Business Intelligence Degree Program Guide

Bernard Grant, Ph.D.
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Updated on December 20, 2024
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Business intelligence analysts use data to help businesses grow. Learn more about business intelligence programs, including salaries and job outlook.

Business intelligence careers are growing with the widespread use of artificial intelligence and machine learning — it’s no wonder many students are driven toward bachelor’s programs in the field. A business intelligence degree can teach you how to collect, analyze, and visualize data to help companies make informed decisions.

If you’re interested in using data to help companies improve efficiency and increase profits, keep reading to learn all about business intelligence degree programs.

What Is a Business Intelligence Degree?

A business intelligence degree prepares you to use data for decision-making that helps a company achieve its business goals. You’ll learn how to analyze data to make the best recommendations for organizational improvement and growth.

Earning your bachelor’s to become a business intelligence analyst in a traditional program typically takes four years. You can also pursue accelerated programs, which take 12 months to complete. If you want to earn a bachelor’s and a master’s in business analytics, look for an accelerated dual-degree program.

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Business Intelligence Degree Courses and Concentrations

Business intelligence bachelor’s degree programs will teach you how to identify business trends using today’s best technology. You’ll learn the fundamentals of business information processing systems and analyzing data.

You’ll also learn how to develop solutions and how to apply leadership skills. Programs often cover marketing, finance, accounting, and management, so you gain an understanding of all aspects of business.

The best business intelligence degree programs give you hands-on experience in developing machine learning models. Some specializations include cybersecurity, predictive analytics, statistics for data science, and Python programming for analytics.

Below are some common courses in business intelligence degree programs.

  • Ethics for Data Analytics: Examine case studies and real scenarios to learn ethical reasoning skills so you can learn to manage sensitive data responsibly.
  • Database Management Systems: Learn fundamental concepts in database modeling techniques, Structured Query Language (SQL), database design, and programming techniques.
  • Machine Learning: Learn the fundamentals of machine learning through popular algorithms, as well as how to train data and how to use data to make accurate predictions.
  • Application of Optimization Modeling: Use optimization models and their applications in various industries while gaining experience with advanced optimization tools.
  • Data Visual Analysis and Visualization: Learn about the fundamentals of working with data by exploring the principles of graphic design and the various ways to visualize data.
  • Applied Business Statistics: Get an introduction to statistics for business applications by using computer software to analyze statistical data to help businesses make informed decisions.

How to Get a Business Intelligence Degree

Typically, the minimum requirement to work in business intelligence is a bachelor’s degree. Learn how to accomplish this goal and how much money you can expect to spend on tuition.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Business Intelligence Degree?

A business intelligence degree usually takes around four years to complete. You’ll need to meet your school’s credit requirements. Most business intelligence programs will want you to complete between 120 and 130 credits before you can graduate.

While there are not many business intelligence bachelor’s degree programs online, you can find several online business analytics bachelor’s programs. Many of them teach courses in business intelligence.

Most accelerated programs are designed for students who want to earn a dual-degree BS/MS in business intelligence. There is, however, an accelerated three-year bachelor’s program at Arizona State University, which offers an online format. Rutgers Business School also offers a 12-month business analytics program.

How to Apply for a Business Intelligence Degree Program

To apply for a business intelligence bachelor’s degree program, you must have a GED or a high school diploma. Some programs might look for prerequisites, such as coursework in programming, mathematics, and statistics.

If you don’t have these prerequisites, you can take community college classes to earn these credits before enrolling in a college or university.

You might also have to submit these common application materials:

How Much Does a Business Intelligence Degree Cost?

Business intelligence programs’ tuition rates vary depending on whether you go to a private or public school, the program format (in-person or online), and the location of your school. In-state students tend to pay less than out-of-state students.

To earn a business intelligence degree, you’ll have to pay the institution’s undergraduate tuition rates. Schools tend to charge around $25,000 to $47,000 for online business intelligence degree programs.

The average total cost of tuition for the 2022-2023 academic year was $27,100 at public institutions, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The same NCES report shows that private nonprofit institutions charged an average of $58,600 that same academic year.

Private institutions are more expensive because they are not state-funded like public institutions. Online programs are cheaper than in-person programs because online students don’t pay as many fees as in-person students, and they tend to save on transportation and other costs.

What Can I Do With a Business Intelligence Degree?

