Business Intelligence Major, B.S.

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Department of Computer Information Systems and Business Analytics

College of Business

Available Program Format(s): Online, In-Person, Hybrid

About the Program

The AACSB-Accredited Bachelor of Science in Business Intelligence degree provides a solid foundation in business data analytics as well as the ability to use state-of-the-art methods to stay ahead of the curve in decision-making processes. The program addresses Information Systems topics such as problem-solving, database management systems, systems analysis and design, and information systems security. In addition, the following subjects are part of the degree: business analytics (descriptive, predictive and prescriptive), knowledge discovery and data mining, data science and big data, and data warehousing. The degree contains coverage of classic and cutting-edge tools and techniques including optimization models, waiting line models, simulation and transportation models, as well as key statistical-based tools such as regression modeling, analysis of variance, and tests of independence. Other topics included are data structures and data visualization approaches, advanced methods for predictive analytics using the state-of-the-art software R, supervised learning methods such as neural nets, KNN, classification and regression trees, along with  unsupervised learning methods such as association rules, cluster analysis, and principal component analysis. Given the importance of primary and secondary data to the processes of marketing planning and strategy, as well as of marketing insights and product innovation, the degree also includes content of marketing research methods and tools.

Student Outcomes

Goal 1 - Core Knowledge: Students will demonstrate competence in required business intelligence topics.

Objective 1.1: Database Management
Objective 1.2: Data Mining/Machine Learning
Objective 1.3: Big Data Analytics
Objective 1.4: Marketing Research

The College of Business B.S. programs, including Business Intelligence, share a common set of four cross-disciplinary core competencies, knowledge, and skills.

Competency 1: Communication - Business students will be able to:

1.1 - Communicate effectively through writing.
1.2 - Communicate effectively through speaking.

Competency 2: Business Solutions - Business students will be able to analyze a business situation and recommend effective solutions utilizing:

2.1 - appropriate technological frameworks.
2.2 - appropriate ethical frameworks.
2.3 - appropriate global frameworks.

Competency 3: Technological Agility - Business students will be able to:

3.1 - understand the impact of current technology on the business environment.

Competency 4: Core Knowledge - Business students will demonstrate competence in required business topics, including accounting, computer information systems, data analytics, economics, ethics, finance, marketing, management, and business law.

General Degree Requirements

To earn a degree, students must satisfy all requirements in each of the four areas below, in addition to their individual major requirements.

Program Requirements

A total of 120 semester hours are required for graduation.
To earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Intelligence, a student must successfully complete 30 or more credit hours of business coursework at MSU Denver. This 30-hour residency requirement can be met by completing any business courses with the prefix ACC, ACCM, BNK, BUS, CIS, ECO, FIN, MGT, MKT, and REL and a course number of 2000 or higher.
In order to graduate, students must maintain a 2.0 average inside the Business Core and also maintain a 2.0 inside Business Intelligence Major required courses and elective courses.
In order to graduate, a grade of “C-” or better is required in MGT 4950.
Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required.
A minor is not required for this program.

General Studies Requirements: 33 credits

Students should consult the General Studies Requirements for a list of courses that fulfill the General Studies Requirements for degree completion.

Written Communication (6 credits)
Oral Communication (3 credits)
- Recommended: COMM 1010 - Presentational Speaking or COMM 1100 - Fundamentals of Oral Communication , as one of these is required to fulfill an “Additional Requirement” for College of Business students completing any Bachelor of Science major.
Quantitative Literacy (3 credits)
- Recommended: MTH 1310 - Finite Mathematics for the Management and Social Sciences , as it is the pre-requisite for MTH 1320 - Calculus for the Management and Social Sciences , which is an “Additional Requirement” for College of Business students completing any Bachelor of Science major. 
Arts and Humanities (6 credits)
Historical (3 credits)
Natural and Physical Sciences (6 credits)
Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits)
- Recommended: ECO 2010 - Principles of Macroeconomics (required in the Business Core)
- Recommended: ECO 2020 - Principles of Microeconomics (required in the Business Core)
Global Diversity (0 or 3 credits**)

** Students will fulfill the global diversity requirement by taking an approved course within one of the following categories: arts and humanities; historical; natural and physical sciences; or social and behavioral sciences.

Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Requirement: 0 or 3 credits

Students should consult the Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Graduation Requirement for a list of courses that fulfill the ESSJ Requirement for degree completion.
Many programs include courses that meet this requirement. Students should consult with their advisor to determine what program courses may fulfill this requirement.

College of Business Additional Requirements: 6-7 credits

COMM 1010 - Presentational Speaking Credits: 3
or
COMM 1100 - Fundamentals of Oral Communication Credits: 3
MTH 1320 - Calculus for the Management and Social Sciences Credits: 3 (pre-requisite: MTH 1310 ; can also accept MTH 1109 , MTH 1110 , MTH 1112 , or MTH 1400 ; with a grade of C- or better)

Business Core: 45 credits

All business majors require foundation course work in all significant areas of business theory and practice. The following courses are required for all students majoring in Business Intelligence. Students must maintain a 2.0 average inside the Business Core. A student cannot register for a business core course until all General Studies requirements in Written Communication, Oral Communication, and Quantitative Literacy are complete. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required. Please note the pre-requisites required for each course.

ACC 2010 - Principles of Accounting I Credits: 3
ACC 2020 - Principles of Accounting II Credits: 3
BUS 1850 - Introduction to Business Credits: 3 *
BUS 1950 - Business Communication Credits: 3
BUS 3040 - Global Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Credits: 3
CIS 2010 - Foundations of Information Systems Credits: 3
CIS 3300 - Business Analytics I (Descriptive and Predictive) Credits: 3
CIS 3320 - Business Analytics II (Prescriptive) Credits: 3
ECO 2010 - Principles of Macroeconomics Credits: 3
ECO 2020 - Principles of Microeconomics Credits: 3
FIN 3300 - Managerial Finance Credits: 3
MGT 2210 - Legal Environment of Business I Credits: 3
MGT 3000 - Organizational Management Credits: 3
MGT 4950 - Strategic Management Credits: 3 **
MKT 3000 - Principles of Marketing Credits: 3
* Transfer students that transfer in 6 or more credits of business courses will not need to take BUS 1850 but may take any other College of Business 3-credit hour course that does not appear in their Major or Business Core requirements.

** “C-” or better must be earned in MGT 4950.

Required Courses: 27 credits

In order to graduate, students must maintain a 2.0 average inside Business Intelligence Major required courses and elective courses.

CIS 2110 - Structured Problem Solving in Information Systems Credits: 3
CIS 2500 - Security Essentials Credits: 3
CIS 3060 - Database Management Systems Credits: 3
CIS 3145 - Business Application Development Credits: 3
CIS 3350 - Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining Credits: 3
CIS 3460 - Data Warehousing and Mining Credits: 3
CIS 4060 - Advanced Database Management Systems Credits: 3
CIS 4370 - Data Science and Big Data Analytics Credits: 3
MKT 3010 - Marketing Research Credits: 3

Senior Experience: 3 credits

MGT 4950 - Strategic Management Credits: 3 (this course is also required in the Business Core)

Summary of Requirements

General Studies Requirement	33 credits
ESSJ Requirement	0-3 credits
College of Business Additional Requirements	6-7 credits
Business Core	45 credits
Major Requirements	27 credits
Senior Experience	(counted in business core)
Unrestricted Electives	5-18 credits
Total for the Business Intelligence Major, B.S.	120 credits

Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and ESSJ requirements, so the total credits listed may be greater than the number required to complete the degree. Therefore, it is important that you work with your advisor to make sure you are meeting requirements for your degree.

Program Modified June 27, 2023