Best Online Bachelor's in Business Intelligence for 2019

Business intelligence is a growing field that combines elements of data analysis, business management, and information technology. Requiring strong analytical and leadership skills as well as technical proficiency, the profession is as lucrative as it is challenging. According to Payscale, business intelligence analysts earn a median annual salary of $68,000, with experienced professionals making as much as $121,530 a year. Common job titles in the field include data scientist, business intelligence director, or director of analytics.

For many working professionals, earning a business intelligence degree online is an accessible, affordable way to enter the field. Featuring flexible schedules and convenient delivery methods, web-based undergraduate business intelligence degrees teach students the fundamental skills, concepts, and specialized knowledge needed to excel in the industry. In the following guide, we’ll examine what you need to know about choosing the right program, earning an online business intelligence degree, and life after graduation.

1

Liberty University Lynchburg, VA

ADMISSIONS RATE 22%
GRADUATION RATE 47%
ONLINE ENROLLMENT 82%
RETENTION RATE 75%
DEFAULT RATE 7%

Liberty was founded in 1971 in Lynchburg, Virginia and offers more than 250 online programs. The school offers an online bachelor of science in information management systems with a business intelligence major. This program emphasizes the application of biblical principles in business intelligence and includes major coursework on topics like military intelligence, terrorism, and intelligence analysis. The program also prepares students to sit for Java and Cisco certifications.

Students complete most online courses in eight weeks, with occasional 16-week in-depth course options. Active duty military students, veterans, and military spouses receive discounted tuition and a textbook voucher worth up to $400 per term, and eligible students may also receive transfer credit for military training. Distance learners have access to resources including online ministries, private student discussion groups, a writing center, and 24/7 online tutoring available.

2

Webster University Saint Louis, MO

ADMISSIONS RATE 56%
GRADUATION RATE 62%
ONLINE ENROLLMENT 25%
RETENTION RATE 78%
DEFAULT RATE 8%

Established in 1915 in St. Louis, Missouri, Webster was one of the first women's Catholic colleges with an emphasis on diversity and quality education for underserved populations. The school also boasts additional locations in Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. Webster offers a 128-credit bachelor of science in data analytics that prepares students to meet the increasing demand for data analytics professionals. The curriculum includes core courses on topics such as descriptive statistics, business mathematics, information analysis, and data mining.

All core coursework for this business intelligence degree can be completed online. Webster features several study abroad programs, including assistance with airfare costs. Other benefits for distance learners include small class sizes and free Adobe Creative Cloud access. Webster participates in the Yellow Ribbon program and offers other opportunities for military personnel to receive college credit for military experience.

3

New York University New York, NY

ADMISSIONS RATE 32%
GRADUATION RATE 84%
ONLINE ENROLLMENT 1%
RETENTION RATE 93%
DEFAULT RATE 3%

Located in the heart of New York City, NYU's School of Professional Studies is held in high esteem in the New York metropolitan area. NYUSPS offers a hybrid program for the bachelor of science in applied data analytics and visualization. The program includes 128-130 credits of business intelligence online courses, including 32-34 credits of core coursework, 16 credits of electives, 32 credits in data science and visualization, 12 credits in data analytics and electives, and a four-credit graduation project.

Students complete most online coursework asynchronously, with optional opportunities each week to attend live web conference meetings. Applicants must have an associate degree or 60 credits of college coursework with a minimum GPA of 3.3 to be considered. NYU's seamless transfer credit policies allow students to apply up to half of the credits needed to earn a bachelor's toward their degree. All online students pay the same tuition rate, regardless of residency.

4

Saint Louis University Saint Louis, MO

ADMISSIONS RATE 63%
GRADUATION RATE 71%
ONLINE ENROLLMENT 6%
RETENTION RATE 90%
DEFAULT RATE 4%

Established in 1818, SLU ranks among the oldest Catholic institutions of higher education in the country. SLU's School of Professional Studies offers a 120-credit online bachelor of science in computer information systems with a specialization in data analytics. All courses for this business intelligence degree are offered in eight-week terms. Required coursework for the business intelligence concentration covers topics like data mining, enterprise application development, data modeling, and cybersecurity.

