WWU College of Business and Economics’ new business analytics concentration prepares students to transform data into decisions

Businesses and organizations have access to more data than ever, and with that comes a huge need for people who can make sense of it.  

That’s where business analytics comes in. And right now, business analytics professionals who can help turn data into actionable decisions that guide strategy and solve problems are in high demand.  

This fall, to help meet both the growing industry needs as well as satisfy the desire that many students have to work in this field, the College of Business and Economics’ Department of Decision Sciences launched a new Business Administration concentration in business analytics.  

Business analytics combines business administration with data analytics. Like data detectives, students learn how to collect data, identify patterns, and turn numbers into insights that drive smart, strategic decisions.  

“Our focus is not only analysis. Our focus is on action. Decisions,” said Professor Ilhyung Kim, who teaches applied business statistics and predictive analytics.  

The focus on actionable outcomes is what sets business analytics apart from data science and data analytics. There is some overlap, but data science is more method-driven, focusing on developing models and algorithms, while data analytics emphasizes technical solutions for understanding data. In contrast, business analytics focuses on using data insights to inform and guide business decision-making.

The business analytics concentration rounds out a trio of related programs in the Department of Decision Sciences — manufacturing and supply chain management, management information systems, and now, business analytics. Professor Stella Hua, chair of the Department of Decision Sciences, who teaches supply chain management, says the three work together to make up the important domains for students who want to help companies embrace data-driven strategies to improve efficiency and drive growth.  

Hua is seeing an enthusiastic response from her industry contacts about Western’s commitment to what they see as a rapidly evolving and growing field. The program was developed through a cooperative effort between industry and faculty, and the Decision Sciences department is putting together an advisory board to help inform the direction and content of the degree, help generate internships and bring in guest speakers.  

The college has offered a business analytics minor for nine years and has seen greater demand each year than the 30-student cap could accommodate. The popularity of the minor is one of the reasons the new business analytics concentration in the Business Administration major was created.    

As businesses continue to prioritize data-driven decision-making, business analytics graduates are well-positioned to influence a wide range of areas from marketing to strategy to people management.  

Learn more about the new business analytics concentration and the Department of Decision Sciences on the College of Business and Economics website. 

Jennifer Nerad covers Western’s College of Business and Economics and College of the Environment for the Office of University Communications. Have a great story idea? Reach out to her at neradj@wwu.edu.