Master of Science [M.S] (Information Systems - Business Analytics)
Field of Study:
$15,073 /Yr
California State University Fullerton Master of Science in Information Systems with a Business Analytics concentration is a STEM designated 30 unit graduate degree based at the Mihaylo College of Business in Fullerton, California. It runs full time over 1.5 to 2 years, admits only in Fall, needs a bachelor GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 (approximately 65 percent to 70 percent or CGPA 6.5 to 7.0 on 10 for Indian applicants), and carries an estimated total tuition of USD 37,186 (INR 35.44 Lakhs).
The Business Analytics track trains students in SQL, Python, R, Tableau, predictive modeling, and data warehousing for decisions across Southern California employers. It suits Indian BE, BTech, BCA, BSc IT, and BCom graduates who want an AACSB accredited analytics degree that qualifies for 36 months of OPT under the STEM extension.
- The 30 unit program lets full time students finish in three semesters and enter analyst roles within 18 months of landing in California.
- Mihaylo College of Business is one of the largest AACSB accredited business schools in the United States, giving graduates access to a 220,000 plus alumni network across Orange County and Los Angeles.
- CSUF sits inside a 30 mile radius of Disney, Kaiser Permanente, Boeing, and Edwards Lifesciences, which supplies most Business Analytics internships and full time hires.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the Fall 2027 intake are Not Yet Open. The CSU Apply portal opens on 1 October 2026 and the international student deadline is 15 June 2027 (Expected, based on the prior Fall 2026 cycle).
Indian applicants should use the intervening months to finish the GRE or GMAT, secure a WES evaluation, and complete IELTS or TOEFL before the portal opens. MSIS at CSUF has no Spring intake, so missing the Fall window pushes admission out by a full year.
Also Check: California State University Fullerton Admission Process
California State University Fullerton MS Information Systems Business Analytics Fees and Living Costs 2027
The MSIS Business Analytics program is billed per unit under the California State University international tuition structure. International students pay the base graduate state tuition plus a nonresident supplement of USD 420 (INR 40,030) per unit and a graduate business professional fee of USD 270 (INR 25,734) per unit.
MSIS Business Analytics Tuition for Indian Students
| Fee Component | Amount (USD) | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated first year tuition (full time) | USD 18,593 | INR 17.72 Lakhs |
| Estimated total program tuition (30 units) | USD 37,186 | INR 35.44 Lakhs |
| Nonresident tuition supplement | USD 420 per unit | INR 40,030 per unit |
| Graduate business professional fee | USD 270 per unit | INR 25,734 per unit |
| Application fee (non refundable) | USD 70 | INR 6,672 |
| Two year total cost estimate (tuition and living) | USD 95,000 | INR 90.54 Lakhs |
Source: Mihaylo College of Business MSIS program page and CSUF Student Financial Services 2026 to 2027 fee schedule.
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.31 as of August 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.
- The USD 37,186 figure covers 30 units at the international rate; taking one extra course or a second Business Analytics elective adds roughly USD 690 (INR 65,764) per unit.
- Health insurance, on-campus parking, and student services fees are billed separately each semester and are not included in the tuition estimate above.
- Verify the exact term bill at Mihaylo College MSIS fees page once you submit CSU Apply, because tuition supplements are revised annually by the CSU Board of Trustees.
Cost of Living in Fullerton for MSIS Business Analytics Students
Fullerton sits in northern Orange County, roughly 40 kilometres southeast of downtown Los Angeles, and rents run below Irvine or Santa Monica but above inland Riverside. CSUF publishes the following monthly and annual estimates for off campus students in the 2026 to 2027 cost of attendance.
| Expense | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (shared apartment off campus) | USD 1,135 | INR 1.08 Lakhs |
| Food and groceries | USD 619 | INR 58,997 |
| Transportation (OCTA bus pass and shared rides) | USD 242 | INR 23,065 |
| Personal, books, and miscellaneous | USD 327 | INR 31,166 |
| Monthly total | USD 2,323 | INR 2.21 Lakhs |
| Annual total (12 months) | USD 27,888 | INR 26.58 Lakhs |
Source: California State University Fullerton Undergraduate Cost of Attendance 2026 to 2027, off campus estimate applied to a graduate student.
Also Check: California State University Fullerton Fees Structure
ROI reality: A total spend of about INR 90.54 Lakhs across 1.5 to 2 years is recovered inside 24 months of post OPT salary if a graduate lands a Business Analytics role at Disney, Deloitte, or Kaiser at the median USD 81,000 (INR 77.20 Lakhs) starting pay.
California State University Fullerton MSIS Business Analytics Admission
Admission to the MSIS Business Analytics concentration runs through CSU Apply, the system wide graduate application platform. Mihaylo College evaluates the file on academic record, English proficiency, quantitative preparation, essays, and two letters of recommendation.