With 27 credits of general electives, The program allows students to customize their degree to meet their personal and professional needs by including 27 credits of required general electives. SLU admits applicants on a rolling basis, and accepts an unlimited number of transfer credits. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and three years of work experience to be considered. All students must be at least 22 years old to apply.

5

Bay Path University Longmeadow, MA

ADMISSIONS RATE 77%
GRADUATION RATE 57%
ONLINE ENROLLMENT 29%
RETENTION RATE 80%
DEFAULT RATE 9%

Launched in 1897 in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, Bay Path offers affordable career-oriented educations with a mission of empowerment for women. The school prides itself on its pioneering history as the first higher education institution in the nation to offer accredited women-only online bachelor's programs. Bay Path offers a 120-credit bachelor of science program in business analytics. The program teaches students how to use software applications and business principles to visualize and track business data. The curriculum for this business intelligence online program includes 78 credits of core coursework on topics such as data mining, systems analysis, and strategic business analytics.

Admission requirements include an interview and either 12 transferable college credits or completion of a short essay. Bay Path accepts up to 90 credits of transfer credits. Active duty or retired military students and their spouses receive a per-credit tuition discount, and can receive transfer credit for prior military service.

6

Washington State University Pullman, WA

ADMISSIONS RATE 80%
GRADUATION RATE 64%
ONLINE ENROLLMENT 11%
RETENTION RATE 78%
DEFAULT RATE 5%

WSU boasts a diverse and civic-minded community and is recognized as a safe campus by Campus Pride. The school offers an interdisciplinary online bachelor of science in data analytics through its global campus. This 120-credit program offers almost all coursework asynchronously, although some classes require students to log on at specific times. Business intelligence online courses cover topics like data mining, multivariate statistics, ethics in data analytics, big data, database systems, and a final capstone.

Admission requirements for the data analytics major include 24 credits, a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, and a minimum GPA of 2.5 in a series of prerequisite classes including calculus and linear algebra. Active duty military students stationed in Washington state pay in-state tuition rates. WSU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

7

Texas A & M University-Commerce Commerce, TX

ADMISSIONS RATE 47%
GRADUATION RATE 42%
ONLINE ENROLLMENT 33%
RETENTION RATE 73%
DEFAULT RATE 11%

A&M-Commerce is recognized as the second-largest institution in the Texas A&M system and maintains a strong emphasis on industry, service to others, and accessibility. Established in 1889, A&M-Commerce provides affordable education for diverse communities, and occupies a valued place as an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution. The school offers a 120-credit bachelor's degree in business analytics that prepares students to tackle big data business challenges in this rapidly emerging field. Core coursework for the business intelligence major covers topics such as data mining, business analytics modeling, and project management. The school also hosts an annual data analytics project competition.

Admission requirements for transfer students include 21 transferable credit hours and a minimum GPA of 2.0 for all transfer coursework. Students may qualify for scholarships specifically earmarked for marketing and business analytics majors. Eligible scholarship recipients from out of state may receive an out-of-state tuition waiver; the school also maintains a list of other waivers and exemptions.

8

Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NH

ADMISSIONS RATE 92%
GRADUATION RATE 58%
ONLINE ENROLLMENT 88%
RETENTION RATE 61%
DEFAULT RATE 8%

Founded as a business school in 1932, SNHU's mission emphasizes flexibility, access, and affordability in higher education. SNHU offers a 120-credit bachelor's degree in data analytics including 24 credits of electives, all offered in an asynchronous format. Coursework in this business intelligence degree is delivered in eight-week terms and covers topics including database design, fundamentals of data mining, project management, and a capstone in data analysis.

The school accepts applications on a rolling basis and boasts a streamlined admission policy that does not require SAT or GMAT scores. Eligible students may transfer up to 90 credits of coursework towards their degree. SNHU's tuition rates remain among the lowest in the U.S., and military students and their spouses also receive a 30% tuition discount. SNHU is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

9

Western Governors University Salt Lake City, UT

GRADUATION RATE 14% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 100% RETENTION RATE 75% DEFAULT RATE 7%

WGU has been at the forefront of online higher education since 1997. WGU is the first nonprofit university awarding all bachelor's and master's degrees under a competency-based model. The school offers an online bachelor's degree in data analytics and management that includes 35 courses. The program is ideal for professionals with technical talent and allows students to complete at least 12 units of coursework or more per six-month term, culminating with a final capstone project.

