OUR IDEAL MS IN BUSINESS ANALYTICS STUDENTS ARE ALL OF THE ABOVE.
When reviewing applicants, we consider the whole picture: academic record, quantitative and analytical skills, communication skills, leadership experience, and diversity. We aim to create a class filled with a variety of cultures, life experiences, and backgrounds so that your learning environment expands your outlook and sparks new ideas. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds in business and beyond to apply to Questrom. We look forward to hearing from you!
Application Form
Application Form
When you’re ready to apply, start with our online application form. You may submit one application per entry term, and you can check the status of an existing application at any time. Feel free to contact us with any questions along the way. We want the admissions process to be as straightforward and transparent as possible. Reach out to the Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Office at (617) 353-2670 or businessanalytics@bu.edu.
Re-Applicants
Re-applicants
The Graduate Admissions & Financial Aid Office keeps all records on file for one year. We welcome your re-application. Each re-applicant is required to submit a new application form and fee ($125); an essay discussing updates or changes since the time of the previous application, as well as reasons for re-applying; an updated resume; a new letter of recommendation; university-level transcripts (if the re-applicant has taken new coursework since the time of their first application); and updated GMAT or GRE results (if applicable).
Application Fee Waiver Eligibility
Application Fee Waiver Eligibility
The Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Office will waive the application fee for current BU employees, as well as for those who attended select admissions events and off-site fairs. In addition, we will waive the application fee for those who are members or alumni of the following programs:
The US Military
Education Pioneers
Historically Black Colleges
The Peace Corps
Teach for America
Hispanic Serving Institutions
AmeriCorps
City Year Corps
Instructions: To take advantage of this waiver, please fill out the form below once your application has been started. Your CAS ID can be found at the top right of the online application. Once we process your fee waiver request, you’ll receive a follow-up email with additional instructions on how to submit your application. DO NOT click “submit and pay for programs” prior to receiving these instructions. We are unable to offer application fee refunds.
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, your application fee waiver may take a few business days to process. As such, we encourage you to submit your application fee waiver request as soon as you have started your application. If you wait until the application deadline to submit your waiver request, you will still be considered “on time” for that deadline as long as you submit your application within 48 hours of receiving your waiver code. You must submit your waiver request before you submit your application in order for the fee waiver to be applied. Please note: If you have been approved for an application fee waiver and are applying to one of our dual degree programs, the application fee waiver will be applied to your Questrom application only. You will still need to pay the required application fee for the other school at BU to which you are applying.
After submitting a complete application for admission, candidates can expect to receive an admissions decision within 6-8 weeks.
Entry Date
Application Deadline
Fall 2023
October 26, 2022
December 7, 2022
January 30, 2023
March 22, 2023*
April 26, 2023**
*Last round for all international applicants who are not currently in the U.S. and on an active F-1 visa **For Domestic Students & International Students with a current, active F-1 visa
MS in Business AnalyticsAdmissions
Admissions Checklist
We know the application process can take a lot of time and effort. We’re here to help.
Feel free to email or call us with any questions or last-minute tips you might need. Below, you’ll find our MS in Business Analytics admissions checklist—keep it handy and bookmark it in your browser
Remember: you may submit one application per entry term, and you can check the status of an existing application at any time. The Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Office keeps all records on file for one year. Once you’ve submitted an application, we’ll begin the review process.
Online only at time of application submission. Credit/debit cards only.
Video Essays & Written Essay In the “Documents” section of the “Program Materials” portion of the application, respond to three video essay questions and three short answer questions to help us get to know you better.
Resume Current resume, as required in the “Experiences” section of the online application. Upload in the “Supporting Information” section of the online application.
University-Level Transcripts Submit transcripts for any coursework completed, including study abroad and post-graduate work, in the “Academic History” portion of the application.
Two Letters of Recommendation In the “Recommendations” section of the “Program Materials” portion of the application. One professional and one from a faculty member
GMAT Results or GRE Results We accept either GMAT or GRE score reports for applications to the MS in Business Analytics program. Please upload an unofficial copy of your GMAT/GRE score report with your online application.
Please note: due to the evolving circumstances surrounding COVID-19, our ability to process mailed application materials may be significantly delayed. Because of this, please plan to also send electronic copies of all necessary documents to questromappdocs@bu.edu.
