Business analytics is a specialty in the business industry that allows students to implement problem solving skills and analysis skills in order to benefit businesses. Business analytics programs are designed to teach students how they can use statistical data to solve and understand the problems that a business is facing. Not only will students learn how to use statistics, but they will also learn about data mining strategies, analytic skills and data management skills so that they can understand the inner workings of a business and use that understanding to solve the company's problems. Problem solving skills play an essential role in this type of business position.

The courses offered by analytics programs are varied greatly, and they allow for a certain level of customization and diversity in what courses a student decides to pursue. Some courses are at the core of the program while others are customizable to suit the student's needs and their desired career path. Courses offered by this area of study include strategic business analysis, requirements documentation, current trends in IT, enterprise application architecture, business solutions validation and assessment, systems modeling, business modeling, system development in theory and practice, solutions analysis, technical communications, business foundations, legal considerations in IT, requirements discovery, ethical considerations in IT, managing technology, managing people, business analysis capstone and more.

Students can use business analytics programs to expand greatly upon the traditional business administration degree. Business administration is a jack of all trades career path, allowing students to pursue many different career paths and job roles. By specializing in business analytics, the student can take a specific career path to become a business consultant or a business owner that places emphasis on problem solving and project implementation. Many businesses need this kind of service and so the industry is growing quickly and trending positively. Strengthening credentials in this manner can prepare students to fill many specialized roles in IT, business, finance and accounting.

One position that students may want to consider after graduating from analytics programs in business school is that of a business analyst, typically you will find this under the listing of financial management. This position could mean being a supervisor or working on your own. Growth is looking good for this position, and because of the demand some companies might be able to offer additional compensation with things like stock options, increased salaries or bonuses. The U.S. Department of Labor has placed this job earning an annual median income of $81,800.

The industry is looking good for students that want to pursue analytics programs and business analysis positions. A bachelor's or master's degree in business with emphasis on analytics or business analysis is generally a strong enough background for students to fill a myriad of different roles in problem solving, IT and business. Many business analysts take finance and accounting positions as this is where many businesses require strong problem solving skills and capable business administrators. Ultimately, though, it is up to the student to determine which career path is ideal for them and putting their education to good use accordingly.