WGU offers generous transfer policies, monthly start dates, partner-funded scholarships, and a streamlined admissions process to create an easy enrollment experience for students. Admission requirements to the business intelligence major include an interview and information technology experience, as demonstrated through certifications, work experience, or previous coursework. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

10

New England College Henniker, NH

ADMISSIONS RATE 98%
GRADUATION RATE 34%
ONLINE ENROLLMENT 57%
RETENTION RATE 57%
DEFAULT RATE 10%

Founded in 1946 in Henniker, New Hampshire, NEC boasts a well-established history as a leader in higher education for military service members. The school offers a 120-credit bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in business analytics. Featured seven-week courses for the business intelligence major include data visualization, advanced quantitative methods for business analytics, and data mining. This program is offered entirely online and all coursework can be completed asynchronously.

NEC's streamlined admission process requires no standardized test scores or fees, and students may choose from seven start dates after submitting a writing sample. Eligible students may transfer up to 90 credits towards their degree. As a military friendly school, NEC offers a 50% tuition discount for active duty service members, and a 10% tuition discount for reservists, veterans, guardsmen and spouses, including dependents of disabled or deceased veterans.

11

Bellevue University Bellevue, NE

GRADUATION RATE 18% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 78% RETENTION RATE 63% DEFAULT RATE 7%

Bellevue offers an online bachelor's degree in business analytics. Students earning this 127-credit business intelligence degree online take courses through Blackboard. The curriculum includes 46 credits worth of electives and a nine-credit capstone series required of all Bellevue students. Featured courses for the major include applied statistics, base SAS programming, data warehousing and mining applications, and enterprise data and information management.

Online students receive access to technical support and 24/7 access to library resources. Other resources for online students include a writing center and free peer tutoring. The school maintains an open-enrollment policy and offers several start dates. Eligible students may request a portfolio evaluation to receive college credit for prior military training and work experience. Bellevue is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

12

Colorado State University-Global Campus Greenwood Village, CO

GRADUATION RATE 0% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 100% RETENTION RATE 0% DEFAULT RATE 4%

CSU-Global was launched in 2007 and maintains a strong emphasis on sustainability and accessibility in higher education. The school offers a 120-credit bachelor's degree in management information systems and business analytics. Major coursework consists of 36 credits, including a capstone in data analytics and a practicum in management information systems. All classes are delivered asynchronously and entirely online. Some students opt for an additional complementary 15-credit specialization such as strategic communications, computer programming, or healthcare management.

All online students pay the same tuition rate, regardless of residency. Corporate affiliates and military students may also receive tuition discounts. Qualifying transfer students can explore several alternative credit options to shorten their time to completion of the business intelligence degree. CSU-Global is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

13

Thomas Edison State University Trenton, NJ

GRADUATION RATE 0% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 99% RETENTION RATE 0% DEFAULT RATE 6%

TESU was founded in 1972 in Trenton, New Jersey. The school offers a 120-credit bachelor's degree in data science and analytics. The program includes core coursework on topics like forecasting analytics, network analysis, linear programming, and machine learning tools. Students can complete the 12-week business intelligence online courses in a variety of formats, including guided independent study and structured classroom delivery.

Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, and can enroll immediately upon acceptance. Transfer students can benefit from the school's flexible transfer credit policy accepting up to 117 credits of eligible coursework, and may select among a wide range of options to earn college credit for prior work experience and knowledge. TESU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

14

Golden Gate University-San Francisco San Francisco, CA

GRADUATION RATE 0% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 33% RETENTION RATE 0% DEFAULT RATE 5%

Established in 1901, GGU offers professional educations in business and law. GGU offers small class sizes and a cohort model, including a bachelor's degree in business with a 33-credit data analytics concentration. Featured coursework includes 15 credits of core classes and 18 credits of electives on topics like social media analytics, data analytics with SAS, data mining, and relational databases. Students complete all coursework for the business intelligence degree asynchronously, and can access helpdesk support at any time.

Many of GGU's students are busy professionals; over 80% attend on a part-time basis, and most are also transfer students. Admission requirements for transfer applicants with 11 or fewer credits include a minimum GPA of 3.0 and three years of professional work experience. GGU is a military-friendly school that offers a variety of services to student veterans, including assistance with finding housing.

