University News

IBHE Approves Bachelor of Business in Business Analytics at WIU

April 9, 2018

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MACOMB, IL - - The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) approved a new Bachelor of Business in business analytics at Western Illinois University, beginning Fall 2018.

The new degree, which is offered by the WIU Department of Economics and Decision Sciences, will include a course sequence that combines the business core with data-mining, forecasting and computer programming skills. This will be the only STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) recognized Bachelor of Business at Western and is the first of its kind in Illinois. The program is designed for undergraduate students interested in combining business training with data analytics.

"The objectives of the business analytics program are to impart unique skill sets unto our students, allowing them to interpret and draw inference from quantitative data and to enable them to effectively communicate their observations," said Tara Feld, associate professor of economics and interim department chair. "Graduates of this program will be well-suited to pursue careers in almost any field of business, as well as in science, technology, computer science, health care, government and education.

"Our department is proudly invested in the ongoing success of our students beyond graduation," she added. "This new program is meant as an enduring step toward that goal. We encourage all interested students to contact the economics and decision sciences department about careers in business analytics, consider registering for DS200 [Introduction to Business Analytics] and to discuss the opportunities with your academic advisors."

For more information, contact Feld at TN-Feld@wiu.edu or (309) 298-1153. Learn more about the WIU Department of Economics and Decision Sciences at wiu.edu/cbt/eds.

Posted By: Alisha Looney (AA-Looney@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing