Undergraduate
What is Business Analytics?
Business analytics involves the use of data analysis and computer models to make better business decisions. Organizations leverage business analytics to answer strategic questions, such as:
- Which products and services are most profitable?
- How can we retain our most valuable customers?
- Where should we locate our retail outlets, distribution centers, or other physical facilities?
Business analytics professionals have the technical acumen, expertise with cutting-edge analytical tools, and communication skills to translate data into actionable insights and decisions across all business functional areas.
Business Analytics & Statistics
Career Opportunities
Whether dealing in goods or services, organizations across industries are collecting more and more data, and there is a growing need for analytics professionals who know how to glean valuable insights from that data.
Business analytics professionals work in a variety of industries, including banking and insurance, manufacturing and retail, sports and recreation, healthcare and education. Demand for business analytics professionals far exceeds supply, and this talent gap is increased by the high standards corporations maintain for analytics employees. A bachelor’s degree in business analytics prepares students to meet those standards.
89%
Graduates employed or pursuing higher education
$65,000
Median business analytics graduate salary
Haslam Undergraduate Outcomes Report, 2022–2023.
In order to succeed in the modern business world, it’s also vital that analysts have an ability to work in teams.
Our program teaches students a mix of analytical expertise, business acumen and interpersonal ability. We also encourage students to participate in degree-related internships, which are linked to higher starting salaries and more job offers after graduation.
Job Examples
Data Analyst
Data analysts are like detectives for businesses, using their skills to uncover insights hidden in large datasets. They’re experts at using tools like SQL, Excel, and statistical software to find patterns and trends in data, and then sharing their findings with stakeholders. They also use visualizations and dashboards to help non-technical team members understand what they’ve found. They might also run experiments, build models to predict future outcomes, and suggest ways to improve business processes based on their findings.
Median Salary: $108,020 (data scientist)
Marketing Analyst
Marketing analysts are experts at understanding customer behavior and finding ways to reach them effectively. They use all kinds of tools, like surveys, focus groups, and web analytics, to uncover insights and develop strategies. They’re also great at working with other teams to create marketing campaigns, track how well things are going, and find ways to make things even better.
Median Salary: $74,680
Analytics Manager
Analytics managers are responsible for managing and overseeing data strategies, systems, and governance. They leverage the work of the analytics team to identify and communicate insights to internal and external stakeholders. This role is like the master architect and owner of the organization’s analytics strategy.
Median Salary: $141,878*
2023 salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook.
* Based on 2025 data from Salary.com.
Majoring in Business Analytics
The Business Analytics major equips students with a mix of analytical expertise, business acumen, and communication skills. The program’s core curriculum includes a foundation in statistical software, regression analysis, database systems, predictive modeling, and data visualization. A wide range of elective courses are available to deepen your analytical skillset in areas such as optimization, time series analysis, data storytelling, and others.
Multiple concentration and collateral options allow students to tailor the program to their career interests. Students are also encouraged to participate in degree-related internships, which are linked to higher starting salaries and more job offers after graduation.
Required Courses
- Regression Modeling (BAS 320)
- Data Mining and Business Analytics (BAS 474)
- Capstone for Business Analytics (BAS 479)
Major Requirements
- Business Analytics Major, BS in Business Administration – Collateral Option
- Business Analytics Major, BS in Business Administration – Heath Integrated Business and Engineering Program
- Business Analytics Major, BS in Business Administration – Information Management Concentration
- Business Analytics Major, BS in Business Administration – International Business Concentration
- Business Analytics Major, BS in Business Administration – Marketing Concentration
- Business Analytics Major, BS in Business Administration – Supply Chain Management Concentration
- Accounting Major, BS in Business Administration – Heath Integrated Business and Engineering Program
- Accounting Major, BS in Business Administration – International Business Concentration
Business Analytics Student Spotlight
Nhu Bui
As a high school junior, Nhu Bui attended Haslam’s Business Education for Talented Students (BETS) program, which made the University of Tennessee her top school choice after graduating high school.
Scholarship Opportunities
The Haslam College of Business awards more than $5 million annually in scholarships to students. Each year, students should apply to be considered for college and departmental scholarships through the university’s Continuing Undergraduate Student Scholarship application.
Scholarship criteria is varied and may be based on a student’s need, academic merit, engagement in student organizations and research, and overall profile.