MS Business Analytics FAQs
No, we do not require a specific undergraduate degree. Successful candidates will have a strong technical aptitude with training 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 52.1301). 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, for this admissions cycle, the MS Business Analytics program begins in Summer 2026 (mid-July). Please select Summer 2026 (2025–2026 cycle) when applying in Cal State Apply.
No, it is a one-year cohort program that begins in summer 2026, followed by fall and spring semesters.
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 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.