Business Analytics BS

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Michigan Technological University

Program Overview

The Business Analytics BS at Michigan Technological University combines business, mathematics, statistics and technology to prepare students to turn complex data into insights and better business decisions. Students learn data mining, predictive modeling, econometrics, database management, artificial intelligence, machine learning and statistical programming in a STEM-focused environment, making the program well suited to students interested in solving real-world business problems through data.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin building the mathematical and business foundation needed for analytics, with subjects such as MA 1160 – Calculus with Technology I, EC 2001 – Principles of Economics, and introductory business coursework. The calculus courses incorporate computer laboratories and technology, while Principles of Economics introduces microeconomic and macroeconomic concepts that help students understand the business environment in which analytical decisions are made.

Year 2: Students start developing dedicated business analytics and programming skills. BUS 2300 – Quantitative Problem Solving uses cases, simulations and mathematical modeling to develop quantitative decision-making, while BUS 3000 – Introduction to Business Analytics introduces data collection, cleaning, transformation, descriptive statistics and industry-leading data-processing and statistical tools; MIS 2100 – Introduction to Business and Analytics Programming adds programming concepts, debugging and testing techniques.

Year 3: Students progress into more advanced statistical and analytical methods, building the ability to interpret data and create predictive insights. Courses such as MA 4710 – Regression Analysis, which covers regression, estimation, prediction and model diagnostics using a statistical computing package, and EC 4200 – Econometrics, which examines techniques for estimating and testing economic and financial relationships, deepen their analytical toolkit.

Year 4: The final stage brings together business knowledge, advanced analytics and practical problem-solving. Students can develop expertise through courses such as MA 4790 – Predictive Modeling, covering statistical models for prediction and classification, alongside business-domain and analytics electives in areas such as finance, marketing, operations, project management, statistical methods, predictive modeling and business intelligence.

Focus Areas

Business Analytics, Data Mining, Predictive Modeling, Statistical Programming, Econometrics, Database Management, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Business Intelligence, Data Visualization, Quantitative Decision-Making, Finance Analytics, Marketing Analytics, Operations Analytics

Learning Outcomes

Data collection and management, data cleaning and transformation, statistical analysis, regression analysis, predictive modeling, business intelligence, quantitative decision-making, programming for analytics, data visualization, database concepts, economic and financial analysis, critical thinking, business problem-solving and data-driven communication.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Business Analytics BS is accredited by AACSB International through Michigan Tech’s College of Business. Michigan Tech states that AACSB accreditation represents a rigorous quality standard for business education, and its 2026 Undergraduate Catalog specifically lists the BS in Business Analytics among the College of Business undergraduate degrees accredited by AACSB.

Reputation (Employability & Outcomes)

Michigan Tech's College of Business reports a 96% job placement rate across its business programs. The university also highlights Michigan Tech as a STEM-focused technological university and reports that its College of Business has more than 95 years of offering technology-focused business education.

The Business Analytics program page also highlights Michigan Tech's Top 25 ranking in the nation for return on investment by Forbes in 2024 and Top 20 Best Public College in the U.S. by The Wall Street Journal in 2024.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Michigan Tech's Business Analytics BS is designed around applying analytics to real problems rather than learning data concepts in isolation. Students work with cases, data labs and real-world consulting projects, while the university provides opportunities to work with real clients, conduct research, participate in competitions and gain professional experience through internships and co-ops.

Students can build their practical analytics experience through:

Programming and analytics tools: Students encounter programming, statistical computing, data-processing tools, data mining, predictive modeling and machine learning as part of the curriculum; R is specifically referenced in the Regression Analysis and Predictive Modeling courses.
Data laboratories: Courses such as MA 1160 – Calculus with Technology I and MA 2160 – Calculus with Technology II incorporate computer laboratories, while advanced analytics coursework uses statistical computing and analytical tools.
Real-world consulting projects: Business Analytics students can work with real clients on projects that apply their analytics skills to business problems, including projects conducted in and outside the classroom.
Economic impact research: Students have contributed to an economic analysis of a regional nickel mine, using data science and business analytics to assess the economic impact of the mine's closure on the surrounding community.
Michigan Small Business Development Center: Students can gain experience by interning with the Michigan SBDC, which is headquartered at Michigan Tech and serves Michigan's Western Upper Peninsula.
Internships and co-ops: More than 415 companies visit Michigan Tech annually to recruit students for internships, co-ops and full-time employment across 28 industry sectors. Students placed in co-ops during the past three years earned an average salary of more than $22 per hour.
Competitions and conferences: Students can apply their analytics skills through state and national competitions and conferences, including DECA Collegiate, and can present their work at regional and national conferences.
Applied Portfolio Management Program: Business students can compete for opportunities to participate in Michigan Tech's Applied Portfolio Management Program, managing a real investment fund valued at approximately $3 million.
Industry exposure: College of Business students can participate in industry visits, employer events and career fairs, providing opportunities to meet recruiters and explore analytics careers.
Faculty and alumni engagement: Students work with faculty and alumni who have industry experience and can provide mentoring, professional guidance and connections to employers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Business Analytics BS prepares graduates for analytical roles across banking and finance, consulting, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, telecommunications, transportation and other data-intensive industries. Michigan Tech specifically identifies careers such as Business Analyst, Business Consultant, Data Architect and Financial Analyst, while the program's mathematical, statistical and programming foundation can also support roles involving predictive analytics, operations and market research.

Typical career roles include Business Analyst, Data Insight Analyst, Financial Analyst and Operations Research Analyst.

Career and progression opportunities include:

Career services and employer access: Michigan Tech students can connect with employers through career fairs, internships, co-ops and full-time recruitment; more than 415 companies visit the university annually for these opportunities.
Employment outcomes: The College of Business reports a 96% job placement rate across its business programs.
Salary information: Michigan Tech's 2026 business salary statistics list a $99,730 mean annual salary for Operations Research Analysts and $113,790 for Management Analysts, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data dated May 2025. The university also lists $89,730 for Logisticians and $89,490 for Market Research Analysts, with Business Analytics identified as a degree option for these careers.
Co-op earnings: Students placed in Michigan Tech co-ops during the past three years earned an average of more than $22 per hour, according to Michigan Tech's official admissions information.
University–industry connections: Business Analytics graduates are hired by companies including Amazon, Apple, Capital One, Cisco Systems, Citi, Delta, JPMorgan Chase, PlayStation Global, Schneider National, UnitedHealth Group and Verizon.
Research and applied industry projects: Students have worked on real economic-impact studies and real-client business projects, giving them opportunities to demonstrate analytical skills to external organizations.
Accreditation value: AACSB accreditation provides an internationally recognized quality framework for business education and applies specifically to Michigan Tech's BS in Business Analytics.
Technology-focused preparation: Michigan Tech integrates business education with STEM disciplines, giving Business Analytics students exposure to mathematics, statistics, programming, AI, machine learning and data-driven decision-making.
Graduate outcomes and advancement: The combination of analytics, business and technical preparation gives graduates a foundation for analytical positions and for continued study in advanced business, analytics or related fields. Michigan Tech also offers accelerated master's pathways that can allow students to complete a master's degree in two additional semesters beyond the bachelor's degree, including the Tech MBA®.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into Michigan Tech's graduate offerings, including the Tech MBA®, M.S. in Accounting and Analytics, Master of Engineering Management, or other graduate programs aligned with their career interests. Michigan Tech's accelerated master's option can allow eligible students to complete a master's degree in two additional semesters beyond the bachelor's degree.