Is Chico State’s MSBA or MBA Analytics Program Worth It for International Students?

If you’re an international student thinking about studying Business Analytics in the U.S., you’ve probably seen options like MSBA or an MBA with a track in analytics.

You’ve also likely heard of bigger-name cities and schools, maybe in the Bay Area, New York, or Boston.

But in all that noise, Chico State quietly shows up with real strengths: hands-on teaching, strong job placement support, a global SAP partnership, and one of the most affordable lifestyles for students in California.

How do I know this?
11 years ago, I studied and graduated from Chico State. In the last 5+ years of my content creation journey, I’ve visited Chico many times, and I recently recorded a podcast with some great professors too. 

But Still, is it worth it?

Let’s break it down in detail.
This is for students who are trying to make a smart ROI-based decision, not just chasing big names.

► First, What Are the Two Programs?

Chico State offers two programs that are often compared:

- MSBA (Master of Science in Business Analytics)  

- MBA with a Track in Business Analytics

They sound similar. But they’re built for two different student profiles.

 → MSBA:  

- Designed for students with a technical or engineering background  

- Includes programming, data tools, and applied analytics  

- Great if you want to work as a data analyst, BI engineer, or product manager

 → MBA Analytics Track:  

- Designed for students from business or commerce backgrounds  

- Includes more on strategic decision-making, data interpretation, and management  

- Great if you want to work in marketing analytics, strategy, or consulting

Both programs are STEM-designated, which means 3 years of OPT eligibility (1 year + 2-year extension).

► Curriculum Breakdown

The MSBA is tool-heavy and hands-on.
The faculty described it as “experiential learning.”

Here’s what you learn:

- Data modeling and database management  

- PowerBI and Tableau (used in real assignments, not just shown in slides)  

- Basics of neural networks and predictive analytics  

- How to structure business problems and create dashboards  

- Exposure to SAP systems through real interfaces, not just mock demos

The MBA program leans more toward:

- Business strategy  

- Understanding and interpreting analytical outputs  

- Decision-making frameworks  

- Less coding, more stakeholder-facing work

Both programs include career-aligned electives in areas like:

- Financial analytics  

- Marketing analytics  

- Accounting analytics  

- HR analytics  

And yes, course requirements differ based on your academic background.

If you don’t have calculus/statistics or basic business foundations (finance/marketing), 

you’ll be expected to take prerequisite modules in the first semester.

► What Kind of Jobs Do Students Get?

This is probably your biggest question, and it should be.

Here’s what the faculty confirmed from years of experience, industry connections, and alumni placement data:

 MSBA Graduates land roles like:

- Business Analyst  

- Data Analyst  

- BI Engineer  

- Product Manager (esp. with tech background)  

- Technical Program Manager  

- SAP Functional Analyst  

 MBA Analytics Graduates often go into:

- Marketing Analyst  

- Product Marketing Manager  

- Strategy Analyst  

- Consulting roles (non-technical)  

- Operations Analyst  

“If you're looking to become a data scientist,” the professors said, “this is not the right program. That needs a math-heavy data science degree.”

But if you’re looking for roles at the intersection of business and tech, these programs are well-positioned.

► Internship and Job Opportunities

Chico State takes internships very seriously, not as an optional extra, but as a core part of the student experience.

○ Career Fairs:

- Held multiple times each semester  

- Open to both business and engineering students  

- Companies include: IBM, HP, Chevron, Infosys, Del Monte, Micron, Workday, American Express, and more  

- Students are encouraged to start attending from the first semester — not to get jobs, but to build relationships

○ Internship Support:

- Programs are CPT-compatible  

- You can earn academic credit for internships, which keeps it within visa rules  

- The university helps you register internships as part of coursework if needed  

 “Internships convert to jobs. It’s a trial period for both sides,” said one of the professors. “If you show up on time, are willing to learn, and ask questions, companies will invest in you.”

► What About On-Campus Jobs?

There are plenty.

- TA (Teaching Assistant) and GA (Graduate Assistant) positions  

- Real project-based jobs, e.g., helping faculty build department websites  

- Campus clubs, organizations, and SAP-related roles

You’re not just shelving books in the library. 

These jobs often give real U.S. work experience that you can add to your resume.

 ► SAP Hosting Center 

This part is rare. 

Chico State is one of only 5 SAP global hosting centers in the world.

That means:

- They host SAP software for 3,000+ universities globally  

- Students get real exposure to enterprise systems used by companies like Infosys, Deloitte, Workday  

- It creates an edge for functional analyst, BI developer, or ERP-focused roles

“Even Workday hires our SAP students,” said the director. “Because they know we teach business processes the right way.”

► “But Chico is in a small town…”

Let’s address this head-on.

Yes, Chico is not the Bay Area.
It’s a smaller town, about a 3-hour drive from San Francisco.

But:

- Bay Area companies still come to Chico for hiring  

- Cost of living is far lower: rent, groceries, entertainment  

- You can still attend Bay Area events occasionally (drive or rent a car with friends)  

- You build closer bonds with faculty and classmates (which big city schools often lack)  

- You don’t waste time commuting or burning out in expensive housing

And here's what many overlook: Employers don’t care where you study.
They care about what you know.

If Chico trains you well and gives you a project portfolio and industry exposure, that’s what makes you employable.

 ► Final Advice from Faculty (And It’s Good)

“Don’t come with tunnel vision,” said one professor. 

“Be open. Explore. Learn. Build skills that’ll matter 20 years from now, not just for your first job.”

They’re not selling dreams here.
They’re pushing student responsibility.

If you show up, get involved, go to events, talk to industry guests, and build relationships, you will get opportunities.

But if you expect the brand name to do the work for you, you’re in the wrong mindset.

Summing it up

If you’re looking for:

✅ A STEM-eligible Business Analytics degree  

✅ Hands-on, industry-relevant learning  

✅ Strong internship support  

✅ Real-world SAP exposure  

✅ Faculty who care and mentor you  

✅ Lower cost of living without compromising outcomes  

Then yes,
Chico State’s MSBA or MBA in Analytics is worth it.

Just don’t come expecting shortcuts.
Come ready to build.

-Yudi J