The Boston University Questrom School of Business Graduate Admissions Committee conducts a rigorous and holistic review of each application. Students admitted to our graduate degree programs must provide proof of an earned bachelor’s degree or equivalent international credential. Boston University does not require official transcripts with the submission of an application. Should a student decide to enroll at Boston University Questrom School of Business, official transcripts must be submitted and verified prior to the point of matriculation.
We know that you are more than what’s on paper. During the online application process, all MS in Business Analytics candidates are asked to submit three video essays, which allow us to get to know you on a more personal level.
Within the “Documents” section of the “Program Materials” portion of the application, you will find your personalized link to the video essay website. Clicking this link will bring you to the Kira Talent website, our partner for the video essay process. When you register, you must use the same email address that you used to create your admission application account.
Upon creating your account with Kira Talent, you can begin your video essays. You’ll need to use an internet-connected computer with a webcam and microphone. You’ll have 30 seconds to prepare, and then 60 seconds to record your answers. You can practice an unlimited number of times with Kira Talent’s example questions, but once you start the formal video essay questions, you are only allowed one opportunity. This allows the committee to see your candid responses.
We want your video essay recording process to be as easy as possible. As such, we encourage you to dress in business casual attire – no need for a suit. The admission committee will review your response as part of the application process, and are interested in your presence, personality, and fit with our community. We recommend trying out a few of the sample Kira questions prior to recording your formal video essay.
Questions?
If you have questions about the video essay process, please send us an email at businessanalytics@bu.edu or call us at 617-353-2670. If you need technical assistance with the Kira Talent system, please contact them directly at support@kiratalent.com.
*It is recommended but not required for MS in Business Analytics re-applicants to complete the video essays.
GRE and GMAT Codes
GRE and GMAT Codes
GMAT CODE
MS in Business Analytics: P42-5K-30
GRE CODE
MS in Business Analytics: 3087
GRE/GMAT Waiver Eligibility
GRE/GMAT Waiver Eligibility
If you are interested in applying to the MS in Business Analytics program, we will consider your request for a GMAT/GRE waiver provided you meet the qualification listed below.
Please be aware: Historically, 70 to 75% of admitted MSBA applicants provide test scores.
Candidates who are admitted to the program are considered for merit-based scholarships at the time of admission.
Candidates who submit competitive GMAT/GRE scores may increase their chances of qualifying for merit scholarships upon admission to the program.
Qualifications considered for GMAT/GRE Waiver:*
Strength of overall academic record (including GPA/grades, academic institution, major(s), relevant coursework, in particular prior coursework in programing and statistics or quantitative methods).
Amount and relevance of work experience
*You may not request a waiver if you have already taken the exam and requested your scores be sent to Boston University Questrom School of Business.
If you meet the qualification above, you must formally request the GMAT/GRE waiver prior to submitting your application by filling out the waiver request form. When completing the waiver request form, please make sure to upload submit the supporting documents listed below:
A listing of the names of the courses that meet the qualification along with the semester & year that each course was taken
All transcripts from any institution from which you’ve earned a degree or taken 12 or more credits
Resume
Any additional supporting documentation (optional)
Please know that the decision to grant the GMAT/GRE waiver is made at the discretion of the admissions committee. If granted a GMAT/GRE waiver, the admissions committee may, in rare cases, still ask you to submit a GMAT or GRE score to aid in evaluating your candidacy for the MS in Business Analytics program. In the event we need this additional information, we will inform you once your application has been initially reviewed.
Candidates should expect a response to their request within two weeks, so please plan accordingly when submitting your request.
Information for International Students
Information for International Students
ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY:
Candidates who have earned or will have completed at least two years of a bachelor’s or master’s degree at an institution in which the language of instruction was solely based in English are eligible for an automatic TOEFL/IELTS/PTE waiver. Candidates must present evidence of language of instruction with the application for admission. Appropriate documentation includes a transcript coversheet, an official statement from the university, or a link to the institution’s website that specifies that the mode of instruction is English. Additionally, candidates who have or will have worked for at least two years in a full-time, post-bachelor’s degree position in the US are eligible for an automatic waiver. If you do not meet this criteria but would like to be considered for a waiver, you can submit a written request highlighting your experience with and proficiency in the English language to businessanalytics@bu.eduprior to the submission of your application. The admissions committee will consider these requests on a case by case basis. If you are submitting test results with your application, please be advised that tests are valid for two years.
We are currently accepting Duolingo scores in addition to TOEFL and IELTS
TOEFL: BU’s TOEFL code is 3087. Minimum Scores of 600 on the PBT or 95 on the iBT are recommended.
