Business Analytics, M.S.
Master of Science
About this program
The Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) arms you with the tools to turn data into smart business decisions. You’ll take ten courses — three core and several electives — in areas like programming, analytics, machine learning and business intelligence. You apply what you learn in a real-world analytics project with faculty and industry guidance. By the end, you’ll be ready for roles such as analyst, data scientist or strategist in tech, consulting and beyond.
Program Curriculum and Requirements
From Our Community
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.
Program Scope
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, SFSU 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.
Program Features and Benefits
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
Innovative Curriculum
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.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students completing the program will:
- Illustrate knowledge and application of programming languages.
- Appropriately apply data management tools and methods.
- Apply appropriate statistical techniques.
- Be able to extract business intelligence from data and apply it for strategic decision-making in different functional areas of business.
- Synthesize knowledge and evaluation of outcomes by managing a complex data analytics project from start to finish.
Admissions Information
The admissions committee reviews an applicant's overall qualifications and takes the following requirements into consideration.
Required for all applicants:
- Completion of a degree equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
- Grade point average: final GPA of bachelor’s degree, or the last 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of college coursework completed, must be at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Or earned a master’s degree with a 3.0 GPA. Applicants with a GPA between 2.75 and 2.99 may be admitted on an exceptional basis
- Resume
- Transcripts
- Statement of Purpose
Optional:
- Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
Not required:
- GMAT/GRE Test Score (strongly encouraged for applicants with a GPA below 3.0)
Applicants who demonstrate outstanding professional experience but do not meet some of the above criteria may still be admitted into the program, conditional upon completing additional requirements that will be listed in the admissions offer.
English Language Proficiency Test
An English Language Proficiency Test is required of all applicants who have earned their undergraduate degree from a country where the official language is not English. Any of the following tests taken within the past two years are accepted:
- TOEFL Internet-Based Test minimum score of 88 (taken before January 2026) or 4.5 (taken after January 2026)
- IELTS score of at least 6.5
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) minimum academic overall score of 59
- Duolingo English Test minimum score of 120*
Our admissions department strongly recommends that applicants take the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE English Test. Applicants should only submit Duolingo English Test scores if none of the other examinations are available to them.
International Student Admissions
Students who feel they may need additional English language skills training may consider studying first at San Francisco State University’s American Language Institute (ALI).
At ALI, students have the opportunity to improve:
- lecture listening
- note-taking
- oral presentation
- academic advancement in reading and writing skills
In addition, students become better oriented with the American educational system. Attending the ALI program is strongly recommended if students have not met the GMAT verbal or TOEFL requirements, or to improve their English proficiency and academic skills in preparation for graduate studies.
Applications for Spring 2027 will open on August 1, 2026.
Ready to apply? Review the Graduate Business Application Checklist.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. For a detailed itemization of tuition, fees and payment deadlines, see the Bursar's Office.
Approximate degree program costs:
MBA / M.S. in Accounting and Analytics Fast-Track:
- Resident: $31,000
- Non-Resident: $41,000
MBA / M.S. in Accounting and Analytics Flexible:
- Resident: $49,000
- Non-Resident: $64,000
M.S. in Business Analytics:
- Resident: $31,000
- Non-Resident: $41,000
Learn more about our Graduate Business Programs Tuition and Fees.
Graduate Business Programs Inquiry Form
We’re Here to Help
Questions about the program or how to apply? Don’t hesitate to reach out.
Graduate Business Admissions
Give us a call, send an email, or visit our office: San Francisco State University Downtown Campus, 198 McAllister Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94102. Office Hours: Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Theresa Roeder
- Faculty Director of Graduate Business Programs
- M.S. in Business Analytics Program Student Advising