MS Business Analytics FAQs
The MS in Business Analytics program prepares students to work in an AI-driven business environment by integrating artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and responsible analytics throughout the curriculum. Students learn not only how to use generative AI tools, but also how to build, evaluate, and apply AI solutions to real-world business problems.
Students gain hands-on experience with areas such as AI-assisted coding and analysis, machine learning, text mining, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), vector databases and semantic search, cloud computing with AWS, generative AI applications, and agentic AI workflows. AI is also incorporated into areas such as data visualization, financial analysis, regression and causal analysis, model interpretation, and communication with non-technical stakeholders. The program emphasizes practical application. For example, MSBA students have built AI applications such as a chatbot for the MSBA program itself, gaining experience translating emerging AI capabilities into useful business tools.
Just as importantly, students learn to use AI responsibly. Throughout the curriculum, they are expected to validate AI-generated outputs, recognize potential hallucinations and bias, protect data privacy, maintain reproducibility, and understand when human judgment is essential. The goal is to prepare graduates who can use AI effectively and critically - not simply use AI tools.
No, we do not require a specific undergraduate degree. Successful candidates will have a strong technical aptitude to excel in our courses, in statistics, calculus, and computing. Strong communication skills and motivation are also highly valued.
Yes, the MS in Business Analytics is recognized as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) designated program by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIP Code 30.7102). That means F-1 students in our program who meet the requirements can apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization, granting them a total of three years of work authorization.
Please visit the USCIS website, or contact the Cal Poly International Center for further information at international@calpoly.edu.
This is a full-time on-campus program. However, some MSBA courses are offered online asynchronous or hybrid. In particular, it is possible for domestic students (only) to take all summer courses in person or online asynchronous. Fall and spring semester courses are in person.
No, all of the Orfalea College of Business programs are stand-alone graduate programs and are not structured as blended or 4+1 pathways.
Please check Cal Poly’s Financial Aid website for your options in this regard. Generally, only financial aid in the form of loans is available for this program to those students who qualify. However, private scholarships or grants, veteran’s benefits, or other funding sources are accepted.
Classes start in mid-July. However, it is possible for domestic students (only) to take all summer courses in person or online asynchronous. Fall and spring semester courses are in person.
No, it is a one-year cohort program that begins in "summer" (pre-fall) 2027, followed by fall and spring terms.
We have two excellent programs that can match your unique needs as a student. This chart explains the difference between the MSBA and MSQE programs.
Business analytics is the application of data science, machine learning and artificial intelligence to the domain of business. The Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) is the primary data analytics masters degree at Cal Poly. While other degree programs may focus on a subset of these circles (e.g., just computer science, quantitative economics or statistics), the MSBA combines them for a truly interdisciplinary business analytics education that is valuable in the marketplace.
The Program Director for the MS in Business Analytics is Dr. Brennan Davis. You can contact him at: bdavis39@calpoly.edu.