IELTS: Competitive applicants typically score a minimum of 6.5 on each band.
PTE: As more candidates submit the PTE, we are developing updated standards for our requirements. As new information becomes available, it will be posted here.
Duolingo: a minimum score of 110 is recommended.
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES:
We require that applicants hold a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited US institution or its international equivalent. If you have earned a three-year degree that is the equivalent of a four-year degree in the US, it will be accepted in the admissions process. For example, if you earned a three-year degree in India, your degree will qualify you to be considered for admission. If you are uncertain whether your undergraduate degree meets our qualifications, please contact businessanalytics@bu.edu before starting the application process.
PERMANENT RESIDENTS:
Permanent residents should submit a copy (front and back) of their permanent resident card.
PAYMENT:
Boston University no longer accepts wire transfer payments to Citizens Bank. All international wire transfer payments should be made through one of our vendors, peerTransfer, or Western Union Business Solutions. For more information, please visit the Student Accounting Services website.
MS in Business AnalyticsAdmissions
Tuition & Financial Aid
You’re making a smart investment in your future. We take that investment seriously.
We’re happy to guide you through the financial aid process for the MS in Business Analytics program and provide any assistance along the way. To help you plan for your graduate education, take a look at the information we’ve laid out for you below.
The following estimated tuition, fees, and other expenses have been established at Boston University Questrom School of Business for the 2022-2023 academic year. These numbers are expected to be updated to reflect the 2023-2024 academic year in late March of 2023.
Fall 2023 tuition for the 16-month track is estimated based off of the 2022-2023 tuition numbers. This figure is subject to change once 2023-2024 tuition and fees are released in March 2023.
12-Month Track
16-Month Track
First Year: Fall Tuition
$30,525
$30,525
First Year: Spring Tuition
$30,525
$30,525
MSBA Program Fee
$400
$400
Fees1
$1,024
$1,129
First Year: Summer Tuition ($1,830 per credit hour)
$19,080
$7,632
Summer Fees1
$60
$60
Second Year: Fall Tuition (TBD per credit hour)
Not Applicable
$11,904
Total Tuition & Fees
$81,614
$82,175
_
Health Insurance2
$3,235
$3,235
Books and Supplies (Estimated)
$1,574
$1,868
Room and Board (Estimated)
$15,000
$22,500
Personal (Estimated)
$3,100
$4,650
Transportation (Estimated)
$1,120
$1,680
Loan Origination Fee
$210
$315
Total Educational Expenses (Estimated)
$105,853
$116,423
Note: Tuition and fees reflected are based on the current 2022-2023 academic year. These are subject to change without notice.
1 Fees include the Student Services fees and Health and Wellness fees for the year; does not include any special fees that may be associated with the specific schools/colleges.
2Health Insurance is required for all international students and their dependent family members. Please note that these rates are for students on the Charles River Campus, and are based on the basic student health insurance plan available for purchase through Boston University. Starting summer 2021, all international students are required to be enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) (unless they have alternate, U.S. based comparable coverage).
Looking to see tuition rates in another currency? Click here convert the US dollar amounts into other currencies, such as Euros, Great Britain Pounds, Chinese RMB, and Indian Rupees, and see current exchange rates.
Massachusetts law requires all students who carry at least 75 percent of the full-time curriculum to have medical insurance. Students who cannot demonstrate coverage under a qualifying medical insurance plan are required to purchase the University’s student health insurance plan. The cost of BU Medical Insurance for the 2022-2023 academic year is $3,235. Medical insurance for 2023-2024 will be in Spring 2023.
Scholarships
Scholarships
In our effort to attract the highest quality candidates from around the world, the Dean’s Scholarship program provides a limited number of awards for candidates with outstanding academic aptitude and contribute to diversity in the classroom. A separate application for scholarship consideration is not needed, and the admission committee considers all admitted candidates for merit scholarship awards. Recipients are notified of these opportunities in their official admission letter. Both domestic and international candidates will be considered for these awards.
Financial Aid
Federal Direct Stafford Loan
The Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program provides low-interest loans to US citizens pursuing graduate education. The maximum loan eligibility is $20,500 per academic year. For the most current interest rates and loan fees for the Direct Stafford please visit the U.S. Department site.
To apply for federal financial assistance:
Obtain a FSA ID from the Department of Education website. You will need a FSA ID to complete the FAFSA.