15

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Harrisburg, PN

GRADUATION RATE 6% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 0% RETENTION RATE 48% DEFAULT RATE 19%

Harrisburg provides science- and technology-focused educations that prepare students for career advancement in fast-growing fields. The school offers an online 120-credit bachelor's degree with a concentration in business analytics. Coursework for the 19-credit business intelligence major are delivered in a seven-week accelerated format using Moodle and Adobe Connect. Classes are offered in both synchronous and asynchronous formats. Major coursework covers topics such as statistics for managers, research design and methodology, quantitative methods in managerial decision making, and marketing analytics.

The school boasts streamlined admission procedures and affordable tuition rates. Eligible transfer students may transfer up to 87 credits from other institutions towards their degree, and may also receive credit for military training or by completing a prior learning assessment. Harrisburg is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

What Else Can I Expect From an Online Bachelor’s in Business Intelligence Program?

Business intelligence is rarely offered as a stand-alone major. Instead, most schools feature a business intelligence minor or concentration within another major, such as business administration or information management systems. These programs typically include courses in computer science, business theory, and data modeling. While course options and curriculum structures vary considerably from school to school, you’re likely to encounter one or more of the following business intelligence online courses.

Concentrations Offered for an Online Bachelor’s in Business Intelligence

Information Security
Students learn to protect valuable data, ensure stable communication systems, and safeguard networks from cyberattacks. Courses explore network security fundamentals, project management, and cybersecurity. Ideal for students with strong mathematical and computer skills, this concentration emphasizes technical competencies over management skills.
Careers this Concentration Prepares for:

  • Information security analyst
  • Computer network architect
  • Web developer
  • Information assurance engineer
Budget Analysis
Exploring data mining, business analytics modeling, and business computer systems, a budget analysis concentration teaches students to collect and analyze data. Using specialized software, students learn to evaluate information and derive data-driven solutions t o complex business problems.
Careers this Concentration Prepares for:

  • Logisticians
  • Computer systems analyst
  • Market research analyst
  • Process analyst
  • Operations research analyst
Computer Systems
Blending advanced computing techniques with business leadership, this concentration explores the technological side of business intelligence. Courses often address programming languages, cloud computing, and hardware maintenance strategies. This track lays the groundwork for advanced studies in systems and network development.
Careers this Concentration Prepares for:

  • Computer systems management
  • Computer systems analysis

Curriculum for an Online Bachelor’s in Business Intelligence

An undergraduate business intelligence curriculum usually consists of general education courses, core business administration classes, and electives. Typically offered as electives, business intelligence online courses address concepts in computer science, business management, and data analysis. While course requirements differ according to school and program, many curriculums include classes like the examples below.

  • Decision support presentation: Learners develop engaging, effective, and relevant presentations using fundamental communications programs, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Students sharpen their technical writing skills through assignments that explore the impact of security and privacy issues on reporting.
  • Data visualization: This course surveys the data visualization process, from design principles to pattern discovery. Course participants examine the qualities of meaningful data displays, methods of presenting quantitative and qualitative data, and the ways in which data presentation may influence decision-making.
  • Project management: Lectures present the methods, tools, and techniques used in information systems project management. Students learn to plan, execute, manage, control, and complete projects conducted in complex team environments. By exploring both external contracts and internal resources from an organizational perspective, candidates gain valuable and broadly applicable project management skills.
  • Strategic business analytics and decision making: Using personal examples and case studies, course participants solve real-world problems that affect businesses and organizations. Candidates collect and analyze data to determine effective systems and solutions appropriate to each situation. Sometimes offered as a capstone, this class examines the ties between intelligence, data, decision-making processes, and corporate success.
  • Fundamentals of data mining: In this course, candidates learn to recognize and solve common business problems by identifying meaningful data patterns. Introducing concepts such as clustering, sequential pattern discovery, and classification, coursework presents data-driven methods of addressing logistic challenges.

How Long Does it Take to get an Online Bachelor’s in Business Intelligence?

