program is set up to provide you with coursework to help fill those knowledge gaps and prepare you to be career-ready.
If you are passionate for both business and data, a degree in analytics could be the right path for you. Fill out the form on this page to learn more about the GCU Bachelor of Science in Applied Business Analytics degree program.
1 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 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Operations Research Analysts, retrieved on Oct. 9, 2023.
2 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 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Management Analysts, retrieved on Oct. 2, 2023.
3 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Operations Research Analysts, as of May 2022, retrieved on Oct. 9, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as management analysts, nor does it reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or 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. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc., against a pool of candidates.
4 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Management Analysts, as of May 2022, retrieved on Oct. 2, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as management analysts, nor does it reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or 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. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc., against a pool of candidates.
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-112, Success in Science, Engineering and Technology & Lab: 4
- 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
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, or MAT-154.
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 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 course covers the characteristics of object-relational and NoSQL databases and their application in business. The course also focuses on the main principles of object-oriented, object-relational, and NoSQL databases, and their relative advantages. Students gain working knowledge of object-relational features as implemented in standard SQL database management systems. Students also learn to manage unstructured and semi-structured data with XML. Prerequisite: SYM-400.
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 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 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 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.
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.