School of Business introduces major, concentration in Business Analytics

Beginning this fall, the University of Kansas School of Business will offer both a major and a concentration in Business Analytics for undergraduate students.

The new program aims to prepare students with the knowledge, skills and experience to create and manage big data initiatives. Graduates of the program will be able to analyze data and use the findings to guide organizational decision-making.

Chris Claterbos, business analytics and information systems lecturer and director of Business Analytics, led the efforts to bring the major to KU. He has more than 40 years of experience in the industry and spent nine months researching the demand for a Business Analytics curriculum.

“The need in this area is growing faster than educational systems keep up using traditional programs,” he said. “The KU School of Business recognized this need and now joins an elite group of business schools across the country offering this program in response.”

Meeting the demand for data skills

Big data has presented challenges for today’s businesses, with overwhelming amounts of data and a dizzying rate of creation. Employers seek professionals who can help them manage their data and provide clarity. The ability to provide data-driven insights has become a No. 1 priority for a majority of corporations.

“Across all areas, professionals who can understand how to work with data and gain insights from that data can drive businesses to excel, innovate and out-perform their competition,” he said.

The program includes a capstone course in which students will work with business partners to solve data-related challenges.

The business analytics concentration received approval in May of 2016, which gave a group of 19 business graduates who had taken the required classes the option of adding the concentration to their degree immediately.

How to get more information

Students who are interested in the program can visit the KU School of Business website, talk to their adviser or contact Chris Claterbos at cclaterbos@ku.edu.