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Business analytics students working on a project

BSBA Major in Business Analytics

The STEM-designated business analytics program at Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business covers the full lifecycle of data analysis. You’ll develop skills in data visualization and storytelling, statistical modeling, machine learning and decision modeling, while learning to transform data into actionable business insights.

Through applied coursework and real-world projects, our students gain experience solving business problems for a data-driven world and are prepared for careers in analytics across marketing, finance, operations, strategy and related fields.

9%

Projected employment growth in management analyst occupations from 2024 to 2034

$72,057

Average starting salary for business analytics majors

Class of 2025

Why Major in Business Analytics at Drexel LeBow?

Every business generates data. Business analytics professionals know how to transform that data into insights that help organizations solve problems, make informed decisions and identify opportunities.

At Drexel LeBow, you’ll learn the full analytics process, from preparing raw data to presenting clear recommendations. Students build technical skills while learning how to ask the right business questions, evaluate trade-offs and communicate findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Drexel LeBow’s BSBA in Business Analytics:

  • Builds expertise across the full analytics process, from accessing and preparing data to developing models and communicating recommendations.
  • Develops skills in data visualization and storytelling, statistical modeling, machine learning and decision modeling to guide business decision making.
  • Emphasizes framing business questions as analytics problems, selecting appropriate analytical tools and communicating insights to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Provides hands-on experience working with real datasets and applied projects that reflect professional analytics workflows.
  • Offers upper-level electives that allow students to explore areas such as forecasting and time series, customer analytics, sports analytics, experimental design and integrative analytics projects.

Inside Business Analytics Major Curriculum

Business analytics majors learn how to use data to understand problems, support decisions and communicate insights. Students develop the ability to access, clean and organize data from a variety of sources, and to work through the full analytics process from raw data to final recommendation. Students build skills in:

  • Visualization and storytelling: help others understand patterns and trends
  • Statistical modeling and machine learning: predict outcomes and identify meaningful relationships in data
  • Decision modeling: evaluate trade-offs, incorporate constraints and recommend actions in uncertain situations

Throughout the program, emphasis is placed on framing business questions as analytics problems, selecting appropriate tools and clearly communicating results to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Review the Degree Requirements
View a Sample Plan of Study

Course Highlights Include
BSAN 3260: Data Visualization and Storytelling

Data visualization and storytelling enable business analysts to understand and present deeper and better insights into their businesses. Such insights support decision making, strategy formulation, and operational improvements within an organization. This course is designed for students learning to use data visualization and storytelling in business analytics. Students will learn the fundamentals of data visualizations and the strengths and weaknesses of various visualizations. They will progress to learn to use storytelling as a complement to data visualization, strengthening the accessibility and cogency of analytical findings.

BSAN 3360: Programming for Business Analytics

The mission of this course is to immerse students in the technical challenges associated with data analytics as applied to business processes and data-driven decision making. To achieve this mission, the course will introduce modules covering the state-of-the-art in programming as applied to data analysis for business problems. Students will learn how to work with programming environments, the basics of programming, the Extract-Transform-Load process as applied to business data, visualization in a programming environment, and the implementation of statistical and other analysis techniques. Students also improve their skills in communication and collaboration as needed for the type of programming tasks faced in business analytics.

BSAN 3470: Machine Learning for Business

In today’s data-driven world, the ability to predict outcomes and uncover hidden patterns is essential. This course provides a hands-on introduction to machine learning for business decision-making. Students will gain practical experience building and validating predictive models to extract valuable insights and solve real-world business problems. Students explore key machine learning techniques, including regression, decision trees, and clustering, and apply them in hands-on data challenges. Beyond the algorithms, students will develop critical thinking skills needed to define business problems, interpret model results, and understand the real-world impact and limitations of deploying machine learning solutions.

Drexel LeBow Student on Co-op

Drexel Co-op and Experience

Through the Drexel Co-op program, students alternate classroom learning with full-time professional experience through University-approved employers. With plans of study that allow for up to three co-ops, you can gain as much as 18 months of practical experience while building professional networks, developing career clarity and applying classroom knowledge in real-world settings.