Fall 2027 Intake for Indian Students
MSIS admits only in the Fall term; there is no Spring or Summer window. Indian applicants should target the following dates for the current cycle.
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| CSU Apply portal opens | 1 October 2026 |
| Fall 2027 international deadline | 15 June 2027 (Expected, based on Fall 2026 cycle) |
| Program start | Late August 2027 |
| Spring or Summer intake | Not offered |
Academic Eligibility for Indian Applicants
Mihaylo College sets a firm minimum GPA and expects prior coursework in statistics, calculus, and computing for the Business Analytics track.
| Requirement | Minimum | Indian Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor degree (four year) | Any discipline, quant coursework preferred | BE, BTech, BCA, BSc IT, BSc Statistics, BCom, BBA |
| Undergraduate GPA | 3.0 on 4.0 scale | Approximately 65 percent to 70 percent, or CGPA 6.5 to 7.0 on 10 |
| GMAT or GRE | Not fixed; waiver available for GPA above 3.3 or documented industry experience | GMAT 550 plus or GRE 305 plus recommended if not waived |
| Prerequisite coursework | Introductory statistics and a programming or database course | Bridge courses offered on campus for gaps |
| Letters of recommendation | Two, academic or professional | Faculty or manager preferred |
Note that WES (World Education Services) or the university credential evaluation office sets the official grade equivalence for Indian degrees.
- Indian applicants from three year BCom or BA backgrounds usually need a one year postgraduate diploma or a Master in Commerce to meet the four year equivalency rule.
- The GMAT or GRE waiver is granted case by case; five plus years in an analytics, engineering, or consulting role typically qualifies.
English Proficiency Requirement
Mihaylo College accepts every mainstream test at the following minimums; scores must be sent electronically through the testing agency to CSU institution code 4082.
| Test | Overall Minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 88 on the 0 to 120 scale | No published section minimums for MSIS |
| TOEFL PBT | 570 | Paper based; still accepted at select Indian centres |
| IELTS Academic | 7.0 overall | Higher than the university wide minimum of 6.0 |
| PTE Academic | 65 overall | Frequently used by Indian applicants for faster results |
| Duolingo English Test | 120 | Accepted for international admission |
Note: TOEFL iBT moved to a 1.0 to 6.0 band scale on 21 January 2026. California State University Fullerton currently lists the 0 to 120 requirement shown above; both scales are reported during the 2026 to 2028 transition. Verify the current requirement on the official admissions page before applying.
- Plan two months of preparation if you already score 6.5 on IELTS practice tests; the jump from 6.5 to 7.0 is the most common repeat reason for Indian applicants.
- PTE Academic returns results in 48 hours and is accepted at parity with IELTS, which helps if you are running short on time before 15 June.
- A verified TOEFL score below 88 or IELTS below 7.0 forces the applicant into the CSUF ALCP (American Language and Culture Program) as a conditional admit.
Read More: California State University Fullerton Overview
Tip for Indian students: The IELTS 7.0 requirement is one full band above the CSUF university wide minimum; the reason is that MSIS coursework relies on case analyses, presentations, and written analytics reports where a 6.5 band routinely falls short.
California State University Fullerton MSIS Business Analytics Application
The application file is filed through CSU Apply, which forwards it to the Mihaylo College graduate admissions committee for programme level review. All documents must be uploaded before the international deadline; late files are held for the next Fall cycle.
Application Checklist for Indian Students
- Completed CSU Apply form with the USD 70 (INR 6,672) non refundable fee paid by credit card.
- Official transcripts from every post secondary institution, evaluated by WES or IERF on a course by course basis.
- GMAT or GRE score, or a formal waiver request citing GPA above 3.3 or three plus years of relevant work experience.
- TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo score report sent directly by the testing agency to CSU code 4082.
- Statement of purpose of 500 to 750 words focused on why the Business Analytics concentration fits your career plan.
- Current resume detailing quantitative coursework, analytics tools used, and any data or research projects.
- Two letters of recommendation from professors, research supervisors, or line managers.
Timeline Every Intake for the Current Cycle
MSIS Business Analytics is a Fall only degree; no Spring or Summer entry is available. Indian applicants should back plan against the following anchor dates.
| Intake | Expected Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2027 | 15 June 2027 (Expected, based on Fall 2026 cycle) | Not Yet Open, portal opens 1 October 2026 |
| Spring 2027 | Not Offered | Program does not admit in Spring |
| Summer 2027 | Not Offered | Program does not admit in Summer |
How Indian Applicants Should Sequence the File
- Book the WES evaluation in October 2026 because the ICAP course by course report takes seven to twelve weeks for Indian transcripts.
- Attempt IELTS or PTE by December 2026 to allow one retest if the overall band falls below 7.0 or PTE 65.
- Draft the statement of purpose against a specific Business Analytics project, tool stack, or dataset you plan to build on.
- Request GMAT or GRE waiver in the CSU Apply portal only after receiving the WES report so the committee sees the confirmed GPA.
Also Check: Study in USA Guide for Indian Students
Application tip: Mihaylo College reads the SOP for evidence of quantitative maturity; name the tools you have used (SQL, Python, Tableau, R) and one analytics problem you have solved end to end rather than listing career goals in generic terms.
California State University Fullerton MSIS Business Analytics Scholarships
Mihaylo College graduate students are eligible for a small pool of on campus awards; the majority of the funding stack for Indian applicants comes from external Indian trusts and government fellowships. No award covers the full USD 37,186 (INR 35.44 Lakhs) tuition, so plan a combination of two or three sources.
On Campus and CSUF Scholarships for MSIS Students
| Scholarship | Approximate Value | Value in INR | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mihaylo College Graduate Scholarships | USD 1,000 to USD 5,000 per year | INR 95,310 to INR 4.77 Lakhs | Merit and need; single application via CSUF Scholarship Portal |
| Titan International Scholarship | USD 1,000 to USD 3,000 | INR 95,310 to INR 2.86 Lakhs | Open to F-1 students in good academic standing |
| Graduate Studies Grant for Research | Up to USD 750 | Up to INR 71,483 | Supports thesis or capstone Business Analytics projects |
| Graduate Assistantship (department based) | Hourly stipend at USD 20 to USD 30 | INR 1,906 to INR 2,859 per hour | Awarded after the first semester based on GPA and faculty need |
India Specific Scholarships to Layer On
- Fulbright Nehru Master Fellowship covers tuition, living allowance, and one round trip airfare for Indian citizens under 40.
- Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship awards up to USD 100,000 (INR 95.31 Lakhs) for postgraduate study at select universities including MSIS programmes in the United States.
- JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship offers a partial interest free loan of up to INR 10 Lakhs for postgraduate studies abroad.
- KC Mahindra Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies Abroad grants up to INR 10 Lakhs to Indian graduates admitted to a recognised international university.
- Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme funds 50 percent grant and 50 percent loan for postgraduate study for Indian applicants meeting the geographic criteria.
Read More: California State University Fullerton Scholarship List
Scholarship reality: A realistic funding stack for an Indian MSIS Business Analytics admit is Mihaylo College Graduate Scholarship of USD 3,000 plus a JN Tata loan of INR 10 Lakhs plus family or education loan for the balance; expect to self fund at least 60 percent of the tuition even after awards.
California State University Fullerton MSIS Business Analytics Salary
MSIS Business Analytics graduates enter the job market as data analysts, business intelligence analysts, analytics consultants, and product analytics associates. The Mihaylo College Career Services team reports strong Orange County and Los Angeles hiring, with a median starting salary of USD 81,000 (INR 77.20 Lakhs).
Salary Bands for Business Analytics Roles
| Role | Annual Salary (USD) | Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Median starting salary (MSIS graduate) | USD 81,000 | INR 77.20 Lakhs |
| Business Analytics associate range (0 to 2 years) | USD 78,000 to USD 105,000 | INR 74.34 Lakhs to INR 1.00 Crore |
| Senior data analyst (3 to 5 years) | USD 95,000 to USD 120,000 | INR 90.54 Lakhs to INR 1.14 Crore |
| Analytics manager mid career | USD 121,000 | INR 1.15 Crore |
Source: Mihaylo College of Business MSIS employment data and PayScale Business Analytics salary indices for Orange County and Los Angeles.
Top Employers of MSIS Business Analytics Alumni
- Disney recruits from CSUF for its Enterprise Data and Analytics team, based in Burbank.
- Kaiser Permanente hires analytics associates for population health, claims, and hospital operations reporting.
- Boeing and Edwards Lifesciences run recurring analytics rotations for MSIS graduates in the manufacturing and MedTech corridor.
- Deloitte and PwC hire MSIS Business Analytics graduates into consulting analyst roles at their Los Angeles and Costa Mesa offices.
Take home pay in California is meaningfully lower than the gross figure because of federal tax, the 9.3 percent state income tax bracket, and mandatory health insurance premiums. Use an official Franchise Tax Board or ADP calculator to convert an offer to monthly take home before signing.
Also Check: USA Post Study Work Visa Guide
ROI reality: A first year saving of USD 15,000 to USD 20,000 (INR 14.30 Lakhs to INR 19.06 Lakhs) after tax and living costs is realistic on the median USD 81,000 offer, meaning full tuition recovery inside 24 months of OPT if living expenses stay in a shared apartment.