While most full-time students earn their business intelligence degree online in about four years, there are several factors that influence the length of time you'll spend in school. These variables include program format, curriculum structure, and any transfer credits a student may hold. Degrees featuring accelerated and self-paced coursework may be completed more quickly than highly-structured cohort programs, which maintain stricter deadlines. In addition, schools that operate on a traditional 15-week semester system tend to offer slightly longer programs than those using an eight-week format.

Transferring credits may significantly shorten a program’s duration. On average, a bachelor’s degree in business intelligence consists of 120 to 128 credit hours. Some programs, however, allow students to transfer up to 90 credits from other institutions. Many schools also offer additional credit through prior learning assessments, professional and military experience, certifications, and volunteer work.

Online Bachelor's in Business Intelligence Careers

Business intelligence professionals analyze and solve problems in a variety of corporate, government, and educational settings. Blending business theory with data management strategies and technical know-how, this broad field encompasses many career paths. Occupations in this field appeal to a spectrum of aptitudes, personalities, and interests.

Bachelor’s in Business Intelligence Salary

Individuals with a business intelligence degree enjoy a healthy job market and ever-expanding employment opportunities. The BLS projects computer and information science jobs to grow 13% between 2016 and 2026. Starting salaries for business intelligence professionals vary considerably depending on the title of the position, workplace policies, and the job's geographical location. Analysts, managers, developers, and administrators all have different career trajectories and job requirements, and their salaries differ accordingly. Education and experience, however, will affect earnings across the board.

Management Analysts

Management analysts work toward overall organizational improvement. By gathering and analyzing information, they develop cost-reduction and revenue-enhancing strategies and improve efficiency. Most hold at least a bachelor's degree in business, and a Certified Management Consultant (CMC) designation may enhance your job prospects.

Median Salary: $82,450
Projected Growth Rate: 14%

Computer and Information Research Scientists

This fast-growing and lucrative position is ideal for individuals with a talent for design and innovative thinking. These scientists invent new tools, methods, and programming languages that help businesses use technology more efficiently and effectively. While most computer and information research positions require a master's degree, some federal jobs accept candidates with only an undergraduate degree.

Median Salary: $114,520
Projected Growth Rate: 19%

Market Research Analysts

Individuals with strong math and analytical skills thrive in market research positions. These professionals survey popular products and services, the people who buy them, and the prices they command. While some entry-level positions require a bachelor’s degree, many companies prefer candidates with a master’s.

Median Salary: $62,230
Projected Growth Rate: 23%

Accreditation for Online Bachelor's in Business Intelligence Degrees

From financial aid eligibility to credit transfer policies and employment options, accreditation influences many aspects of education and employment. Accreditation is a process used by private organizations to ensure that colleges and universities uphold the highest academic and ethical standards. Accrediting organizations maintain registration with the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), and confer regional, national, or specialized accreditation.

Regional accreditation is the most respected designation, and many employers prefer to hire graduates of regionally accredited institutions. Credits earned at regionally accredited schools easily transfer, while those from nationally accredited schools do not. Regional accreditation is usually reserved for nonprofit, academically-focused universities, while national accrediting agencies typically evaluate for-profit vocational and technical schools. Specialized accreditors grant approval to field-specific programs like business, nursing, or library science. Accrediting agencies that assess business schools include the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Business Intelligence Professional Organizations

Whether you’re a recent graduate, a college student, or considering a business intelligence major, joining a professional organization is a wise move. Along with hosting networking events such as seminars and conferences, these associations offer access to the latest research through publications, continuing education programs, and online courses. Many sponsor exclusive award, scholarship, and grant opportunities for student affiliates. Plus, membership looks great on any resume. Here are three organizations that may interest you.

Strategic and Competitive Intelligence Professionals
Strategic and Competitive Intelligence Professionals Student SCIP members gain access to a host of benefits, including awards, scholarships, and professional certification opportunities. The organization also maintains a robust mentoring program, in which recent graduates and students are paired with experienced professionals.
Transforming Data With Intelligence
Transforming Data With Intelligence TDWI has provided data management professionals with support for over 20 years. Members may attend numerous conferences, enroll in exclusive online learning programs, and pursue the Certified Business Intelligence Professional credential.
Association for Information Science and Technology
Association for Information Science and Technology Comprised of technology and information science professionals from over 50 countries, this association offers a variety of benefits. Along with cutting-edge publications and webinars, members receive access to industry events and special interest groups.