Admission to the M.S. in Business Data Science and Analytics (MS-BDSA) is based on academic and professional background and potential for a successful career in analytics. Each Master’s in Business Data Science and Analytics applicant is evaluated based on these criteria and the current applicant group. We admit students from all academic backgrounds who have a strong interest in analytics and data science. Full-time work experience is not required to apply for this program.
Admission to the Master’s in Business Data Science and Analytics program is selective. The applicant’s overall record is considered, including the statement of objectives, recommendations, academic transcripts, interview, and a composite of other documents. Each year we target maximum class size of 48 students.
Application Information:
- We encourage those interested in the process to check out the frequently asked questions page, which contains many of the common questions that candidates have about the program.
- For domestic applicants and international students already in the US, there is an additional batch deadline of November 30th, 2024, for the Spring 2025 cohort.
- The application for Spring 2026 will open on March 15th, 2025.
- Applications will be reviewed in batches. Each batch’s deadlines are May 1, July 1, and August 15. Applications must be submitted and completed by August 15 to be considered for the program that starts in the upcoming spring semester.
- Late applications will not be reviewed. Most candidates will be contacted within three (3) weeks following those dates on whether the decision has been to a waitlist, denied, or interviews. Current MSU students graduating in May that apply before April 1st will have an interview decision by April 15th.
- This is a one-year, on-premises, fixed-curriculum, cohort-based program that begins in the spring semester (January) and graduates at the end of the fall semester (December). The program cannot be completed online, hybrid, or over multiple years.
- We do not admit for fall or summer semester start.
- A completed application includes all materials: resume, personal statement, video essay, transcripts, test scores, and recommendations. A submitted application is NOT COMPLETE until all recommendations are received.
The 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. We cannot evaluate your profiles via email or phone.
M.S. in Business Data Science and Analytics Admission Criteria
To be considered for admission, applicants are expected to have following:
• Four Year Bachelor’s Degree
You must have completed a four-year bachelor’s degree from a recognized educational institution to apply for admission.
• GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Exam) Scores
We only require the unofficial score on your application. The application portal will state that your scores are not received. However, your application will still be reviewed.
M.S. in Business Data Science and Analytics GMAT code: QHO-5P-59. GRE university code: 1465.
- GRE / GMAT Waivers
Candidates who graduated from a domestic 4-year institution within the United States with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher may request a waiver. Graduates from Michigan State University will be granted an automatic waiver with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher.
Candidates requesting a GRE/GMAT waiver should email their resume and unofficial transcript to analytics@broad.msu.edu.
International candidates must have a minimum of 4+ years of work experience to be considered for a GRE/GMAT waiver.
Waiver requests must be submitted and approved before SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION.
• Two Letters of Recommendations
Please arrange to have recommendations from individuals who can support your candidacy for the program. The recommendations should provide evidence of your academic potential and demonstrated abilities as a potential graduate student. You may use academic OR professional references–there is no requirement to have one or the other.
You will input their email addresses into the portal, and they will be sent a link to access the recommendation section.
• 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 and 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.
• Video Essay
The application will have a series of rotating video essays. Students will answer one video essay question within the application system.
• Resume
Submit a current resume listing your work, education, and other relevant experiences. A sample format is available for your reference.
• Transcripts
You may upload unofficial transcripts, certificates, and diplomas to the application portal.
Upon admission to the program, please provide one set of officially stamped hard copies or attested copies of transcripts, certificates, and diplomas of all academic work completed in colleges or universities other than MSU. Once received, all official documents become Michigan State University’s property and will not be returned.
Instructions on submitting official documents to the Michigan State University Office of Admissions will be provided upon recommendation for admission to the program.
• Optional Statement
Please ONLY write an optional statement if you have items that need further explanation on your application–significant gaps in employment, negative grade impacts, etc. Do NOT write this to expand on skills already mentioned in your resume or personal statement or mentioned in the certificates section.
Additional Requirements for International Candidates
There are a few additional requirements for international applicants to the M.S. in Business Data Science & Analytics program:
- English Competency Test ScoresEnglish 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
Upon acceptance to the program, students must file for a student visa (I-20 or DS-2019).As part of the application, students must show adequate proof of financial support. In addition, all international students must provide a signed affidavit of support and a bank statement with the account holder’s name in English.The financial amount can be found on our Tuition page. This must be in a checking or savings account or via official loan paperwork. This is not required until admission.Questions about the visa process should be directed to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS).