Business Analytics

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Students in a classroom listening to a lecture.

Imagine having the power to turn raw data into actionable insights that drive business success. As a business analytics major, you’ll learn how to transform data into information and insights to help organizations make strategic decisions. Blend your analytical skills with a deep understanding of business operations to solve real-world challenges. From statistics to computer skills, you’ll be equipped to shape the future of business with every data-driven decision you make.

College
- College of Business
Hours Required

120 credit hours
Minors Available

Business Analytics (Available to business majors only)

The Nebraska Difference

Consult with a real company on an in-depth capstone project.

Among top 10 majors with highest salaries (New York Federal Reserve Study, 2023)

Free 1-to-1 tutoring, academic advising and career coaching

Unique Professional Enhancement Program offers hands-on career development

Program Features

Comprehensive Curriculum

Learn skills in all aspects of analytics, including descriptive methods to describe what has happened, predictive techniques to predict what will happen and prescriptive tools to make decisions and recommendations for action based on data.

Exciting Career Opportunities

Skills in business analytics are needed in every industry and all areas of business. The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts these jobs will grow by 20% nationwide over the next five years.

Gain Real Experience in Capstone Project

Use your skills in a semester-long class partnering with a company to solve a business challenge and present recommendations to managers. Past capstone partners include Conagra Brands, Bryan Health, Runza and Werner Enterprises.

Notable Courses

To earn your bachelor’s degree in business analytics through the College of Business, you will take 120 credit hours of courses, equating to four or five courses per semester, on average.

Decision Making Models (SCMA 335)

Learn and develop optimization models to make better decisions in a variety of business areas, such as transportation, operations, marketing and finance.

Communication for Business Analytics (SCMA 450)

Learn to effectively communicate about data, analysis and results to decision-makers and other stakeholders, including how to tell a compelling story and influence decision-making.

Introduction to Predictive Analytics (SCMA 451)

Explore methods for using data to make predictions that support business decision-making. Learn software tools such as R.

Database Organization Management (SCMA 452)

Learn the basics of database design and management, including collecting, organizing, storing and utilizing large amounts of data to assist in operations, improvement and growth.

Machine Learning Applications for Business Analytics (SCMA 453)

Explore the application of machine learning and data mining for business applications. Learn the statistical and artificial intelligence-based tools commonly used for business data mining.

Business Analytics Applications in Practice (SCMA 454)

Engage in real-world consulting projects and work with local and regional companies to analyze data to provide strategic insights and recommendations.

Huskers Do Big Things

From day one, you’ll have access to a career coach and potential employers at Hawks Hall. Your career development will feature hands-on learning experiences, like a resume review, networking and a practice interview with an employer. This major is a STEM-designated program that supports international students in obtaining a two-year OPT extension that allows additional time to gain work experience in the U.S.

Internships

Audit intern, Deloitte
Business analyst intern, Amazon
Business operations analyst intern, SelectQuote Insurance Services
Financial analyst intern, Kiewit
Sales data management intern, Calamos Investments
Softball analytics intern, Husker Athletics

Careers

Business analyst
Data analyst
Business intelligence analyst
Supply chain analyst
Marketing analyst
Financial analyst

Graduate Schools

Master of Science in Business Analytics, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Master of Business Analytics, University of Michigan
Master of Science in Health Systems, Georgia Tech
Master of Sports Administration, Northwestern University

Outside the Classroom

Get the most out of your collegiate experience by taking advantage of opportunities to get involved. Challenge yourself and make meaningful connections along the way.

Lead Student Organizations

With 20+ business student organizations, you'll find opportunities to grow as a leader, gain experience and make meaningful connections.

Compete in Case Competitions

Represent Nebraska in national case competitions, where you’ll present a thorough analysis and innovative solutions to a business problem.

Learn Business in Barcelona

Spend a summer or semester abroad in Spain learning about operations management at the Institute for American Universities (IAU). Take in the architecture, cuisine and history of Barcelona.

Collaborate With Faculty

Work as a learning assistant for a faculty member or pursue your own big idea through the Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experience (UCARE) program.

Featured Faculty

Özgür M. Araz, Ron and Carol Cope Professor of Supply Chain Management and Analytics

Özgür Araz teaches Introduction to Predictive Analytics and Database Management and Organization courses. His research interests include systems simulation, business analytics, public health informatics and healthcare operations. Araz uses predictive analytics techniques and data-driven decision models to study complex socio-technical and business problems. He is active in tennis communities in Lincoln and Omaha and enjoys competing in all USTA leagues for singles, doubles and mixed.

Academics & Experiential Learning

Learn by completing projects based on real data. Build skills using software like Excel, Tableau and R in classes and case competitions.
Explore interdisciplinary topics through elective courses. Learn how to apply analytical skills to every industry.
Consult for a company like ConAgra Brands in your capstone course, analyzing a business challenge and developing ways to improve profitability.

Career Preparedness

Get to know employers and local business leaders through guest speakers and panel discussions.
Gain experience and develop work samples from projects using real data sets for real situations with problems to solve.
Participate in national conferences and case competitions.

Community

Interact with our highly involved advisory board of industry leaders who regularly hire graduates.
Study abroad in one of our college’s programs to learn how to make predictions and decisions in different environments and communities.
Rise to the challenge of helping businesses, nonprofits, government and people make better decisions.

Have Questions? We're Here to Help

If you have questions about the Business Analytics major or navigating the application process, contact us.

Contact Name: Kendra Ritchie
Contact Title: Director of Recruitment
Phone: 402-472-7784
Email: kendra.ritchie@unl.edu

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College

Hours Required

Minors Available