Master's in Business Analytics Common Questions
What type of student is the MSBA Program looking for?
The Gies MSBA program is for individuals who want to solve business problems using data. We welcome students with existing data skills who want to focus on business implementation, as well as professionals looking to enhance their analytical toolkit. It is also ideal for career changers who want to leverage analytics in their specific industry. Ultimately, we seek driven candidates who are passionate about turning data into actionable strategy.
What are the job prospects for MSBA graduates?
Job prospects for MSBA graduates are excellent due to high industry demand for data-driven decision-making. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for roles closely aligned with business analytics is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations (a 34% growth for data scientists and a 9% growth for management analysts between 2024 and 2034). Gies MSBA graduates see outstanding outcomes, with 100% of domestic and 90.1% of international students securing jobs post-graduation. Top employers like Amazon, PwC, and Caterpillar consistently recruit from the program.
What are the prerequisites for the Gies MSBA program?
While there are no formal programming prerequisites for admission, having some familiarity with certain coding languages is highly recommended to help you hit the ground running in the Gies MSBA program. You don't need to be an expert, but a basic understanding of Python, SQL and R will be incredibly beneficial. The program is designed to develop your proficiency and teach you how to apply these powerful tools to solve real-world business problems.
Is business analytics difficult to study?
While a graduate degree in business analytics can be challenging, faculty and staff at Gies Business work hard to ensure the program is accessible to any driven student, whether they have recently earned their undergraduate degree or they have spent time in the work force and are now looking to expand their skillset. The MSBA program focuses on specialization – 16-24 credit hours of analytics electives plus up to 8 credits of general electives. This, as well as the option to extend a semester, allows learners to design a curriculum plan that fits their interest, needs and previous experience.
Traditional Track vs. Foundational Track
What is the size of the cohort for foundational track?
The 3-semester foundational track is designed for a cohort of up to 50 students. This allows for focused instruction and strong community building within the entire MSBA program of approximately 100-120 students.
Can foundational track applicants be admitted into the traditional track?
Yes, applicants to the foundational track who demonstrate a strong background and the ability to handle a more rigorous, fast-paced curriculum may be considered for admission into the 2-semester traditional track.
If I am an experienced analytics professional but want a longer program, can I apply for the foundational track?
No, the foundational track has limited seats and is designed for students at the beginning of their professional journey or who are looking to switch careers. Applicants with more experience are encouraged to apply to the traditional track and may choose to add on a third semester (at a full-price tuition rate) while enrolled in the program.
Are internships assigned?
No, internships are not assigned. Enrollment in the 3-semester foundational track grants international students the CPT (Curricular Practical Training) eligibility necessary to accept a summer internship in the United States. While our dedicated career services team provides extensive resources and support, students are responsible for securing their own internship positions.
Can I switch tracks after admission?
Due to the program structure and curriculum planning, tracks cannot be switched following an offer of admission. Students must remain committed to their original choice of enrollment.
What are the tuition and fees for the foundational track?
Tuition and fees for the foundational track includes the traditional two-semester tuition plus a significantly lower, flat tuition for the additional third semester. The detailed tuition, fee and cost of attendance can be found on the MSBA tuition and fees page.
What is the required amount of funding to receive an I-20 for the foundational track?
To be issued an I-20 form, international students must provide proof of sufficient funds to cover the estimated tuition, fees, health insurance, and living expenses for the first year of the program (same amount as the 2-semester traditional track). The official cost of attendance can be found on the MSBA tuition and fees page. Detailed instructions on how to submit the required financial documentation will be provided after you have been formally admitted.
Application Questions
Where do I send my official transcripts?
The Graduate College does not require official transcripts unless you are admitted to our program. After being admitted, a student may bring or send their official transcripts to the Graduate College electronically, by mail, or in-person.
Note for University of Illinois Urbana Champaign Undergraduates: The Graduate College will obtain your official transcript for you. You do not need to request official UIUC transcripts to be mailed or emailed to our office.
My recommender cannot use the online system. What do I do?
We prefer that recommenders submit letters through our application system via the upload link they will receive. If a recommender is unable to do so, they may email the letter directly to grad@business.illinois.edu from their official institutional or company email address.
I have below a 3.0 GPA. Is it worth applying?
Yes, we don’t look at just GPA when admitting qualified candidates, but a low GPA can be countered by a strong GRE or GMAT score. In addition, we are looking for well-rounded candidates and consider all aspects of a candidate’s application including work experience, leadership qualities, and the optional essay which explains your GPA score to name a few areas. Don’t let a low GPA stop you from applying.
Are scholarships or financial aid available?
At Gies College of Business, we are committed to building diverse cohorts of learners with unique experiences, perspectives, and goals, and who come from many educational, socio-cultural, geographic, and familial backgrounds. To support this, we provide a limited number of scholarships each year, covering partial tuition to learners who enhance the diversity of the incoming cohort through their academic, professional, and/or lived experiences. To be considered for a scholarship, choose ‘Yes’ in the “Financial Aid” section of your Graduate College application and then complete the scholarship acknowledgement. The scholarship acknowledgement must be agreed to within the application for consideration of a scholarship.
Please note that we only offer partial tuition scholarships and are unable to provide teaching, research, or graduate assistant positions covering full tuition and fees.
Domestic candidates may apply for Federal Financial Aid via the FAFSA.
International Students
How does the $76,342 total on the Declaration of Finance form break down, as it differs from the program tuition and fees listed on the website?
The amount listed on the top of the MSBA tuition and fees page is the amount the university charges for classes, program fees, and academic support. The total amount listed in Declaration of Finance form is the total estimated "cost of attendance.” For visa purposes, universities must provide an estimate of all expenses a student will incur. This includes Tuition and Fees, Living Expenses(housing, food, and utilities), Books and Supplies and other Personal Expenses. The $76,342 is not the tuition, but rather the total amount of funding you need to prove you have available to cover all your expenses for one year as a student. You can find the detailed break down of the cost of attendance from the Tuition and Fees page “Calculating your cost of attendance” section.
Do I have to submit a Declaration of Finance Form when I submit my application?
It is highly recommended that this form be submitted with the application. It will save time if admitted to our program. Students who submitted their proof of funding at the time of application received their I‐20 approximately three weeks earlier than those who waited until admission.
My English proficiency score doesn't meet full status requirements. Can I still apply?
Yes, you can still be admitted with an English proficiency score below the full status requirements, but you will be required to take an additional English as a Second Language Placement Test (EPT) upon arrival on campus. Based on the EPT results, students are generally required to enroll in noncredit English as a Second Language courses while enrolled in your graduate program. Limited status admission is not a conditional offer; you are still considered to have fully met the admission requirements. For more information, please review the Graduate College's English proficiency requirements.
I completed a degree in a country where English is not the primary language, but my education was completely in English. Do I still need to submit my TOEFL scores?
You will still need to submit English proficiency score. English proficiency score waiver is only granted to international applicants that meet one of the following criteria are exempt from the English proficiency requirement for admission:
- Received a post-secondary degree from a US institution (or an institution within an approved country) within five years of the proposed admission term.
- Completion of at least two years of post-secondary study in the US (or an approved country) within five years of the proposed term of initial enrollment.
- Completion of at least two years of professional work experience in the US (or an approved country) within five years of the proposed term of initial enrollment.
For more information, please review the Graduate College's English proficiency requirements.