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Admission to the M.S. in Business Analytics is based on academic and professional background, as well as potential for a successful career in analytics. Each applicant is evaluated on the basis of these criteria and in relation to 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. Dual enrollment opportunities are available for select MSU students, but require significant early planning–please contact our director, Gayle Nelson, at analytics@broad.msu.edu for more information, as well as consulting with your undergraduate advisor.
Domestic and all MSU undergraduate candidates are admitted on a rolling basis throughout the year for the January start date. International candidates will be reviewed in 5 batches throughout the cycle. Admission to the program is selective. The applicant’s overall record is considered, including the statement of objectives, recommendations, academic transcripts, interview and composite of other documents. Each year we target a maximum class size of 48 students.
The application IS CLOSED for spring enrollment (January 2021). The application for January 2022 will open on March 15, 2021, and will close October 15, 2021. Apply early for the best chance at admission.
All applications must be completed by October 15 in order to be considered for admission to the program for the upcoming spring term, including letters of recommendation received. IF YOUR MATERIALS ARE NOT 100% RECEIVED AND COMPLETE, YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE CLOSED AFTER THE DEADLINE AND NOT REVIEWED FOR ADMISSION. Domestic applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. MSU students graduating in May 2020 who apply by April 1 will have an interview decision no later than April 15, 2020. Most domestic applicants will receive a response to their application (interview, waitlist, or not admitted) within three weeks of a complete and submitted application. Interviewed candidates will have a decision within two weeks post-interview. For international applicants, applications will be reviewed as they are completed and interview decision will go out in four batches: May 1, July 1, August 15, September 15th, and October 16.
To be considered for admission, applicants are expected to have:
There are a few additional requirements for international applicants to the M.S. in Business Analytics program:
You may upload unofficial transcripts to the application portal. Upon admission to the program, please provide one set of official transcripts of all academic work completed in colleges or universities other than MSU. You may send hard copy transcripts prior to admission to expedite admission processing later, but it is not required until admission. Applicants who have attended other colleges and universities must make arrangements with the registrar’s office at each college attended to have the transcripts sent. All transcripts should be sent directly to the program office. When your application is submitted, it will state your official transcripts are “not received” – this is expected and will not delay your review.
M.S. in Business Analytics GMAT code: QHO-5P-59. GRE university code: 1465.
We only require the unofficial score on your application. The application summary will state your scores are not received; your application will still be reviewed with the unofficial scores entered.
GMAT waivers are provided to MSU graduates with a cumulative GPA over 3.25. However, if you have minimal work/internship experience and/or your GPA is close to that mark, you may wish to take the exam, as a strong score can support your application. Students from other institutions may request a waiver by sending their resume/CV and unofficial transcripts to analytics@broad.msu.edu for evaluation.
Please arrange to have recommendations from former faculty members or knowledgeable employers 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 will input their email addresses into the portal, and they will be sent a link to fill out a standard recommendation form. Recommenders may also upload a letter to this form if they wish. Applications are not complete without both recommendations.
The statement should be no longer than two typed, double-spaced pages. Please address the following: 1) Why are you interested in the M.S. in Business Analytics program? 2) How will your background contribute to your success in the program? 3) Briefly describe your career goals and how the program will assist in attaining your objectives.
Submit a current resume in reverse chronological order of your work (most recent first), education, and other experience. A sample format is available for your reference.
There are a few additional requirements for international applicants to the M.S. in Business Analytics program:
You may upload unofficial transcripts to the application portal. Upon admission to the program, please request that all colleges or universities attended and examination boards send original or attested copies of all transcripts, diplomas, mark sheets, and certificates directly to the program office in an official, sealed envelope. In addition, where the original documents are not issued in English, also provide an official English translation of each document. While these official documents are not needed to review your application, you may wish to begin the process of having them sent early to expedite later processing if you are admitted.
University code: 1465.
The official results from the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS must be submitted to the M.S. in Business Analytics program office. TOEFL scores may be sent electronically, but IELTS scores must be sent in paper copy in a sealed envelope from the testing service – we do not accept electronic official scores from IELTS.
The English language proficiency test requirement may be waived for international students whose native language is not English with one or more of the following: