Bachelor of Arts in Business Intelligence and Analytics

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

St Marys University of Minnesota

Program Overview

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s Bachelor of Arts in Business Intelligence and Analytics prepares students to turn complex business data into meaningful insights that support smarter decisions and organizational growth. The program combines business fundamentals with data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and practical technology skills, making it suitable for students interested in business analysis, data-driven strategy, and technology-focused careers.

Curriculum Structure

The following is a suggested year-by-year learning progression based on the university’s published learning areas. It is not an official fixed course sequence.

Year 1: Students build a foundation in business concepts, quantitative methods, and analytical thinking while developing an understanding of how organizations operate. Introductory learning in accounting, finance, and business practices helps students understand the commercial context behind business data.

Year 2: Students begin developing technical skills in data management and business intelligence through tools such as Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, and SQL. They also explore business environments, legal and ethical principles, and quantitative methods that support informed decision-making.

Year 3: Students strengthen their analytical capabilities through Tableau, R Programming, Visual Basic, and VBA, learning to organize information, identify patterns, and communicate insights. Further study of marketing, management, and finance helps them understand how analytics supports different business functions.

Year 4: Students integrate their business and technical knowledge by working with real data, developing analytical models, and exploring applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning. They refine their ability to interpret results, collaborate with diverse teams, and make ethical, data-informed business recommendations.

Focus Areas

Business Intelligence, Business Analytics, Data Analysis, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Management, Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management, Quantitative Methods, Business Decision-Making, Data Visualization, Business Ethics.

Learning Outcomes

Apply business concepts and analytical methods, collect and interpret business data, use analytical software and programming tools, develop data-driven recommendations, understand domestic and global business environments, apply ethical principles to business decisions, communicate analytical findings, collaborate effectively with diverse teams, and use artificial intelligence and machine learning concepts in business contexts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Business Intelligence and Analytics major is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). This accreditation provides external quality assurance for the business program and recognizes its alignment with established business education standards.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Saint Mary’s highlights career opportunities in IT analysis, database management, and business analysis. Its program page lists historical salary figures of $99,270 for IT analysts, $98,860 for database managers, and $93,000 for business analysts; these are not guaranteed graduate salaries and should be checked against current labor-market data. The university also publishes program-level student achievement information, reporting a 95% four-year and 95% six-year graduation rate for this B.A. program in its 2025–2026 IACBE disclosure.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Saint Mary’s Business Intelligence and Analytics program combines business knowledge with hands-on experience using analytical software, programming languages, artificial intelligence, and machine learning tools. Students learn to build models, analyze real data, and translate findings into practical business decisions. The university’s Center for Business Analytics also connects students with alumni and industry partners through experiential learning activities, collaborative projects, career panels, and professional events.

Students can develop practical skills through the following opportunities:

Analytics Software: Gain hands-on experience with Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Tableau, Visual Basic, SQL, R Programming, VBA, and SEO.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Explore how AI and machine learning can support business analysis, modeling, and data-informed decisions.
Real-Data Analysis: Build models, analyze business data, and use quantitative methods to develop actionable insights.
Center for Business Analytics: Participate in experiential learning activities involving students, alumni, faculty, and industry partners.
Collaborative Projects: Work with alumni and industry professionals who may serve as project coaches, champions, and judges.
Industry Events: Attend virtual information sessions, career panels, and business analytics summits to learn about emerging industry practices.
Internships: Students have secured opportunities with organizations such as PwC, Fastenal, U.S. Bank, and Wipfli. These are examples of individual student experiences, not guaranteed placements.
Aquinas Hall Makerspace: Explore creative, hands-on activities in the university’s makerspace.
Student Organizations: Participate in the Public Relations, Business, and Entrepreneurship Club to develop collaboration, leadership, and professional interests.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Bachelor of Arts in Business Intelligence and Analytics prepares students to pursue careers that combine business knowledge, analytical thinking, and technology. Graduates can apply their skills across sectors such as finance, healthcare, marketing, consulting, information technology, and business operations. Potential career paths include Business Analyst, IT Analyst, Database Manager, and Business Intelligence Analyst.

Students can prepare for their professional future through the following opportunities:

Career Services: Saint Mary’s Career Services offers career exploration, résumé and cover letter support, interview preparation, job and internship search resources, networking, mentorship, and graduate school guidance.
Center for Business Analytics: The Center connects students with industry partners and alumni through collaborative projects, career panels, professional events, and internship opportunities.
Internship Experience: Students have gained professional experience with organizations such as PwC, Fastenal, U.S. Bank, and Wipfli. These examples demonstrate possible pathways rather than guaranteed placements.
Career Outcomes: The university’s 2025–2026 IACBE disclosure reports a 95% four-year and 95% six-year graduation rate for the B.A. in Business Intelligence and Analytics. These figures refer to graduation outcomes, not employment rates.
Salary Information: The program page lists historical annual salary figures of $99,270 for IT analysts, $98,860 for database managers, and $93,000 for business analysts. These are occupational figures and not program-specific graduate salary averages.
Professional Accreditation: IACBE accreditation provides external recognition of the program’s business education standards and supports its quality-assurance framework.
Industry Connections: Saint Mary’s works with business and analytics professionals and partners to provide experiential learning, professional insights, and opportunities to engage with evolving industry needs.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the bachelor’s degree, students may pursue graduate study in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics, Business Analytics, Data Science, Information Systems, or an MBA, depending on their career interests and admission eligibility. Saint Mary’s offers graduate-level Business Intelligence and Data Analytics study, providing a potential pathway for students who want to deepen their expertise in analytics, artificial intelligence, data management, and business strategy.