Business Analytics, Bachelor of Science

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

St Francis University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics at Saint Francis University combines business knowledge with data analysis, statistical methods, and programming to help students understand business challenges and make informed decisions. Students explore areas such as Python, data visualization, predictive and prescriptive analytics, data mining, and machine learning while developing a foundation in management, finance, and business strategy.

Curriculum

Year 1

Students build a foundation in business, economics, communication, and quantitative skills. Courses include Principles of Economics I, Principles of Economics II, Business in a Global Society, and Advanced Excel with Business Applications, introducing students to business concepts and analytical tools.

Year 2

Students progress into analytical methods, accounting, databases, and marketing. Key courses include Descriptive and Predictive Analytics, Predictive and Prescriptive Analytics, Database Management, and Data Visualization, helping them understand how business data is collected, organized, interpreted, and applied.

Year 3

The third year focuses on technical analytics and business operations. Students study Business Analytics with Python, Data Mining and Machine Learning, Finance, and Production and Operations Management, strengthening their ability to use analytical techniques to address practical business problems.

Year 4

Students apply their learning through advanced electives and a capstone experience. Major courses include Business Analytics Capstone, Strategic Management, Business Ethics, and Business Analytics electives, allowing them to connect analytical knowledge with organizational decision-making.

Focus Areas

Business Analytics, Descriptive and Predictive Analytics, Predictive and Prescriptive Analytics, Data Visualization, Python Programming, Data Mining, Machine Learning, Database Management, Business Intelligence, Finance, Operations Management, Strategic Decision-Making.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to analyze business data, apply statistical and programming techniques, interpret data visualizations, understand predictive and prescriptive analytical methods, work with database concepts, and use evidence-based insights to support business decisions.

Professional Alignment and Accreditation

The Shields School of Business identifies its accreditation through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). This is school-level accreditation and should not be interpreted as a separate program-specific accreditation.

Reputation

The program combines business fundamentals with analytical and technical coursework, preparing students to apply data-driven approaches in organizational settings. Saint Francis University also provides career preparation resources, including internship support, career fairs, and employer engagement opportunities.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Business Analytics, Bachelor of Science at Saint Francis University offers a practical learning experience through programming, statistics, data management, and data visualization. Students develop analytical skills using tools introduced through the curriculum, including Advanced Excel and Python, while courses in data mining, machine learning, and predictive analytics help them understand how businesses use data to make decisions. The program also includes a Business Analytics Capstone, while guest speakers and site visits in business courses provide opportunities to connect classroom learning with professional practice.

Students can further build professional experience through the university's career resources:

Advanced Excel: BUSA103 introduces students to Excel and business applications for working with data.
Python Programming: Business Analytics with Python provides exposure to programming for analytical tasks.
Data Mining and Machine Learning: Students explore methods for identifying patterns and extracting insights from data.
Data Visualization: Students learn to present analytical findings in a way that supports business decisions.
Business Analytics Capstone: An advanced program component where students integrate their business and analytical learning.
Guest Speakers and Site Visits: The university identifies guest speakers and site visits as learning experiences used in several business courses.
Internships: Career Services supports students with internship searches, job and internship fairs, on-campus interviewing, and employer information tables.
Micro-Internships: Through Parker Dewey, students can complete short professional projects, typically ranging from 5–40 hours.
Career Technology: Handshake supports job and internship searches, career appointments, and access to professional resources. CareerShift helps students search for employers, jobs, and professional contacts.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Saint Francis University's Business Analytics program can pursue careers involving data interpretation, business strategy, operational improvement, and evidence-based decision-making. The university identifies career pathways such as Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Management Analyst/Consultant, and Market Research Analyst, alongside opportunities in project management and supply chain management.

Career opportunities and graduate support include:

Career Services: Individual career guidance, job and internship search support, résumé and cover letter assistance, mock interviews, interview coaching, and graduate-school advising.
Employment and Graduate Study Outcomes: Saint Francis University's Class of 2025 First Destination Report states that 99.6% of graduates secured employment or entered graduate school within nine months of graduation. The university also reports an average annual salary range above $75,000. These are university-wide outcomes, not Business Analytics-specific figures.
Industry Engagement: Students can access employer information tables, career fairs, on-campus interviews, and micro-internship projects through Career Services.
Professional Recognition: The Business Analytics program page states that the new program has not yet received specialized accreditation and that the department plans to apply after its first graduating class. The university's existing IACBE accreditation for business programs should not be interpreted as current specialized accreditation for this new degree.
Career Preparation: Students can use Handshake and CareerShift to identify opportunities, connect with employers, and organize their job search.
Graduate Outcomes: The university publishes annual First Destination Reports covering employment and further study outcomes.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the bachelor's degree, students may pursue graduate study in business administration, business analytics, data analytics, or related fields. Saint Francis University also offers an Accelerated MBA/Business Analytics pathway, allowing eligible students to work toward both an undergraduate Business Analytics degree and an MBA.