*For students starting their program in Fall 2024, you must complete the 23-24 FAFSA which will be available October 1, 2022. You must also complete the 2023-2024 Federal Unsubsidized Direct loan application which will also be available in October 2022.
Questions regarding federal loan funding can be sent to questromfa@bu.edu
Private Loans
Many US citizens, permanent residents, and international students finance their graduate educations with credit-based education loans. US citizens and permanent residents who qualify as creditworthy do not require cosigners. For more information about lenders in the rapidly changing loan environment, please visit BU’s credit based loan options website
International students, however, may need to apply with a creditworthy US citizen or permanent resident with a US-based address. We encourage you to research the different loan programs and determine which loan best fits your needs. All students are encouraged to seek lenders offering loans with the most favorable terms. Here are some loan options for International Students seeking to borrow without a co-borrower and important steps you should take in investigating all loan options.
Private Scholarships
Private Scholarships
Many state and private organizations offer scholarships to students who demonstrate academic excellence. The Graduate Academic & Development Center encourages you to apply for all external scholarship opportunities. For your convenience we have included a list of External Scholarship Opportunities.
Fast Web: Database of over 1.3 million scholarships, fellowships, and grants
FinAid: Information on scholarships, loans, saving plans, and military aid
Scholarships and Grants: Free US College Scholarships, Grants, Competitions and Awards Resources
Unigo: Database of over 2.5 million scholarship awards
CollegeBoard: College Board’s scholarship search from a database of over 2,300 sources
Grants for Single Mothers: Grants for Single Mothers is among the web’s top educational resource focused on helping single moms. Topics include single mom financial aid, scholarship resources, food and housing programs, parenting advice, and related information. The site is maintained by a single mom, Lindsay Blanche, in hopes to help and educate other single moms in need.
Payment Plan
Payment Plan
Students may choose to budget all or part of their semester balance in five monthly payments with the Payment Plan administered by Nelnet. Participants must complete an enrollment agreement and pay a nonrefundable enrollment fee per semester. For more information about the Payment Plan or learn how to enroll online, please visit the Student Accounting Services website. The deadline to enroll in the Payment Plan is mid-August for the Fall Semester, and mid-December for the Spring Semester. Payments for fall term do begin in May and enrolling after May would require making back payments upon enrollment.
Veteran Benefits
Veteran Benefits
Veterans and military personnel are eligible for educational assistance. If you are interested in taking advantage of this assistance, please contact 1-888-GI-BILL (1-888-442-4551) and speak with a Veterans Benefits Counselor or visit the GI Bill website.
MS in Business AnalyticsAdmissions
class profile
1418
Applications Received
96
Enrolled Students
50%-50%
Male | Female Ratio*
23
Age (Median)
21-26
Age (80% Range)
169
GRE Quant (Median)
161-170
GRE Quant (80% Range)
325
GRE Total (Median)
318-333
GRE Total (80% Range)
710
GMAT (Median)
654-730
GMAT (80% Range)
3.49
Undergraduate GPA (Median on 4.0 Scale)
3.14-3.77
Undergraduate GPA (80% Range on 4.0 Scale)
9
Work Experience (Median in Months)
0-38
Work Experience (80% in Months)
46%
Work Experience (>12 months post-undergraduate)
Undergraduate Major Groups Represented
Countries Represented
Canada China Colombia Germany Hong Kong India Indonesia Israel Italy Lebanon Pakistan Saudi Arabia Taiwan Turkey USA
*While we understand that sex and gender may not be binary, this information is based on reporting requirements to the US Federal Government
MS in Business AnalyticsAdmissions
frequently asked questions
Application Process
What type of applicant does BU look for? The admission committee looks for a few primary factors when they review an application:
A record of academic excellence in quantitative coursework — so we can be assured that you will thrive in our dynamic and rigorous program.
At least initial programming coursework and a commitment to prepping prior to the program.
Prior experience via internship and/or post-bachelors employment is helpful. You can find employment ranges in our class profile.
Commitment to ethics — to ensure that you will maintain the high level of integrity expected of all students in the Questrom School of Business
Evidence of student and community involvement — to indicate the value you will bring to future classmates
We are committed to enrolling qualitatively excellent incoming classes that represent global, ethnic, and demographic diversity. It is our policy to encourage prospective students to consider our management programs regardless of race, color, religious creed, gender, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, eligible veteran status or any other category protected by law.
