M.S. in Business Analytics

Program Overview

The MSBA program at Saint Mary's is an intensive 12-month, full-time program, typically starting in the Fall. It operates on a hybrid learning model, combining online evening classes with in-person sessions on Saturdays at the Moraga campus. This structure provides flexibility for working professionals while fostering a close-knit cohort experience and ample networking opportunities. The program's core mission is to demystify the world of data, preparing students to confidently make data-driven decisions that propel businesses forward and address complex challenges.

STEM-Designated: Yes, the Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) at Saint Mary's College of California is a STEM-designated program. This designation is incredibly advantageous, particularly for international students on F-1 visas. It makes them eligible for the 24-month STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) Extension, allowing for a total of up to 36 months of temporary work authorization in the U.S. after graduation. This extended period offers significant opportunities for professional experience and career development in the in-demand field of business analytics.

AACSB Accredited: Saint Mary's College of California's School of Economics and Business Administration, which offers the MSBA program, holds the prestigious AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation. This is a hallmark of excellence, achieved by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide, signifying the highest standard of quality in business education. AACSB accreditation assures students and employers of the program's academic rigor, relevant curriculum, and commitment to fostering ethical leadership and innovative problem-solving in the business analytics field.

Curriculum: The MSBA curriculum is meticulously designed to provide a comprehensive and practical understanding of business analytics. It includes core courses such as Data Analysis and Advanced Data Analysis (often utilizing R), Data Visualization and Story Telling (with tools like Tableau), Programming for Analytics (typically using Python), Data Management Technology (including SQL and database management), Cloud Computing (covering AWS and cloud programming for big data), Machine Learning for Business, and Ethics and Analytics. The program also integrates business fundamentals to ensure students can translate technical insights into strategic business recommendations. Students gain proficiency in various software packages and learn to manage real-world data, from collection and preparation to model building and deployment.

Research Focus: The MSBA program at Saint Mary's College has a strong applied research and project-based focus. Its emphasis is on providing students with practical training using real-world data sets and innovative technologies, rather than theoretical academic research. Students are actively engaged in hands-on projects, which often involve collaborations with industry partners. Past student projects have included working with Macy's Director of Advanced Analytics, creating a Google-sponsored app, and expanding Zillow's home pricing models, demonstrating the program's commitment to translating analytical skills into actionable business insights. The curriculum is designed to demystify data, enabling students to perform sophisticated analytics and drive confident decision-making.

Industry Engagement: Saint Mary's College is deeply committed to industry engagement within its MSBA program, leveraging its prime location in the Bay Area, a global hub for technology and innovation. The program boasts an advisory board composed of leading professionals from the analytics field, ensuring the curriculum remains current and relevant to industry demands. Students benefit from unparalleled opportunities to work closely with knowledgeable faculty and game-changing business leaders, gaining hands-on experience and valuable industry connections. Guest speakers regularly share insights, and the program facilitates networking, preparing graduates to anticipate, analyze, and answer how data informs decision-making for businesses. Partnerships, such as with Google Cloud, provide students with professional certifications and access to powerful computational resources.

Global Perspective: The MSBA program at Saint Mary's College inherently integrates a global perspective by addressing the universal challenges and opportunities presented by data in an interconnected world. The skills developed in data collection, analysis, modeling, and ethical data governance are universally applicable across international markets and diverse industries. The program attracts a diverse student body, which enriches classroom discussions with varied cultural viewpoints and global business contexts. Furthermore, the STEM designation is a critical component for international students, as it facilitates extended opportunities to gain professional experience in the U.S., thereby enhancing their global competitiveness and ability to contribute to the international data analytics landscape.