![Carlson School building](/sites/carlsonschool.umn.edu/files/styles/basic_hero/public/UM1_5168_0.jpg?h=2cd18f5c&itok=z1a9-LEJ)
MSBA Admission
MS in Business Analytics: Who we're looking for
The MSBA program is designed for students who can devote themselves to rigorous, full-time analytics study. The program is an excellent option for early- and mid-career professionals who want to enter the analytics field or level up their skills. Recent graduates of undergraduate programs in math, statistics, business, engineering, computer science, and other areas are also encouraged to apply.
Program Prerequisites
Qualified applicants should demonstrate a capacity for intense academic study, a propensity for mathematics and programming, and a basic understanding of business fundamentals. Recent graduates and early-career professionals with analytical backgrounds are eligible for the program.
To be considered for admission, the MS in Business Analytics program requires a first university degree that is an equivalent to a 4-year U.S. bachelor's degree.
Completion of at least one college-level calculus course is required, at the level of Calculus I or higher.
Demonstrated competency in computer programming in at least one of the following computer programming languages: Python, C, C++, C#, VB (not VBA), or Java. Academic transcripts, certificates from online courses, or work experience may be cited to meet this requirement.
Candidates are recommended to have:
- Undergraduate degree in economics, mathematics, engineering, business, computer science, statistics, or related field.
- At least one college-level statistics course
- Full-time work experience is not required. We do strongly recommend having at least some related internship(s) involving analyzing data, using technical software, and/or applying computer programming languages (e.g., Python, R, SQL, C, C++, C#, VB, Java, etc.), in addition to having related academic or extracurricular experiences.
Considerations when applying
The Master of Science in Business Analytics program offers a streamlined online application. The following materials are required to apply:
- Academic records from all institutions attended
- Video Interview (self-recorded)
- Video Essay
- Personal short essays
- Resume
- 2 recommendations
- English Language Test (if applicable)
Decisions:
Only fully completed applications are reviewed by the admissions committee and decisions will be released typically following the conclusion of the admission round in which it was completed. Applications submitted between rounds will not receive a decision until the next deadline has passed. Expect to receive an admission decision within approximately one to two months of application.