Business Analyst
Solve Real Problems
Bridge People & Technology
Shape Strategic Decisions
Undergraduate
Graduate
Post-Graduate
No degrees available
This is the educational pathway. There may be additional tests or licensure requirements necessary before begining to practice in the field. Consult your state guidelines for more. information.
Career Reality
Average Salary
Typical U.S. salary range about $98,000 – $111,000 per year, with variation by experience and industry.
Job Market Demand
The business analyst job market in the United States is expected to grow about 9.7% between 2022 and 2032, with roughly 100,300 new job openings projected over that period.
Work Environment
Office or hybrid role, team collaboration with stakeholders in business, IT, and leadership; project-based deliverables are common.
Common Employers
Corporations of all sizes, consulting firms, tech companies, financial institutions, government and nonprofit organizations.
Career Advancement
Progression from Analyst to Senior Analyst, Lead or Manager, and into strategic or executive roles.
Popular Titles
Core Areas of Impact
Is this career right for you?
What is the role of a business analyst?
A business analyst evaluates how an organization operates, analyzes data and processes, and recommends improvements to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
What does a typical day look like?
Work includes gathering requirements, analyzing data, meeting with stakeholders, documenting processes, and proposing business solutions.
Where do business analysts work?
Business analysts work in corporate settings, consulting firms, technology companies, financial services, government and nonprofit sectors.
What are the common job titles and career paths?
Common paths start as Business Analyst or Junior BA, progress to Senior BA, Lead BA, Manager, and may evolve into strategic or executive positions.
Who is this career a good fit for?
This career suits people with analytical thinking, communication skills, and an interest in solving business challenges and working across teams.
What does long-term growth look like?
Long-term growth can lead to senior analyst roles, leadership or managerial positions, or transition into strategic and executive-level business decision roles.
What does the educational pathway look like for a business analyst?
Most business analysts begin with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, economics, or a related field. This provides the foundation in business operations, data interpretation, management, and organizational strategy that employers expect in entry-level analyst roles.
Many professionals strengthen their long-term career potential with a Master of Business Administration, especially for advancement into senior analyst, consulting, product, or leadership positions. An MBA builds deeper expertise in strategy, decision-making, and cross-functional management.
Sara Schenirer’s BA in Business Administration offers the strongest undergraduate preparation for business analyst roles, and the MBA provides a direct pathway for growth into higher-level analytical and strategic positions.
