Bachelor's in Business Analytics Major

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Marquette University

Program Overview

Marquette University’s Business Analytics major helps students turn complex data into meaningful business insights, combining statistical analysis, data mining, predictive modelling and business decision-making. Designed for students who enjoy problem-solving and working with numbers, the major must be paired with another business major, allowing students to apply analytical skills in areas such as finance, marketing, accounting, information systems or supply chain management.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building a Business Foundation

Students begin by developing a broad understanding of business, quantitative reasoning and communication. Courses such as Business Day 1, Applied Business Statistics and Introduction to Applied Artificial Intelligence introduce students to business operations, data interpretation and emerging technologies.

Year 2 – Developing Analytical and Technical Skills

Students strengthen their understanding of business functions while developing the quantitative foundation needed for advanced analytics. Courses such as Principles of Microeconomics, Principles of Macroeconomics and Introduction to Information Systems help students connect economic activity, technology and organisational decision-making.

Year 3 – Applying Business Analytics

Students progress into specialised analytics subjects, learning how to prepare data, identify patterns and use analytical techniques to support business decisions. Leveraging AI with Predictive Analytics and Harnessing the Decision-Making Power of AI with Prescriptive Analytics introduce methods for forecasting outcomes and evaluating possible business actions.

Year 4 – Advanced Analytics and Industry Application

In the final stage, students deepen their expertise through advanced analytics, database management and a choice of business-focused analytical electives. Options such as Advanced Business Analytics, Business Analytics: Unstructured Data Analysis, Accounting Analytics, People Analytics and Supply Chain Analytics allow students to connect data-driven methods with their primary business major. The major culminates in an integrated, cross-functional industry-based project completed in teams using a large real-world dataset.

Note: This is a representative learning progression, not a fixed year-by-year course schedule. The Business Analytics major is completed alongside another primary business major.

Focus Areas

Data preparation and management, statistical analysis, predictive analytics, prescriptive analytics, data visualisation, artificial intelligence in business, machine learning fundamentals, database management, business intelligence, cross-functional business problem-solving.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to identify business problems, collect and prepare relevant data, apply descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytical techniques, use data visualisation to communicate findings, understand database systems, and translate analytical results into practical recommendations for business decision-makers.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Marquette’s College of Business Administration is accredited by AACSB International, a recognised accreditation body for business education. This provides an established quality framework for the college’s business programs.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Marquette reports the following recognitions on its official Business Analytics page:

#6 for Best College in Job Placement and #1 in Wisconsin, according to Zippia.
#82 in Student Outcomes, according to The Wall Street Journal.
#14 among Best Colleges for Internships at private universities, according to The Princeton Review.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Marquette, Business Analytics students can connect classroom learning with professional experience through internships, executive mentorship, business competitions and applied projects. O’Brien Hall, opened in 2023, provides collaborative spaces designed to bring students and industry together. Students also benefit from Milwaukee’s business environment, with opportunities for corporate visits, guest speakers and professional networking.

Practical opportunities include:

Industry-based analytics project: Work in teams on a large real-world dataset through an integrated, cross-functional project.
Internships: Marquette reports that 82% of its business students participate in its internship program. Recent internship organisations include Uline, Direct Supply, Clarios, Baird, Aldi, GE Healthcare, Johnson Controls, EY and PwC.
Executive mentoring: During junior year, students are paired one-on-one with an executive from a Milwaukee-area firm to develop professional connections and career insight.
Business competitions: Apply analytical knowledge to practical challenges involving areas such as financial analysis, supply chain and real estate.
O’Brien Hall: Collaborative learning spaces support interaction across business disciplines and experiential learning.
Study abroad: Business Analytics students can explore more than 50 programs in nearly 30 countries, with credit-earning opportunities ranging from weeklong to semester-long experiences.
E-Lead leadership program: Students can pursue leadership coursework and experiences beginning in sophomore year, with the opportunity to graduate with a leadership concentration.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Marquette’s Business Analytics major prepares students to use data to support business strategy, improve organisational performance and communicate evidence-based recommendations. Graduates can pursue opportunities across technology, consulting, finance, marketing, operations and business intelligence, while the required second major allows them to develop a complementary area of business expertise.

Potential career roles: Business Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Data Analyst, Predictive Analytics Analyst

Further career development opportunities include:

Career preparation: Marquette’s business curriculum includes career planning and application strategy courses, alongside internship and mentoring opportunities.
Employment outcomes: For the August/December 2024 and May 2025 graduating classes, Business Analytics reported an 85% employment rate and an average base salary of $73,714. These figures are based on the university’s First Destination Survey data.
Industry connections: Students have access to internships and professional experiences with organisations including EY, PwC, GE Healthcare, Baird, Uline and Johnson Controls.
Accreditation value: The College of Business Administration’s AACSB accreditation provides an established external quality framework for its business education.
Graduate destinations: Marquette lists employers of recent Business Analytics graduates including Airgas, Bergstrom Automotive, Colliers International, Gordian, Kimberly-Clark, Kohl’s, Northwestern Mutual, Target and U.S. Bank.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may continue into postgraduate study in business analytics, business administration, information systems, data analytics or related fields, subject to the admission requirements of the chosen institution. A complementary business major can also help students shape their future academic pathway around their intended specialisation.