BBA in Information Systems and Analytics

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Loyola University Chicago

Program Overview

The BBA in Information Systems and Analytics combines business knowledge, technology, and data analysis to prepare students for careers in today’s digital business environment. It is a suitable choice for students who enjoy working with technology, solving business problems, and using data to support decisions, while developing skills in programming, databases, business intelligence, and analytics.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin by building a strong foundation in business, economics, and quantitative skills through courses such as Principles of Microeconomics, Business Information Systems, and Business Precalculus or Precalculus II. Introductory Accounting I and Principles of Macroeconomics help them understand financial and economic decision-making, while Business Learning and Careers introduces them to academic and professional opportunities.

Year 2: Students develop their technical and organisational knowledge through Database & Data Warehousing Systems, Systems Analysis & Design, and Business Statistics or Fundamentals of Statistics. Courses such as Managing People and Organizations and Introduction to Supply Chain Management help them understand how information systems support business operations and organisational decisions.

Year 3: The focus moves towards applying data and technology to real business situations through Business Analytics and Data Visualization & Business Intelligence. Students also strengthen their programming abilities through Programming in Python or VBA Programming with MS Office, alongside studies in marketing, finance, and business communication.

Year 4: Students bring together their business and technical knowledge through Strategic Management, Information Systems electives, and advanced writing and global-awareness coursework. This stage helps them develop stronger analytical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills for technology-focused business roles.

Focus Areas

Information Systems, Business Analytics, Database Management, Data Warehousing, Business Intelligence, Data Visualization, Python Programming, VBA Programming, Systems Analysis and Design, Project Management, Digital Business, Artificial Intelligence, Supply Chain Management, Business Strategy.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to analyse business data, design and evaluate information systems, use SQL and programming languages, create data models, develop and test information systems, collaborate with business and technology teams, and apply ethical principles when working with technology and data.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Quinlan School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This accreditation reflects the school's commitment to recognised standards in business education and provides students with a valuable foundation for careers in business and technology.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Loyola University Chicago reports that its Information Systems and Analytics program is ranked among the Top 25 in the nation and the best in Chicago for business analytics, according to U.S. News & World Report 2027. Quinlan also reports that more than 95% of its graduates are employed full-time or continuing their education within six months of graduation. This is a school-wide outcome rather than a placement rate specifically for this program.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students gain practical experience by connecting business concepts with programming, database management, analytics, and information systems. Through technical coursework, student organisations, internship opportunities, and career development support, they can build skills that are relevant to modern business environments.

Students can develop their practical capabilities through:

Programming tools: Students can access tools and systems such as Oracle, Teradata, OLAP and business intelligence tools, VBA, and Python through Loyola's student network.
Database and data management: Database & Data Warehousing Systems introduces students to organising, managing, and working with business data.
Business analytics: Business Analytics and Data Visualization & Business Intelligence help students interpret information and support data-driven business decisions.
Programming practice: Programming in Python and VBA Programming with MS Office help students develop technical skills for business applications.
Systems development: Systems Analysis & Design introduces students to analysing business requirements and designing information systems.
Internships and consulting: Loyola provides opportunities for internships and real-world consulting experiences. Students can also explore initiatives such as the Rambler Investment Fund and Loyola Limited.
Student organisation: The Information Systems and Analytics Club allows students to connect with peers and explore developments in information systems and supply chain management.
Professional networking: Students can explore professional organisations such as the Association of Information Technology Professionals and the Society for Information Management.
Career preparation: Business Career Services offers job and internship search assistance, career advising, résumé and cover letter reviews, and mock interviews.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates can pursue careers that combine business strategy, technology, and data analysis. The program provides a foundation for opportunities in business analysis, data analytics, database development, and technology consulting, while also supporting further study in specialised business and analytics fields.

Typical career roles: Data Analyst, Business Analyst, Data and Analytics Consultant, Database Developer, Application Analyst.

Additional career and progression opportunities include:

Career support: Loyola Business Career Services helps students with job and internship searches, career advising, résumé and cover letter preparation, and mock interviews.
Employment outcomes: Quinlan reports that more than 95% of its graduates are employed full-time or continuing their education within six months of graduation. This figure represents the overall business school rather than this specific major.
Industry exposure: Quinlan graduates have started careers with organisations such as PwC, Deloitte, Morgan Stanley, CDW, EY, Amazon, Aon, KPMG, and Motorola Solutions.
Professional recognition: AACSB accreditation provides an established quality benchmark for business education at the Quinlan School of Business.
Professional network: Quinlan has an alumni community of more than 41,000 graduates, providing opportunities to connect with professionals in Chicago, across the United States, and internationally.
Further study options: Students can explore graduate programs such as the MS in Business Analytics, MS in Accountancy, MS in Finance, and MBA: Next Generation. Eligible full-time students may also apply for accelerated master's pathways that allow them to complete undergraduate and graduate studies in as little as five years.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BBA, graduates may continue their education through a Master of Science in Business Analytics, Master of Science in Information Systems, Master of Science in Accountancy, Master of Science in Finance, or MBA, depending on their interests and admission eligibility. Eligible students may also consider an accelerated undergraduate-to-graduate pathway to progress into advanced studies sooner.