With the STEM-designated business analytics major from Drexel LeBow, students can advance their future careers by utilizing skill sets in statistics, data management and business modeling, and will learn how to leverage business analytics to help translate existing data into strategic decision-making.
Business analytics provides the foundation for uncovering information and insights embedded in the vast amounts of data generated in most businesses. As a field, it increasingly uses artificial intelligence, such as neural networks and deep learning, to gain insight from structured and unstructured data. However, AI and automation can only go so far: business analytics professionals will always be needed to interpret the results and guide decision makers in asking the right questions.
The business analytics major welcomes a diverse group of students from every level with a common interest in understanding how the use of data can help us better understand the world and, ultimately, make better decisions. Prior knowledge in a quantitative field is not required, and the program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive skill set.
As a business analytics major, students will acquire skills that enable them to thrive in today’s fast-paced, interconnected business world. Classes are inspired by practical applications in finance, marketing, operations, accounting and other areas of business. By analyzing hands-on examples from real-world business settings, students become skilled at using state-of-the-art software applications for data analysis and visualization. A few popular classes include:
Introductory-level undergraduate classes, such as Business Analytics and Data Visualization (BSAN 160) Focus on building a strong foundation in fundamental concepts and terminology to explore patterns and relationships in data, and they provide relevant examples of descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics applications. Students learn how to recognize real-world applications of business analytics in various functional business areas and how to interpret data visualizations and narration to facilitate effective communication with data.
Project-based undergraduate classes, such as Business Analytics Senior Project (BSAN 460) Focus on synthesis and application of analytics and software skills while providing opportunities to practice teamwork, effective communication, critical thinking and presentation skills. In the senior project course, student teams are assigned to projects to empower individuals and communities through data analysis. The work can also involve literature review, market research, and/or data collection. Students ultimately demonstrate mastery of business analytics and data storytelling through presentations of their findings.
Students can also gain research experience through programs such as the STAR (Students Tackling Advanced Research) Scholars Program. 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.
Learn more about STAR Scholars at Drexel LeBow
Over 100 years of industry partnership has taught us the value of an immersive education. We focus on ensuring students have access to a wide variety of learning opportunities beyond the classroom to gain deep expertise, broad perspectives and the essential soft skills needed to succeed in business and in life.
Through the Drexel Co-op program, business analytics major alternate six months of classroom learning with six months of full-time professional experience through University-approved employers. With plans of study that allow for up to three co-ops, students can gain as much as 18 months of practical, hands-on experience in the workplace, applying what they’ve learned in real-world settings long before graduation.
LeBow business analytics students have held co-op roles in companies both big and small, locally and around the world. Past business analytics co-op employers include:
Learn more about Drexel Co-op at LeBow
In addition to the Co-op program, other experiential learning opportunities abound at LeBow, including consulting courses, case competitions, international residencies, research projects, industry thought leader events, alumni mentorship and more. Through projects made possible by the Dana and David Dornsife Office for Experiential Learning and Drexel Solutions Institute, our students apply their learning on real and simulated challenges, working with organizations domestically and internationally from Unilever, the Philadelphia 76ers, Boeing and PwC to nonprofit and governmental partners.
Learn more about the Dornsife Office for Experiential Learning
At Drexel LeBow, students have many opportunities to engage outside of the classroom through student-run organizations, connecting with a community that shares their major, their heritage or any of the other unique characteristics that unite our diverse student population. The opportunities to collaborate, network and engage are endless.
A business degree with a business analytics major is useful in nearly any field or sector that needs to make data-based decisions. Students who have graduated from LeBow with a focus in business analytics have found jobs in a wide array of fields, including law and accounting firms, banking and financial institutions, wholesaling companies, service organizations, professional sports teams and community-based organizations.
Learn more about business analytics career opportunities
Our 12-story, 177,500-square-foot home, Gerri C. LeBow Hall, is located at the heart of the Drexel University campus, which is located in Philadelphia’s University City neighborhood, home to the city’s vibrant research and technology corridor. Being located in Philadelphia, and within a short distance of New York and Washington D.C. means Drexel LeBow students have access, not just to our 1700+ industry partners but also to a wealth of experience from leaders in the business, research and governmental fields.
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
cem398@drexel.eduGerri C. LeBow Hall 333
