The Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Intelligence

We selected the degree programs based on the quality of program and range of courses provided, as well as school awards, rankings, and reputation.

It is crucial for students to locate an accredited business intelligence degree that suits their specific career goals. Most programs exist as a concentration or < a href="/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-business-administration/">major within a general business, business management, or technical management degree. Most curricula combine basic education coursework with core and program-specific classes. Required coursework includes humanities, social sciences, mathematics, and natural sciences, equipping graduates with skills tailored to business intelligence careers.

Core curricula typically emphasize communication and personal and professional development skills through courses in composition, public speaking, problem-solving, and technology. You can expect program courses in business intelligence to cover topics like data analysis, database management, and business-oriented computer applications. You may also have the option to choose electives that explore specializations, such as design, security management, or specific business technology programs. Most online business intelligence bachelor’s degrees conclude with a capstone or senior project that involves either a simulated business proposal, portfolio presentation, or business intelligence exam.

The best online business intelligence degree programs prepare graduates to evaluate different datasets and analytics in order to help organizational leaders make informed business decisions. The demand for these degree holders is relatively high and salary expectations for most positions — even entry-level roles — are above average. Business intelligence careers require candidates who are precise, thorough, and detail-oriented. Five popular occupations for those with a business intelligence degree are outlined below.

Choosing the right business intelligence online bachelor’s program requires thorough research and careful consideration. Many colleges and universities offer lower tuition rates to in-state students, which can make them more affordable. However, a growing number of schools also offer separate tuition schedules for distance learners that do not take state residency into account. Other key considerations include a school’s student-to-faculty ratio, class sizes, program length, and whether the online program carries any on-campus requirements. Students should ultimately choose the program that meets their educational and professional needs at the lowest possible price. With so many different business intelligence degree programs available online, prospective students can choose from multiple options to fit their educational goals.

A standard bachelor’s degree in business intelligence online program requires a four-year commitment from full-time students. These programs usually span a total of 120 credits for semester-based schools, or 180 credits for quarter-based schools. Some business intelligence degrees may require slightly fewer or more credits — roughly 175-185 credits — but these programs also have an expected completion time of four years.

Other online business intelligence bachelor’s pathways may offer accelerated options<. This means full-time students can complete all of their required courses and graduate in fewer than four years. Most accelerated bachelor’s programs require a commitment of two to three years. Additionally, a program’s pacing may also affect completion time. Self-paced programs enable students to complete courses on their own schedule. For some, this means graduating ahead of schedule. Programs that use a cohort format do not provide the same level of flexibility.

Lastly, whether a student takes courses on a part- or full-time basis impacts the time it takes to earn the degree. Students who enroll full-time take around 12-15 credits per quarter, depending on the school, and this course distribution allows most learners to complete their degree on schedule. Part-time students, however, often take longer than four years to finish their bachelor’s. Although part-time students take fewer credits, many schools price part-time students at a per-credit rate, while full-time students pay flat tuition rates. As a result, both groups typically pay about the same amount of tuition annually. Additionally, full-time students may have access to a larger number of scholarships and grants than part-time students.

Identifying Core Business Processes and Master Data

This course introduces fundamental business processes, along with the databases used to generate master data for these different processes. The curriculum also covers strategies for mapping data, and the importance of data integrity, structure, quality, and manipulation in business environments.

Business Data Mining

This course tackles predictive analytics methods, such as Sample, Explore, Modify, Model, and Assess — also known as SEMMA — and Knowledge Discovery in Databases, or KDD. Other topics of discussion include logistic regression and machine learning, lift factors, and diagnostic evaluations. Students also gain hands-on experience with data mining tools and programs.

Structured System Analysis and Design

This course offers an overview of traditional tools, methods, and approaches to system analysis and design. These include enterprise analysis, workflow analysis, data flow, and flowcharting. Students also learn to perform feasibility analyses and risk analyses, create product specifications, and draw up implementation plans for business systems.

Data Interpretation and Statistical Analysis in Business

This course is framed around a group project involving the application of business intelligence and data analytics. Students learn to identify and address business problems using different types of statistical analysis. Other areas of focus include statistical software platforms and advanced quantitative methods.

Base SAS Programming

Statistical Analysis System (SAS) base programming is integral to business intelligence and advanced analytics. This course offers hands-on training in creating and recording data sets, writing analytical reports, and calculating statistics using SAS methods. Many programs’ curricula follow guidelines for SAS base programming certification, should students pursue this credential at a later date.