myCSUSM
Application Deadlines
Applications to the Master of Science in Business Analytics program are reviewed on a rolling basis; apply at any time! However, priority is given to applications that are received by this deadline:
- Fall 2027: Feb. 10, 2027
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for admission to the MS in Business Analytics program you must complete the requirements listed below.
- General Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 graded semester units
- Professional résumé
- A personal statement detailing your background, motivation and goals. You are encouraged to highlight your analytical background, coursework and work samples, as this information will be valuable for the admissions committee
- One letter of recommendation
- English proficiency for applicants whose preparatory education was primarily in a language other than English (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS). International graduate students must meet the university’s minimum proficiency requirements as defined in the CSUSM catalog.
- Notes on Admission
- Only regular courses from four-year colleges and universities will be used to calculate GPA — extension courses and community college courses will not be included.
- The admission committee reviews applications that do not meet all minimum requirements before making an admission decision.
Connect with a Specialist
If you have specific questions about the program, courses, overall curriculum, potential
job prospects, etc., reach out to the MS Business Analytics Faculty Director.
Nima Zaerpour, Ph.D.
Professor of Operations, Supply Chain and Business Analytics
Director, MS Business Analytics Program
CSUSM Extended Learning
(760) 750-4272
nzaerpour@csusm.edu
If you have questions about admission requirements, application process, etc., please
reach out to the MS Business Analytics Recruitment Specialst.
Sujeith Ordonez, M.A.
Senior Outreach & Recruitment Specialist
CSUSM Extended Learning
(760) 750-8454
sordonez@csusm.edu
Funding Options
The business analytics master's degree program is eligible for financial aid.
Visit the funding page or call 760-750-4850 to learn more about your funding options. Active-duty military, veterans and dependents should visit the military services page or call 760-750-8705.
Federal VA educational benefits can be used for this program (not eligible for Cal Vet fee waiver).
FUNDING OPTIONS
Visit the funding page or call 760-750-4850 to learn more about your funding options. Active-duty military, veterans and dependents should visit the military services page or call 760-750-8705.
Federal VA educational benefits can be used for this program (not eligible for Cal Vet fee waiver).
FUNDING OPTIONS
Program Costs
Complete the MS in Business Analytics in just three semesters, thanks to guaranteed class availability that ensures no delays in your educational journey. The program consists of 33 units, priced at $900 per unit.
Invest In Your Future: A Breakdown of Your Master's Degree Costs
| Semester | Units | Subtotal* |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | 14 | $12,600 |
| Spring Semester | 10 | $9,000 |
| Summer Semester | 9 | $8,100 |
| Total | 33 | $29,700 |
*Not all university semester fees are included in this table—see the comprehensive breakdown of Extended Learning fees. Semester tuition subtotals are based on a sample program sequence. All quoted tuition rates are based on previous academic years and are subject to change without notice.
Courses
This master's program has a set schedule of courses that you are expected to follow as part of your cohort.
Fall Semester
- OM 620: Tools and Technologies for Business Analytics (2)
Introduces tools and technologies for data analysis and business analytics. Uses analytical software to implement an analytics life-cycle from data acquisition to insight generation. Covers collaboration tools and open-source analytical software for business analytics development.
Units: 2
- OM 621: Advanced Visual Analytics (4)
Teaches techniques to tidy, transform, and visualize data for insight and analysis. Covers dashboard design and dynamic reporting, combining visualization with analytics for decision-making.
Units: 4
- OM 651: Customer and Process Analytics (4)
Focuses on understanding customers and supply chain processes. Teaches how to analyze behavior and optimize business operations using various analytical methods.
Units: 4
- OM 652: Introduction to Data Mining (2)
Covers core data mining concepts applied to business scenarios. Teaches how to extract insights using learning methods for market segmentation, customer retention, and forecasting.
Units: 2
- OM 654: Advanced Data Mining (2)
Covers advanced techniques including anomaly detection, time series forecasting, and deep learning. Focuses on both structured and unstructured business data analysis.
Units: 2
Spring Semester
- OM 623: Specialized Applications of Predictive Analytics (4)
Explores machine learning for data-driven decisions. Teaches regression, classification, ensemble models, and feature selection using real-world data and open-source tools.
Units: 4
- OM 653: Analytics for Good (2)
Explores how analytics can address societal and environmental challenges. Applies analytics in public health, sustainability, and disaster management with an ethical framework.
Units: 2
- OM 655: Prescriptive Analytics (4)
Introduces optimization, simulation, and heuristics for decision-making. Teaches linear/integer programming, scenario analysis, and real-world strategy development.
Units: 4
Summer Semester
- OM 656: Big Data Analytics with Virtual Platforms (4)
Covers big data management with virtual platforms. Includes Hadoop, distributed processing, and real-world applications in scalable analytics.
Units: 4
- OM 657: Machine Learning in Business Decision-Making (4)
Provides hands-on machine learning using open-source tools. Covers regression, classification, meta-models, feature selection, and dimension reduction for strategic decision-making.
Units: 4
- OM 659: MSBA Comprehensive Exam (1)
Assesses students' mastery of the MSBA curriculum. Includes review and practice across key topics from all core courses. Culminates in a comprehensive exam to validate readiness for industry applications.
Units: 1