Business Analytics Minor

Business analytics is a technical approach to analyzing problems and making business-related decisions. It uses statistical methods, management science techniques and mathematical modeling to forecast the implications of various choices and identify the best alternatives. Business analytics focuses on the effective use of data and information to provide fact-based insights and drive positive business actions. The minor in business analytics prepares students to solve complex decision problems in a business environment with a combination of quantitative skills and hands-on expertise using current software applications. Students enrolled in the business analytics minor are not permitted to pursue the business analytics concentration of the computer information systems major.

Special Admission Requirements

Admission to the BSAN program is limited and competitive. Students seeking to add the BSAN minor must submit an application by the announced date. Students will be admitted as a cohort each fall to start the BSAN program in the spring.

To be eligible to apply for admission, students must have completed the following:

• One introductory calculus course (MATH 205 , MATH 231 , MATH 235 , ISAT 151  or equivalent)
• One statistics course (COB 191 , MATH 220 , MATH 285 , MATH 318 , ISAT 251  or equivalent)
• One economics course (ECON 200  or ECON 201 )
• One business analytics course (COB 291 ) with a minimum grade of “B-“

In addition, a student must be able to take the 300-level BSAN courses on a schedule of one per semester in a three-consecutive semester period.

A complete application to the minor includes the following:

• A completed BSAN minor application form
• A letter of recommendation from COB 291  instructor

Students may use transfer and/or college credits that have been accepted by JMU to meet competency requirements. Admission is based on an average of a student’s highest grades in one course from each competency area and the letter of recommendation. Only grades earned at JMU and verified by the registrar will be used; transfer transcripts will also be reviewed. More emphasis will be placed on grades than on the recommendation letter. Following review by the BSAN Admission Committee, students will be notified about their acceptance into the minor. If accepted, students will be eligible to register for BSAN courses.