Master of Science in Business Analytics

Program Prerequisites

To be considered for admission to the M.S. in Business Analytics program, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Have a conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited US college or university or its equivalent in another country at the time of matriculation; candidates enroll in the program with a wide range of undergraduate majors
• Have a minimum of two years of professional work experience (post-bachelor’s degree) by the program’s first day of class; candidates enroll in the program with a wide range of professional backgrounds
• Show evidence of strong problem-solving and analytical skills through a combination of academic background, work experience, and optional GMAT, GRE or Executive Assessment test scores
• Demonstrate professional readiness and motivation for chosen field of study
• Qualities of character (e.g., academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, strong work ethic, ability to collaborate, awareness & ability to engage cross differences, growth mindset, initiative, resilience & perseverance, social engagement, unique perspective, professional excellence, leadership, and personal & professional integrity)
• Evidence of strong written and oral communication skills; non-native English speakers also must demonstrate proficiency in oral and written English to be successful in the graduate program

Admission Requirements

Candidates seeking admission to the M.S. in Business Analytics program will submit the following items:

• Completed online application
• Resume
• Two required essays
• One letter of recommendation (professional reference preferred)
• Transcripts and academic records from every college and/or university attended
• TOEFL or IELTS score (if applicable); McIntire requires a minimum TOEFL score of 100iBT or IELTS score of 7.5
• GMAT, GRE or Executive Assessment (EA) score (accepted but not required)
• Application fee: $85
• Interview (invitation only)

Candidates who accept their offer of admission will be required to submit their online enrollment agreement as well as $1,000 non-refundable deposit to reserve their place in the class and initiate their University of Virginia student account. A second and final non-refundable deposit of $1,500 is required to confirm your place in the class. Please refer to the M.S. in Business Analytics deadlines page for specific enrollment deposit submission dates. Upon enrollment, the entire $2,500 enrollment deposit will be applied to your tuition account.

For additional information, please visit the M.S. in Business Analytics program website or contact:

McIntire Office of Graduate Marketing & Admissions

1100 Wilson Boulevard

Floors 30-31

Arlington, Virginia 22209

(434) 982-6800

msba@virginia.edu

https://msba.virginia.edu

Departmental Financial Aid

The McIntire School of Commerce offers a limited number of departmental scholarships to qualified graduate students in the M.S. in Business Analytics Program. Scholarships are awarded based on merit and financial need and prospective students may express interest in being considered for a departmental scholarship in their application for admission. If awarded, scholarships will be communicated at the time of admission.

Program Attendance

Given the intensive and cumulative nature of the Master of Science in Business Analytics Program, students are expected to attend all scheduled class meetings (including online meetings) in their entirety. If a student arrives late, leaves early, or misses an entire day, there may be a deduction in class participation, which is part of the final course grade. 

Students are expected to communicate clearly and in advance their program commitments to all relevant parties, including family and work relationships. In the event that a student cannot be present for any part of the program, or falls behind for any reason, it is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements with the appropriate faculty to make up the work as approved by the appropriate faculty member.

Grading & Academic Performance Expectations

Grading Policy

Grades are awarded only to students who are registered for and complete a course for credit. All courses are on a credit basis only and students must receive a grade. The letter grades used for grading students in M.S. in Business Analytics graduate courses are: A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, F.

GPA Requirements for Graduation

Students are required to complete their program of study with a GPA of 2.70 or better in order to graduate.

Academic Performance Expectations

Good academic standing is defined as maintaining a 2.70 cumulative GPA. At the end of each module, a student’s academic performance will be evaluated by the Academic Program Director(s) to determine if a student is still in good academic standing. A student not meeting the 2.70 cumulative GPA criteria at the end of a given term (or after two modules) will be placed on Academic Probation. A notation of Academic Probation will be placed on the student’s academic record until resolution of the academic issues.

Good module performance is defined as a “B” grade or better.  A student not meeting the module performance standard or on academic probation will meet regularly with his or her Academic Program Director(s) to ensure appropriate progress is being made toward degree completion.

A student who earns a cumulative GPA below 2.70 in three modules will be dismissed from his or her program of study.  A student who earns a grade of “F” in any course will be dismissed from the program.

Course Sequencing

Students must complete Modules 1 through 4 (or equivalent) prior to enrolling and completing Module 5 and capstone courses.

Withdrawal and Reenrollment

An official application to withdraw from the University must be submitted in writing to the M.S in Business Analytics program committee. The application must state the reason for withdrawal and must be approved in writing by the dean of the McIntire School, Darden School, or a designated representative. The application must also be endorsed by the Office of the Dean of Students.

Any student who wishes to reenroll after a withdrawal must submit a written request to the M.S in Business Analytics program committee no less than three months before the start of a term or Module. To be eligible for reenrollment, students must have been making satisfactory progress toward their degree at the time of withdrawal. Additionally, they must seek to return in the academic year following the one in which they withdrew. Finally, students who withdraw in the middle of a semester or Module must restart that semester or Module from the beginning when they return. The M.S in Business Analytics program committee will consult with the Faculty Director(s) and administrative staff of the program to make decisions regarding grants of reenrollment. Reenrollment is not guaranteed.

Students who do not meet the criteria stated above must submit a new admissions application to their program and request readmission. Readmission is not guaranteed.

A student who completes a medical withdrawal must also obtain medical clearance from the Department of Student Health and the Office of the Dean of Students prior to readmission or re-enrollment.

Behavioral & Administrative Expectations

Behavioral and administrative expectations are outlined throughout the Graduate Record and include but are not limited to required class attendance, making progress toward a degree, and fulfilling all expectations implied by enrollment at the University (e.g. Honor Code or Standards of Conduct).

Student adherence to these expectations will be evaluated periodically or when a situation is brought to the attention of an Academic Program Director(s). If a student’s behavior is found to not be in adherence with the expectations, a warning will be issued to the student and a behavior modification plan will be put in place. This plan will include a timeframe for reevaluation of the student’s behavior. After a reevaluation is conducted, a student who has met the expectations of the behavior modification plan will return to good standing. A student who is still not meeting the behavioral expectations outlined in the plan will be given a final opportunity to remediate the deficient behavior and return to good standing. If, after a second opportunity to meet the expectations of the program and university, a student is still found to display behaviors inconsistent with the program expectations, an ‘Enforced Withdrawal’ will be enacted.

M.S. in B.A. Course Descriptions