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Department of Analytics & Information Systems

Department of Analytics & Information Systems

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  1. WKU
  2. Gordon Ford College of Business
  3. Analytics and Information Systems

Department of Analytics & Information Systems at Western Kentucky University

Local and global businesses are increasingly relying on the acquisition, management, and analysis of data. As the amount of data increases from all aspects of society, so does the need for employees trained in data analytics.

The Department of Analytics and Information Systems at Western Kentucky University offers a dynamic, project-based learning environment that empowers students to develop real-world skills in predictive and visual analytics. Through a comprehensive curriculum, students gain a strong business foundation while exploring the latest technology trends and innovations. By examining the powerful role of information systems, students explore how they shape decision-making, drive business strategies, and influence society at large. This unique blend of business acumen and cutting-edge tech expertise prepares graduates to excel in today’s data-driven world.

 

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UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

Business Data Analytics, Bachelor of Science (504)

  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Business
  • Analytics & Information Systems

Overview

The Business Data Analytics major requires 66 semester hours. The major is designed to prepare students for professional careers using data analytics and technology. Students are trained to use data to improve decision making and gain insight. Local and global businesses are increasingly relying on the acquisition, management, and analysis of data. As the amount of data increases from all aspects of society so does the need for employees trained in data analytics. The Business Data Analytics major will provide students with a solid business foundation combined with a relevant study of data analytics. This major will help strengthen the knowledge economy in Kentucky and increase the availability of trained data analysts. 

Program Requirements (66 hours)

A baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of 120 unduplicated semester hours. More information can be found at www.wku.edu/registrar/degree_certification.php.

Students who began WKU in the Fall 2014 and thereafter should review the Colonnade requirements located at: https://www.wku.edu/colonnade/colonnaderequirements.php.

Course List
Business Foundations
MATH 123Mathematical Applications for Business 13
ACCT 110Accounting for Decision Makers3
BDAN 250Introduction to Analytics3
ECON 202Principles of Economics (Micro)3
ECON 206Statistics3
FIN 330Principles of Finance3
MKT 220Basic Marketing Concepts3
MGT 210Organization and Management3
MGT 498Strategy and Policy3
or ENT 496 Hilltopper Student Consulting Experience
Career Preparation
BA 170Business Student Basics 21
or BA 175 University Experience-Business
or BA 220 Special Topics in Business Administration (Lower Division)
MGT 261Business Communication Fundamentals3
BDAN 399Career Readiness in Business Data Analytics1
BDAN 499Senior Assessment in Business Data Analytics1
Required for All Business Data Analytics Majors
MGT 200Legal Environment of Business3
BDAN 305Data Modeling and Analysis3
BDAN 310Business Data Analytics3
BDAN 330Structured Data Analysis3
BDAN 350Data Management3
BDAN 410DSS Analysis and Design3
BDAN 420Predictive Modeling3
BDAN 430Data Visualization3
Select 9 hours from the following:9
CIS 141
Analytics and Technology 3
ACCT 3@
ACCT 4@
BDAN 3@
BDAN 4@
ECON 3@
ECON 4@
ENT 3@
ENT 4@
FIN 3@
FIN 4@
MGT 3@
MGT 4@
MKT 3@
MKT 4@
COMM 345
Advanced Presentational Speaking
COMM 346
Persuasion
COMM 349
Small Group Communication
COMM 362
Organizational Communication
CRIM 232
Introduction to Law Enforcement
CRIM 330
Criminology
CRIM 332
Juvenile Delinquency
ENG 301
Argument and Analysis in Written Discourse
ENG 306
Business Writing
ENG 307
Technical Writing
ENG 401
Advanced Composition
ENG 415
Writing and Technology
GISC 316
Geographic Information Systems I
GISC 317
Geographic Information Systems II
GISC 417
GIS Analysis & Modeling
GISC 419
GIS Programming
HCA 340
Health Care Organization and Management
HCA 342
Human Resources Management for Healthcare Managers
HCA 343
Quality Management for Healthcare
HCA 344
Health Systems Management
HCA 346
Ambulatory Care Administration
HCA 442
Principles and Methods of Health Planning
HCA 445
Health Care Finance
HCA 446
Health Care Informatics
MIL 301
Army Training Management and Warfighting Functions
MIL 302
Applied Tactical Army Leadership
MIL 401
Professional Leadership Skills
Total Hours66
1

Or any calculus class, or math ACT score of at least 26, or math SAT score of at least 610

2

BA175 is only for Business LLC students. BA220 is only for transfer students and students who choose a business major as a sophomore or later.

