Those who have considered going back to school for your MBA have probably noticed that many MBA programs offer different concentrations or specializations. From finance and accounting to health administration and entrepreneurship, there are plenty of options available if you want to focus your studies.
One concentration you won’t want to overlook, though, is that of business intelligence. This specific MBA/business intelligence degree is ideal for students who want to build upon their leadership and managerial skills while learning how to use technology to improve efficiency and meet business goals.
Baker College is proud to offer an online MBA in business intelligence that can be completed in an average of just one to two years.
What Is Business Intelligence?
So, what is business intelligence, exactly? To provide a business intelligence definition in simplest terms, this refers to the process of using a combination of people and technologies to improve business decision-making and achieve both short- and long-term goals. More specifically, business intelligence relies heavily on business intelligence systems, data collection tools, analysis tools, and reporting solutions. In contemporary business environments, business performance management systems may also be used.
Business intelligence professionals can take on a variety of roles, with responsibilities varying depending on specific job title and other factors. However, some duties that a business intelligence analyst may perform on a regular basis include:
- Data mining or gathering data used in decision-making
- Analyzing financial data and other types of data to develop solutions or help make informed decisions
- Research to help improve business operations, develop new procedures, or determine additional systems needed
Why Choose a Career in Business Intelligence?
There are many reasons to consider a master’s in business intelligence degree. Not only does having strong business intelligence skills open potential doors of opportunity for exciting roles in a range of industries, but specializing in business intelligence solutions can also give students a competitive edge in the job market.
- High demand – Business Intelligence professionals are highly sought after due to the increasing need for organizations to make data-driven decisions. This growing emphasis on analytics offers robust job security and abundant opportunities for career growth in the field.
- Professional growth – BI roles are often linked with rapid professional development and the opportunity to move into higher management roles due to the importance and visibility of the work.
- Increased earning potential – Graduates with BI expertise often see a significant increase in salary because of the high demand for these skills in the job market. Specialized knowledge in BI can lead to competitive compensation and enhanced career prospects.
- Impactful work – BI professionals directly influence company strategy and performance by interpreting complex data and providing actionable insights, making it a rewarding and impactful career path.
- Innovative environment – Working in BI involves staying at the cutting edge of technology, using the latest tools and methodologies to extract meaningful information from data. This makes it a great field to enter for those constantly looking to learn, grow, and develop professionally.
Baker College’s Business Intelligence MBA Program
At Baker College, our MBA in business intelligence is designed to help students develop and sharpen the skills they need to succeed in an ever-changing business world. These days, there is simply no denying the growing connection between technology and management in business. This is why our program focuses heavily on this intersection.
Students in our online MBA in business intelligence need to earn 36 credit hours to complete the graduation requirements. These hours include 12 hours of major courses covering management information systems, database design and management, and data warehousing, and 24 hours of business course requirements.
This program is designed to help students establish and enhance their core business acumen while building upon technological and decision-making skills. This ultimately helps sharpen their business intelligence strategy and become leaders in the field.
Meanwhile, the online format of this program makes it possible for students to complete their degree requirements from anywhere, often in as little as 12-24 months.
Skills Learned in the Business Intelligence Program
What specific business intelligence skills will be built upon in a master’s in business intelligence program? Let’s dive in.
- Data analysis and management – Students learn to analyze large data sets, use statistical tools, and interpret data to make business decisions. Skills in managing databases and understanding data structures are also emphasized.
- Decision-making skills – The program focuses on developing strategic thinking and decision-making skills based on data insights as well as an ethical foundation. This includes scenario planning, risk assessment, and leveraging data for strategic advantage.
- Technical proficiency – Students may gain expertise in specific BI tools, software, and platforms. For instance, the Data Warehousing course offered as part of Baker College’s business intelligence master’s curriculum covers techniques for managing and analyzing large volumes of data across numerous sources to guide managerial decisions. This helps demonstrate how to leverage various tools in the design, implementation, and mining of data warehouses.
- Communication and presentation skills – Being able to communicate complex data findings in a clear and impactful way is crucial. Students refine their ability to present data visually and verbally to non-technical audiences.
- Understanding of business contexts – Courses also focus on applying BI in a range of business contexts, like marketing, finance, supply chain, and human resources, providing a holistic view of how BI can drive business strategy.
Why Choose Baker College for Your MBA in Business Intelligence?
What is a business intelligence degree, and what does one from Baker College entail? While there may be other options out there when it comes to an MBA in business intelligence, there are many compelling reasons to opt for Baker’s online program.
- Versatile skills – The Baker degree equips students with a mix of business acumen and technical skills in areas like data mining, database design, human resource management, and human behavior management, making you versatile and valuable in multiple sectors.
- Hands-on experience – Baker’s programs include real-world projects and collaborations with businesses, providing practical experience in applying BI tools and strategies. This enables students to gain a more in-depth understanding of how the industry works before they even graduate.
- Experienced faculty – Learn from professors who have real-world experience in BI and data analytics, providing students with a well-rounded view of the business world and how this industry actually operates.
- Flexible learning options – Baker College’s online courses allow you to balance your studies with personal and professional commitments. In fact, Baker’s MBA in business intelligence is offered 100% online, so you can pursue your degree from anywhere while enjoying the flexibility of an online learning experience.
- Industry connections – Strong links with businesses provide practical learning opportunities and networking.
- Career support – Dedicated career services help with job placements and professional development so you can graduate with confidence.
- Accreditation – Baker College’s MBA in business intelligence is accredited through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), ensuring it meets high educational standards.
- Affordable tuition – Competitive pricing and financial aid options make this MBA program more accessible. There are also plenty of alumni scholarships available for students who have completed undergraduate programs at Baker in the past.
Start Your Business Intelligence MBA at Baker
Pursuing a business intelligence degree at the graduate level can be a great way to build upon your leadership and managerial skills while exploring the various strategies and technologies to sharpen your decision-making and analytical abilities.
Interested in enrolling in Baker College’s master’s program in business intelligence? Start by making sure you meet the qualification requirements, such as having a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale. As part of your application, you will need to submit official transcripts from your previous school.
Likewise, applicants are required to complete an admissions essay of 500 to 1,000 words, as well as a copy of their current resume for your student record. If you have graduate credits to transfer, Baker accepts a maximum of 12 transfer hours. We encourage you to meet with an admissions advisor to help you through this process and ensure that everything will transfer as smoothly as possible.Once you’ve completed the application process and received acceptance into our graduate program, you can begin enrollment for the next semester. From there, you’ll be ready to pursue your advanced degree in business intelligence and begin preparing for a more rewarding career. If you have any questions about our degree program or the application process, get in touch with us today!