Data tells the story of business
90% of all data that exists today was created in the last two years. That’s a number that won’t stop growing—which means that people who can make sense of it will be in-demand far into the future.
That’s where the business analytics and information systems major comes in. Our courses provide you with flexible, useful, relevant skills that benefit industries both large and small. You’ll learn to use technology and data to solve business problems and communicate what you’ve learned to influence and inform business decisions.
The BAIS major is a great fit for anyone interested in business, whether you love puzzles and problem-solving, you’ve already got some coding skills, or you enjoy communicating and presenting ideas in different mediums. No previous technical experience required.
Career options to the max
Thanks to the award-winning Tippie Business Analytics department and the growing demand for data-savvy business analysts and information systems experts, our graduates have a consistently high job placement rate.
Every business uses data and technology, so you'll have your pick of roles in a huge variety of industries. You’ll leave equipped to explore how technology and data-driven analysis can be applied to your passion (whatever it is!).
Winner
INFORMS 2021 UPS George D. Smith Prize for Business Analytics
“I learned how to really explore data and visualize a data set—things that were useful, practical, and that I’d use on the job after graduation.”
Flexible electives that fit your niche
Tippie’s BAIS major offers many types of electives that let you make this experience your own.
Are you interested in working with others or consulting?
You might choose electives in project management, security, business process automation, or cloud computing.
Does data science excite you?
Consider electives in optimization, advanced database, information visualization, or even Computer Science.
Would you like to pair a BAIS major with your Accounting major?
Electives like accounting information systems, information visualization, or business process automation might be a good fit.
Additional popular double majors include finance or marketing—or you can enhance your degree with a Leadership Certificate. Your advisor can help you decide how your choices will fit into your academic plan.
# 34
Best undergraduate business analytics program
U.S. News & World Report, 2023-2024
95 %
BAIS alums employed or in grad school
within 6 months of graduation, 2020
$ 58,000
Average starting salary for BAIS grads
Class of 2020
BAIS Capstone: where it all gets real
The BAIS Capstone project, completed as part of your core course requirements, is a unique chance for you to try out what you’ve learned in the real world. Some past projects include:
- optimizing preventative maintenance schedules for railway cars to decrease downtime and unexpected mechanical issues
- identifying potential repeat customers for an online education service
- modernizing data storage practices for a national disease advocacy and research organization
- identifying societal barriers that decrease a patient's positive health and quality-of-life outcomes and referring them to appropriate social programs in their community, helping to reduce medical costs for payers and patients
More to Explore
Master’s in Business Analytics
Earn a master’s degree in just two additional semesters through Iowa’s Undergraduate to Graduate (U2G) program, also referred to as a 4+1.
Tippie Technology and Innovation Association
Join a student org that gives BAIS majors a chance to access networking events, hands-on learning experiences, and professional development opportunities.
Women in Analytics Conference
Hear from leading women in the analytics field and learn about unique opportunities and challenges they face.
Tippie Analytics Cooperative
Gain access to an organization that engages with employers to bring real-world projects and job opportunities to analytics students like you.
So you're a details person ....
We like you already. Find information on potential careers, descriptions of courses, links to our social accounts, and additional resources in our Business Analytics Toolkit.