Online Bachelor's Degree in Business Analytics: Courses, Careers & Payment

If you're interested in a career that combines business and data science, you should learn more about a bachelor's degree in business analytics. To make earning this degree easier, many universities offer it online as well.

Below, we'll explain what is involved in earning an online business analytics degree, from courses to career options to ways to pay for it.

What Is an Online Bachelor's Degree in Business Analytics?

An online bachelor's degree in business analytics develops your ability to analyze and interpret business data, which enables you to make informed, strategic decisions that drive business success.

Business analytics courses include statistics, data analysis, business intelligence, and decision-making processes. Through these courses, you'll learn to use data analytics tools such as Excel, SQL, Python, and Tableau to analyze trends, forecast outcomes, and support strategic business initiatives.

Additionally, courses in economics, marketing, and finance will help you understand the broader business context in which data is used.

One of the major advantages of pursuing this degree online is the flexibility it offers. Online learning allows you to study at your own pace, making it easier to balance your education with other commitments.

In summary, the program is both comprehensive and practical, ensuring that you gain the skills you need to tackle real-world challenges across various industries, including finance, healthcare, retail, and technology.

Online Business Analytics Degree Core Curriculum

The core curriculum of an online business analytics degree program is carefully structured to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of both business and data analytics. Below is an overview of typical courses:

• Introduction to business data analytics: an introduction to using data for informed business decision-making
• Business statistics and analytics: a focus on applying statistical methods to solve business challenges
• Business database systems development: training in database design, SQL, and data warehousing
• Marketing analytics: using data to develop and assess marketing strategies
• Financial modeling and analytics: analyzing financial data for strategic decision-making

Types of Online Business Analytics Degrees

To earn a bachelor's degree in business analytics, you can search for several different bachelor's degree titles. Each program combines business and data analytics, but some will include more business courses than others.

Be sure to review the course list for each degree type to determine which best suits your career goals.

• Bachelor of Science in business analytics
• Bachelor of Science in business data analytics
• Bachelor of Business Administration in business analytics
• Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in data analytics
• Bachelor of Arts in business analytics

Earning Your Business Analytics Degree Online

Earning your business analytics degree online is a bit different from earning your degree in person. However, accredited programs have the same content and academic rigor no matter how you earn the degree.

To help you feel prepared for earning an online degree, we've included some tips below.

Research and Select a Program

Before applying to an online college, you need to make sure it's accredited. Online business analytics programs may be regionally or professionally accredited. Regional accreditation differs according to the campus's location.

However, the best business schools are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). If your program is AACSB-accredited, then you know it will be one of your best options.

Complete the Application Process

Once you've found some accredited programs, apply to a few of them. Many online programs have start dates throughout the year, so be sure to apply in time for the start date that works best for you.

Enroll in Courses

After you're accepted into the program you want, you need to enroll in courses. Your program will have a special page where you can see your course requirements and what semester it's best to take them.

Try to follow that plan as best you can so that you don't have to be in school longer because of an enrollment mistake.

Engage in Coursework and Projects

Online courses often involve students participating through an online discussion board. Use these assignments as an opportunity to connect with your classmates and develop your communication skills.

You also will need to complete many independent projects and papers. Those assignments will help you apply what you're learning and can also be used as a portfolio when you apply to jobs.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Degree in Business Analytics Online?

If you have no previous college credit, it will take you three to four years to complete the entire degree. However, it is possible to take more than the minimum amount of courses each term to graduate faster.

Career Opportunities for an Online Business Analytics Major

When you graduate with a business analytics degree from an online college, you will have many career opportunities. We've highlighted some below.

• Business analyst: works on improving business processes and strategies by analyzing data
• Data analyst: interprets complex data sets to inform business decisions
• Marketing analyst: uses data to evaluate and optimize marketing campaigns
• Financial analyst: analyzes financial data to support investment decisions and financial planning
• Operations analyst: applies data analysis to improve business operations and supply chain management

How To Choose the Right Online Degree Program

When researching online programs, you need to be able to compare them and pick the best one. Here are some qualifiers you can use.

• type of accreditation
• curriculum focus
• asynchronous or synchronous online courses
• experienced faculty
• affordable cost
• alumni network

Financial Aid Options for Online Business Analytics Majors

Paying for an online degree in business analytics can be made more manageable with various financial aid options. Some great options are listed below.

• Federal aid: granted after filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
• Scholarships: offered according to any criteria an organization determines
• Grants: gifts of money based on financial need, such as the Pell Grant
• Loans: must be paid back with interest; offered by government and private entities
• Military benefits: government will pay for tuition; some universities offer discounted tuition rates

FAQs About Earning an Online Bachelor's Degree in Business Analytics

If you still have questions about this degree, we've answered several common ones below.

Is an Online Bachelor's Degree in Business Analytics Worth It?

Yes, a bachelor's online degree in business analytics is a valuable investment for those interested in a data-driven career. The skills you'll acquire are in high demand across various industries, making this degree highly relevant and versatile.

Can You Become a Data Analyst With a Business Analytics Degree?

Yes, a business analytics degree is well-suited for a career as a data analyst. The degree equips you with the necessary skills in data analysis, statistical methods, and business intelligence, which are essential for a data analyst role.

Is an Online Business Analytics Major Hard?

An online business analytics major can be challenging, particularly if you're new to data analysis and business concepts. The curriculum includes quantitative analysis, data management, and strategic decision-making, which can be demanding.

Is an MBA Required for Business Analytics?

No, an MBA is not required to pursue a career in business analytics. A bachelor's degree in business analytics provides a strong foundation and is sufficient for many roles in the field.

However, some professionals choose to pursue an MBA later in their careers to enhance their business knowledge and advance into leadership positions. The decision to pursue an MBA depends on your career goals and aspirations.

How Much Does an Online Business Analytics Degree Cost?

The cost of an online business analytics degree ranges from $47,000 to $77,000 for the entire program's tuition. Some schools charge per credit hour, with costs typically ranging from $390 to $610 per credit.

In addition to tuition, consider other expenses such as textbooks, software, and technology fees. Financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, can help manage these costs.

Are There Any Free or Affordable Business Analytics Degree Programs Online?

Even though there are no free business analytics degree programs, you can enroll in free online courses about business analytics to ensure this degree is right for you.

To make the degree affordable, some institutions offer financial aid packages, scholarships, or discounts for online students.

What Skills Will I Gain in an Online Business Analytics Degree Program?

In an online business analytics degree program, you will develop a range of valuable skills, including:

• data analysis: the ability to analyze and interpret data to make informed business decisions
• statistical methods: proficiency in applying statistical techniques to business challenges
• business intelligence: expertise in using tools to gather, analyze, and visualize business data
• decision-making: the capacity to make strategic decisions based on data insights
• programming: skills in programming languages such as Python and SQL for data manipulation