UNDERGRADUATE
Business Analytics and Information Systems
Use data and technology to solve real business problems.
Bridge the Gap Between Data and Decisions
Organizations need people who can turn data into action. At Penn State Smeal College of Business, the Business Analytics and Information Systems (BAIS) program develops the skills you need to connect data, information systems, and emerging technologies to solve real challenges and shape strategy.
Through coursework, leadership opportunities, and hands-on experiences, you'll learn to:
Analyze business data using descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics
Build dashboards, data visualizations, and decision-support tools
Integrate data, information systems, and business strategy to support better decisions
Apply artificial intelligence, machine learning, and enterprise systems to solve real-world problems.
Design and improve business processes using data and technology
What You'll Study
Featured Courses
AI & Machine Learning: Apply AI/ML to solve business problems and support decisions.
Business Analytics: Analyze data using descriptive, predictive & prescriptive analytics.
Data Management: Build dashboards, visualizations & decision-support tools.
Information Systems: Analyze processes, information needs & system design.
Enterprise Systems: Connect business processes, data & decision-making.
What You Can Do with a BAIS Degree
Computer Systems Analysts
Study organizational systems and procedures, then design information systems solutions that help organizations operate more effectively. Median salary: $103,790.
Management Analysts
Help organizations solve business challenges, improve performance, and make better choices using data and process insight. Median salary: $101,190.
Operations Research Analysts
Use analytical models and data-driven methods to evaluate tradeoffs, solve complex problems, and support organizational strategy. Median salary: $91,290.
80%
Placement Rate
$74,028
Average Starting Salary
Put Data and Technology to Work
Center for Supply Chain Research® Career Fairs
Meet recruiters from more than 100 companies hiring for analytics, technology, consulting, and supply chain roles. The fall and spring career fairs help students build relationships with employers and explore internship and full-time opportunities.
Enterprise Systems Coursework
Work with SAP, Oracle, Salesforce, Microsoft Power BI, and other enterprise platforms used by Fortune 500 companies. Build confidence with business intelligence tools for data management, reporting, and decision-making.
Business Analytics & Information Systems Association
Build professional connections with students, alumni, and employers interested in analytics, information systems, technology, and business careers.
Smeal Business Career Center
Prepare for internships, co-ops, and full-time careers with career coaching, employer events, recruiting resources, and job-search support.
Student Organizations & Leadership
Develop leadership skills, expand your professional network, and connect with students who share your interests in analytics, technology, consulting, and business.
BAIS Student Success in Action
Hunter Badamo, Business Analytics & Information Systems, Accounting
Leading Through Analytics
Business Analytics & Information Systems and Accounting double major Hunter Badamo was selected as Penn State Smeal's spring 2026 student marshal. Through research, leadership programs, and experiential learning, he built the analytical and professional skills that helped him stand out both inside and outside the classroom.
Is BAIS Right for You?
BAIS Is a Strong Fit If You:
Enjoy using data to answer business questions
Want to connect business leaders, technical teams, and decision-makers
Interested in analytics, AI, databases, enterprise systems, or tech consulting
Like building dashboards and visualizations
Want a business degree with technical fluency and broad career options
See yourself in analytics, consulting, data, operations, or technology roles
Connect With Us
Penn State Undergraduate Admissions
Smeal College of BusinessSmeal Undergraduate Advising
Supply Chain & Information Systems Department
More Information: Business Analytics & Information Systems Degree
The Management Information Systems Association connects students interested in analytics, information systems, and technology through professional development, networking, and leadership opportunities.
AI is changing how organizations analyze information and make decisions. The professionals organizations need aren't the ones who built the model; they're the ones who can evaluate it, explain it, and act on it. At Smeal, that's exactly what BAIS prepares you to do.
Understanding the cost of your education is an important part of the college decision process. Explore tuition information, financial aid resources, and planning tools to help you estimate the investment required for your Penn State degree.
The Sapphire Leadership Academic Program is a selective, four-year experience for high-achieving Smeal students who want to strengthen their leadership and professional skills. Through a specialized curriculum, dedicated advising, and engagement with alumni and industry leaders, Sapphire helps students develop the confidence to lead in academic, professional, and community settings.