Why study Business Analytics at MC?

In the age of Big Data, more data has been created in the last two years than in the entire history of the human race. Business analysts interpret and analyze this data with the goal of improving the functioning of businesses and organizations. These professionals are employed everywhere from Fortune 500 companies to hospitals, non-profit agencies, and government organizations. Successful business analysts possess a unique combination of domain knowledge and a solid foundation in mathematics, statistics, and computer science.

The Major in Business Analytics presents a creative and solid balance between mathematical techniques and business applications and provides flexibility to accommodate a variety of student backgrounds and interests. Educated in Maryville College’s strong liberal arts curriculum, graduates of the program are able to meet the many challenges of today’s data-driven business environment. The program aims to create experts who understand the complex issues facing organizations; gather, organize and analyze data from a variety of sources; suggest realistic solutions based on solid mathematical reasoning; and communicate findings to a variety of audiences. See also the Minor in Analytics.

Photo of Jace Brittain

Jace Brittain

Hometown: Cherryville, North Carolina

Jace discovered his passion for working with data through the College’s Introductory Statistics course and hasn’t looked back.

“I have a love for manipulating and understanding the story that data tells through complex and detailed analysis,” he said.

As a junior, Jace was awarded the College’s Outstanding Achievement in Statistics Award, and during the summer of 2022, he interned as a data analyst at SmartBank, where he helped develop a strategic plan to enhance the bank’s Data Analytics Department.

“Going through this internship made me realize how well Maryville College has prepared me for a career in business analytics,” he said. “My hope is to use my degree to pursue a career in business analytics in the sports industry.”

 

Photo of Donald Cooper

Donald “D.J.” Cooper

Hometown: Maryville, Tn

D.J. chose to major in Business Analytics at Maryville College because he saw that more companies were becoming data driven and needed people who understood mathematics and business. In the summer of 2021, he completed an internship with the Dollywood Company’s Financial Planning and Analysis team, and after graduation in May 2022, he returned to the company as a financial analyst in the theme park’s Financial Planning and Analysis department.

“My long-term plan is to continue working in data analysis positions as well as getting a master’s degree to further my career,” he said. “Maryville College has prepared me in a multitude of ways, from improving my written and oral communication skills to understanding data analysis and financial reporting.”

Chair, Division of Mathematics & Computer Science, Professor of Statistics
Dr. Jeff Bay
Chair, Division of Mathematics & Computer Science, Professor of Statistics
More Info
Chair, Division of Social Sciences, Associate Professor of Economics
Dr. Sharon May
Chair, Division of Social Sciences, Associate Professor of Economics
More Info
Professor of Mathematics
Dr. Maria Siopsis
Professor of Mathematics
More Info
Associate Professor of Accounting
Rebecca Treadway
Associate Professor of Accounting
More Info
Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Dr. Jesse Smith
Assistant Professor of Mathematics
More Info

The May 2011 report by the McKinsey Global Institute was the first of many to recognize the rapidly growing demand for analytics professionals. “In most industries, established competitors and new entrants alike will leverage data-driven strategies to innovate, compete, and capture value from deep and up-to-real-time information,” the report said. “… By 2018, the United States alone could face a shortage of 140,000 to 190,000 people with deep analytical skills as well as 1.5 million managers and analysts with the know-how to use the analysis of big data to make effective decisions.”

Companies that employ a large number of analytics professionals include giants like Google, Amazon, IBM and Oracle. Additionally, an increasing number of private companies, government entities and nonprofit organizations are forming in-house analytics teams. In addition to preparing one for a career as a business analyst, the major provides training towards careers as data scientists, advanced analytics professionals, and statisticians.

Students successfully completing the program of study will have achieved the following learning outcomes:

  1. Assess organizational performance with respect to the needs of the organization’s various stakeholders
  2. Understand the complexities, challenges and opportunities posed by the economic, political, technological and social/cultural context in which an organization operates.
  3. Interpret, analyze and present financial and economic data.
  4. Communicate complex ideas with precision and clarity in both written and oral form, to a variety of audiences.
  5. Understand the logic behind statistical inference – the science of drawing conclusions from limited data — and be able to assess the role of variability in estimations.
  6. Confidently use software to store, organize, manipulate and analyze very large quantities of data.
  7. Use mathematical techniques to produce realistic solutions to increase business efficiency and profitability.

The interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science degree in Business Analytics requires a minimum of 61 credit hours involving courses in business, computer science, and mathematics. Required courses are divided into three overarching categories: Domain Knowledge, Analytical Skills, and Professional Development.

Required courses include:

Domain Knowledge:

BUS 201: Principles of Management(3 hrs)
BUS 215: Principles of Accounting(3 hrs)
BUS 242: Marketing(3 hrs)
BUS 305: Organizational Behavior(3 hrs)
BUS 344: Principles of Finance(3 hrs)
ECN 201: Principles of Economics(4 hrs)

Analytical Skills:

STA 120: Introductory Statistics(4 hrs)
MTH 125: Calculus I (MR)(4 hrs)
MTH 225: Calculus II(4 hrs)
MTH 232: Linear Algebra(3 hrs)
MTH 222: Regression Analysis(3 hrs)
MTH 305: Mathematical Modeling(3 hrs)
MTH 321: Probability & Statistics I(3 hrs)
MTH 351: Senior Study I(3 hrs)
MTH 352: Senior Study II(3 hrs)
CSC 130: Introduction to Computer Science and Programming(4 hrs)
CSC 260: Database Management Systems(4 hrs)
CSC 314: Data Mining(3 hrs)

Professional Development (choose one):

SLS 299: Issues in Professional Development(2 hrs)
Or
CSC 299: Professional Practices in the Mathematical Sciences(1 hrs)

In addition to required courses for majors and minors, Maryville College students take classes in the Maryville Curriculum, a core program of general education. Consisting of 51 credit hours, the Maryville Curriculum ensures that students see their major in a wider context and develop the basic communication, quantitative, and critical thinking skills that are needed for success in college and career.

Catalog Apply

Request Info

Interested in this Program of Study at Maryville College? Submit your basic information and an Admissions counselor will contact you shortly to answer any questions you might have.

Loading…