Business Administration - Data Analytics and Visualization Concentration
About this Composite Major
The Business Administration Data Analytics and Visualization concentration program prepares students with the core competencies essential to succeed in all types of business environments. This versatile program includes coursework in accounting, human relations, management, marketing, finance, and technology. The Data Analytics and Visualization concentration prepares students for roles that involve analyzing complex data, extracting insights, and presenting those insights in a clear and compelling way. This interdisciplinary field combines elements of statistics, computer science, business, and design to equip graduates with the skills needed to handle data-intensive tasks in various industries.
Students in this concentration will develop skills in areas such as data analysis, visualization techniques, statistics and machine learning, programming, critical thinking, and communication. Students will understand how to collect, clean, and interpret data using tools like Python or SQL. They will apply statistics and machine learning to use statistical methods and algorithms to identify trends, make predictions, or optimize processes. They will develop the ability to interpret data in context and draw actionable insights. Finally, they will learn how to present data-driven insights to non-technical audiences effectively.
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities for graduates can include:
- Data Analyst
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Visualization Specialist
- IT Business Analyst
Industries who may hire graduates in these career fields include:
- Technology
- Healthcare
- Finance
- Marketing and Advertising
- Government
- Education
Get Involved in your Major
Business Club: There are many ways to get involved in your major. Among other things, you can participate in competitions, attend guest lectures, or join the business club. The goal of the club is to provide opportunities for students to develop the skills, abilities, and leadership qualities necessary to enter and be successful in the workplace. This organization allows business students to network and focus their time and energy on activities that will enhance their educational experiences and better prepare them for the job market.
Practical Experience
Students are encouraged to earn credits by extending their learning beyond the classroom. Job shadowing opportunities exist that allow students to observe the performance of employees in careers related to their area of study. Students will have the opportunity to participate in tours, workshops, fairs, and conferences.
An internship or business practicum is a valuable learning experience that can enhance the student’s educational experience. These hands-on learning opportunities allow students to apply knowledge to real-world situations, gain opportunities to network and may lead to job offers. The business practicum includes a student-led business incubator and a volunteer tax preparation site. Area businesses and organizations that have offered internships to VCSU students include Arthur Companies Inc., The ARC Group, Bank Forward, Centrol Ag Consulting, Columbia Grain, Dakotah Bank, Doosan Bobcat, John Deere Seeding Group, Larson Grain, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Riverton Research Inc., USDA Farm Service Agency, Valley Plains Equipment, and Wold Engineering.
Accreditation
The Department of Business at Valley City State University has received specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11960 Quivira Road in Overland Park, Kansas, USA. For a list of accredited programs please view our IACBE Member status page.
Contact Information
Department Chair and Faculty Contact
Wesley Wright, wesley.wright.1@vcsu.edu, (701) 845-7519
Department Location
Vangstad 114
Schedule your visit today!
(701) 845-7101 or (800) 532-8641
General Education Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| English Composition | ||
| Select one of the following: | 6 | |
| College Composition I | ||
| College Composition II | ||
or ENGL 125 | Introduction to Professional Writing | |
| or | ||
| College Composition II | ||
or ENGL 125 | Introduction to Professional Writing | |
| College Composition III: Persuasive Writing | ||
| Speech Communication | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Fundamentals of Public Speaking | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Intercultural Communication | ||
| Mathematics | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| College Algebra | ||
| Finite Mathematics | ||
| Precalculus | ||
| Mathematics in Society | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| Elementary Statistics | ||
| Lab Science | ||
| Select two of the following, one must come from the Natural and Physical Sciences category | 8 | |
| Natural and Physical Sciences (ND:LABSC) | ||
| Concepts of Biology | ||
| General Biology I | ||
| General Biology II | ||
| General Zoology | ||
| Introductory Chemistry | ||
| Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry | ||
| General Chemistry I | ||
| General Chemistry II | ||
| Introduction to Earth Science | ||
| The Earth Through Time | ||
| Concepts of Physics | ||
| Introductory Astronomy | ||
| College Physics I | ||
| College Physics II | ||
| University Physics I | ||
| University Physics II | ||
