A Nichols College student presents a data analysis during the annual REAL Symposium
Academics Undergraduate Programs Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

BSBA in Business Analytics

at Nichols College

Ready to solve big problems with big data?

As a business analytics major (BSBA) at Nichols College, you'll learn cutting-edge tech skills like Python and R so you can bring the full power and value of data to bear on today's most challenging business opportunities.

Our bachelor’s degree in business analytics emphasizes extracting meaning from data and is designed to prepare students for careers in a wide variety of industries or for professionally oriented graduate programs, like our own MBA in data analytics.

Close-up exterior of a Nichols College brick building with a large arched window, with a vibrant yellow fall foliage tree visible along the campus sidewalk

Why Study Business Analytics at Nichols College?

Nichols College offers a unique advantage for business analytics degree students in our commitment to experiential learning and our specialized focus on practical application of data science skills. Here’s what sets our program apart:

Faculty With Applied Analytics Expertise

Learn from professors who combine industry-informed analytics practice with teaching and research focused on data-driven decision-making

Hands-On Learning

Put course concepts into practice through real-world challenges, including a consulting project where you provide solutions for a client, and even scholarly research opportunities

Technical Skills

Gain cutting edge technical skills needed to manage, distill and interpret data for a range of industries, and learn programming languages like Python and R

Professional Connections

Engage with professionals and secure meaningful internships through our career contacts, hands-on employer experiences and alumni network that's 16,000+ members strong

Worcester County Location

Benefit from strategic access to diverse industries across New England, from healthcare and manufacturing to financial services and technology startups while getting the personal attention of a close-knit campus community

Plus, our program is AACSB-accredited—only six percent of institutions worldwide are accredited by the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Experiential Learning at Nichols College

Hands-on, experiential learning is a key component of a Nichols education. Every business student completes an internship, a professional certification and a research, experiential or consulting project before they graduate. Add holistic professional development to that hands-on foundation, and you get real results—95% of recent graduates secured jobs or entered graduate school within six months. All from a college ranked top 10 nationally among undergraduate business schools for mid-career salary potential and best value.

A Nichols College student intern assists with an event at historic Fenway Park in Boston.

Student-Faculty Projects

From assisting with faculty research and teaching to working on an advanced project with your professor, there are many ways to extend your learning beyond the classroom at Nichols.

Learn More About Experiential Learning at Nichols.

Student-Run Opportunities

Whether you’re managing the Thunder Fund, working with Bison Consulting clients, helping run the Nichols Dudley Hill Golf Course Club and Bison Den or pitching ideas to companies, you’ll build career-ready skills.

Learn More About Student-Run Opportunities.

Holistic Professional Development

Build confidence and vital soft skills through experiences that take you into the community, paired with public speaking practice, networking etiquette and signature leadership development. Learn more about professional development at Nichols. [link to Professional Development page]

Learn More About Professional Development at Nichols.

Study Abroad

Take your education global through faculty-led trips, international internships, semester abroad programs and short-term travel that let you earn Nichols credits while expanding your worldview.

Learn More About Study Abroad (Study Away).
NEXT STEPS
Talk to an Admissions Counselor
Request Information
Attend an Admissions Event

Careers in Business Analytics

A degree in business analytics develops expertise in interpreting data to inform decisions, along with transferable skills in analysis, problem-solving and communication. Graduates can pursue roles across business, healthcare, finance, operations and technology sectors.

Career possibilities include:

  • Data analyst
  • Operations research analyst
  • Healthcare data coordinator
  • Supply chain analyst
  • Risk assessment specialist
And More
Two Nichols College students in professional attire laughing together at a career and internship fair booth

Meet Your Faculty

Jason Price

Chair, Business Analytics 508-213-2173

Prajjwal Panday

Associate Professor of Environmental Science 508-213-2026

Kevin Mentzer

Dean of Innovation, Research and Experiential Learning 508-213-2023
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Business Analytics Program

What makes the business analytics program at Nichols College different from other programs in Massachusetts?

Our program combines technical training with hands-on experience through real business partnerships and student-faculty projects. Recently, this led to three students being co-authors with faculty on peer review journal articles that were published and five successful internships within the insurance industry focused on risk assessment. Unlike larger universities, we offer small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty who are actively engaged in industry consulting. Our location in Central Massachusetts provides unique access to diverse industries and internship opportunities throughout Worcester County and beyond.

