The University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business launches a major in business analytics this fall to meet growing employer demand across every industry for this valuable skillset. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts up to 20% growth in business analytics jobs across the nation between 2021 and 2031, with similar job growth forecasted in Nebraska by the Nebraska Department of Labor.

 

The new business analytics major will be offered starting this fall with its inclusion in the university's undergraduate admissions application for the 2024-25 academic year. Current students interested in the major can meet with an academic advisor to discuss declaring the major.

 

"Data is everywhere, but knowing how to use it is key to improving our world," said Jennifer Ryan, department chair and professor of supply chain management and analytics and Van Horne Family Endowed Chair. "Business analytics majors at Nebraska will discover how to transform data into information and insights to help organizations of all types solve problems and make better decisions."

 

Students will take classes in all aspects of analytics such as database management, communication for business analytics and machine learning, and complete a hands-on capstone course to address a challenge for a client.

 

"Students will tackle real-world challenges using real company data, devising solutions and presenting recommendations directly to the company’s managers and executives. We've appreciated the partnership of companies like Conagra Brands, Runza, Speedway Motors and Werner Enterprises in past semester capstone courses," said Laurie Miller, associate dean of undergraduate programs and curriculum and associate professor of practice in economics. "In fact, industry support accelerated our work to establish this major and revise its curriculum to include a specific course related to communication and story-telling."

 

The college conducted an industry roundtable to assess their needs during the major's development. Participants included representatives of local and regional organizations such as Bryan Health, Deloitte, Hudl and Nelnet. All participants, like Dan Crumb, chief financial officer of the Kansas City Chiefs Football Club, Inc., agreed there is a substantial need for workers trained in both the foundations of business and the quantitative methods used to support decision-making.

 

"It is widely understood that business analytics is an area of significant current and future market growth. The Chiefs organization utilizes business analytics extensively to support our various revenue streams and marketing efforts and to create operational efficiencies," said Crumb. "I anticipate this program will produce graduates that are highly employable in a wide variety of industries and organizations, including my own."

 

The new major was approved on June 20 by the Nebraska Board of Regents and July 26 by the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education. It builds on the success of the business analytics minor, offered since 2016.

 

"More than 100 students are currently enrolled as business analytics minors," said Demet Batur, associate professor of supply chain management and analytics. "We foresee some of these students pursuing further study as a business analytics major as well as many students declaring it as a double major. This major pairs well with actuarial science, accounting, finance, marketing and supply chain management and prepares them to pursue careers using analytics in these functional areas of business."

 

As students in the College of Business, business analytics majors' career development includes hands-on learning experiences through the college's Professional Enhancement Program, like a resume review, networking and a practice interview with an employer. This major is also a STEM-designed program, which will allow international alumni to continue working in the United States for extended Optional Practical Training.

 

"Graduates of this program will possess the analytical and quantitative skills that will be needed to lead the future of business and adapt to changing information technologies and the ever-growing amount of data," said Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean and professor of finance. "With these skills, our graduates can make a big impact on the well-being of our society."