Not sure whether to study business analytics, data science, or AI? You're not alone.
These fields all use data to solve problems, and they often rely on many of the same tools. But they prepare students for different types of careers. The best choice depends on whether you want to build technology, analyze data, or use both to help organizations make better decisions.
"The real difference is how they split their time between people and data," says Shawn Janzen, program director of the MS in Business Analytics & Artificial Intelligence at American University's Kogod School of Business.
Here's a quick guide to help you decide.
| Business Analytics | Data Science | Business Analytics & AI |
|---|---|---|
| Uses data to solve business problems | Builds predictive models and analytical systems | Combines business strategy with analytics and AI |
| Focuses on decision-making | Focuses on programming, statistics, and machine learning | Focuses on applying AI to real business challenges |
| Works closely with business leaders | Works primarily with data and technical systems | Bridges technical expertise and business strategy |
Best for students who want to...
Business analytics is about answering questions like:
Business analysts don't just analyze data—they explain what it means and help leaders decide what to do next.
Common careers
Best for students who want to...
Data science focuses on creating the models and systems that uncover patterns in data. It's a more technical path that's well suited for students who enjoy programming, mathematics, and statistical analysis.
Common careers
Best for students who want to...
Business Analytics & AI sits at the intersection of technology and business. Rather than focusing solely on building AI models, students learn how to apply analytics and AI to improve decision-making across organizations.
Common careers
AI is changing the way organizations operate across every industry—from finance and healthcare to consulting, retail, sports, government, and nonprofits.
And AI skills are quickly becoming a workplace expectation. A three-year research study led by recent Kogod graduate Christina Eid (BSBA '26) found that the percentage of students who said employers asked about their AI skills during the hiring process increased from 11.6% in 2024 to 42.6% in 2026. The research was also recently featured by Axios, underscoring growing national attention to how quickly AI expectations are changing in the workplace.
Today's employers want professionals who can do more than use AI tools. They need graduates who can evaluate AI-generated insights, understand the technology's limitations, communicate recommendations, and make responsible business decisions.
That's why combining technical knowledge with business judgment has become such a valuable skill set.
At Kogod, students can build skills in business analytics and artificial intelligence at every stage of their education. With an MS in Business Analytics & Artificial Intelligence, a BS in Business Analytics & Artificial Intelligence, and an undergraduate minor in Business Analytics & Artificial Intelligence, students can choose the path that best fits their goals.
Across Kogod's programs, students learn how to turn data into insights, use emerging AI tools, and apply technology to real business challenges. Depending on their program, students can develop skills in:
And because Kogod approaches analytics and AI through a business lens, students don't need to see themselves as programmers or computer scientists to get started.
Located in Washington, DC, Kogod gives students opportunities to take what they learn beyond the classroom through internships, experiential learning, and connections with companies, government agencies, nonprofits, startups, and international organizations.
Choose Business Analytics if you want to use data to influence business strategy and work closely with decision-makers.
Choose Data Science if you're passionate about programming, statistics, and building predictive models.
Choose Business Analytics & AI if you want to combine technical skills with business strategy and help organizations solve complex challenges using data and AI.
As Janzen puts it, "The ideal student is someone who is curious about data, AI, and decision making. They are the person who wants to understand both the business and the AI—and can turn data into decisions, not just dashboards."
No matter which path you choose, data and AI are reshaping the future of work. The key is finding a program that matches the kind of problems you want to solve—and the impact you want to make.