What opportunities are there for graduate study after completing the business analytics degree?

Our business analytics program provides excellent preparation for graduate study, including our own MBA in data analytics program, which many students pursue. The strong analytical foundation also prepares graduates for master’s programs in data science, statistics, operations research and other quantitative fields at leading universities, including ones here in Massachusetts.

Business Analytics Courses

Required Courses

This course will cover the basics of how to write computer programs in Python. Topics will include data types, loops, strings, lists, methods, graphics and GUI interfaces. Time permitting, we will discuss tools for data analysis. In class instruction will focus on case studies tackling business applications.

Analytics is the process of getting value out of data. It explains how seemingly mundane data points, when combined, can provide insights into habits, processes, and patterns. We live in a world overflowing with data, and only recently has technology reached the point where anyone can conduct this type of analysis without the aid of supercomputers or consulting firms. This course covers "D2D", or Data to Decisions. Specifically, this means we will learn what to collect, how to collect it, and how to transform it into actionable information. It is also focused on solving real business problems, which is the most practical application for Nichols business students.

The primary goal of this class is to learn principles and practices of database management and database design. We will discuss the database relational database design, normalization, SQL queries, reports and other interfaces to database data, and documentation. We will also treat ethical and privacy issues associated with database systems. In-class instruction and exercises will focus on the fundamentals for creating sophisticated, interactive, and secure database applications.

This course will introduce modern techniques of computational statistics for practical analysis of data utilizing the R programming language. Data analysis and interpretation will be emphasized, rather than statistical theory. Real world data sets will be used to illustrate statistical principles.

This course will include a blend of Data Science, Intelligent Automation, and Business Analytics majors to create culminating projects related to technology. The course will emphasize the analysis and critical thinking that will drive their research. Multi-disciplinary teams will allow for projects with higher complexity while presenting students with the added challenge of working in diverse teams. By combining students with different skillsets, the teams will be able to appreciate that solutions can be diverse with various technologies allowing for a multi-pronged attached to the challenge at hand. Teams will be paired with corporate, industry, and/or community-based clients in order to work on real-world challenges that can be beneficial to those stakeholders. Final presentation of their findings will be made in front of the client giving students the added challenge of explaining technical solutions to a non-technical audience.

Data Science Elective

choose one course from the following options:

This hands-on course covers the art and science of data visualization. It explores various visualization techniques and the way that shape, size, color, orientation, and motion influence the way information is comprehended. The class will use world-class visualization platforms such as Tableau and PowerBI. Students will understand the difference between exploratory versus explanatory visualization as well as gain an appreciation for the appropriate use of visualization techniques. We'll discuss how visualizations can be manipulated to mislead or misinform others and discuss the ethics around data visualization. Students will work through a series of interactive dashboards culminating with the final project in which the student will create a story with their data.

This course provides an introduction to regression including: simple linear regression, multiple regression, model building, and variable screening methods.

Additional Elective Concentration Course

choose one additional course from the following options:

A study of the application of research techniques in market analysis. Student teams design, conduct, and present a research project, including problem definition, questionnaire design, data collection, data analysis, documentation, and recommendation.

This course will discuss the theory, development, and application of analytics in sport. Topics covered include player performance, player management, sports data strategies, team management, and game day operations and strategies. Extensive use of statistical software will be expected.

Experiential Learning

choose one course from the following options:

An intensive program of work experience with a business or corporation. Combines both experiential learning with traditional academic work through required term essay and presentation of internship results to an appropriate class. Internship course specifications and "learning contract" forms are available through the Office of Career Services. Students interested must be of junior or senior standing and have a 2.5 grade point average.

An intensive program of work experience with a business or corporation. Combines both experiential learning with traditional academic work through required term essay and presentation of internship results to an appropriate class. Internship course specifications and "learning contract" forms are available through the Office of Career Services. Students interested must be of junior or senior standing and have a 2.5 grade point average.

No description available.

Free Electives

12 credit-hours of electives

Interested in Learning More?

Join us at one of our upcoming campus events in Dudley, MA, or schedule a campus visit. You can also contact our Admissions team to discuss your academic goals and how Nichols can help you reach them.