April 16, 2025 - Applications are now being accepted for CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s
Master of Science (MS) in Business Analytics, which will launch in Fall of 2025.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for those with skills in business analytics shows a 14% growth from 2020 to 2030, which is greater than the average for other positions. In addition, median pay for jobs involving business analytics is $87,660, annually.
“Business analytics is about understanding data that helps you tell a story to better inform business strategy and business decisions,” explained CSUCI Director of Business Special Sessions Philipa Moguel. “This is a degree program that can help across a wide range of industries like healthcare informatics, digital advertising, government agencies, nonprofits, legal organizations—the possibilities are really wide-ranging.”
CSUCI Professors of Management Information Systems Minder Chen and Hua Dai designed the curriculum for the program, as both understood the ever-expanding role big data was playing in business and industry. Technology and business were tightly linked, and there is national need for those with advanced business degrees that are more specialized.
“You don’t need a background in analytics to build a future in it,” Dai said. “Whether you studied Health Science, Psychology, Education, Communication, or any other field, the MSBA program is designed to meet you where you are. We’ll equip you with the technical and business skills to turn data into decisions—and unlock new career opportunities in any industry."
The program is being offered through CSUCI’s Martin V. Smith (MVS) School of Business & Economics and is an evening program, which is convenient for working professionals or full-time students.
“An ideal student for the program could be an undergraduate of any major who wants to sharpen their analytic skills,” Chen said. “For example, a Health Science student may want to get this degree as health care systems work with a lot of data. A Business student may want to enhance their analytics skills in order to apply their domain expertise to marketing, operations, and/or finance.”
The program does have some virtual classes, but organizers believe the contact between faculty and students is important, so at least 50% of classes are in person. And, Chen said, the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will be an integral part of the program.
The CSU system recently became the first and largest university system to create an AI-empowered learning environment with trainings, learning, and teaching tools available across all 23 CSU universities, but Chen said many programs in the MVS School are already fully embracing the use of Generative AI tools to facilitate students learning.
“Even before that big announcement, we had already embraced this trend,” Chen said. We have already been interested and have been tracking this technology trend and its impact on business.”
The program has been several years in the making, with the MVS School devoting substantial resources to develop and support it, ensuring that students acquire cutting-edge skills. These skills are essential for success as business analysts in this data-driven world, where generative AI is a critical part of the future.
For more on the Business Analytics degree, visit: .