Department of Analytics and Information Systems
Dr. Ray Blankenship, Department Chair
Email: Ray.Blankenship@wku.edu
Chandler Hall, Office 3020
Phone: (270) 745-3509
Department Website: www.wku.edu/ais
WHY STUDY ANALYTICS & INFORMATION SYSTEMS AT WKU?
Local and global businesses increasingly depend on the acquisition, management, and analysis of data. WKU's Business Data Analytics program offers a dynamic, project-based learning environment where students build real-world skills in predictive and visual analytics.
Through the Gordon Ford College of Business, students complete a shared Business and Career Preparation Core that builds professional skills from the first semester through graduation. Graduates leave equipped to shape data-driven decision-making, business strategy, and innovation.
EXPERIENCING BUSINESS IN ANALYTICS & INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Learning extends beyond the classroom. Gordon Ford College of Business students gain real-world experience through career mentoring, mock interviews, networking with industry leaders, field trips, internships, student organizations, and the Center for Applied Data Analytics. Small upper-level classes mean personalized instruction and strong faculty connections. Together, these experiences give students the support they need to succeed academically and professionally.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN ANALYTICS & INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Launch a career in business intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity, or information technology across virtually every industry. Graduates pursue roles such as Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst, Business Systems Analyst, Database Administrator, IT Consultant, or Analytics Manager.
Top Skills: Data Modeling & Predictive Analytics • Data Visualization (Tableau, Power BI) • Programming & Statistical Analysis (R, Python, SAS) • Database Management & Data Mining • Cybersecurity & Risk Compliance • Decision Support Systems • Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving • Professional & Client Communication
Faculty
Professor
John K. Atkinson EdD (Adult, Higher, and Community Education, Information & Communication Sciences), Ball State University, 2007
Ray J. Blankenship PhD (Business Administration- Management Information Systems), University of Mississippi, 1994
Mark D. Ciampa PhD (Tech Mgt (Digital Comm Systems)), Indiana State University, 2008
Sean R. Marston PhD (Business Administration, Information Systems and Operation), University of Florida, 2010
Evelyn H. Thrasher PhD (Management), Auburn University, 2006
Lily P. Zhuhadar PhD (Computer Science and Engineering), University of Louisville, 2009
Associate Professor
Thaddeus R. Crews PhD (Computer Science), Vanderbilt University, 1995
Assistant Professor
John A. Erickson PhD (Data Science), Worcester Polytech Institute, 2021
John W. Hostetter PhD (Computer Science), North Carolina State University, 2025
Tong Wu PhD (Information Systems), Baylor University, 2022
Instructor I
Adam P. Brownlee MBA (Business Administration), Western Kentucky University, 2014
Instructor II
James H. Lindsey MS (Information Sciences and Systems), Bowie State University, 2000
Business Data Analytics (BDAN)
BDAN 250 Introduction to Analytics 3 Hours
An introduction to data analytics techniques and their application in business. Students will learn how data analytics can improve decision making. Real-world cases and examples are explored to place analytical methods in context.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; summer 2024; fall 2024; spring 2025; summer 2025; fall 2025; winter 2026; spring 2026; summer 2026; fall 2026
BDAN 305 Data Modeling and Analysis 3 Hours
The basis of information systems and how data is used in a decision making environment. An introduction to data analysis in relation to managing information systems.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; summer 2024; fall 2024; spring 2025; summer 2025; fall 2025; spring 2026; summer 2026; fall 2026
BDAN 310 Business Data Analytics 3 Hours
An introduction to the application of data analytics methods to business issues. Topics include business case studies, data analytic, model building techniques, and communication of results.
Prerequisite(s): BDAN 250
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; summer 2024; fall 2024; spring 2025; summer 2025; fall 2025; winter 2026; spring 2026; summer 2026; fall 2026
BDAN 320 Web Analytics 3 Hours
An introduction to measuring, collecting, analyzing and reporting on online digital Web data using digital analytics and business intelligence.
Prerequisite(s): BDAN 250
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
BDAN 330 Structured Data Analysis 3 Hours
An introduction to the practical analysis and interpretation of different forms of data, emphasizing how and when to use particular tools, techniques, and metrics to maximize decision-making.
Prerequisite(s): BDAN 250
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; summer 2024; fall 2024; spring 2025; summer 2025; fall 2025; spring 2026; fall 2026
BDAN 350 Data Management 3 Hours
An introduction to managing the data used in business data analytics. Topics include data sources, acquisition, conditioning, storage, and security.
Prerequisite(s): BDAN 250
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; fall 2024; spring 2025; fall 2025; spring 2026; fall 2026
BDAN 399 Career Readiness in Business Data Analytics 1 Hour
Introduction to preparation for a career in Business Data Analytics, including exposure to careers in data analytics; certifications in the profession; development of professional writing skills, professional resumes and cover letters; oral communications; interviewing skills; goalsetting; ethical standards; and professional networking. This course is limited to juniors and seniors in the Business Data Analytics program.