Up to 18 months of experience

Graduate with as much as 18 months of experience in the workplace

$22

Median co-op hourly pay for business analytics majors

45%

of co-op students received a full-time job offer from their co-op employer

LeBow Class of 2024

Our students have done their LeBow co-ops in a variety of organizations, both locally and around the world.

Past business analytics co-op placements include:

Past Business Analytics co-ops include Cigna; Exelon; FMC; JPMorganChase; Independence Blue Cross; Rothman Institute; SAP.

Beyond Co-op

Co-op is just one way to gain real-world experience at LeBow. Many students also expand their experience through consulting courses, case competitions, research projects, international residencies, industry events, alumni mentorship and other hands-on learning opportunities.

Many of these opportunities are made possible through the Dana and David Dornsife Office for Experiential Learning, where students work on real and simulated projects with industry partners. Partners have included organizations such as Unilever, the Philadelphia 76ers, Boeing, PwC, and nonprofit and governmental agencies.

Undergraduate Research

The STAR Scholars Program is an opportunity for highly motivated first-year students to engage in an early faculty-mentored undergraduate research, scholarship or creative experience during the summer after their first year. This program encourages you to take a hands-on approach to your education through undergraduate research and complete faculty-mentored research activities.

Student poses with a whiteboard explainer for research screated as a STAR Scholar at Drexel LeBow.

Center for Applied AI and Business Analytics

The program is also supported by Drexel LeBow’s Center for Applied AI and Business Analytics, which brings together students, faculty and industry partners to explore how organizations use data and analytics to solve real business problems. Through these collaborations, students gain additional opportunities to connect with industry and strengthen their preparation for co-op and future careers.

Academic Director for Applied AI and Business Analytics at LeBow on stage during the Precisely Trust event.
Emily Dean

Presenting my research, I felt like I had done something that academically mattered for the first time. I also learned that I have a huge interest in merchandising – but I had no idea before I started my co-op.

Emily Dean ’20

Data Analyst

Anthropologie

Read more about Emily

What Can You Do with a Business Analytics Degree?

Organizations across every industry rely on data to guide decisions, improve operations and identify new opportunities. A Business Analytics degree prepares you to apply analytical thinking and data-driven decision making across a wide range of business functions. Graduates are prepared for careers such as:

  • Business Analyst
  • Data Analyst
  • Marketing Analytics Professional
  • Financial Analytics Professional
  • Operations Analyst
  • Strategy Analyst

Explore career opportunities for business analytics graduates

Common Questions About the Business Analytics Major
What types of students are a good fit for the business analytics major?

The major in business analytics is a good choice for students who enjoy solving problems, working with data and using evidence to make decisions. You don’t need to know about programming or analytics before you start, as the curriculum is designed to build your skills over time.

What’s the difference between business analytics and data science?

Business analytics focuses on using data to solve business problems and guide decision making. Students learn to analyze data, build models, communicate insights and recommend actions for organizations.

Data science programs typically place greater emphasis on advanced computing, software development and algorithm design. Business analytics combines analytical and technical skills with a strong foundation in business, making it ideal for students who want to help organizations make better decisions.

What technical skills and software will I learn as a business analytics major?

Students learn the most important languages and software applications for business analytics, including SQL, R and Python. Students also learn how to utilize AI to deliver analysis and data visualizations, so they are fully prepared to meet employers’ expectations for AI integration in entry-level jobs.

Take the Next Step

All undergraduate applications are processed through Drexel University’s central admissions portal. Have questions about applying to LeBow? Our undergraduate enrollment team is here to help.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Find the information you need to plan for your education through Drexel Central. Review tuition and fees, estimate the cost of attendance, and explore financial aid resources, including scholarships, grants, loans and payment options.

More Ways to Study Business Analytics

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Connect with Us

Our staff is ready to help you with any questions you may have about the application process, including which program is right for you. We look forward to hearing from you.

Caitlin Brady

Director, Undergraduate Programs and Recruitment

(215) 571-3570

Gerri C. LeBow Hall 333