What is Business Analytics?
Business Analytics equips students with knowledge and skills to use descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics across various business domains. This program is tailored for students interested in applying quantitative methods to extract insights from data and drive organizational value through data and model-driven decision-making.
Should I have to be good at Programming?
Do you have to be good at computer programming to be a Business Analytics major? Our intention is not to make you a software programmer, but we believe that knowledge of at least one programming knowledge will be helpful for you. Many Business Analytics majors will be more effective at their careers with knowledge in Python, R, and SQL. These technical skills are essential in working with data. Therefore, one programming language is required for this major. If you like programming, on the other hand, you can take multiple coding courses too!
What is the difference between Data Science and Business Analytics?
Data Science and Business Analytics both involve data analysis but differ in focus and application. Data Science is broader, emphasizing statistical and computational methods to extract insights from large datasets across various domains, often involving advanced machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing methods. It requires strong programming and mathematical skills.
Business Analytics is more business-specific, focusing on using data to solve business problems, improve processes, and inform strategy, often using BI tools and requiring strong business and analytical skills with less emphasis on advanced programming. Data scientists typically have backgrounds in technical fields, while business analysts specializing in analytics often come from business-related backgrounds.
What jobs do Business Analytics graduates get to work on?
Business Analytics graduates are equipped to analyze data and provide insights to drive business decisions and improve performance. They work at the intersection of business processes and analytics, using various analytical tools and techniques to solve business problems. Here is a sample listing of jobs that Business Analytics graduates can pursue:
How do my Job Prospects Look Like? Is there a risk of automation or outsourcing of these jobs?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that jobs related to operations research and logistics (a close field allied to business analytics as the data on business analytics is yet to be analyzed) are expected to grow faster than average from 2022 to 2032. The median annual salaries for operations research analysts were $83,640 in 2023, compared to the median of all occupations of $48,060.
Please see the link for more information on related jobs, summaries, education, and median pay: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/operations-research-analysts.htm
As for outsourcing and the risk of automation, these concerns have been raised in many fields, including all fields in operations and technology management. However, this doesn't mean there won't be any business analytics jobs in the USA. The United States has a complex and dynamic economy, and it continues to produce a significant number of analytics jobs each year. While some routine tasks may be automated or outsourced, many analytics jobs require deep understanding of local markets, regulations, and business practices, as well as strong problem-solving and communication skills. These factors make it challenging to fully outsource these roles. With ongoing advancements in AI, IoT, and advanced analytics, we believe that Business Analytics will remain an area of job growth and innovation for years to come.
University of Portland
5000 N. Willamette Blvd.,
Portland, Oregon 97203-5798
503.943.8000
