Quick Facts
- Delivery: on campus with many online course options
- Credits: 50-58
Ball State University offers a bachelor of science in data analytics through the College of Sciences and Humanities. The data analytics program combines computer science, statistics, mathematics, and data visualization.
Why choose a data analytics degree?
- Five concentrations: Choose computational data analytics, environmental systems analytics, health analytics, media analytics, or social and behavioral data analytics.
- Graduate pathway: Qualified students in computational data analytics may apply to the Accelerated Master’s Program or a graduate program.
- Online option: The datal analytics majors with a concentrations in environmental systems analytics is also available fully online.
What you’ll study as a data analytics major
The shared data analytics curriculum covers areas such as:
- programming fundamentals
- database programming and data management
- data visualization
- probability and statistics
- data analysis and modeling
- professional writing
- project management
- ethical and social issues involving technology
Course requirements and technical tools vary by concentration and catalog year. For specific coursework requirements visit the course catalog or speak with an academic advisor.
View Data Analytics Courses
Data Analytics Concentrations
Builds a solid foundation in mathematics, statistical thinking, and technical computing needed to become a data scientist.
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Prepares graduates for a challenging data-driven career in the field of environmental management.
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Prepares graduates for a challenging data-driven career in the field of healthcare.
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Prepares graduates to work with digital traffic and media consumption data from large audiences.
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Prepares graduates for a challenging data-driven career in the field of social sciences. Fields include: psychology, sociology, criminology, and political science.
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What careers are available for data analytics students?
Depending on the concentration, technical preparation, experience, location, and additional qualifications, graduates may pursue roles such as:
- data analyst
- reporting analyst
- business intelligence analyst
- marketing or media analyst
- health data analyst
- environmental data analyst
- geographic information systems analyst
- research analyst
- database or analytics support specialist
- statistical analysis assistant
Advanced positions and professional designations may require additional education, experience, examinations, or licensure. This list is not comprehensive, if you don't see your preferred profession in this list speak with a faculty member or an academic advisor about career opportunities.
Graduate Study
Qualified computational data analytics students may apply to an Accelerated Master’s Program. Eligible graduate credits may apply toward both undergraduate and graduate requirements under current program rules.
Graduates may also apply separately to our online master of science in data science or another graduate program in statistics, computing, analytics, or an applied field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Data analytics focuses on collecting, organizing, analyzing, and visualizing data to identify trends and help organizations make informed decisions. Data analysts answer questions like "What happened?" and "Why did it happen?" by working with datasets, dashboards, and statistical tools.
Data science takes data analysis a step further by developing predictive models, utilizing intelligence solutions. Data scientists often answer "What will happen?" or "How can we automate decisions?" using advanced programming, mathematics, and computer science.
Business analytics applies data analysis specifically to business challenges. Business analysts combine data with knowledge of finance, marketing, operations, and management to recommend strategies that improve organizational performance. Their focus is on using data to solve business problems and support decision-making.
The skills a student could learn as a data analytics major depends on the concentration and choice of electives.
- Data analysis using statistical methods to identify trends and solve problems.
- Data visualization by creating dashboards, charts, and reports that communicate findings clearly.
- Programming in languages to collect, clean, and analyze data.
- Database management by querying, organizing, and working with large datasets.
- Statistical modeling to make predictions and support data-driven decisions.
- Data cleaning and preparation to ensure information is accurate, complete, and ready for analysis.