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Career Questions: What Makes a  Business Analytics and  Artificial Intelligence Online Degree Valuable?

Written by Jamie McCrary | July 28, 2025

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.