Bachelor’s in Business Intelligence Program Guide

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Updated on October 2, 2023
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Employment opportunities look bright for students who pursue a bachelor's degree in business intelligence. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs for market research analysts could grow by 18% between 2019 and 2029, which translates to 130,300 new positions in the field.

A bachelor's degree in business intelligence prepares graduates for entry-level positions. Professionals can advance to leadership positions with work experience and ongoing training. They can also pursue consulting and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Business intelligence programs provide learners with the theoretical understanding and applied skills they need to transform data into actionable information. This interdisciplinary field combines management, marketing, technology, and data analytics.

Degree-seekers can use this guide to gather information on undergraduate program types, business intelligence courses, specializations, career options, and professional development opportunities.

Should I Get a Bachelor's in Business Intelligence?

There is an ever-growing demand for professionals in business intelligence. Most industries need market research analysts. What's more, as the need for data continues to advance, the need for skilled business intelligence professionals should follow.

What Can I Do With a Bachelor's in Business Intelligence?

Bachelor's in business intelligence programs prepare students to work at nonprofit organizations, small businesses, multinational corporations, and government agencies. Career options include financial, management, and market research analysts. Graduates may also work as supply-chain logisticians and professional buyers. Business intelligence professionals typically gain advancement opportunities by building work experience and pursuing specialized certification. Many enroll in graduate programs to develop the leadership skills needed to work as sales managers, marketing directors, and postsecondary instructors.

Adult learners with professional and familial obligations often appreciate the flexibility of online programs.

Quotation mark

Students can generally expect a bachelor's in business intelligence to take four years. Adult learners with professional and familial obligations often appreciate the flexibility of online programs.

Learners take introductory coursework in database structures, economics, marketing fundamentals, and statistics. Additionally, they typically complete a capstone project. They may also need to meet practicum and internship requirements that help them gain experience and build professional relationships.

Business intelligence programs often provide students with networking opportunities. Many colleges and universities partner with national associations, such as Beta Gamma Sigma. Additionally, students can network and use college career services to find jobs, develop their resumes, and practice interviewing.

Find the best online bachelor's in business management programs.

What Will I Learn in a Business Intelligence Bachelor's Program?

The ability to interpret, distill, and visualize data is essential for business intelligence professionals. Students develop professional competencies through case study analysis and collaborative projects.

Business intelligence might be a concentration option for learners who pursue a business administration degree. There is also a standalone bachelor's degree in business intelligence with specializations, including e-commerce and healthcare information services. Core courses often include strategic management, during which students develop their leadership style.

Foundational classes may also cover business statistics, strategic management, information systems and security, and financial risk modeling. Students can choose to complete concentration classes like population health, government policy, project management, and information systems design.

Concentrations

E-Commerce

An e-commerce concentration focuses on creating, marketing, and distributing electronic services. Students learn online business strategies through courses in information systems design and project management. Specializing in e-commerce prepares learners for careers as e-commerce specialists, business advisors, and market research analysts.

Accounting

Students learn to follow government regulations with an accounting specialization in business intelligence. They learn to analyze financial data, create records, and maintain sensitive documents in preparation for professional certification. Graduates can pursue careers as financial analysts, stockbrokers, and forensic accountants.

Operations Management

Coursework in this concentration helps students build skills in supply chain management, contract procurement, and negotiation in compliance with government laws and regulations. A bachelor's degree in business intelligence with a concentration in operations management can lead to management consultant, industrial production specialist, and operations research analyst positions.

International Business

This concentration prepares graduates for careers with government agencies and multinational corporations. Learners study cross-cultural communication, global ethics, and organizational models to identify specific cultural norms. Graduates typically become professional market research analysts, information research scientists, and foreign exchange consultants.

Healthcare Administration

In this concentration, students gain the management and analytical skills they need to ensure organizational sustainability and trustworthy patient care. Course topics include government policy studies. Graduates can pursue entry-level positions as hospital department managers, operations research analysts, and insurance negotiators.

Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs

What Can I Do With a Bachelor's in Business Intelligence?

A bachelor's degree in business intelligence helps students gain entry-level positions in hospitals, research facilities, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, small businesses, and multinational corporations. Early career options include financial analyst, management analyst, and market research analyst. Professionals can advance their careers through experience and certifications.

For example, the certified associate in project management credential can enhance a bachelor's degree in business intelligence with skills in project management. Graduate programs can also help you advance your career, helping you develop the leadership skills needed to work as a sales manager, marketing director, or postsecondary instructor.

Popular Career Paths

  • Market Research Analyst
  • Financial Analyst
  • Management Analyst
  • Operations Research Analyst
  • Information Research Scientist

Popular Continuing Education Paths

  • Master's in Business Intelligence
  • Certified Business Intelligence Professional
  • Certified Data Management Professional
  • Certified Associate in Project Management
  • Business Analysis Certification

How Much Money Can I Make With a Bachelor's in Business Intelligence?

Bachelor's in business intelligence programs require applicants to submit typical admissions materials, such as an application form, letters of recommendation, standardized test scores, and transcripts. Many schools also ask candidates to provide a personal statement that details their academic history, personal achievements, and career goals. Degree-completion tracks require applicants to possess at least two years of relevant work experience, and students may need to complete prerequisites prior to formal enrollment. Additionally, online programs may require candidates to demonstrate that they possess the drive and discipline necessary for self-motivated learning.

The college application process can feel overwhelming due to its many moving parts and deadlines. To make the process more manageable and less costly, students should narrow their school choices down to around five or six, including at least one safe school.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor's in Business Intelligence Programs

How much does it cost to get a bachelor's in business intelligence?

Prices vary by school, but online bachelor's degrees in business intelligence tend to be less expensive than on-campus programs. Some schools charge distance learners the same tuition as in-state residents. Generally, in-state public school tuition is less than out-of-state tuition, while private universities cost significantly more annually.

Are business intelligence degrees worth it?

Yes. A bachelor's degree in business intelligence can open the doors to in-demand careers as analysts and data project managers. Professionals work in almost all sectors, from hospitals to finance.

How much do business intelligence managers make?

The average annual salary for a business intelligence manager is $102,100, according to PayScale. Previous experience in business intelligence, leadership, or managerial roles and a graduate-level degree are typically required to become a business intelligence manager.

How do I become a business intelligence analyst?

Generally, a bachelor's degree in business intelligence, administration, or computer engineering is required. Additionally, professionals should hold a minimum of 1-2 years of experience in a supervisory or administrative role. Certifications also demonstrate that job-seekers have the skills required for a business intelligence analyst position.

What's the difference between a bachelor's in business intelligence and a bachelor's in business administration?

A bachelor's in business intelligence prepares learners for analyst positions. The degree combines management, marketing, technology, and data analytics. On the other hand, a bachelor's in business administration focuses on general business administration, finance, international business, and information technology.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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