Frequently Asked Questions

QS Top Universities ranked our program #8 in the U.S. and #22 globally in its 2023 rankings of business analytics master’s programs. In 2023, , The Financial Engineer Times ranked our program #18.

Yes, the M.S. in Business Data Science & Analytics is officially designated as a STEM degree program under the Business Statistics CIP code.

A key feature of the program is the integration of corporate-sponsored projects that allow students to gain real-world experience. This hands-on approach ensures our students have the skills necessary to be successful in this growing field of work.

Students take classes with leading MSU faculty in the Broad College of Business as well as the College of Engineering (computer science).

MSU’s Master’s in Business Data Science & Analytics is based on a cohort model, ensuring low student-to-faculty ratios and increased networking opportunities.

The program is located on Michigan State University’s campus in East Lansing, Michigan. It cannot be taken part-time or online.

The program is designed to be completed in one calendar year, starting in January and ending in December. Because our program uses a cohort model, students are required to begin at the same time and continue their studies for the full year.

The curriculum includes courses in business analytics, strategy, data mining, data tools, applied statistics, project management, marketing technologies, communications and ethics taught by leading MSU faculty.

The program is structured to provide students with skills to gain them access to both business analytics and data science roles upon graduation. Accordingly, applicants should have introductory exposure to programming languages and statistics. This can be done through online learning platforms and does not need to be through undergraduate or other university coursework. Our program also provides extensive onboarding to ensure all students have an intermediate or above understanding of Python, R, SQL and basic statistics knowledge.

Yes! The program has a project-driven approach that gives students opportunities to gain exposure to real-world scenarios. Experiential learning allows students to be introduced to companies, work in teams and solve business problems using analytical techniques. We also hold several workshops and seminars throughout the program.

The summer internship, while required, is the student’s responsibility to obtain and not the College’s.

For questions beyond these FAQs, please contact the program’s admissions office via email at analytics@broad.msu.edu.

We admit 42–45 students per year.

The overall average GMAT score for the class of 2023 was 693.

The average GPA for the class of 2022 was 3.36.

On average, 90%+ of job-seeking students received full-time employment within three months of graduation.

Students have received offers from companies such as Ford, GM, Apple, IBM, Intel and more.

For our most recent graduating class, the average salary offer was approximately $90,000.

The Master’s in Business Data Science & Analytics program provides each student with a career services adviser to help in the search for employment through our Russell Palmer Career Management Center, which is dedicated to the Eli Broad College of Business. Students receive personalized resume reviews, practice interviews, negotiation advice, etc. The program also includes networking opportunities, workshops and career fairs to help students develop relationships with employers. Specifically, we have a spring business analytics fair focused on internships and a fall business analytics fair focused on full-time job opportunities.

For specific details, please visit our Admissions page.

We cannot provide you an evaluation of admission chances without a complete application.

No, work experience is not required for admission but is highly recommended.

Yes, we require GMAT or GRE, but waivers may be available based on your academic history. For specific details, please visit our Admissions page.

The M.S. in Business Data Science & Analytics GMAT code is QHO-5P-59. The GRE code is 1465.

We look for a minimum GMAT score of 600 and a minimum GRE score of 140 in each section.

The program does not require a specific undergraduate degree. If you lack experience in a specific area, like business analytics or data mining, for example, Coursera.com and Datacamp.com offer training classes that may be beneficial. Gaining additional training will ensure you have the base-level skills required to be successful in the classroom. Basic exposure to a programming language or stats package (Python, R, C, Java, etc.) is highly recommended prior to application.

There are no specific prerequisite courses for the program.

We look for exposure to all three pillars of our program: business, computer programming and statistics. If you find you are light in one of these areas, we recommend taking courses in the gap areas.

There are several great resources at MSU to help you prepare for an M.S. in Business Data Science & Analytics:

• Take introductory-style courses that provide some conceptual background and technical skill development. Examples of such courses are CMSE 201, CMSE 202, CSE 102, CSE 231, CSE 232 or PLS 392.
• Pursue a major or minor in one of the following: computational math, information technology, computer science, statistics or social science data analytics.

The Master’s in Business Data Science & Analytics program requires international applicants to provide an English language competency test score. You can find more information on the Graduate School’s website.

For specific details, please visit our Admissions page.

The program requires applicants to complete a four-year undergraduate degree.

For specific details, please visit our Admissions page.

The Office for International Students and Scholars is dedicated to providing support to Michigan State University’s international students, scholars and families.

Current tuition is set at $36,000 for in-state students and $39,000 for out-of-state international students. Please visit the Tuition and Financial Aid page for the most up-to-date information.

The program does not currently offer any graduate assistantships or scholarships.

Students are encouraged to visit the Graduate School’s website for information on assistantships.

Yes, internships are a required component of our program in the summer and provide hands-on learning opportunities in data science and business analytics. The majority obtained are paid internships.

Yes, there are opportunities available for on-campus employment.

Our expert team is ready to answer any additional questions regarding our M.S. in Business Data Science & Analytics — contact us at analytics@broad.msu.edu. We’re happy to help!