Admissions
Who Should Apply?
The MS in Business Analytics is a rigorous, fast-paced graduate program for analytical thinkers with an interest in business. 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. Ideal candidates should meet the following criteria:
- Undergraduate degree in economics, mathematics, engineering, business, computer science, statistics, or related field is preferred, but not required
- Demonstrated competency in computer programming in at least one of the following computer programming languages is required: Python, R, C, C++, C#, VB, Java, PHP, Pascal, or Fortran. Academic transcripts, certificates from online courses, or work experience may be cited to meet this requirement.
- At least one-semester college level calculus course is required.
- Work experience is not required, but strongly preferred.
No programming experience?
Did you know that completing an online certificate course or program can satisfy this prerequisite? Learning platforms such as Coursera, Udemy and edX host online, university level courses where you can learn from a wide range of disciplines, including the fundamentals of a programming language. The following programming languages satisfy the requirement: Python, R, C, C++, C#, Visual Basic (VB), Java, PHP, Pascal or Fortran.
Tips for selecting an online certificate course:
- Make sure the course you select is at least 20 hours in duration and provides a verifiable certificate of completion which you will upload and submit with your online application.
- Since the Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program starts with using Python, we recommend choosing this language for your certificate course.
- Common course names or search terms include "for Beginners" "for Everybody" "Crash Course" "Basics" "Introduction" "Bootcamp" "Zero to Mastery" or "Zero to Hero".
Program Snapshot
Start Date: Summer (June)
Duration: 1-year full-time program; 45 credits
Location: On-campus classes held during the day
Application Deadlines
| Round | Submission Deadline | Decision Notification |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 |
November 1, 2020 |
December 31, 2020 |
| Round 2 |
January 3, 2021 |
March 15, 2021 |
| Round 3 |
February 3, 2021 - Final deadline for international applicants |
April 15, 2021 |
| Round 4 |
March 15, 2021 - Final deadline for domestic applicants |
April 30, 2021 |
IMPORTANT: The MSBA Program Orientation is required for all incoming students. Orientation for Summer 2021 will be held in June 2021.
Scholarships
The Carlson School is offering $400,000 in merit-based scholarships for qualified students to join the MSBA program in June 2021.
Contact MS Business Analytics
- Email: msba@umn.edu
- Phone: 612-625-5555