Superior education you can trust and afford with the flexibility you need.
Our degree program is designed for working professionals as well as recent college graduates. Prior business education is not required to be admitted into the program but it may exempt you from some foundational coursework. We accept applicants from a wide range of academic fields and professional disciplines. All applicants are required to have:
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A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a recognized academic institution of acceptable standing.
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Coursework in subjects such as calculus, statistics or probability is encouraged, but not required. For UMass Amherst students, this is equivalent to an R2 General Education Requirement.
GMAT/GRE Waivers Available
A GMAT/GRE waiver is granted for an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. To be considered for the GMAT/GRE waiver, leave the application test score section blank. If you are a working professional and don’t meet the GPA qualification, waivers may be considered for individuals with professional work experience.
STEM OPT
The MSBA has achieved classification as a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program. This designation, determined by the Department of Homeland Security, allows international students to extend their training (Optional Practical Training - OPT) in the United States by working in their field of study. More information regarding the Extended STEM OPT process can be obtained through the university’s International Programs Office (IPO).
Amherst Campus Application Deadlines
Early Action: Feb 1
International Deadline: April 1
Domestic Deadline: June 15
Early Action: August 1
International Deadline: October 1
Domestic Deadline: November 15
Newton Campus Application Deadlines
Early Action: Feb 1
International Deadline: April 1
Domestic Deadline: June 15
Admissions Notes
Admissions will be done on a rolling basis up to the early action deadline. Applications submitted after the early action deadline will be reviewed based on space availability through the final deadline.
In order to meet I20/Visa requirements, international students are encouraged to apply by the early action deadline to be guaranteed consideration for admission.
All students that wish to study in Amherst are encouraged to apply early as demand is high and space is limited.
Early Action Deadline Benefits
If you apply by the early action deadline, you will receive several educational and financial benefits:
- $85 application fee reimbursement on your first tuition invoice.
- Guaranteed consideration for admission.
- Additional time to plan finances.
- Early access to upcoming career and professional development opportunities.
- For students studying on an F1 visa, this allows more time for visa processing.
Application Requirements
Online Application
All prospective students must complete a University of Massachusetts Amherst Graduate School Graduate Admissions Online Application.
Personal Statement
A personal essay should be one to two pages in length, and include information about your past and current academic and professional history, your future goals and reasons for pursuing the MSBA, and other pertinent details that will help us evaluate you as a candidate.
Resumé/CV
Work experience is not a requirement for admission to the MSBA, but will enhance your application. Your resume should outline your work history. Recent college graduates should include any internship experience, as well as community service, student and civic club membership, and athletics.
Official Transcripts
Please submit your transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, undergraduate and graduate, where nine (9) or more credits were earned. Unofficial transcripts uploaded to the 'Additional Materials' page of your application are acceptable. Upon admittance, official transcripts will need to be submitted, either electronically or in paper format, directly by each institution's Registrar to the Graduate Student Service Center. International transcripts must be submitted in paper format in order to be considered official. Review this page for instructions on submitting official transcripts.
Letters of Recommendation
Your two letters of recommendation should be from individuals who know you on a professional level and well enough to provide specific examples and details regarding your past performance and competencies. Two professional references are encouraged, but one academic and one professional reference is acceptable.
GMAT/GRE Score (Waivers Available)
A GMAT/GRE waiver is granted for an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. To be considered for the GMAT/GRE waiver, leave the application test score section blank. If you are a working professional and don’t meet the GPA qualification, waivers may be considered for individuals with professional work experience.
Information for International Applicants
English Language Proficiency Exam Scores
If your native language is not English, and you are not a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident, you must submit your official scores from a standardized English language proficiency test. Test scores must be submitted directly by the testing agency in order to be considered official. For admission to the MS in Business Analytics, the minimum scores for admission are as follows: the minimum combined TOEFL score is 100; the minimum IELTS Academic combined score is 7; the minimum Duolingo English Test overall score is 120; and the minimum PTE Academic overall score is 68. Please note, when reviewing an application, the UMass Graduate School does not superscore language tests (e.g. we do not accept the ETS MyBest Score set). Please consult the UMass Graduate School international applicants page for additional details.
Degree Equivalency
A three-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution may be considered sufficient if an official course-by-course credential evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) indicates your education is equivalent to a four-year U.S. baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. If you are not sure if your degree is equal to a U.S. four-year degree, please use this free online degree equivalency tool prior to submitting your application.
Transcripts and Degree Certificates
If your transcript does not clearly indicate the awarding of your degree, with the degree title and date awarded, we need the diploma and/or degree certificate in addition to the official final transcripts.
English Translation
Transcripts and degree documents that are in a language other than English must be accompanied with an official English translation or an official credential evaluation from a NACES member.
Apply Now
Follow our step-by-step process to complete your online application.
- Review the program specific admissions requirements.
- Click Apply Now to go to the University's Graduate School site where you can find a link to the secure online application.
- First-time users will need to create an account to start a new application. Note: You can submit your application before you have all your materials ready, simply save and resume your application as you gather required materials.
- After submitting, track your application at the Graduate School Status of Application page.