What is a Business Intelligence Bachelor's Degree?
Businesses are changing in the 21st century thanks to the continued growth and dominance of the internet and social media. Companies are increasingly using data about customers and their own operations gathered from these sources and others to inform their business decisions. A bachelor's degree in business intelligence prepares graduates to collect, organize, analyze and interpret this data so they can explain it to business leaders.
Sometimes called business analytics or business intelligence and analytics, these programs may take the form of a Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) or a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA). Degrees in this growing field are usually heavily focused on math, particularly if your chosen program offers a BSBA. They also frequently include education about typical topics within the business discipline.
Best Bachelor's Degrees in Business Intelligence
1. Bridgewater State University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,732 | 88% | 61% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
2. Mid-America Christian University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $18,838 | No Available Data (2019-2020) | 33% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
3. University of Virginia
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $17,935 | 24% | 95% | 57% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
4. University of California-Davis
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $14,495 | 39% | 87% | 66% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
5. CUNY Bernard M Baruch College
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,462 | 43% | 70% | 77% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
6. Illinois State University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,836 | 82% | 70% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
7. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $13,264 | 79% | 72% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
8. George Mason University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,564 | 87% | 71% | 74% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
9. University of Iowa
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,606 | 83% | 72% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
10. Eastern Illinois University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,804 | 53% | 53% | 95% | No | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
11. Northern Illinois University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $14,610 | 48% | 49% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
12. Miami University-Oxford
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $15,193 | 80% | 81% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
13. Arizona State University-Tempe
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,338 | 86% | 63% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
14. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $14,722 | 66% | 48% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
15. Louisiana State University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,962 | 75% | 68% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
16. University of Connecticut
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $17,226 | 49% | 84% | 75% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
17. University of Arkansas
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,384 | 77% | 66% | 76% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
18. University of Arkansas at Little Rock
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,512 | 66% | 43% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
19. University of Kansas
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,166 | 93% | 67% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
20. University of Maryland-College Park
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,779 | 44% | 87% | 66% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
21. University of Florida
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,381 | 37% | 88% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
22. Rutgers University-New Brunswick
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $15,407 | 61% | 84% | 71% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
23. Western Kentucky University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,802 | 97% | 48% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
24. Auburn University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,492 | 81% | 79% | 72% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
25. York College of Pennsylvania
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20,885 | 69% | 63% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
26. Ball State University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,020 | 77% | 67% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
27. University of Washington-Bothell Campus
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,390 | 74% | 69% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
28. University of North Texas
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,044 | 74% | 56% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
29. The University of Texas at San Antonio
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,262 | 77% | 42% | 83% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
30. University of Mount Olive
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $21,194 | 58% | 55% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
31. Ferris State University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,376 | 87% | 47% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
32. Purdue University Northwest
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,542 | 29% | 38% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
33. Indiana State University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,236 | 90% | 41% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.
Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Curriculum for a Bachelor's Degree in Business Intelligence
In addition to the core general education classes, business intelligence programs normally provide students with a foundational understanding of business before delving into the more complex topics of the degree. These latter courses may include an in-depth education in using particular software or gathering and analyzing statistics. They may also include opportunities for experiential learning like internships. Possible class subjects include:
- Business statistics
- Business analytics
- Introduction to information systems
- Business intelligence concepts and practices
- Data and/or information management
- Data mining
- Business computer applications
- Application development
- Project management
How Long Does it Take to Get a Bachelor's in Business Intelligence?
It usually takes around four years to earn a bachelor's degree in business intelligence. That is because most schools require students to complete about 120 credit hours of general education, core business classes and electives, with most pupils finishing approximately 15 credit hours a semester. It may be possible to accelerate this process by taking classes in times besides the spring and fall, but internship requirements or the rigorousness of higher-level courses in this field may make this difficult.
