Bachelor's Degree in Business Analytics & Applied AI
Turn business data into strategic decisions with a degree in business analytics and applied AI.
At a Glance
Bachelor's + Master's Program
BS/MS available: Earn both degrees in five years.
STEM-Designated Degree
Qualifies international students for extended U.S. work authorization through Optional Practical Training (OPT)
AACSB Accredited
Program meets the highest international business education standards
Career Outlook
Average Starting Salary: $81,200 (bachelor's degree graduates)*
Notable Employers: Fidelity Investments, Liberty Mutual Insurance, State Street Corporation, Travelers Insurance, Morgan Stanley**
*WPI Class of 2024 First Destination Survey (business programs) **WPI First Destination Survey data (2020-24)
Application Deadlines
Early Decision/Early Action I: Nov. 1
Early Decision/Early Action II: Jan. 5
Regular Decision: Feb. 1
Explore This Degree
Customize Your Path
Your WPI degree is yours to shape. Specialize with a concentration to go deeper into the area driving your curiosity. Complement your major with a minor, or fill the rest with electives that interest you. And if you're not ready to be done, the accelerated BS/MS program earns you both your bachelor's and master's in just five years.
Potential Minors
Data Science | Computer Science | Mathematics | Economics
Undecided? No problem. Apply now and explore before committing to a specific path.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Student Clubs and Organizations
Of First-Year Students Return for Their Sophomore Year (2025)
What Makes WPI's Degree in Business Analytics & Applied AI Distinct
WPI's project-based degree in business analytics and applied AI prepares you for data-driven business challenges.
Through WPI's immersive seven-week terms and hands-on project work, you will:
Create
AI-powered solutions using machine learning and predictive analytics
ANALYZE
complex datasets to drive strategic decisions in finance and operations
Apply
emerging technologies to solve real-world business problems
BUILD
a professional portfolio of completed projects at one of our 50+ project centers worldwide
CUSTOMIZE
your expertise by choosing a mix of electives or a concentration to match your interests
Collaborate
with teams across disciplines to develop solutions for today's complex challenges
Resources & Tech You'll Tap Into
Research Opportunities
- Healthcare data intelligence and machine learning
- Financial analytics with corporate partners
- AI applications in business optimization
- Natural language processing and educational technology
- Simulation modeling and optimization
- Cybersecurity and blockchain technology
Project-Based Learning Experiences
Apply business analytics and machine learning theory and practice from day one. Build a professional portfolio with real work that matters.
At WPI, learn in an immersive environment where classroom concepts transform into hands-on projects, thanks to our intensive, seven-week terms. Complete increasingly advanced projects for industry partners and community organizations, both local and global. Present your solutions directly to organizations that will implement what you create.
Below, explore real business analytics and applied AI projects completed by WPI students.
📍Hangzhou, China
Students investigated AI adoption and ethics in higher education for tech companies.
📍Westborough, MA
Students built predictive analytics for early mental health intervention in schools.
Students designed deep learning models detecting early Alzheimer's from MRI scans.
Teams built blockchain solutions for secure global vaccine distribution.
Skills You'll Gain
With WPI's degree in business analytics and applied AI, you'll transform raw data into strategic business decisions, build AI-powered solutions, and lead the innovations that drive organizational success.
Explore opportunities to build skills such as:
Build classification and regression models using Python, R, and automated machine learning platforms to forecast outcomes like customer behavior, demand trends, and financial performance.
Train and fine-tune supervised learning algorithms that convert historical data into predictions companies use for marketing, operations, and strategy.
Design interactive dashboards using Tableau, Power BI, and SQL that turn complex data into clear visuals executives can act on immediately.
Query and manage relational databases to extract, clean, and organize business data for real-world analysis and reporting.
Develop simulation models and optimization algorithms that tell companies exactly how to improve supply chains, allocate resources, and increase profitability.
Apply statistical methods and probability models to measure uncertainty and make smart decisions when real business conditions get unpredictable.
Lead cross-functional analytics projects and translate technical findings into recommendations that teams across finance, marketing, and operations can put to work.
Navigate ethical questions in AI and data use while communicating results clearly to technical and non-technical audiences alike.
Student Voice
"As a hands-on learner, being able to use software and think through real-world scenarios from day one has reassured me that the skills I'm developing in class are applicable in the professional world."
Best Career Placement
Best Programs for Internships/Co-ops
Universities for Business/Economics
Business Analytics & Applied AI Career Outlook
|
Career Path |
Industry Sector |
Entry Level (0-5 years) |
Mid-Level (5-10 years) |
Senior Level (10+ years) |
| Data Intelligence |
Emerging Tech |
Data Scientist $95K |
Senior Data Scientist $140K |
Director of Analytics & AI $190K |
| Machine Learning |
Emerging Tech |
Machine Learning (ML) Engineer $100K |
Senior Machine Learning Engineer $148K |
VP of Machine Learning $215K |
| Business Intelligence |
Commercial |
Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst $70K |
Senior BI Analyst $105K |
Director of Business Intelligence $165K |
| AI Product Strategy | Research and Development | AI/ML Product Manager $90K |
Senior Product Manager $130K |
VP of Product Innovation $190K |
| Financial Analytics |
Finance |
Financial Analyst $65K |
Senior Financial Analyst $98K |
Director of Financial Planning $150K |
| Strategy and Operations |
Consulting |
Management Consultant $75K |
Senior Consultant $115K |
Principal Consultant $180K |
Financing Your Future
College is a great investment in your future—and we’re here to help you plan for it. Explore WPI’s cost of attendance and learn how our Office of Financial Aid can guide you through options for funding your education.
Start Building Your Future Today
WPI's simple formula helps students thrive: "Go to class. Do the work. Ask for help." With our business analytics and applied AI degree, you'll develop the expertise, hands-on experience, and industry connections to transform data into decisions that drive business success.
Continue Your Studies