Overview
The Big Data and Business Analytics (BDBA) major is designed to teach the theoretical and practical aspects of big data and business analytics through a curriculum focused on a mathematical (statistical), technical (including architecture and analytics), and communication components required in the business analytics field. The goal of the BDBA major is to educate students who can successfully fulfill the roles and responsibilities of the rapidly growing field related to business analytics. Through the BDBA curriculum, graduates will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to obtain employment in a position such as a business analyst.
The BSBA in Big Data and Business Analytics requires the completion of a minimum of 21 credits (7 classes) in Big Data and Business Analytics. A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 in the Big Data and Business Analytics major and a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 overall must be maintained to graduate.
Degree Requirements
Students can earn a bachelor of science in business administration with this major. See the requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree.
Required Courses (5 courses, 16 credits)
| ISOM-130 | Introduction to Business Analytics | 3 |
| ISOM-230 | Big Data, Business Intelligence and Analytics | 3 |
| ISOM-330 | Applied Statistics and Predictive Analytics | 3 |
| EC-450 | Applied Econometrics | 4 |
Choose one (1) of the following:
| ISOM-231 | Automatic for the People: Turn Data Into Insight/W R~python | 3 |
| ISOM-323 | Database Management | 3 |
Elective Courses (2 courses, 6 credit minimum)
Choose two (2) courses from the following list. You may also take other 300-level or higher, 3-credit courses with department chair's approval.
Big Data and Business Analytics Practicum
Practical data analytics experience prepares students for real-world challenges in the workplace. All BDBA majors much complete 150 hours of approved professional information systems and big data business analytics experience before graduation. The 150 hours of work experience may be obtained in one or more positions as an intern, part- or full-time employee or volunteer. Prior approval of your position by the IS Practical Experience Coordinator is required. This is accomplished by completing the IS Practicum Approval Form.
Most students satisfy this graduation requirement by completing ISOM 560: IS Practicum, a non-credit, tuition-free, pass/fail course. Student should enroll in ISOM 560 the semester when they expect to complete their 150 hours or the subsequent semester. Students may also satisfy this practicum requirement by enrolling in ISOM 520: IS Internship (1 to 3 credits based on the number of hours worked). ISOM 520 requires junior standing and is a graded course that can only be used as a free elective (cannot be used as a major elective).
| ISOM-520 | Internship in Information Systems Or Business Analytics | 0-3 |
| ISOM-560 | Information Systems Practicum | 0 |
Download the ISOM Practicum Application Form [PDF].
Learning Goals and Objectives
Learning goals and objectives reflect the educational outcomes achieved by students through the completion of this program. These transferable skills prepare Suffolk students for success in the workplace, in graduate school, and in their local and global communities.
| Learning Goals |
Learning Objectives |
| Students will… |
Upon completion of the program, each student should be able to... |
Demonstrate understanding of theories and concepts of big data and analytics.
(Knowledge) |
- Identify the main theories and concepts of big data and analytics.
- Understand the architecture and technical infrastructure of business intelligence and big data analytics.
- Understand analytical techniques used to generate descriptive and predictive models. |
Demonstrate skills in utilizing business analytics technology and techniques.
(Skill) |
- Utilize many of the most popular business intelligence tools in industry.
- Utilize the architectural technologies used in generating business intelligence and big data analytics.
- Manage, extract, transform and load data as well as provide data visualizations. |
Demonstrate the ability to generate, evaluate and communicate business analytics solutions.
(Ability) |
- Access data and develop business intelligence solutions.
- Develop analytical models using data mining tools and be able to communicate the results to decision makers.
- Analyze, develop and critically assess data mining and predictive analysis models and projects.
- Evaluate analytical models from various industries and business functions.
- Communicate models developed using big data and analytical tools.
- Have a multidisciplinary perspective of the mathematical, technical and communication knowledge, and skill set. |
Concentrations
Cybersecurity Concentration (3 courses, 9 credits)
Required Courses (2 courses, 6 credits)
Elective Courses (Choose one of the following)
| BLE-321 | Corporate Crime and Financial Fraud | 3 |
| ACCT-150 | Introduction to Fraud Examination | 3 |
Other electives per instructor permission.
Information Systems Concentration (3 courses, 9 credits)
| ISOM-215 | Mobile App Development | 3 |
| ISOM-231 | Automatic for the People: Turn Data Into Insight/W R~python | 3 |
| ISOM-240 | Data Privacy and Compliance | 3 |
| ISOM-313 | Business Systems Development | 3 |
| ISOM-314 | Coding for Business | 3 |
| ISOM-323 | Database Management | 3 |
| ISOM-340 | Cybersecurity Fundamentals | 3 |
| ISOM-341 | Project Management for the Modern Organizations | 3 |
| ISOM-440 | ERP System & Process Reengineering | 3 |
FinTech Concentration for BDBA Majors (4 courses, 12 credits)
Required Courses (3 courses, 9 credits)
| ISOM-215 | Mobile App Development | 3 |
| ISOM-231 | Automatic for the People: Turn Data Into Insight/W R~python | 3 |
| FIN-330 | Introduction to FinTech | 3 |
Elective Courses (Choose one of the following)
| ISOM-240 | Data Privacy and Compliance | 3 |
| ISOM-313 | Business Systems Development | 3 |
| ISOM-340 | Cybersecurity Fundamentals | 3 |
| FIN-350 | Venture Capital and Private Equity | 3 |
| FIN-430 | The Blockchain Revolution: Understanding its Uses and Implications | 3 |
| FIN-432 | Risk Management and Financial Institutions | 3 |
| FIN-H445 | Honors Quantitative Analysis and Trading of Financial Instruments | 3 |
| FIN-530 | Experiential Financial Analysis | 3 |
| FIN-540 | Finance Internship Independent Study | 3 |