CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (April 29, 2026)–Kirkwood Community College will introduce a new Business Analytics Technician program beginning in the fall 2026 semester. The online program prepares students for high-demand careers that use data to make business decisions.

According to Lightcast labor market data, business analytics technicians (a subset of Data Scientists) are in high demand and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. The profession is expected to increase in demand across the college’s seven-county service area by nearly 26% over the next 10 years. That percentage increases to 27% across the state of Iowa, while the expected national long-term growth rate is even higher at 28%

The two-year program focuses on helping students develop the technical and analytical skills needed to collect, clean, analyze and visualize data for real-world business applications. As organizations increasingly rely on data to guide strategy and improve performance, the program aims to meet growing workforce needs in business analytics and data support roles.

Students in the program will gain hands-on experience using industry-relevant tools, programming languages and business intelligence platforms. Coursework emphasizes how analytics supports key business functions such as marketing, finance, operations and project management. Kirkwood faculty bring practical, real-world experience into the classroom to help students connect technical skills with workplace expectations.

“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 Kirkwood Business and Information Technology Dean Tamara Alt. “This program equips students with both the technical expertise and the business perspective needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving workforce.”

Graduates of the Business Analytics Technician program will be prepared to enter entry-level roles in business analytics or data support, or to continue their education in a related four-year program.

Program learning outcomes include the ability to collect and analyze business data, apply statistical methods to identify trends, communicate insights through visual and written formats, and use programming and business intelligence tools to enhance workflows. Students will also learn to apply ethical standards in data handling and collaborate effectively on team-based projects.

The Business Analytics Technician program reflects Kirkwood’s commitment to aligning academic offerings with industry needs and providing students with practical, career-ready skills.

More information about the program is available atwww.kirkwood.edu/businessanalyticstechnician.