3

CIS 141 is highly recommended for Business Data Analytics majors, especially those without training on Microsoft Office

Finish in Four Plans

Finish in Four Plan 

Business Data Analytics

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
BA 1701ACCT 1103
CIS 141 (or another elective)33COMM 1453
ECON 2023HIST 101 or HIST 1023
ENG 1003Colonnade: Arts & Humanities3
MATH 1233Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences with lab3
General University Elective2 
 15 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ECON 2063BDAN 2503
MGT 2613MGT 2003
MGT 2103MKT 2203
Colonnade: Literary Studies3Colonnade: Connections13
General University Elective3Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences3
 15 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
BDAN 3053BDAN 3103
General University Upper-Division Elective3BDAN 3303
FIN 3303BDAN 3503
Colonnade: Connections23CIS 205 (Colonnade: Connections)3
General University Elective3BDAN 3991
 Colonnade: Writing in the Disciplines3
 15 16
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
BDAN 4103Business Data Analytics Upper-Division Elective3
BDAN 4203Business Data Analytics Upper-Division Elective3
BDAN 4303General University Elective3
Business Data Analytics Upper-Division Elective3General University Elective3
General University Upper-Division Elective3MGT 498 or ENT 4963
 BDAN 4991
 15 16
Total Hours 122

Applied Data Analytics, Certificate (1734)

  • Undergraduate
  • Business
  • Analytics & Information Systems

Overview

The certificate of Applied Data Analytics exposes students to how data is acquired, how to frame an analytic problem, determine which methodologies to use to solve a problem, and to build deployable models.

Program Requirements (18 hours)

The 18 hour certificate is based on 15 hours of core courses and 3 hours of advisor-approved upper-division courses. The approved elective may be from the Gordon Ford College of Business or any other college.

Course List
ECON 206Statistics3
BDAN 250Introduction to Analytics 13
BDAN 305Data Modeling and Analysis 23
or FIN 389 Financial Analysis and Modeling
BDAN 310Business Data Analytics3
BDAN 330Structured Data Analysis 33
or BDAN 430 Data Visualization
Select 3 hours from the following or any data analytics course with department approval3
ACCT 312
Accounting Information Systems
ACCT 412
Data Analysis for Accounting
ECON 306
Statistical Analysis
ECON 307
Financial Data Modeling
ECON 465
Regression and Econometric Analysis
ECON 480
Economic Forecasting
ENT 496
Hilltopper Student Consulting Experience
FIN 389
Financial Analysis and Modeling
FIN 450
Financial Plan Development
MGT 313
Decision Modeling
MGT 314
Operations Management
MGT 383
Human Resource Information Systems
MKT 321
Consumer Behavior
MKT 421
Marketing Research
MKT 431
Advanced Social Media Marketing
Total Hours18
1

BDAN250 is required for all business majors.

2

Students pursuing the Business Finance Concentration may take FIN 389 (Financial Analysis and Modeling) instead of BDAN 305.

3

Students pursuing the Business Finance Concentration may take BDAN 430 (Data Visualization) instead of BDAN 330.  

Artificial Intelligence and Analytics (AIA) (1783)

  • Undergraduate
  • Business
  • Analytics & Information Systems

Overview

The 12-hour Artificial Intelligence and Analytics certificate, designed for all WKU students, introduces key concepts in AI fundamentals, machine learning, applied data analysis, visualization, and AI ethics. This certificate provides any WKU major with a valuable edge in today’s diverse job market.

Program Requirements (12 hours)

Course List
CIS 141Analytics and Technology3
BDAN 250Introduction to Analytics3
CIS 320Personal Technologies with Artificial Intelligence3
CIS 321Emerging Technologies with Artificial Intelligence3
Total Hours12

 

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

Cybersecurity Data Analytics (0502)

  • Graduate
  • Master of Science
  • Business
  • Analytics & Information Systems

Overview

This program is the study of cybersecurity defenses using data analytics to support the principles of data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.  In this program, students will learn to defend proactively and continuously improve the enterprise's security with an emphasis on using data analytics. Students will learn about the latest techniques in data management, data mining models, and data visualization.  Students will also learn about cybersecurity policies and compliance issues from an information assurance and risk management perspective.

Concentrations

  • Local Government Administration (CDLG)
  • Organizational Communication (CDOC)
  • Supply Chain Management (CDSC)
  • Interdisciplinary Studies (CDIS)

Program Admission

Applicants must have completed an introductory statistics course and an intermediate to advanced spreadsheet course prior to enrolling in the certificate program.

Program Requirements (30 hours)

This program consists of twenty-four hours of core classes and six hours from one of the concentrations listed below.

