KU announces online data analytics undergraduate program for fall 2023
OVERLAND PARK (Feb. 21, 2023) - KU is launching a new concentration in Applied Data Analytics in its Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) degree program in the School of Professional Studies (SPS). It will be offered online through the University of Kansas Edwards Campus beginning in the 2023-2024 academic year, giving students with an associate degree or equivalent hours an opportunity to enter this growing field. The job market for data analysts is expected to grow 23% by 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with jobs in a variety of sectors and at very competitive salaries. Industries across the spectrum rely on learning gleaned from data analytics to make better informed decisions.
The Bachelor of Professional Studies with a concentration in Applied Data Analytics is designed for transfer students and degree completers with a strong interest in information technology.
Stuart Day, dean of the KU Edwards Campus and School of Professional Studies, believes this new program addresses a growing demand for employees with these skill sets across the Kansas City area.
“Today, businesses rely on data analytics to gain actionable intelligence from the massive amounts of data they collect,” said Day. “Data analysts can help organizations optimize processes, better understand their customers, and improve marketing.
“The Applied Data Analytics concentration offers practical and applied training in data analytics, operational analytics, research analysis, big data, and data management,” said Day. “It provides students with highly valued and relevant skills to help them achieve their career goals.”
According to Heather McCain, interim director, Information Technology, who helped develop the new program, this concentration will give students a strong foundation in professional management as well the opportunity to develop their data science skills while solving real-world problems.
“Courses will provide students with fundamental concepts of designing and maintaining database projects as well as storytelling concepts to best communicate the information that data is trying to tell,” Cain said.
The new BPS with a Concentration in Applied Data Analytics is supported by the Johnson County Education Research Triangle (JCERT) and aims to graduate professionals ready to fill in-demand jobs in the Kansas City area and beyond.
About The University of Kansas
The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. Its mission is to lift students and society by educating leaders, building healthy communities, and making discoveries that change the world. The KU Edwards Campus at 127th Street and Quivira Road in Overland Park brings the high-quality academic, professional, and continuing education programs as well as research and public-service benefits of KU to the Greater Kansas City community in order to serve the workforce, economic and community development needs of the region.
