BS in Business Analytics

Create Bigger and Better Solutions with Data

Data is everywhere, but its value relies on inquisitive professionals who can find the meaning behind the numbers. With a Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics from Clarkson University, you will gain the tools to become the problem-solver organizations want.

Why Major in Business Analytics at Clarkson?

Our program gives you the theoretical foundation and practical skills to turn data into relevant insights. As a student, you will also have the opportunity to build your résumé via high-quality internships and valuable global experiences. Our rigorous program is one of the reasons we are considered one of the best business schools in the country by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report .

The skills you learn will be valued in today's data-driven business world, giving you access to any industry. Use algorithms to identify new business opportunities. Apply mathematical tools to create innovative solutions. Weave a story with the insights you acquire, clearly communicating findings and next steps.

Our faculty are renowned entrepreneurs and scholars who offer guidance both inside and outside the classroom. The Parker Career Center can also help you plan a personalized career path. You will have access to opportunities to apply your skills in our very own Innovation Hub and the entrepreneurship programs offered by Clarkson Ignite. You will graduate ready to hit the ground running.

What You'll Learn

You will complete classes in business fundamentals for the first two years of the program. You will then take the required courses for the major and other specialized courses. You can use electives to fulfill a minor or explore other fields.

The core requirements for the major are:

Applied Data Analytics
Big Data Architecture
Data Analytics Project: Planning, Development, and Data Analysis
Database Design and Management
Data warehousing for Analytics
Introduction to Application Development or Introduction to Programming and Software Design or Introduction to Computer Science
Process and System Analysis and Modeling

Curriculum

The business analytics program consists of 33 credit hours in Clarkson Common Experience, 42 credit hours in business foundation, 21 credit hours of specialized coursework, and 6 credit hours of professional electives.

All courses are 3 credits unless noted.

Clarkson Common Experience

The following courses are required for all students, irrespective of their program of study. These courses are offered during the fall semester, with FY100 First-Year Seminar being required of only first-year students. Both FY100 and UNIV190 are typically taken during the fall semester of the first year at Clarkson.
FY100 First-Year Seminar (1 credit)
UNIV190 The Clarkson Seminar (3 credits)

BIDA Core Requirements

Students are required to complete the following courses:

Information Systems

IS301 Applied Data Analytics
IS314 Database Design and Management
IS400 Process and System Analysis and Modeling
IS415 Data warehousing for Analytics
IS426 Big Data Architecture
IS437 Data Analytics Project: Planning, Development, and Data Analysis
IS237 Introduction to Application Development
or EE261 Introduction to Programming and Software Design
or CS141 Introduction to Computer Science

Professional Experience

All students participate in a project-based professional experience such as a co-op, an internship, directed research or a community project clearly related to the student's professional goals.

BIDA Professional Electives

Students must complete two of the following courses:

AC421 Accounting Information Systems
COMM345 Information Design
CS460 / EE468 Database Systems
EM333 Elements of Operations Research
IS428 Information Systems for Supply Chain Management
OM380 Project Management

School of Business Common First and Second Year

Students must complete the following courses, usually in their first and second year:

Common Curriculum

AC202 Financial Accounting
AC203 Managerial Accounting
EC150 Principles of Microeconomics
EC151 Principles of Macroeconomics
EC311 Introduction to Econometrics
IS211 Introduction to Enterprise Information Systems
LW270 Law & Society I
MA180 Introductory College Mathematics (4 credits)
MA181 Basic Calculus
MK320 Principles of Marketing
OM331 Operations & Supply Chain Management
OS286 Organizational Behavior
SB113 Entrepreneurship & Business Innovation I
STAT282 Statistics
Two science courses (one with laboratory) (7 credits)
Three elective courses (9 credits)

BIDA Core Electives

Global Experience

A global experience is required for graduation for all Clarkson Business students. Employers want our graduates to understand different cultures and diversity and to have had first-hand exposure. Students will have a variety of opportunities, such as a semester exchange and/or faculty-led global business trips, to satisfy this requirement.