A business intelligence degree opens job opportunities in a growing field. Learn more about business intelligence degree jobs, as well as salaries, for these various roles.

Business Intelligence Degree Jobs

Businesses across industries increasingly rely on data to drive decision-making. So a business intelligence degree leads to a variety of career paths with plenty of growth opportunities. The BLS reports that data-related jobs will grow faster than the 5% average for all occupations from 2021-2031.

With a business intelligence degree, you can choose from several career paths, such as data analyst, market intelligence analyst, data engineer, and analytics manager. You can also work in various industries, from finance to healthcare and technology, translating data to make informed decisions.

How Much Money Can I Make With a Business Intelligence Degree?

Business intelligence architects rake in the most money at $119,200 annually, and senior data warehouse engineers earn $119,200 each year. On the lower end, you can earn $67,563 each year as an operations research analyst, according to Payscale, or $67,640 as a financial analyst.

Look at the table below to learn more about business intelligence salaries:

Popular Business Intelligence Degree Jobs
Job TitleAverage Annual Salary (Sept. 2023)Description
Management Analyst$74,440Management analysts or consultants use data to make recommendations to improve efficiency.
Computer Systems Analyst$80,850Computer systems analysts learn about each company’s computer systems to find ways to redesign them to run more efficiently.
Financial Analyst$67,910Financial analysts know investing and provide advice that helps businesses make profitable decisions.
Operations Research Analyst$67,560Operations research analysts collect data and use modeling software to help organizations solve complex problems.
Business Intelligence Analyst$75,690Business intelligence analysts gather and analyze data, then present their findings to help businesses make profitable decisions that improve efficiency.
Business Intelligence Engineer$93,010Business intelligence engineers research and analyze data and design systems to collect intelligence data.
Business Intelligence Developer$87,780Business intelligence developers create systems for businesses to store, visualize, and summarize data.
Big Data Engineer$97,440Big data engineers develop, test, and analyze big data (large data sets) for businesses.
Business Intelligence Architect$119,200Business intelligence architects design and implement data architecture to enhance business operations.
Senior Data Warehouse Engineer$117,050Senior data warehouse engineers design, manage, and optimize data storage and retrieval systems (data warehouses) for companies.
Business Intelligence Consultant$90,160Business intelligence consultants organize, analyze, and visualize data to help companies make the best decisions.
Source: Payscale (October 2024)

Other Degrees in Business Intelligence

After you earn your business intelligence degree, you may decide to continue your education in order to qualify for more advanced roles. You can pursue a graduate degree, such as a master’s in business intelligence. There are many accelerated programs for master’s students, including programs that grant a dual BA/MA in business intelligence.

Other advanced degrees that could prepare you for this career include a master’s degree in data science, business analytics, or a master of business administration (MBA) with an analytics concentration.

You can enhance your expertise with professional certificates like the Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate and the Certified Business Intelligence Professional (CBIP).

What to Consider Before Choosing a Business Intelligence Program

Before you choose a business intelligence degree, it’s important to understand the overall cost as well as the program length, which can affect how much you pay in tuition. Accreditation also matters.

Cost

Before enrolling in a business intelligence program, spend some time comparing different programs’ tuition rates. These programs charge between $250 to $793 per credit, and require an average of 120 credits. Look into scholarship programs and the Federal Pell Grant. You can estimate the return on investment (ROI) of your chosen program by comparing the cost of the program to the amount of money you plan to earn after you graduate.

Program Length

Business intelligence programs take at least four years to complete. The program length will likely influence the cost of your education, so it’s important to think about how long you want to stay in school.If you’d like to start a career faster than the traditional route, you can pursue accelerated business intelligence degree programs, which can cut your learning time in half. Otherwise, you can enroll in a master’s or dual-degree BA/MA program.

Accreditation

The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) accredits business education programs, including business intelligence.Accreditation is an important factor in finding the right business intelligence degree program. Institutional accreditation accredits the entire educational body, the college or university. Programmatic accreditation only accredits a particular program, ensuring that the program meets rigorous educational standards.

Program Format

You can find bachelor’s in business intelligence programs in online and in-person formats. There are some accelerated programs, but they are mostly designed for those who want advanced degrees or want to earn their bachelor’s and master’s in one program.

Discover the Best Business Intelligence Programs


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