The Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) is a STEM-designated graduate degree program offered by the Lam Family College of Business at San Francisco State University. This program focuses on quantitative and qualitative data analytics and includes courses in business intelligence, programming skills for analytics applications, machine learning/large language models, and data management.
For over 50 years, SF State has been a leading institution for quality business education in the San Francisco - Silicon Valley that prepares students to succeed in a digital economy, and commits to sustainable business, diversity, social justice and global partnerships.
Is the MS in Business Analytics program right for me?
- I am comfortable with math and quantitative analysis.
- I have a four-year undergraduate degree in one of the following areas:
- economics
- engineering
- mathematics
- science, finance
- accounting
- management science
- information systems
- quantitative marketing
- I do not have an undergraduate degree in one of the previously listed areas, but I do have several years of professional work experience in one of those areas.
- I do not have a quantitative background but I am interested in pursuing a career in business analytics.
- I am ready to enhance my knowledge and skills in business analytics.
Student Testimonial
Uma Rajagopalan (MSBA, '23)
Senior Data Scientist at Gordian
"I chose the MSBA program at SF State because it perfectly aligns with my career goal of becoming a data scientist. The curriculum balances technical data analysis skills with strategic business decision-making, which is essential for my desired path."
About the Program
Located at the heart of the world’s innovation hub San Francisco - Silicon Valley, the MSBA program prepares students to be front and center of the digital era and to excel in the broad data-driven industries.
The program is STEM-designated for its focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The program places the emphasis on experiential learning by offering students hands-on practical experience in industry data-driven projects. Our students develop data science skills, business acumen and organizational savvy that they will carry on in their careers to complex business problems.
- complete in three or four semesters
- take classes taught by distinguished faculty with industry experience
- choose between taking classes on a full-time or part-time basis
The program includes 10 courses in the following areas:
- Business Intelligence
- Data Mining
- Database Management in Analytics
- Programming Skills and Tools for Business Analysts
- Business Applications of Multivariate Methods
- Business Applications of Machine Learning
- Research Project in Business
- 3 Elective Courses (potentially eligible for earning a Graduate Certificate after completing a 3-course concentration in these areas: Accounting, Enterprise Cybersecurity, Enterprise, Information Systems, Ethics & Compliance, Ethical Artificial Intelligence, Finance, International Business & Global Leadership, Marketing in the Digital Economy, or Sustainable Business)
For details and listing of courses, see SF State Academic Bulletin.
As part of the Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program, students complete a data analytics project—with the guidance of a client in a partner company and an MSBA faculty mentor—to reach maturity in data-driven decision making.
Our MS in Business Analytics graduate students can help you with your data analytics project.
The Lam Family College of Business is honored to work with over 120 tenure-track and adjunct faculty who are committed to excellence in teaching and innovation. As scholars and practitioners of their specific disciplines, our outstanding faculty provide participants with a relevant and challenging curriculum.
Admissions Criteria
Please refer to our Graduate Business Programs Admission requirement webpage.
Application Information
The application deadlines are:
Fall Admission:
- Round 1: January 15
- Round 2: March 15
- Round 3: May 1 (fall application deadline)
Spring Admission:
- Application Deadline: November 1
Tuition
Tuition and fees are subject to change. For a detailed itemization of tuition, fees, and payment deadlines, see the Bursar's Office.
| Costs (per semester) | Part-Time (per semester) | Full-Time (per semester) |
| California residents | $3,475 plus $270 per unit | $5,481 plus $270 per unit |
| Non-residents and International students | $3,475 plus $666 per unit | $5,481 plus $666 per unit |
The total estimated tuition costs for completing the MSBA degree are:
- $13,000/year (or $26,000 in total for CA Residents)
or
- $17,500/year (or $35,000 in total for Non-Resident or International Students)
Visit our admissions page for tuition and fees, application deadlines, and financial aid information.
Apply Now
We admit students on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply early. To ensure your application is successfully submitted, visit the application steps checklist.
MSBA FAQ
Visit the MSBA section of our admissions FAQ.
Contact Us
Contact the Graduate Business Programs office at msba@sfsu.edu or call (415) 817-4300.
Estimated Program Costs (Tuition/Fees)
MSBA (CA resident): $28,000
MSBA (non-resident of CA): $37,000
* All tuition and fees are subject to change.
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