Bachelor of Science in Business Major in Business Analytics

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

De Paul University

Program Overview

DePaul University’s Business Analytics major prepares students to turn complex data into meaningful business insights and strategic decisions. Through a combination of business fundamentals, data analysis, predictive modelling, artificial intelligence, and data visualization, students develop the analytical and technical skills needed to solve real-world business challenges across industries.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Students begin by developing a foundation in business, economics, quantitative reasoning, and communication. Courses such as BUS 101 Introduction to Driehaus: Business Fundamentals and the Entrepreneurial Mindset, BUS 102 Business Analytics, and MAT 137 Business Statistics introduce business operations, data-driven decision-making, and statistical reasoning.

Year 2

Students strengthen their understanding of business functions through courses such as ACC 101 Introduction to Accounting I, ECO 105 Principles of Microeconomics, and MGT 300 Principles of Management. They also develop their analytical foundation through business technology and quantitative coursework, preparing to apply data skills in different business environments.

Year 3

Students progress into specialized analytics courses, including BUA 301 Descriptive and Diagnostic Business Analytics, BUA 302 Predictive and Prescriptive Business Analytics, and BUA 303 Data Visualization. These courses help students examine business data, identify patterns, develop predictive insights, and communicate findings through effective visual storytelling.

Year 4

The final year focuses on advanced analytics, professional preparation, and the application of business knowledge. Students complete BUA 304 Data Management and select advanced options such as BUA 320 Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Technologies, BUA 321 Text Analytics for Business, BUA 322 Machine Learning for Business Analytics, or BUA 340 Quasi-Experimental Design, alongside the BUS 392 Senior Seminar and required experiential learning.

Focus areas: Business analytics, data management, descriptive analytics, predictive analytics, prescriptive analytics, data visualization, artificial intelligence, machine learning, text analytics, business statistics, finance analytics, marketing research, economics, data-driven decision-making.

Learning outcomes: Evaluate business contexts to select appropriate data sources and analytical techniques, analyze data environments, apply analytical skills to business challenges, use data visualization and storytelling to communicate insights, work with contemporary technologies, demonstrate critical thinking, communicate effectively, and recognize ethical and legal considerations in business decisions.

Professional alignment (accreditation): DePaul’s Driehaus College of Business holds AACSB accreditation, providing an internationally recognized framework for business education quality and continuous improvement. The Business Analytics major is also STEM-designated, which may allow eligible international graduates to apply for an extended Optional Practical Training period under applicable U.S. immigration rules.

Reputation (employability outcomes): DePaul reports that 93% of Driehaus College of Business graduates were employed, continuing their education, or not seeking employment after graduation. This is a college-level outcome rather than a Business Analytics major-specific employment rate.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

DePaul’s Business Analytics major connects analytical theory with practical business applications, helping students understand how organizations use data to solve problems and improve performance. Students work with business cases, analytical techniques, data visualization, and real-world business contexts while developing communication and collaboration skills. The program also includes a required experiential learning component and access to Chicago’s business environment for internship and professional opportunities.

Students can develop practical skills through:

Business simulation and group projects: BUS 101 includes business simulation activities, collaborative discussions, and group projects that introduce students to business decision-making.
Real-world business cases: BUS 102 Business Analytics introduces cases demonstrating how organizations use data to make better decisions.
Data analytics: BUA 301 and BUA 302 develop descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analytical skills.
Data visualization: BUA 303 helps students communicate analytical findings through visual presentations and data storytelling.
Data management: BUA 304 develops familiarity with managing and working across different data environments.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning: Students may select advanced courses such as BUA 320 Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Technologies and BUA 322 Machine Learning for Business Analytics.
Internship and experiential learning: The major requires an experiential learning course, providing an opportunity to apply academic knowledge in a professional or practical setting.
Career preparation: BUA 250 Career Management Skills supports résumé development, interviewing, networking, career research, and professional goal-setting.
Chicago business environment: The Loop Campus location provides access to internship and employment opportunities with businesses and organizations in Chicago.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of DePaul’s Business Analytics major can pursue analytical roles across finance, marketing, operations, technology, consulting, and business strategy. Their ability to interpret data, develop business insights, and communicate findings prepares them to support organizations in making informed decisions and improving performance.

Potential career roles include Business Intelligence Analyst, Business Systems Analyst, Data Scientist, Financial Analyst.

Students can prepare for these opportunities through:

Career development: BUA 250 Career Management Skills helps students explore career paths, develop résumés and cover letters, improve interviewing and networking skills, and establish professional goals.
Industry exposure: The Driehaus College of Business benefits from its Loop Campus location in Chicago, offering access to internships and business analytics employment opportunities.
Employment outcomes: DePaul reports a 93% combined outcome rate for Driehaus College of Business graduates who were employed, continuing their education, or not seeking employment.
STEM designation: The major’s STEM designation may provide eligible international students with the opportunity to apply for an additional period of post-completion OPT, subject to U.S. immigration requirements.
Accreditation value: AACSB accreditation provides external quality assurance and supports the recognition of the college’s business education.
Professional preparation: Students develop analytical, technological, communication, ethical reasoning, and decision-making skills relevant to business analytics careers.
Salary information: A current Business Analytics-specific graduate salary figure was not identified in the official university information reviewed.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may pursue a Master of Science in Business Analytics, Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, Information Systems, Data Science, Finance, or an MBA. DePaul also offers graduate study in Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, allowing students to deepen their knowledge of advanced analytics, machine learning, data visualization, and business strategy.