Associate of Applied Science│2 Years│63 Credits│Online Program│Eligible for Financial Aid
WI Median Salary for Recent Graduates: $48,880
Take your communication and analytical skills to the next level with a Business Analyst associate degree. Moraine Park is the first Wisconsin two-year college to have all Business Analyst core courses endorsed by the International Institute of Business Analysis™ (IIBA).
Business analysts are natural problem solvers and innovators working in business and IT environments. They identify business needs to improve the organizations they work with.
The Business Analyst coursework prepares students to meet the demands of a fast-paced, data-driven world:
- Navigate organizational structures, cultures and policies.
- Identify and analyze business needs.
- Demonstrate leadership by managing business and/or IT projects.
- Communicate with a diverse mix of people within and outside an organization.
“Fostering a next generation of business analysis professionals extends beyond a classroom setting. Moraine Park Technical College works closely with its local advisory board and regional committees to promote the profession and skillset of business analysis. The college also collaborates with regional groups, such as The New Digital Alliance. Participation with the Alliance provides opportunity to examine national trends and solicit broader feedback from organizations across Northeast Wisconsin.
‘We continue to see an increase in employment demand for individuals who possess a skill set associated with business analysis, spanning multiple industries,’ says Bobbi Fields, Associate Dean of Business and IT at Moraine Park Technical College.”
How Are Higher Education Members Reshaping Business Analysis? Part Two | Analyst Catalyst Blog, IIBA
Check out our FAQ section for answers to the following questions:
- What does a Business Analyst do?
- What are the soft skills required by a Business Analyst?
- What is the typical career path for a Business Analyst?
- What are the benefits of a Business Analyst degree?
- We asked Moraine Park students: “Why did you choose the Business Analyst program?”
IIBA Endorsement
Put yourself ahead of the competition and propel your career with Moraine Park’s Business Analyst degree. Moraine Park Technical College is an Academic Member of the International Institute of Business Analysis™ (IIBA®), the leading association for business analysis around the globe. IIBA supports recognition of the profession, networking and community engagement, standards and resource development, comprehensive certification programs, and support for education providers.
Through the Academic Program, IIBA has endorsed the following eight core courses from Moraine Park’s Business Analyst program: Business Analyst Software Applications, Business Analyst Essentials, Business Analyst Planning and Monitoring, Elicitation Techniques, Requirements Life Cycle Management, Requirements Analysis and Design, Business Analyst Solution Evaluation, and Business Analyst Strategy Analysis.
Moraine Park is the first two-year college in Wisconsin to achieve this endorsement and is listed on IIBA’s endorsed education and training website.
IIBA Course Endorsement Benefits
An IIBA endorsed course offers the following benefits to students:
1. Asserts alignment to A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide), the internationally recognized body of knowledge for the practice of business analysis
2. Meets industry and internationally recognized standards and best practices in business analysis, ensuring learners develop the skills companies need most in 2021 and beyond
3. Allows students to apply the endorsed course hours towards the professional development requirement for the Entry Certificate in Business Analysis™ (ECBA™), designed specifically for students with no work experience”.
According to the IIBA, the Business Analysts career path can broadly be distinguished between several role categories:
- Business-focused roles
- IT Analyst roles
- Leadership roles
- Enterprise-level roles
Source: https://www.iiba.org/globalassets/professional-development/career-centre/career-roadmap/iiba_career_road_mapimage.pdf
Graduates can support a variety of businesses, including health care, manufacturing, insurance and finance. Potential careers and jobs include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Business Analyst
- Operations Research Analyst
- IT Project Manager
- Financial Analyst
- Business Intelligence Analyst
Alternative titles for Business Analysts include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Business Consultant
- Business Intelligence Specialist
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Business Process Analyst
- Functional Analyst
- IT Business Analyst
- IT Project Coordinator
- Management Consultant
- Process Analyst
- Process Coordinator
- Systems Analyst
- Usability Analyst
Statewide Median Salary for Recent Graduates: $48,880
Please visit the program catalog for the most recent list of courses.
| SEMESTER 1 | CREDITS | |
|---|---|---|
| 102-132 | Business Analyst Planning and Monitoring | 3 |
| 102-134 | Business Analyst Essentials | 3 |
| 103-159 | Computer Literacy – Microsoft Office | 1 |
| 801-136 | English Composition 1 | 3 |
| 890-101 | College 101 | 2 |
| Mathematics Course | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| SEMESTER 2 | ||
| 102-136 | Elicitation Techniques | 3 |
| 102-138 | Requirements Life Cycle Management | 3 |
| 196-189 | Team Building and Problem Solving | 3 |
| Communication Course | 3 | |
| Social Science Course | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| SEMESTER 3 | ||
| 101-138 | Data Management, Analysis and Reporting | 3 |
| 102-140 | Business Analyst Software Applications | 3 |
| 102-142 | Requirements Analysis and Design | 3 |
| 196-188 | Project Management | 3 |
| 196-190 | Leadership Development | 3 |
| 801-197 | Technical Reporting | 3 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| SEMESTER 4 | ||
| 101-184 | Principles of Accounting | 3 |
| 102-144 | Business Analyst Strategy Analysis | 3 |
| 102-146 | Business Analyst Solution Evaluation | 3 |
| 152-105 | Relational Databases | 3 |
| Behavioral Science Course | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 63 | |
What does a Business Analyst do?
It is often misunderstood as to what a Business Analyst does as it can vary from organization to organization and industry. For instance, many people confuse Business Analysts with Data Analysts who share some responsibilities but are different jobs. Business Analysts generally work in either technology-focused or business-focused capacities:
Moraine Park’s program is based on the IIBA definition and the knowledge areas of the IIBA Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK®).
Additional Resources:
What soft skills should a Business Analyst have?
Based on the two BA Times articles below and students researching recent job openings in the Moraine Park Essentials class, top soft skills include:
- Communication (written and verbal) skills
- Problem solving skills
- Analytical skills
- Active listening skills
- Facilitation skills
- Team work and interaction skills (collaborating)
- Multi-tasking skills
- Technology skills (Microsoft Office)
Additional Resources:
What is the career path of a Business Analyst?
Many Business Analysts don’t have formal business analysis degrees. Some have degrees in IT or business. Many Busines Analysts fall into the field from being a subject matter expert (SME) and then transition into a Business Analyst role. Many get into the role based on their soft and hard skills. They might have a degree in IT or business. When they get into the role of a Business Analyst, many return to school to get an official Business Analyst degree or take training sessions.
Findings from IIBA 2019 Corporate Study indicated:
- Business analysis will play an instrumental role throughout the project life cycle which increases the demand for business analysis skills in organizations.
- The practice of business analysis is expanding beyond the traditional business analyst role.
- Role delineations of many professions are less clear and there are overlaps of capability.
- The techniques and tools of business analysis will be applied more, but there will be fewer with the job title of business analyst.
According to the IIBA, the “evolution of business analysis professionals into expanding roles depends on a combination of digital skills, business acumen, and targeted knowledge to drive better business outcomes across all industries.“
What are the benefits of a Business Analyst degree?
The benefits of a Business Analysis degree include, but aren’t limited, to:
- Moraine Park stays current with today’s job market trends by using Program Advisory Committees to discuss trends and needed changes in the curriculum.
- Moraine Park’s curriculum aligns with the BABOK® Guide which teaches standards and fundamental industry knowledge.
- The program helps you prepare for the Entry Certificate in Business Analysis™ (ECBA™).
- Our student body includes both current high school graduates and seasoned professionals to encourage networking and the exchange of ideas and real-world experiences.
- Allows you to enter safe jobs that cannot be automated or replaced by artificial intelligence.
We asked Moraine Park students: “Why did you choose the Business Analyst program?”
- I’m naturally analytical so it makes sense.
- Want to learn how to analyze things to own a business someday.
- Business Analysis jobs have a high growth rate.
- Want to get into data and/or financial analysis.
- Want to learn how to gather project requirements.
- I have family in Business Analyst roles and MPTC close to home.
- The program offers a lot of flexibility.
- The role brings people together because you need to look at bigger pieces and individual pieces to make connections/figure out details and find solutions.
The cost of your degree depends on a number of factors such as total credits required, textbooks and the financial aid you receive. Some programs have additional costs such as uniforms, technology and equipment.
- $143.45 per credit (resident)
- $215.18 per credit (out-of-state resident)
- Online students are not charged out-of-state fees.
- Please refer to the Tuition & Fee Information for additional enrollment fee information.
Slide the green circle to adjust credits and cost estimate
Credits:
Moraine Park’s admissions starts with the online application. The admissions steps and financial aid process can take 6-8 weeks for some programs, so plan ahead.
View and begin standard admissions steps.
If you have any questions or need help with the process, please contact us at admissions@morainepark.edu OR 920-924-3200, TTY/VP:Use Relay VRS.
High school dual credit provides high school students the opportunity to earn college credit while in high school, without leaving their high school classroom. The courses are taught by certified high school instructors using technical college curriculum, grading policies and textbooks.
Has previous life experience already helped you build knowledge and skills applicable to your studies? Applying previously earned credits to a program of study can save you both time spent in the classroom and money spent on tuition and fees.
Transferring here is easy! You can transfer in prior college work by submitting official college transcripts or get a free transcript review.
Financial Aid is provided to aid eligible associate degree and technical diploma programs with 28 credits or more. Processing can take 4-6 weeks after a student’s completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is received.
Our recruiters on any of the three campuses are ready to help you plan your future!