Fox Cities News

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (UWO) is set to launch a new Business Analytics major this fall, responding to the growing demand for data-driven professionals in the region and beyond. The program has received approval from the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents, highlighting its potential to meet industry needs.

Matt Larsen, an alumnus who works as a Finance Analyst at Kohler Co., supports the new program. He stated, "Business analytics are used in nearly every entry-level job, and development of analytical skills will set graduating students ahead of their peers." Larsen emphasized that knowledge in business analytics reduces reliance on others for reporting.

The new major aims to address both regional and statewide demands for trained professionals. UWO's proposal notes a high demand within 100 miles of the university, with over 200 jobs requiring data analysis skills offering starting salaries above $65,000. Nationally, these occupations are expected to grow by 36% between 2023 and 2033.

UWO plans to integrate Business Analytics with existing majors such as Economics, Information Systems, Marketing, and Supply Chain Management. The curriculum will cover statistical analysis, data visualization skills, programming knowledge in Python, database management in SQL, supervised learning in regression and forecasting, unsupervised learning in text analysis, and business applications.

Jakob Iversen, Associate Dean at UWO's College of Business said that students interested in areas like fantasy sports or gaming might find business analytics appealing due to its problem-solving nature. The college is also revising its Business Analytics minor to align with the new major’s curriculum.

Law Lykins, a current UWO student and swim team member expressed enthusiasm about pursuing the Business Analytics degree alongside his current studies. He noted his interest in numbers and statistics as key motivators.

Alexis Prychalla, another UWO alumna working as a pricing analyst at Komatsu highlighted the value of an analytical mindset across various industries. She remarked on the ability to transform raw data into comprehensible insights as a critical skill sought by employers today.

Larsen further commented on the major's potential impact: "It sounds like it will be very forward-thinking and set many UWO students ahead," adding that demand for such skills is unlikely to diminish.