Kirkwood Community College will introduce a new Business Analytics Technician program beginning in the fall 2026 semester, the college announced Wednesday, April 29.
The online, two-year program prepares students for careers in data analysis and business intelligence. According to Lightcast labor market data, demand for business analytics technicians — classified as a subset of data scientists — is projected to grow nearly 26% over the next decade across Kirkwood’s seven-county service area. Statewide, the growth rate is projected at 27%, while the national long-term figure stands at 28%.
“Businesses today depend on data to make informed decisions, and there is a strong demand for professionals who can translate that data into actionable insights,” said Tamara Alt, Kirkwood’s dean of Business and Information Technology. “This program equips students with both the technical expertise and the business perspective needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving workforce.”
The curriculum focuses on data collection, cleaning, analysis and visualization, with coursework covering applications across marketing, finance, operations and project management. Students will gain experience with programming languages and business intelligence platforms.
Program learning outcomes include applying statistical methods to identify trends, communicating insights through visual and written formats, using programming and business intelligence tools to improve workflows, and applying ethical standards in data handling.
Graduates will be prepared for entry-level business analytics or data support positions, or to continue into a related four-year program.
More information is available at www.kirkwood.edu/businessanalyticstechnician.
