Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. We will accept GRE scores; however, GMAT scores are preferred.

The average GMAT score for successful applicants is 630. The average GRE score includes line scores of 155 in both the verbal and quant categories for a total score of 310 (or higher).

Applicants with significant relevant experience (primarily for the online program) can inquire about a GMAT waiver by emailing msmr@broad.msu.edu. Applicants with a 3.5 or higher undergrad GPA from MSU (or an equivalent U.S. institution) may have the GMAT/GRE waived. Please send your resume and unofficial undergraduate transcripts to msmr@broad.msu.edu when inquiring about test waivers.

We accept GPAs in the 3.0 range. Typically, those accepted have approximately a 3.5 GPA.

The average class size is 25-35 students per cohort.

2025 Fall Full-Time On-Campus Program: April 1st, 2025.

2025 Part-Time 100% Online Program: May 1st, 2025.

2026 Full-Time 100% Online Program: October 1st, 2025.

Most documents can be emailed to msmr@broad.msu.edu.

More information on official transcripts:

Official transcripts that can be sent electronically can be emailed directly from your undergrad institution to: msmr@broad.msu.edu. Hard copy transcripts can be mailed to the following address below. Please make sure to attach electronic copies of your transcripts to your MSMRA application in addition to having hard copy documents mailed to MSU admissions:

Michigan State University
Office of Admissions
426 Auditorium Road
East Lansing, MI 48824

Note: most materials can be uploaded into the Graduate Education Student Portal.

Please email your transcripts and resume to msmr@broad.msu.edu to determine if this requirement would apply to your application.

No. We do not offer any student conditional admission to the program.

International Applicant Common Questions, please consider this your response if you are sending us these questions:

• We do not waive application fees; these are charged by the MSU Office of Admissions to all applicants. You must have either a four-year bachelor’s degree or a three-year bachelor’s degree and a two-year master’s degree to apply to this program; there are no waivers for work experience for degree requirements.
• If you attended undergrad outside the US, you must provide an English Language test score and GMAT/GRE test score in the acceptance range to be competitive for this program. There is no waiver for this requirement.
• If you completed your undergraduate degree at an institution in the United States, you do not need to provide an English Language test score, and if your GPA was above 3.5, you do not need to provide a GMAT/GRE score. If your GPA was below a 3.5, a GMAT/GRE score is recommended to be most competitive.
• MSU admissions do not accept “WES” transcript reviews; please follow the MSMRA checklist located on our MSMRA Application Checklist for guidance on providing official transcripts.

• • If you graduated with your bachelors degree from an institution within United States, please have that university send your transcripts to MSU Admissions electronically (admins@msu.edu).

• • If you graduated with your bachelors degree from an International university outside of the US, you must have hard copy transcripts and certified degree copies in sealed envelopes in both English and original language mailed to MSU Admissions: https://admissions.msu.edu/contact-us.

• We do not have funding available through this program, if you are seeking funding options, please contact the MSU Office of Financial Aid: https://broad.msu.edu/masters/marketing-research/tuition/. We will let students accepted for the program know as hourly student worker roles become available for those seeking working opportunities while studying in this program. We do not have graduate assistantships available through our program, students can pursue other graduate assistantship opportunities around MSU while studying in our program if they choose.

No. Diverse backgrounds are encouraged. Common non-business majors include advertising, psychology and social sciences.

The spring full-time option begins in January (spring semester) each year.

The fall full-time option begins in late August (fall semester) each year.

The part-time online program begins in late August (fall semester) each year.

Yes, we offer 12 months full-time online or 20 months part-time online.

Starting in Fall 2023, the Master of Science in Marketing Research and Analytics’ (MSMRA) CIP Code will be changed from 52.1402 (Marketing Research) to CIP code 52.1302 (Business Statistics). The new CIP code is currently included in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) 2020 STEM Designated Degree Program List. International MSMRA fall cohort students with a valid F-1 status will be eligible for an updated I-20 reflecting the new CIP code (52.1302). Updated I-20s will be provided to students during fall 2023 semester.

In addition to the initial 12-month Optional Practical Training (OPT), qualified F-1 students who receive a degree listed in the DHS’s STEM Designated Degree Program List are eligible to apply for a 24-month STEM extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT). This designation will allow students who receive an I-20 with the new CIP code (52.1302) to pursue a total of 36-months of employment authorization in the United States. The new CIP code for this program, effective Fall 2023, will be: Business Statistics (CIP 52.1302).

View our Spartan Insights Podcast page to hear from MSMRA students and graduates.

Visit our Careers & Outcomes page to learn more about the prospects for marketing research professionals.

Please see our Tuition and Financial Aid page for the most up-to-date information regarding MSMRA program tuition and fees. The amount listed includes tuition and required software for the program. The total cost is billed in block tuition format and is paid in equal installments at the beginning of each semester.

Yes. Please visit our Tuition and Financial Aid page for resources regarding scholarships.

The Office of Admissions begins sending out official acceptance packets in October for the spring full-time online program, in July for the fall full-time program and the part-time online program.

See the Academic Calendar on the Registrar’s website for semester start dates.

No. We enroll you in all of your classes. We will inform you as soon as you have been enrolled so that you may access your course schedule and student billing information.

Yes, we recommend purchasing from the MSU Bookstore, https://www.bkstr.com/spartanbookstore/shop/textbooks-and-course-materials.

We recommend a Windows-based computer, but a Mac is also acceptable.

Owen Hall is located across Bogue Street from the Business College Complex and offers housing to MSU graduate students.