Learn business analysis
Business analysis involves the examination of data to help businesses make decisions. It requires technical training and essential skills like communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Education through online courses or degree programs can teach you what you need to know about business analysis.
Discover the different programs for learning business analysis and find out what careers may be open to you if you choose to do so.
What is business analysis, and why should I learn it?
Business analysis entails gathering data and using the analysis of that data to help organizations make decisions. Through business analysis, professionals can examine and evaluate a business's needs and demands, identify potential challenges, and suggest solutions. Data that is gathered and analysis of that data informs these decisions.
Learning business analysis may enable you to qualify for a variety of careers, each focusing on an organization's operations. You can learn business analysis by taking online courses or by earning an online bachelor's degree.
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Choosing the right business analysis program for you
There are a variety of ways that you can learn business analysis through edX. You may opt to take a course, earn a boot camp certificate, complete an executive education program, or earn a bachelor's degree. The learning pathway you choose should be determined by your interests, time constraints, budget, and ambitions.
Courses
Business analysis courses on edX may help you to sample what business analysis is all about, learn a new skill, or advance in your career. Business analysis courses cover topics like data analytics, marketing, and statistics.
Whether you're just starting out or already working in the field, there are options to suit every level of experience.
Certificates
Certificates on edX can be accomplished through boot camps, which are intensive, short-term courses that culminate in a certificate. Boot camps in business analytics include data analytics, cybersecurity, and digital marketing.
These boot camps provide industry-relevant skills, and you can enroll in some of them without any prior knowledge or experience in the field.
Executive education programs
Executive education programs in business analytics may also result in a certificate at the end of the program. These programs are usually designed for those already working in the field who wish to advance their skills to executive or management level.
Business analytics executive education programs at edX examine master's in business administration (MBA) essentials, digital business strategy, and business systems analysis.
Degrees
Both bachelor's and master's degrees in business analysis topics are offered online through edX. Four-year bachelor's degree programs are available in business administration, data science, finance, and related majors.
Master's degrees, which typically take two years of full-time study to complete, in topics such as accounting, data analytics, and business administration are also available.
Jobs in business analysis
Business analysis includes a variety of roles that focus on different aspects of how organizations operate. These jobs are in demand and are expected to keep growing, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The Bureau reports that jobs for management analysts and computer systems analysts — both of which involve the use of business analysis skills — are both projected to grow by 11% between 2023 and 2033, which is much faster than the average projected growth rate for all other occupations.
Here are a few common jobs that professionals with business analysis skills may qualify for, with each role's required level of education and salary data from the BLS:
| Job title | Job description | Required education | Median annual salary (May 2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market research analyst | Market research analysts examine consumer preferences, business environment, and other features to determine possible sales of a service or product. They assist businesses in understanding what products or services are in demand, who will likely buy them, and the price that they are willing to pay. Top industries in which market research analysts work include: management of companies and enterprises; information; finance and insurance; wholesale trade; and management, scientific, and technical consulting services. | Bachelor's degree | $74,680 |
| Computer systems analyst | Computer systems analysts consider the current computer procedures and systems of a business and improve upon them. This helps the business to operate more productively. While some computer systems analysts hold a bachelor's degree in computer science, others have a degree in business, as computer systems analysts work within the business side of an organization. Chief industries for computer systems analysts include: management of companies and enterprises; information; finance and insurance; computer systems design and related services; and government. | Bachelor's degree | $103,800 |
| Management analyst | Management analysts suggest ways in which a business can improve its efficiency. They recommend methods for managers to increase profits through lowering costs and raising revenues. The main industries for management analysts include: professional, scientific, and technical services; management of companies and enterprises; finance and insurance; and government. | Bachelor's degree | $99,410 |
Learn business analysis online with edX
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