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Jamie McCrary
In today’s digital era, business analytics professionals are responsible for collecting and interpreting an unprecedented amount of data. With the rise of artificial intelligence, they also have access to more sophisticated and efficient data management tools than ever before.
A degree in analytics and artificial intelligence gives you the technical skills you need to harness AI to drive business innovation and position yourself as a top candidate in today’s competitive job market.
Understanding Business Analytics and AI
Business analytics is the practice of evaluating data to help inform an organization’s decision-making. AI-powered analytics tools, such as Tableau and Power BI, enable analysts to process data with greater speed and accuracy, allowing them to make more informed and strategic recommendations.
Specific use cases include utilizing artificial intelligence to:
• Manage large volumes of data and generate reports
• Forecast future trends and patterns to inform decision-making
• Ensure greater cybersecurity by reducing fraud risks
Demand for Business Analytics Professionals is Growing Rapidly
Careers in business analytics—including roles such as data scientists, business intelligence analysts, and operations research analysts—are among the fastest-growing in the US job market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of data scientists is projected to increase by about 36 percent by 2033, with an average of roughly 20,800 openings per year.
Artificial intelligence is a key driver behind this growing demand for analytics talent. Companies are now integrating AI into nearly every business function, creating new cross-functional roles that require both technical and strategic expertise. AI technologies are also helping create more strategic analytics roles by automating data collection and reducing administrative load.
Studying Analytics and AI Prepares Business Students for High-Impact Jobs
A degree in business analytics and AI prepares business students for a wide range of data and business-centric, and specialized AI roles. It will equip students with the technical savvy to drive innovation across multiple sectors, particularly in finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and education.
Business analytics powered by AI is reshaping how organizations operate, compete, and create value. Business students who combine foundational business knowledge with AI and data analytics skills are well-positioned for high-impact roles in multiple sectors. These graduates bring a unique ability to translate data into strategic action, driving innovation across industries.”

Gwanhoo Lee
Professor of Information Technology and Analytics, Kogod School of Business
Several of today’s most high-impact, AI-driven analytics roles include:
- Data analysts: evaluate data to propose solutions for business problems
- Data scientists: collect and interpret data using qualitative analysis
- AI strategists: implement strategies for integrating AI into operations
- Data consultants: advise companies on data management, analysis, and strategy
What skills do business analytics professionals need to be successful?
To successfully navigate today’s AI-focused environment, business analytics professionals need a combination of technical expertise and analytical soft skills. Several skills students should prioritize developing include:
- knowledge of AI concepts,such as natural language processing (NLP) and predictive modeling
- understanding of top AI-powered analytics tools, including Tableau, Power BI, and SAS Analytics
- fluency in SQL, the coding language of databases (one of the most important tools in your analytics toolkit)
- an understanding of statistical languages, including R for statistical analysis, Python for general programming, and machine learning algorithms
- data visualization skills to ensure data is presented in a concise way
Why study business analytics and AI online via Kogod?
Kogod’s new STEM-designated MS in Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (BAAI) program equips you with highly sought-after skills in predictive modeling, data manipulation, and visualization, coupled with a comprehensive understanding of AI practices and tools. You can also customize your degree to suit your industry, focusing on electives such as sustainability, marketing, finance, forensic accounting, or data science.
Named “Best in Class for AI” by Times Higher Education’s Poets & Quants, Kogod provides enterprise AI access to its entire community—one of the first business schools in the country to do so. You’ll also gain real-world experience through the newly launched Institute for Applied AI. This innovative research center convenes experts from across campus to synergize their AI research and teaching.
With this strategic training, you won’t just keep up with the future of work—you’ll help shape it. Learn more about how the BAAI program can prepare you to drive business innovation through AI-powered data analytics.