Program Overview
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, data visualization, predictive modeling, and machine learning, with real-world business applications.
Key Program Details
- Length: 3-4 semesters (≈ 16-18 months)
- Tuition: ≈ US$29-31k (non-resident)
- STEM OPT: Yes (eligible for 36 months total OPT)
- Location: Downtown San Francisco campus
- Special Feature: Includes a Business Analytics Practicum with industry partners
At a Glance
Curriculum & Focus Areas
The MSBA program requires 30 units of coursework including core courses, electives, and a capstone practicum project with an industry partner.
Core Curriculum
- Data Analytics and Machine Learning
- Database Marketing
- Advanced Business Analytics
- Data Visualization for Business
- Business Analytics Practicum (capstone with industry partner)
- Business Intelligence and Data Mining
Key Skills Developed
Technical Skills
- Data visualization (Tableau, Power BI)
- Database management and SQL
- Statistical analysis (R, Python)
- Machine learning fundamentals
- Business intelligence tools
Business Skills
- Data-driven decision making
- Business strategy analytics
- Stakeholder communication
- Project management
- Consulting methodology
Program Differentiator: Practicum Experience
A standout feature of the MSBA program is the required practicum capstone project. Students work with real industry partners on actual business problems using data analytics, giving them valuable hands-on experience and portfolio projects to showcase to employers.
ROI Analysis
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition (total) | $29,000 - $31,000 |
| Living expenses (16-18 months) | $32,000 - $40,000 |
| Books & materials | $1,200 - $2,000 |
| Health insurance | $3,000 - $4,000 |
| Total investment | $65,200 - $77,000 |
Typical Starting Roles
- Business Intelligence Analyst: $105,000 - $120,000
- Data Analyst: $100,000 - $115,000
- Business Analytics Consultant: $110,000 - $125,000
- Marketing Analytics Specialist: $95,000 - $110,000
Median First-Year Salary
Payback Period
1.5 - 2 years (assuming living expenses during employment)
H-1B / Visa Considerations
Program Benefits
- STEM-designated program allowing for 36 months of OPT (12 months initial + 24 months extension)
- Located in San Francisco with access to many tech and financial firms that regularly sponsor H-1B visas
- Practicum provides direct industry contacts and potential employment pathways
- Skills in business analytics are highly marketable and in-demand among H-1B sponsors
- Program length (16-18 months) allows for summer internship plus additional practicum experience
Potential Challenges
- Relatively small program means smaller alumni network compared to larger universities
- Some companies may prefer candidates from more recognized business analytics programs
- San Francisco location has high cost of living during job search period
- Competitive field with many other STEM-designated analytics programs
Timeline Advantage
With 16-18 months of program time plus 36 months of OPT, you have a 52-54 month runway (over 4 years) to secure long-term employment with H-1B sponsorship.
How SFSU MSBA Compares
| Factor | SFSU MSBA | UCSC M.S. Applied Econ | SJSU MSDA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $29-31k | $48-50k | $20-22k |
| Duration | 16-18 months | 12 months | 24 months |
| STEM OPT | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Location | Downtown San Francisco | Santa Cruz | San Jose |
| Program Focus | Business Analytics with industry practicum | Economic analysis and finance | Technical data science/analytics |
| Key Advantage | Practicum project with industry partners | UC system reputation and alumni network | Deep technical skills with ML/AI focus |
Bottom Line
SFSU MSBA is for you if:
- You want to combine business knowledge with analytics skills
- You value hands-on experience through the practicum component
- You want to live in downtown San Francisco during your studies
- You're targeting business analytics or business intelligence roles
- You appreciate a balanced program length (not too short, not too long)