Prerequisite(s): MGT 261
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Enrollment is limited to students in Business Data Analytics (504)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; fall 2024; spring 2025; fall 2025; spring 2026; fall 2026
BDAN 410 DSS Analysis and Design 3 Hours
An exploration of the analysis and design processes used to develop and deploy decision support systems (DSS) in businesses, which are technology based tools that support decision-making activities.
Prerequisite(s): BDAN 250
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; fall 2024; spring 2025; fall 2025; spring 2026; fall 2026
BDAN 420 Predictive Modeling 3 Hours
An introduction to predictive modeling and the demonstration of extraction principles from data stored in large heterogeneous volumes and how organizations can analyze data from multiple perspectives.
Prerequisite(s): BDAN 310
Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior or Freshman may not enroll.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; fall 2024; spring 2025; fall 2025; spring 2026; fall 2026
BDAN 430 Data Visualization 3 Hours
An introduction to the accumulation, analysis, and visualization of complex data sets for businesses, including the analysis of complex data sets and developing digital dashboards and score cards.
Prerequisite(s): BDAN 310
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; fall 2024; spring 2025; fall 2025; spring 2026; fall 2026
BDAN 440 Special Topics - Analytics & Information Systems 3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Study of an advanced topic not normally covered in other Business Data Analytics courses. (Some topics may require additional prerequisites).
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
BDAN 490 Practicum in Analytics and Information Systems 1-3 Hours (repeatable max of 3 hrs)
Internships, independent studies, and special projects of interest to students and faculty in Analytics, Cybersecurity, and Information Sytems. These may include individual research projects, meaningful internships in profit or not-for-profit organizations with duties relating to Analytics, Cybersecurity, Information Sytems, or other special projects approved by the Information Systems Chair and the Information Systems faculty. Note: A 2.5 cumulative GPA and 6 additional hours of Business Data Analytics courses are required; in addition, permission of the Information Systems Chair and the instructor is required.
Prerequisite(s): BDAN 250 with a minimum grade of C
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Enrollment is limited to students in Business Data Analytics (504)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2024; spring 2025; summer 2025; fall 2025; spring 2026
BDAN 499 Senior Assessment in Business Data Analytics 1 Hour
Preparation for and administration of the senior assessment exam. Discussion of educational and career opportunities beyond the baccalaureate degree. Discussion of the transition from college to workplace, including final preparation of career-related materials. Note: Required of all Business Data Analytics majors in the last semester.
Prerequisite(s): (MGT 498 (may be taken concurrently) or ENT 496 (may be taken concurrently)) and BDAN 399
Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Senior.
Enrollment is limited to students in Business Data Analytics (504)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2025; fall 2025; spring 2026; fall 2026
Computer Information Sys (CIS)
CIS 141 Analytics and Technology 3 Hours
An introduction to the breadth of information technology and the role of computer based devices for everyday problem solving in life, work and research. Practical experience with current as well as emerging technologies is provided. Students who have earned credit in CSCI 145C may not enroll in CIS 141. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code E-SB | SB
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; fall 2024; spring 2025; fall 2025; spring 2026
CIS 205 Technology in Society and Business 3 Hours
Examination of the impact of digital information technology on domestic and international businesses and societies, along with ethical and social impacts on professional and personal decision-making. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-LG
Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; fall 2024; spring 2025; fall 2025; spring 2026; fall 2026
CIS 226 Introduction to Visual Programming 3 Hours
A study in the algorithmic approach of the analysis of problems and their solutions. A visual programming language will be introduced and used in solving assigned problems. Laboratory work will be required outside of class meetings.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
CIS 248 Systems Integration 3 Hours
Continuing coverage of programming with emphasis on integrating and designing useful graphical user interfaces to enter, edit and retrieve information from existing databases. Secondary emphasis will be on generating complicated detailed reports.
Prerequisite(s): CIS 246 with a minimum grade of C or CS 226 with a minimum grade of C or CIS 226 with a minimum grade of C
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Computer Information Systems (706)
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
CIS 320 Personal Technologies with Artificial Intelligence 3 Hours
The management and deployment of personal productivity technologies, including management of facilities, workstations and support services. Particular emphasis is placed on using technology tools to increase productivity and quality.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2025; fall 2025; spring 2026; summer 2026; fall 2026
CIS 321 Emerging Technologies with Artificial Intelligence 3 Hours
Overview of the most recent tools and techniques in information technology and their utilization in the business environment.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024; fall 2024; spring 2025; fall 2025; spring 2026; fall 2026
CIS 449 Independent Study in Computer Information Systems 3 Hours
Directed study and research in one area of computer information systems.
Prerequisite(s): BDAN 305
Recent Term(s) Offered: None