51±¬ÁÏ

51±¬ÁÏ’s M.S. in Business Analytics program offers comprehensive courses that equip students to thrive in the current business environment. As part of our commitment to provide students with skills that are highly sought after by employers, we give them the opportunity to work with experienced professors. 

Rouzbeh Razavi, Ph.D., is an associate professor who works closely with students in the MSBA program to help them gain industry-relevant knowledge they can apply in real-world settings. Learn about Razavi’s teaching philosophy, recent projects, and his passion for working with students.

How do you focus on student engagement in an online learning environment?

In an online setting, student engagement starts with how the content is designed and delivered. I ensure that materials are presented in an interesting, accessible, and career-relevant way, so students immediately see the value of what they’re learning. 

I also incorporate a variety of learning activities, including real-world case applications, discussion forums, hands-on assignments, and recorded walkthroughs. The goal is to make learning active and purposeful, and to foster a sense of connection, even in an asynchronous environment.

What is your favorite teaching moment or most rewarding aspect of working with students?

The most rewarding moments are when students share that they’ve landed their dream job, earned a promotion, or achieved a professional milestone, and they explicitly credit what they learned in the course as part of their success. Knowing that something they learned in my class made a direct impact on their career journey is incredibly fulfilling.

What is your teaching philosophy?

I teach applied courses, and my core philosophy is to ensure that what students learn can be immediately used in real-world settings. At the same time, I place strong emphasis on helping students develop the ability to learn how to learn, which is critical in a fast-evolving field like business analytics. 

My goal is to create confident, adaptable learners who are prepared to face new tools, methods, and challenges throughout their careers.

Can you describe a recent project or research initiative you are excited about?

I’m currently teaching our Capstone course, where students propose their own projects. It’s always exciting to see the creativity and diversity of topics students bring forward, such as applying analytics methods they’ve learned to solve real-world problems in healthcare, banking, traffic management, the supply chain, and more. 

Watching them connect classroom knowledge to professional and personal interests is a highlight of the program.

What advice do you have for students pursuing careers in your discipline?

Business analytics is a fast-moving field. I encourage students to stay current with the latest tools and trends, join professional communities, attend virtual events, and take on side projects that let them explore real data and problems. These experiences not only deepen their learning but also help build a strong portfolio and network.

Why should students pursue their online graduate degree at 51±¬ÁÏ?

51±¬ÁÏ’s M.S. in Business Analytics program is designed to be comprehensive, applied, and flexible. All core courses are Quality Matters certified, which reflects our commitment to high-quality online learning. The program is structured to support students from diverse professional backgrounds and offers strong faculty engagement and student support, making it a great fit for working professionals seeking to advance their careers.

Continue Your Academic Journey Through Our MSBA Program

If you are looking to apply your insights to the business world and work in a thriving field, apply to our MSBA program. And if you have questions or need more information about our MSBA program, contact our team today.