Overview

What Is a BS in Applied Business Analytics?

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Business Analytics from Grand Canyon University 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.

Bachelor of Science in Applied Business Analytics

Offered By

Colangelo College of Business

Class Settings

Campus

Online

Tuition Rate

Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]

Online: $485 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 120

Campus: 15 weeks

Online: 7 weeks

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Transfer Credits

Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)

16+ years old
High School Graduate
3.0+ Unweighted GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

ACT: 19
SAT: 1000*

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).

Why GCU

Benefits of the BS in Applied Business Analytics Degree

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

Pursue Your Degree Online

You can earn your applied business analytics degree on campus and online. The online option at GCU gives you the opportunity to pursue your degree while continuing your daily routine and fulfilling other priorities. When in your online applied analytics program, you can expect quality, interactive coursework with online learning resources and support to aid you in your online studies.

Coursework

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

Develop Foundational Analytics Concepts

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.

$85,720

Median annual wage for operations research analysts in May 2022^{(See disclaimer 1)}

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.

Careers

Careers for Applied Business Analytics Degree 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

FAQ

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.

Is applied data analytics a good major?

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.^{(See disclaimer 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.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

What's the average salary earned with an applied data analytics degree?

There are different salary expectations for applied analytics program graduates depending on the job you are in. We can look at management analysts as an example:

In May 2022, operations research analysts had a median annual wage of $85,720 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.^{(See disclaimer 1)}
In May 2022, management analysts had a median annual wage of $95,290 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.^{(See disclaimer 4)}

Is the applied business data analytics a hard degree program?

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.

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary

General Education Requirements34-40 credits

Major44 credits

Open Elective Credits36-42 credits

Degree Requirements120 credits

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.

Competency

4 Total Credits

Course Description

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.

Competency

9-12 Total Credits

Competency

4 Total Credits

Competency

11-12 Total Credits

Course Description

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.

Competency

6-8 Total Credits

Course Description

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.

Core Courses

BIT-205

4 Total Credits

BUS-352

4 Total Credits

BIT-320

4 Total Credits

SYM-400

4 Total Credits

BIT-431

4 Total Credits

SYM-408

4 Total Credits

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.

BIT-415

4 Total Credits

BIT-417

4 Total Credits

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.

BIT-446

4 Total Credits

BIT-435

4 Total Credits

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.

BIT-456

4 Total Credits

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
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

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Start Your Journey Today

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.

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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.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.
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.
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.

Bachelor of Science in Applied Business Analytics Degree

What Is a BS in Applied Business Analytics?

Benefits of the BS in Applied Business Analytics Degree