Overview

Penn State Great Valley’s Business Analytics program is designed to equip students with the skills to analyze and interpret data specifically for strategic business decision-making. This program combines critical business concepts with data analysis, machine learning, and statistical modeling to address complex business challenges and optimize organizational performance. The curriculum emphasizes practical applications in business settings, ensuring that graduates are prepared to leverage data effectively in roles that require both analytical expertise and business acumen.

In the Business Analytics program, students will engage in hands-on projects in collaboration with local companies and participate in research initiatives through groups like the Insights Lab, Do iT Lab, and the Smart Systems Research Group. These real-world projects provide valuable experience and enhance career readiness by allowing students to build a portfolio of applied work. The program offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate part-time and full-time students, with small class sizes that foster close interaction with faculty and peers.

Students will benefit from joining Penn State’s extensive alumni network, a global community that supports lifelong career growth. Additionally, the program’s STEM designation allows international students to gain up to 36 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT), extending their time to acquire professional experience in the U.S. Career Management Services provide further support, offering resources and networking opportunities that are essential to advancing in the field.

This 30-credit program includes 18 core credits focused on essential business analytics skills, 9 elective credits tailored to specialized areas of interest, and a 3-credit capstone project that integrates knowledge and skills into a practical, business-oriented project. Courses are offered in hybrid (in-person and online), fully online, and fully in-person formats to meet diverse learning needs and visa requirements for international students. This comprehensive and flexible program makes the Business Analytics program at Penn State Great Valley a premier choice for those looking to advance their careers at the intersection of business and data.