Business Data Analytics
The BBA - Business Data Analytics is an interdisciplinary major that prepares students to answer important questions that arise in organizational decision-making that can be informed by economics and analyzed using data. Core competencies include critical thinking skills, data acquisition skills, data analysis techniques, the application of economic theory to analyze economic data, communication skills, and proficiency in the use of data analytic computer software used in the workplace.
Students gain experience in applying economic theory in a wide variety of settings and round out that training with data analytic coursework from other disciplines within the College of Business Administration and elsewhere. After completing the program, students can expect job opportunities as analysts in a wide variety of fields, including general business; banking; financial services; federal, state and local government; consulting; and not-for-profit organizations.
Akron Advantage
All College of Business programs are accredited at the highest possible level by AACSB International (the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). In addition, the College is one of only 171 schools that have earned separate accounting accreditation. The college has been consistently rated as one of the best business schools in the nation by the Princeton Review and ranked in the top 100 of all undergraduate programs by BusinessWeek magazine.
Our close ties to regional businesses provide many benefits for our students. Business executives share their expertise as mentors and guest lecturers in classes, and provide valuable advice on program and course content, helping to keep our curricula fresh, relevant and rigorous. Students gain valuable hands-on experience through group projects that assign them to solve problems for local businesses and by participating in co-op and internship programs at regional companies.
We are able to provide our students with training in cutting-edge technology as a result of our academic alliances with technology vendors such as SAP, Microsoft and Oracle.
Our active student organizations enable our students to enrich their college experience by providing opportunities for them to apply knowledge and skills gained in the classroom, and by opening doors to new friendships, networking, professional growth, and even jobs. Many of our student organizations have excelled in regional and national competitions, often against highly regarded colleges and universities across the country.
Real-world Experience
Throughout the curriculum, students work with real-world data sets in answering real questions about the business and economic world. They gain experience in confronting data problems (e.g. collection and quality issues, limitations of published data series) and develop skills to present answers in a stunning and visual way.
Paid-for credit internship and cooperative work experience opportunities are available where students see how their education is applied in real-world settings. Guest speakers expose students to experiences of key members of the business community, nonprofit organizations, and the government.
Our Faculty:
Department faculty regularly publish in highly regarded, peer-reviewed field journals and general interest journals within the discipline of economics. Most of this research involves applied economics using state-of-the-art data analytic tools. Department faculty members have received numerous awards, including the Fulbright Scholars Program and the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy Scholars. Faculty are also engaged in the community in a variety of ways, including consulting, the media and service on various nonprofit boards.
Curriculum Highlights
Economics Coursework (30 credits)
- Principles of Microeconomics and Macroeconomics
- Intermediate Microeconomics and Macroeconomics
- Data Analysis for Business Decision Making (Applied Econometrics I and II)
- Economic Forecasting
- Economics Electives (three courses)
Interdisciplinary Data Analytic Courses (12 credits)
- Database Management for Information Systems
- Upper Level Analytic Coursework from Management, Finance, Marketing
College of Business Core Courses (33 credits)
- Strong foundation in business courses, including finance, marketing, management and accounting.
Student Organizations
The College of Business offers major-specific student groups as well as a variety of general business groups:
- Economics Club
- Economics Honor Society — Omicron Delta Epsilon
- Beta Gamma Sigma — an honorary fraternity
- Student Speaking Association (SSA)
Sample Curriculum
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