USA Visa MSIS Business Analytics for Indian Students
Indian students admitted to the MSIS Business Analytics concentration enter the United States on the F-1 student visa issued against the Form I-20 that CSUF sends after paying the enrolment deposit. Because MSIS is a STEM designated CIP code programme, graduates qualify for the full 36 month OPT window.
- OPT (Optional Practical Training) grants 12 months of open work authorisation after graduation; the STEM extension adds another 24 months for a combined 36 months of employer sponsored work rights.
- Employers filing an H-1B visa for a Business Analytics role must pay at least USD 60,000 (INR 57.19 Lakhs) per year in prevailing wage terms to sponsor a beginner analyst.
- Dependent spouses can enter on the F-2 visa; F-2 status does not allow employment or full time degree study, but the spouse may enrol in vocational courses.
- Green card sponsorship through the EB-2 or EB-3 route is possible once the graduate is on H-1B; the priority date backlog for India is the main constraint, not eligibility.
Check Out: USA Student Visa Requirements for Indian Students
Visa reality: The 36 month STEM OPT window gives an Indian MSIS Business Analytics graduate three H-1B lottery entries; this is the single largest structural advantage over non STEM MBA concentrations, which get only one lottery attempt inside the standard 12 month OPT.
The MSIS Business Analytics concentration at California State University Fullerton fits an Indian graduate who wants a STEM designated, AACSB accredited analytics degree at roughly one third the cost of a private US analytics masters, with hiring access to Disney, Kaiser Permanente, Boeing, Deloitte, and PwC. Choose it if you value the 36 month OPT window and Orange County salary market more than a top 30 research brand; look elsewhere if you need a Spring intake or a pure data science curriculum.
MSIS Business Analytics FAQs
Ques. Is the MSIS Business Analytics concentration at CSUF STEM designated?
Ans. Yes, the MSIS programme, including the Business Analytics concentration, is STEM designated, which qualifies graduates for the full 36 month OPT extension with 12 months of standard OPT plus a 24 month STEM extension.
Ques. Can Indian students complete the MSIS Business Analytics degree in one year?
Ans. The minimum duration is 1.5 years (three semesters) for full time students taking 9 to 10 units per term; the two year path is standard for students who work part time as a graduate assistant or intern during the programme.
Ques. Does CSUF waive the GMAT or GRE for MSIS Business Analytics applicants?
Ans. Yes, Mihaylo College grants GMAT and GRE waivers on a case by case basis for applicants with a GPA above 3.3 or three plus years of documented analytics, engineering, or consulting experience; submit the waiver request inside the CSU Apply portal.
Ques. What is the difference between the Generalist MSIS and the Business Analytics concentration?
Ans. The Business Analytics concentration replaces electives with specific coursework in predictive modelling, data mining, business intelligence, and analytics visualisation, while the Generalist MSIS lets students pick from a wider elective menu covering systems analysis, IT project management, and cybersecurity.
Ques. What is the total cost of the MSIS Business Analytics programme for Indian students?
Ans. Plan for a total spend of about USD 95,000 (INR 90.54 Lakhs) over two years, covering tuition of roughly USD 37,186 (INR 35.44 Lakhs) plus living expenses of USD 27,888 (INR 26.58 Lakhs) per year in Fullerton.
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $15073 |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Housing | $14834 |
| Food | $6323 |
Fees Per Credit:- 1004.9
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $13116 |
Important Dates
| Event | Application Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake | |
Reviews
9 Reviews Found
Likes
- I did my research before applying to this university. Cal states offer a wide range of course curriculum especially for MS CS and MS BA. CSUF is on top for MS BA according to US News and CSULB comes next. Both of them were in my top preferences.
- California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) is a top choice for those seeking higher education in Southern California. My time at CSUF was enriching and diverse. I studied subjects like database management and cybersecurity, guided by expert and approachable faculty. The university's diverse student body encouraged collaboration, which improved my teamwork and communication skills.
- CSUF's Information Systems program emphasizes research, and I had the privilege of working on various research projects, deepening my understanding of the subject.
Dislikes
- Fewer or no scholarships are provided. Since the cost of living in Southern California is on the expensive side, it gets a little hard to manage your monthly budget if you're not working on campus. CSUF provides a wide range of employment opportunities for students, and there is a requirement almost all the time in the dining and parking areas on campus.
My time at CSUF has been a transformative journey. The challenging academics, supportive faculty, and vibrant campus life have provided me with invaluable knowledge and lifelong friendships. I've had opportunities to grow, explore my passions, and prepare for a successful future.
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Options Available
| Program | Delivery Type | Duration | Program Type | Tuition Fees |
| M.S Information Systems - Management | full time | 2 years | on-campus | $15973 |
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 4,000/Yr$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 20,000/Yr$20,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$ 10,000/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
















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