Do You Meet These Master’s in Business Analytics Requirements?

You’ve decided to pursue a Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program, and you’re already looking forward to learning cutting-edge data analytics techniques and software. Before you can start designing your class schedule, however, you need to get accepted to a program. That means you’ll need to meet all program requirements.

Admissions criteria lists may appear intimidating, but they reflect the foundational knowledge, skills and experiences needed for success in an MSBA program. For instance, it’s often much easier to keep up in an advanced math class when you’ve already completed introductory coursework and prepared for the math portion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Additionally, an impressive application could qualify you for merit-based scholarships and other forms of financial support.

This post breaks down the admissions requirements for a master’s in business analytics program to help you understand exactly what schools look for in applicants.

Academic Prerequisites

A bachelor’s degree is one of the foundational requirements for a master’s in business analytics. Some applicants hold undergraduate business degrees. Others hold degrees in STEM fields, such as computer science, engineering or math. Regardless of your major, your degree must be from a regionally accredited college or university.

Depending on the MSBA program, the admissions criteria may include prerequisite courses in the following areas:

• Calculus
• Computer programming
• Statistics

The admissions staff will review your transcript(s) thoroughly to confirm that you have completed the proper coursework. They’ll also verify your GPA. At William & Mary’s Raymond A. Mason School of Business, MSBA students have an average GPA of 3.5, but you can get accepted with a 3.0 or higher.

If you haven’t completed all of the required coursework or have a somewhat lower GPA, don’t panic. Consider completing your master’s in business analytics prerequisites at a local community college to bolster your skill set and application. For example, business analysts often use relational databases such as SQL to organize and sift through data.¹ While you don’t necessarily need this skill to get accepted to an MSBA program, it could give you valuable preparation for your analytics courses and help make your application stand out.

Standardized Test Requirements

Some MSBA programs require the GRE or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). While there is no universal threshold for a "good" GRE score, the following are the average scores for people who plan to pursue a graduate degree in business:²

• Verbal reasoning: 153
• Quantitative reasoning: 160
• Analytical writing: 3.6

The GMAT also includes three sections: quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning and data insights. The scores for each section add up to a grand total, which ranges from 205 to 805.³

The Raymond A. Mason School of Business doesn’t require GMAT or GRE scores, but you may submit them voluntarily if you believe they will strengthen your application. For example, an impressive GMAT score could make up for a less-than-stellar GPA.

Professional and Technical Skills

Business analytics uses vast amounts of data—such as customer survey results and social media metrics—to answer questions and make strategic decisions. Some colleges and universities have specific skill requirements for a master’s in business analytics to make sure you’re ready for this challenging field.

The Mason School of Business requires at least two years of professional work experience for Online MSBA students. Other programs may admit students directly after they finish their bachelor’s degree. However, relevant work experience can still boost your application by demonstrating your commitment to the field and development of real-world skills.

An MSBA takes the right abilities and experience, too. Carefully consider the skills for a successful career in business analytics and how you might highlight the following in your application materials:

• Business acumen 
• Data analysis 
• Data visualization 
• Programming
• Statistics 

Additionally, you may want to develop or expand your knowledge of key tools before applying. For instance, business analysts often use Python to develop machine learning models, while the R programming language helps process large datasets efficiently. Tableau is a go-to data visualization platform, while Excel helps organize structured data such as customer phone numbers and sales figures.

Application Materials

Different master’s in business analytics programs have their own requirements, but applications typically include the following materials:

• Resume or CV highlighting relevant skills and experiences
• Statement of purpose or personal essay
• Letters of recommendation from professors or employers

Submitting materials that speak to your relevant skills and abilities can make a meaningful difference in admissions outcomes. For instance, a persuasive statement of purpose that reflects your passion for helping businesses flourish with data-informed decision-making could help make up for a lower GPA.

Soft Skills Programs Value

While technical skills play an essential role in MSBA programs, interpersonal or “soft” skills are also critically important.⁴ Consider how you might strengthen the following abilities and highlight them in your application materials:

• Communication: Actively listen to what stakeholders need
• Critical thinking and problem-solving: Business analysts tackle big-picture problems, such as declining employee morale or seemingly inexplicable consumer behaviors
• Storytelling with data: Turn abstract or complex data into engaging stories that teach listeners something new or help them solve problems

How to Strengthen Your Application

There’s no guaranteed way to get admitted to a graduate program, but you can stack the odds in your favor with careful planning.

If you’ve already met all the basic master’s in business analytics requirements, level up your application by completing supplementary courses or certifications in analytics in advance. There are a variety of different upskilling opportunities available online, tailored to different skill levels and interests. Consider which options might best fit your interests and address any gaps in your skills and experience.

Additionally, it can be invaluable to participate in relevant projects or internships, which you can then highlight in your personal statement. For example, you might analyze adoption data for a local animal shelter to help the organization apply for grants and leverage this experience to illustrate your motivations for pursuing an MSBA.

Lastly, don’t underestimate the value of networking. Ask established business analysts to give you feedback on your application. Additionally, you can reach out to the program’s alumni to learn more about the culture, then tweak your application to show how you’d fit in.

Become a Data Leader With an Online MSBA

Take the next step in your data analytics journey with William & Mary’s Online Master of Science in Business Analytics (OMSBA) program. The program’s rigorous curriculum will allow you to expand your technical knowledge and develop the skills needed to leverage analytical insights effectively in communications and decision-making. Coursework focuses on decision modeling, AI applications for businesses, and other essential topics. Review our admissions criteria and schedule an appointment with an admissions outreach advisor to learn more.