Course List
Required Courses
CYSA 520Principles of Cybersecurity for Data Analytics3
CYSA 522Cybersecurity Risk and Compliance3
CYSA 524Cybersecurity Orchestration Using Data Analytics3
CYSA 526Enterprise Cybersecurity Platforms3
BDAN 513Contemporary Business Analytics3
BDAN 515Data Management3
BDAN 517Predictive Analytics3
BDAN 519Visualization and Decision Making3
CYSA 599Cybersecurity Data Analytics Portfolio0
Select a concentration6
Total Hours30

Local Government Administration Concentration

Additional coursework may lead to a certificate, see Local Government Administration Certificate (1745) in the Graduate Catalog.
Course List
PS 526Local Government Administration3
PS 554Cross-Sector Collaboration & Conflict3
Total Hours6

Organizational Communication Concentration

​Additional coursework may lead to a certificate, see Communication in Organizations Certificate (0471) in the Graduate Catalog.
Course List
Select 6 hours in Communicating in Organizations6
COMM 561
Communication for Global Organizations
COMM 568
Organizational Belonging and Engagement
COMM 571
Digital Communication for Organizational Success
COMM 581
Applied Organizational Communication
Total Hours6

Supply Chain Management Concentration

​Additional coursework may lead to a certificate, see Supply Chain Management Certificate (1772) in the Graduate Catalog.
Course List
Select 6 hours in Supply Chain Management6
MGT 576
Supply Chain Management
MGT 583
Procurement Management
MGT 584
Supply Chain Analytics
Total Hours6
 

Interdisciplinary Studies Concentration

Course List
Select 6 hours from the following6
COMM 553
Health Communication Campaigns
COMM 561
Communication for Global Organizations
COMM 568
Organizational Belonging and Engagement
COMM 571
Digital Communication for Organizational Success
COMM 581
Applied Organizational Communication
COMM 590
Intercultural Communication Strategies
PS 526
Local Government Administration
PS 528
Civic Engagement and E-Governance
PS 520
Elements of Public Administration
PS 550
Cultural Competencies for Public Administrators
MGT 576
Supply Chain Management
MGT 583
Procurement Management
MGT 584
Supply Chain Analytics
With approval from the Program Coordinator, students may request alternate courses for their program to reflect professional interests.
Total Hours6
 
​

Cybersecurity (1793)

  • Graduate
  • Business
  • Analytics & Information Systems

Overview

This 9-hour graduate certificate is the study of cybersecurity defenses to support the principles of data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.  In this program, students will learn to defend proactively and continuously improve the enterprise's security using artificial intelligence (AI). Students will also learn about cybersecurity policies and compliance issues from an information assurance and risk management perspective.

Admission Requirements

  • Application to the WKU Graduate Studies
  • Applicants are required to have completed an introductory statistics course prior to enrolling in the certificate program. 
  • Applicants are required to have completed an intermediate to advanced spreadsheet class prior to enrolling in the certificate program. 
  • Applicants are encouraged to have completed an introduction to networking course with a C-grade or better or hold a current Security+ certification.  

Program Requirements (9 hours)

Course List
CYSA 520Principles of Cybersecurity for Data Analytics3
CYSA 522Cybersecurity Risk and Compliance3
CYSA 524Cybersecurity Orchestration Using Data Analytics3
CYSA 596AGFCB Graduate Certificate Assessment - Cybersecurity Data Analytics0
Total Hours9

Data Analytics (1753)

  • Graduate
  • Business
  • Analytics & Information Systems

Overview

This 12-hour graduate certificate will prepare students for utilizing data to drive decision making.  Students will be exposed to the latest innovations in data analytics, data management, data mining models, and data visualization.

Program Admission

  • Admission to WKU Graduate Studies.
  • Applicants are required to have completed an introductory statistics course prior to enrolling in the certificate program. 
  • Applicants are required to have completed an intermediate to advanced spreadsheet class prior to enrolling in the certificate program. 

Program Requirements (12 hours)

Course List
BDAN 513Contemporary Business Analytics3
BDAN 515Data Management3
BDAN 517Predictive Analytics3
BDAN 519Visualization and Decision Making3
BDAN 596AGFCB Grad Certificate Assessment - Business Data Analytics0
Total Hours12
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Headshot of Addison Pruitt

I love the Gordon Ford College of Business because I’ve always felt truly supported in everything I do. Whether interacting with a professor, staff member, or even a student, the genuine care and encouragement I receive make this college feel like a second home.

Addison Pruitt, Business Data Analytics, Finance, and Accounting Majors

 

Why Study Analytics & Information Systems at WKU?

The Analytics & Information Systems programs at Western Kentucky University offer students a unique and immersive academic experience. Our programs are project-based, with courses in predictive and visual analytics. Students utilize tools like Tableau, R, Python, SAS, and Excel, gaining hands-on experience with industry-standard technologies.

We also offer many activities which prepare students for success beyond the classroom.  Students have an opportunity to get involved with student organizations, student success initiatives, professional development activities, the PEAK program, and our Center for Applied Data Analytics.  

 

 

 

  • 270-745-3509
  • ray.blankenship@wku.edu

  • Department of Analytics & Information Systems
    Grise Hall 232
    1906 College Heights Blvd, #21058
    Bowling Green, KY 42101-1058

 

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 Last Modified 8/13/25