NEW! Spring 2027 MSBDSA Enrollment Option — Take the next step in your data analytics career with our fully asynchronous, online MSBDSA program. Start in January 2027 and choose a 4-semester accelerated path or a custom course plan that works for you. Apply by November 1, 2026!
Now is a great time to submit your application for Spring 2027 or Fall 2027!
The MSBDSA is a fully asynchronous, flexible online program with multiple enrollment options to fit your goals and schedule.
**NEW Spring 2027: Begin in January 2027 and complete the program in 16-months (4 semesters) or follow a custom course plan. Application deadline: November 1, 2026.
Fall 2027: Begin in late August 2027 and complete the program in 20-months (5 semesters) or follow a custom course plan. Application deadline: April 1, 2027.
Application Checklist:
- Review the full application requirements.
- Start your application here: Apply | The Graduate School | Michigan State University
- Once you’ve completed the online application, pay the application fee and submit.
- A completed application includes all materials: resume, personal statement, video essay, transcripts, test scores as appropriate, and recommendations.
- The admissions committee cannot assess your chances of getting a program acceptance until your application files are uploaded to the system, and you have submitted a completed application.
M.S. in Business Data Science & Analytics Admission Criteria
To be considered for admission, applicants must complete an online application through the MSU Office of Admissions. To be admitted, candidates should have/provide:
- Official transcripts from an earned, 4- year bachelor’s degree at a recognized educational institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher or equivalent academic credential,
- Relevant work experience and/or other evidence of ability to succeed in the program,
- Two academic or professional recommendations,
- A personal statement, a resume and a video essay,
- Completed, with a grade of 3.0 or higher, college-level courses in calculus and statistics,
- Experience in programming languages, such as Python, Java, HTML, C and C++, and statistical software tools.
Guidance on Recommendations
Provide two academic or professional recommendations from individuals who can support your candidacy for the program by providing evidence of your academic potential and demonstrated abilities as a potential graduate student. To streamline the process, no letters are needed! You will input your recommenders email addresses into the application portal, and they will be sent a link to access the recommendation section.
Guidance on Personal Statement
The statement should be limited to two typed, double-spaced pages. Please address the following:
- Why are you interested in the M.S. in Business Data Science & Analytics program?
- How will your background contribute to your success in the program?
- Briefly describe your career goals and how the program will assist in attaining your objectives.
Guidance on Video Essay
The application will have a series of rotating prompts for a brief video essay. These are quick and authentic ways for us to get a better sense of how you’ll fit into the program. Students will answer one video essay question within the application system.
Guidance on Resume
Submit a current resume listing your work, education, and other relevant experiences.
Guidance on Transcripts
You’ll need to have your U.S. based undergrad institution send official transcripts electronically to admis@msu.edu. Note: If your undergrad institution does not send official electronic copies, then hard copies can be mailed directly to MSU Admissions: https://admissions.msu.edu/contact-us
If you completed your bachelor’s degree outside of the U.S. the institution must mail hard copies in both English and original language and certified degree copies directly to MSU Admissions: https://admissions.msu.edu/contact-us.
If official transcripts are not readily available, you may upload unofficial transcripts, certificates, and diplomas to the application portal. MSU Admissions can temporarily admit international applicants with electronic copies of official documents while we wait for hard copies to arrive at the admissions office. Official documents are still required within the first semester.
Additional Application Requirements for International Candidates
In addition, international applicants to the M.S. in Business Data Science & Analytics program should note:
- English Competency Test Scores
English competency test scores are required, with minimum scores of 250 on the computer version of the TOEFL and 100 on the internet-based test or a minimum of 7 on the IELTS. Waivers will be considered as detailed below for students who completed either an undergraduate or graduate degree at an institution where the primary method of instruction was in English. - Student Visa Not Available
This is a fully online program and student visas are not available, as online students are not eligible for CPT/OPT.