| Additional Sciences (ND:SCI) | ||
| Cognition and Brain Science | ||
| Technology, Engineering, and Design | ||
| Technology Solutions for Society | ||
| Wellness | ||
| Select one of the following: | 2 | |
| Concepts of Fitness and Wellness | ||
| Introduction to Stress Management | ||
| Computer Science and Literacy | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Principles of Information Security | ||
| Introduction to Computer Information Systems 2,3 | ||
| Introduction to Programming | ||
| Introduction to Programming in Java | ||
| Introduction to Structured Programming I | ||
| Social Implications of Computer Technology 3 | ||
| Discovering Computing | ||
| Digital Literacy | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Introduction to Computer Information Systems 3 | ||
| Social Implications of Computer Technology 3 | ||
| Humanities | ||
| Literacies | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| American Sign Language I | ||
| American Sign Language II | ||
| Oral Interpretation | ||
| Introduction to Literature | ||
| Introduction to Film | ||
| Bible as Literature | ||
| Mythology | ||
| Women and Literature | ||
| World Literature I | ||
| World Literature II | ||
| American Literature I | ||
| American Literature II | ||
| Civilization, Thought, and Literary Heritage | ||
| Ethics and Philosophy of Science | ||
| 1st Year Spanish I | ||
| 1st Year Spanish II | ||
| 2nd Year Spanish I | ||
| 2nd Year Spanish II | ||
| Introduction to Theatre Arts | ||
| Art and Music | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to the Visual Arts | ||
| Introduction to Digital Media | ||
| Art History I | ||
| Art History II | ||
| History of Craft | ||
| Fine Arts and Aesthetics | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Music Fundamentals | ||
| World Music | ||
| History of Popular/Rock Music | ||
| Social Science | ||
| Select 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
| Introduction to Anthropology | ||
| Understanding Media and Social Change | ||
| Human Communication | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics 1 | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics 1 | ||
| Human Geography | ||
| United States to 1877 | ||
| United States to Present | ||
| World Civilizations to 1500 | ||
| World Civilizations since 1500 | ||
| Environmental History | ||
| Native American Studies | ||
| American National Government | ||
| State and Local Government | ||
| Introduction to Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Introduction to Anthropology | ||
| Additional Humanities or Social Science | ||
| Select one additional course from Humanities or Social Science or select from the following: | 2 | |
| Two-Dimensional Design | ||
| Drawing I | ||
| Ceramics I | ||
| Photography I | ||
| Art With a Smartphone | ||
| Survey of Geography | ||
| Group Piano for Non-Majors | ||
| Group Piano for Non-Majors | ||
| Valkyries | ||
| Concert Choir | ||
| Athletic Band | ||
| Concert Band | ||
| Planetarium Science | ||
| Theatre Practicum | ||
| Total Credits | 39 | |
- 1
ECON 201 & ECON 202 are required for the Business Administration Major.
- 2
Required
- 3
CIS 170 and CSCI 289 may be used to satisfy both the Computer Science and Literacy and the Digital Literacy requirement for Gen Ed.
Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| Electives/Internship | ||
| ACCT 200 | Elements of Accounting I | 3 |
| ACCT 201 | Elements of Accounting II | 3 |
| ACCT 315 | Business in the Legal Environment | 3 |
| BUSI 214 | Business Communications | 3 |
| BUSI 336 | Business Data Solutions | 3 |
| BUSI 350 | Operations Management | 3 |
| BUSI 480 | Strategic Planning | 3 |
| BUSI 485 | Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| BUSI 491 | Senior Seminar | 1 |
| CIS 105 | Microcomputer Spreadsheets | 2 |
| CIS 329 | Information Systems Management | 3 |
| FIN 375 | Managerial Finance | 3 |
| MATH 210 | Elementary Statistics | 3 |
| MGMT 269 | Business Ethics | 3 |
| MGMT 302 | Principles of Management | 3 |
| MGMT 460 | International Business | 3 |
| MRKT 301 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| Total Credits | 48 | |
Data Analytics and Visualization Concentration
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 369 | Enterprise Systems | 3 |
| or CIS 369 | Enterprise Systems | |
| ART 115 | Introduction to Digital Media | 3 |
| BUSI 214 | Business Communications | 3 |
| or ENGL 410 | Technical and Scientific Writing | |
| BUSI 336 | Business Data Solutions | 3 |
| CIS 104 | Microcomputer Database | 2 |
| CIS 355 | Data Analytics | 3 |
| CIS 470 | Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Business Intelligence (BI) | 4 |
| MGMT 381 | Project Management | 3 |
| or SE 381 | Project Management | |
| SE 385 | Database Theory/Design | 3 |
| Total Credits | 27 | |
Total General Education 39 Hrs
Total Major Requirement 48 Hrs
Total Concentration Requirements 27 Hrs
Total Credits Needed to Graduate 120 Hrs
For degree and graduation requirements, visit degree requirements and graduation requirements.
Learning Outcomes
Students will:
- Demonstrate knowledge of core business functional areas.
- Integrate the core areas of business to inform decision making.
- Demonstrate professional business communication.
- Demonstrate the ability to collaborate with diverse colleagues.
- Apply legal and ethical principles in business to organizational decision making.
- Demonstrate leadership skills.