Knowledge Area/University Course Electives

Students will have approximately 15 credit hours available to use toward Knowledge Area and/or University Course electives.

Free Electives

Students will have approximately 6 credit hours available to use toward courses of their choice.

Co-ops and Internships

Gain résumé-worthy experience before you graduate. Apply the skills you've learned in the classroom with an internship or co-op assignment. Students in the program have completed internships at:

Computer Sciences Corporation
General Electric
IBM
NYSERDA
Webroot Inc.

Learn more about co-ops and internship opportunities.

Undergraduate Research

Join a faculty-led research project, and form part of the next generation of innovators. Opportunities are open to undergraduates during the school year and summer sessions. Explore research at Clarkson.

First-Year Business Venture

Apply your data analytics skill set from the get-go. As a first-year business student, you will take Small Business 113: Entrepreneurship and Innovation. In this course, student teams form real companies and later pitch their business plans to investors for funding. This opportunity gives you a chance to gain important hands-on experience that will help you throughout the rest of your studies. You can also fuel your ambitions with the Reh Cup and other entrepreneurial opportunities.

Clubs and Organizations

Find a community of creators and innovators through Clarkson’s 200-plus student groups. Volunteer with the Clarkson Sustainability Club, explore the great outdoors with the Mountain Bike Club or enhance your skills in the Google Developer Student Club. Explore all clubs and organizations .

Minors

Use your electives to round out your studies with a minor in a related field:

Quality-Based Project Management Minor

Develop the skills to manage people, resources and budgets to ensure a project's success. Gain the foundation you need to earn one or more certifications. Learn more about the quality-based project management minor .

Information Technology Minor

Master the problem-solving potential of today's technology. Take courses in programming, computer systems, database administration, computer networks and web technologies. Learn more about the information technology minor .

Statistics Minor

Deepen your understanding of data by learning advanced quantitative methods. The coursework includes calculus, algebra, probability and statistics. Learn more about the statistics minor.

Study Abroad Opportunities

International experience is a requirement for all Reh School of Business undergraduate students. Not only does it open your eyes to whole new experiences, but it gives you a competitive edge in the job market. Students can choose to study abroad for a semester at one of Clarkson's international partner institutions, participate in one of our Global Business Program trip courses (students participate in a semester-long course, which culminates in a three-week international trip) or travel to nearby Canada for a series of four long-weekend trips. Learn more about all of our study abroad opportunities.

The skills and courses I have taken at Clarkson make me feel and believe that I am not only prepared but ready to excel in my career in banking. Recently, I accepted an internship with JPMorgan Chase under their Corporate Investment Bank, where I will be joining their Risk team.
Jefry Lopez Rincon '23 BS in Business Analytics, BS in Financial Information and Analysis

Career Possibilities

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in data science are expected to grow 36 percent in the next decade – an above-average rate. The degree offers one of the highest-paid salaries in the job market and can be applied in almost any industry.

Some of our students choose to continue their studies by pursuing MBAs and other graduate degrees at Clarkson University or at other institutions.

Positions available to our students include:

Accessibility specialist
Business analyst
Computer technician
Database manager
E-commerce engineer
Help desk analyst
Information management program manager
IT analyst
IT instructor/trainer
SAP analyst
Software consultant
UNIX system administrator

Employers

Our graduates have found that their skills are in high demand. Recent employers include:

Attentive
Bank of New York Mellon (BNY Mellon)
Creative Information Systems
Fidelity Investments
General Electric
IBM
Kiewit Corporation
KS&R
National Grid
Northrop Grumman
NYSTEC

Graduate Schools

Many of our graduates choose to pursue advanced degree programs. Many have pursued graduate degrees through Clarkson's Coulter School of Engineering and Applied Sciences , Reh School of Business, or Clarkson's other graduate programs. Other graduate schools where our students have recently enrolled include: