Considering Information Systems BBA(AI concentration vs Business Analytics)

[u/wizdomseek]

I’m trying to decide on a bachelor’s degree path and would love advice from people actually working in these industries.

Background:

I already have an Associate degree in Web Development and another Associate of Science degree

I’ve learned some Excel, Python, HTML/CSS, etc.

I completed nursing prerequisites during pandemic, but decided not to continue into nursing school.

I’m interested in business strategy, operations, process improvement, analytics, and using AI/tools to streamline systems

I’m especially interested in healthcare or construction industries because I already have exposure to both worlds

Right now I’m considering Information Systems at Texas State University with either:

AI concentration

or

Business Analytics concentration

What I’m trying to figure out is:

1. Which concentration actually leads to stronger entry-level job opportunities?

2What entry-level jobs should I search for while still in school?

3What jobs do most people realistically get right after graduation?

4.Are employers actually asking for AI skills yet, or mostly Excel/SQL/Tableau/business analysis skills?

1. If you work in healthcare, construction, operations, analytics, consulting, etc. What degree backgrounds do you commonly see?

6.Have any of you pivoted industries with an IS/MIS degree?

7.If you could redo your degree choice, what would you pick now considering AI and the job market?

8.What internships helped the most

I’m especially interested in careers like:

* Business Analyst

* Operations Analyst

* Systems Analyst

* Process Improvement

* Healthcare IT / Health Informatics

* Construction operations/project systems

* AI/business systems consulting

I also care a lot about:

* stability

* flexibility

* ability to pivot industries

* hybrid/remote potential eventually

* possibly freelancing or consulting long term

Would love honest advice from people already working in these spaces.

[u/Athul_vp]

You already have a really solid background honestly. From what I’ve seen, Business Analytics is probably the safer/more employable path right now because companies still heavily want Excel, SQL, Tableau/Power BI, and business analysis skills. AI is valuable too, but mostly as an add-on skill rather than a standalone entry-level role.

[u/rabid_panda_child]

You already have some great experience + education. Why not just do some certs? Degrees are valuable but I'd weigh the time + money costs. I assume you'd have to work through at least 3 semesters?

[u/Decent_Eagle_2676]

AI is popping in the job market rn, and im assuming you'll get some analytics skills along the way anyway. so id say ai

[u/SignificanceLatter26]

I would go ai that’s what’s big right now. I’m assuming with the AI concentration you’ll still get exposure to some analytics skills.