Accreditation for Bachelor's in Business Intelligence Degrees
Accreditation demonstrates to students that they have selected a reputable school from which to earn their degree; accredited degree programs are more likely to provide quality education. For business intelligence degrees, organizations that review and accredit business schools will handle accreditation. Common accrediting bodies include the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), Association to Accredit Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), and Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Regional and national accreditation, which is offered school-wide (rather than to one specific program) is similarly crucial because it also signals a level of quality, improves the chances of transferring credits, and qualifies you to apply for federal financial aid. There are several major regional accrediting bodies recognized by the Council for Higher Education (CHEA) and the U.S. Department of Education. Examples include the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Business Intelligence Licensure and Certification
You do not need a license or certification to work in business intelligence. While no government agency regulates this industry, at least in that way, it is possible to earn optional certifications that can help you grow as a professional or stand out from your peers when seeking employment. Perhaps the most high-profile credential business intelligence professionals can earn is the Certified Business Intelligence Professional (CBIP) from the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP). This certification has two levels: mastery and associate/practitioner, both of which require individuals to take three exams to prove their expertise.
Alternatively, individuals in this discipline can obtain certification related to a specific program. For example, you can earn become a Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate to demonstrate your ability to analyze data using Microsoft products. Another common certification is the IBM Certified Designer - IBM Cognos Analytics Author V11. That certification is designed for those wanting to prove their ability to complete advanced functions within that company's software.
Should I Get a Bachelor's Degree in Business Intelligence?
When determining whether you should pursue a bachelor's degree in business intelligence, there are several factors that are critical to consider. One that may be at the top of that list is your aptitude. In general, business degrees require a diverse range of skills, and a business intelligence degree usually requires students to combine those with technical and mathematical expertise that may not be needed of their peers. These skills can include statistical analysis and computer programming, so it is important to know if you have the ability or acumen to learn or perform these tasks.
It is similarly vital to consider whether the careers available to those who earn a bachelor's degree in business intelligence suit you. As you will see below, the industries that professionals in this subject can work in vary, but the jobs themselves frequently involve data analysis, working with computers, and dealing with numbers. This can become monotonous for some people, so it may be advisable to find out your aptitude for and enjoyment of this type of work before fully committing to this degree program.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Business Intelligence?
Probably the most common word found in job titles held by people who obtained a bachelor's degree in business intelligence is 'analyst.' Since so much of any given degree program in this field is dedicated to learning how to gather and interpret data, this should not come as a surprise.
The benefit of this is that a diverse array of industries need these types of services, so it is possible for business intelligence professionals to work in a number of sectors, with job titles varying from the specific like healthcare business analyst to the more general strategic business analyst. Possible job titles include:
- Business intelligence analyst
- Business intelligence consultant
- Business intelligence manager
- Financial analyst
- Business analyst
- Marketing analyst
- Data or systems analyst
- SAP analyst
- Database manager
- Business intelligence developer
How to Become a Market Research Analyst
A market research analyst studies the conditions of a given market to determine the potential sales of a product or service. By doing so, these individuals help businesses understand if their offerings will sell, who will be interested in them, and how much consumers are willing to pay for them. This can involve monitoring and forecasting sales trends, measuring the effectiveness of marketing efforts, gathering data on customers, the market, and the competition, analyzing said data, interpreting it, and presenting your findings in an understandable way to the appropriate individuals.
Individuals usually need at least a bachelor's degree in a field like business intelligence to work as a market research analyst, though a master's degree may be required for some positions. As with most business intelligence careers, strong mathematical ability is a must. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported in 2019] that those who worked in this role had a median annual salary of $63,790. It also found that the job is expected to grow 18 percent from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all professions and results in a favorable job outlook.
How to Become a Database Administrator
A database administrator (DBA), also known as a database manager, uses specialized software to store and organize data while simultaneously ensuring it is available to authorized users and unavailable to unauthorized users. This can involve securing the data, backing up and restoring data, identifying users' needs, modifying the database when needed, making sure the database works well and merging old databases with updated ones.
Database administrators usually have a bachelor's degree in an area similar to business intelligence, though those with degrees in subjects like computer science or information systems may be a more readily apparent fit. Depending on the size and complexity of databases, organizations may want database administrators to have a master's degree. The BLS reported in 2019 that the median annual wage for this occupation was $93,750. The job outlook is also favorable, with the BLS predicting it will grow much faster (10 percent between 2019 and 2029) than the national average of five percent.
Professional Organizations in Business Intelligence
Although business intelligence is a relatively new field and is very much still developing, a handful of professional organizations already exist. These bodies can be designed to provide networking opportunities, professional development, certification programs, scholarly research, and more helpful resources to those working in this field. Three of the most well-known professional organizations in business intelligence are:
- Strategic and Competitive Intelligence Professionals - Founded in 1986, the SICP is one of the oldest organizations in this discipline. Its services run the gamut for most professional organizations, including certification, virtual and in-person events, web-based training opportunities, and scholarly research.
- Digital Analytics Association - The DAA is dedicated to promoting the use of data to benefit the digital realm. It achieves this goal through professional development and community-building services like a 'cookbook' that aims to establish best practices across the industry, awarding members who have performed excellently within their field, and offering certification and continuing education options.
- International Institute of Business Analysis - The IBA was established in 2003 as a nonprofit to serve the growing field of professionals in its title. The more than 29,000 members from over 120 chapters worldwide use this organization to earn certifications, find ways to continue growing in their careers, and network with others at events.
What Other Kinds of Business Intelligence Degrees Are There?
As noted in the sections above dealing with careers, in business intelligence, education can be quite valuable in this discipline. That is particularly true of advanced education, but options also exist for undergraduate students to obtain a degree or certificate in business intelligence. At these lower levels, it may be difficult to find degrees specifically in business intelligence, though there are usually options with titles like business analysis. There are some differences between business analysis and business intelligence degrees, but they can be comparable enough to earn higher degrees in business intelligence or get a job in the sector.
Associate Degrees in Business Intelligence
At this level, degrees are normally an Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS). Some of these programs may be geared more toward those who work in information technology or business intelligence, or they may be a concentration within a program like information systems. Regardless of type, these programs usually give students the foundational understanding needed to obtain employment or continue their education. It usually takes about two years to earn this degree because you usually need to finish 60 credit hours of coursework.
Master's Degrees in Business Intelligence
The most common graduate degree in business intelligence is a master's degree. This normally takes the form of a Master of Science (MS) in Business Intelligence and Analytics. These programs may be designed to help individuals learn more advanced hands-on skills in topics at the forefront of business intelligence or develop the skills needed to transition to a leadership role within this discipline. It normally takes one to two years to earn a master's in this subject, with programs requiring students to complete upwards of 30 credit hours.
Doctoral Degrees in Business Intelligence
Like at the associate level, it can be challenging to find universities that offer a doctoral degree in business intelligence, though at this level it is even more difficult. Therefore, it might be best for those wishing to earn this terminal degree in this field to obtain a degree in a similar program like business analytics, operations, or information systems. These programs usually confer a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) on graduates who complete the rigorous research requirements involved in this degree. Dissertations are usually a requirement, so it can take anywhere from three to five years to complete this degree.
Certificates in Business Intelligence
Certificates in business intelligence exist at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. For undergraduate students, these programs generally teach the basic skills needed to get an entry-level job in business intelligence or add this skill set to a resume. It usually takes a year or less to earn this certificate. For graduate-level learners, certificate programs often are designed to help working professionals who want to build upon their skills to advance their careers or change careers. It may take anywhere from a semester to two years to earn a certificate at this level.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Information for Bachelor's in Business Intelligence Degrees
To begin applying for financial aid, individuals must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application shows college students what federal loans, grants, or work-study options they may be eligible for. Completing the FAFSA may require numerous documents including the applicant's social security number, driver's license number, and federal tax information.
Another key source of financial aid may be scholarships. For those pursuing a bachelor's degree in business intelligence, the most common sources of these monies are schools and private organizations. Check with the financial aid office at your chosen academic institution to see what business scholarships you may qualify for and research scholarships offered by entities like professional organizations. These may be highly competitive, but they can provide thousands of dollars in monetary assistance.