Where do I send my official application components (i.e official transcripts)? You should first upload your documents with your application or email them to questromappdocs@bu.edu. If you are admitted, you will be required to submit official documents. Official documents can be mailed to:
Boston University Questrom School of Business Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Office 595 Commonwealth Avenue Boston, Massachusetts 02215
How long will I have to wait for my admission decision? If your application is submitted in its entirety by the required deadline, we aim to release the decision within 6-8 weeks. This precludes our doctoral programs.
Requirements
What tests are required for admission? Applicants to the MS in Business Analytics may either submit a GMAT score or a GRE score. The program accepts students with a range of scores and admission decisions take into account many factors. While test score by itself does not drive admission decisions, we recommend applicants review our class profile to get a better sense of their competitiveness.
Are official documents, such as transcripts and GMAT or GRE scores, required? To expedite the admissions process we ask that you upload unofficial documents at the time of your application submission. Candidates that enroll in the program are required to submit official copies of all documents.
Do I need a TOEFL/IELTS/PTE score? Candidates who have earned or will have completed at least two years of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at an institution in which the language of instruction was solely based in English are eligible for an automatic TOEFL/IELTS/PTE waiver. Candidates must present evidence of language of instruction with the application for admission (through their transcript/accompanying documents or a link to the institution’s website). Additionally, candidates who have or will have worked for at least two years in a full-time, post-Bachelor’s degree position in the US are eligible for an automatic waiver.
If you do not meet this criteria but would like to be considered for a waiver, you can submit a written request highlighting your experience with and proficiency in the English language to businessanalytics@bu.eduprior to the submission of your application. The admissions committee will consider these requests on a case by case basis.
If you are submitting test results with your application, please be advised that tests are valid for 2 years.
We are currently accepting Duolingo scores in addition to TOEFL and IELTS To access the Duolingo test, go to https://englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants. Select Boston University Graduate & Professional Programs as a score recipient, and email questromappdocs@bu.edu with your name and the date you have taken the Duolingo test.
What is the minimum TOEFL/IELTS/PTE scores you accept?
TOEFL: Minimum scores of 600 on the PBT or 95 on the IBT are recommended.
BU’s TOEFL code is 3087, and the department code is 02.
IELTS: A student’s overall score must be a minimum of 6.5.
Duolingo: A minimum score of 110 is recommended.
PTE: As more candidates submit the PTE, we are developing updated standards for our requirements. As new information becomes available, it will be posted here.
Do I need to interview? Interviews are by invitation only, but are not required for admission. Upon receiving your application, we will determine whether an interview will be necessary.
Do I need a four-year degree? We require that applicants hold a four-year Bachelor’s degree from an accredited US institution or its international equivalent. If you have earned a three-year degree that is the equivalent of a four-year degree in the US, it will be accepted in the admissions process. For example, if you earned a three-year degree in India, your degree will qualify you to be considered for admission. Regardless of program length, if you are uncertain whether your undergraduate degree meets our qualifications, please contact businessanalytics@bu.edu before starting the application process.
Do I need to complete all essays? Yes, in order to be considered for admission, you must submit all required essays. This includes three short answer questions and three video essay questions. For more information, please review our admissions checklist.
Is work experience required in order to apply to the Master’s program? Work experience is not strictly required to apply or be admitted to the program. However, prior (relevant) work experience can be beneficial and is a factor considered by the admission committee.
Program & Transfer
Is this program STEM designated? The MS in Business Analytics program at the Questrom School of Business is currently designated by US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a STEM-eligible degree program. International students in F-1 student status may be able to apply for a 24-month extension of their 12-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) employment authorization. More information about STEM OPT eligibility is available from the BU International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO).
If my undergraduate degree is not in a quantitative field, can I apply to the program? Yes, there is no required background that students must have in order to apply to the program.
Can this program be completed part-time? No, students may only enroll in the program on a full-time basis.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
How do I apply for Scholarships & Financial Aid? Admitted candidates to the MS in Business Analytics are considered for merit-based scholarships. You do not need to submit any additional information to be eligible for a merit-based award. Notification about scholarship is included in the acceptance packet. The Federal Direct Stafford Loan is available to U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents. Learn more about our financial aid offerings.
Do you offer financial aid to international students? Yes, all applicants to the MS in Business Analytics program are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships provided that their applications are submitted by the admission deadlines. A separate application is not required. In addition, international students can finance their graduate education with private education loans provided they apply with a creditworthy U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a U.S. based address.
Still have questions?
The Graduate Admissions & Financial Aid team is here to support you during the admission process. Please feel free to email us at businessanalytics@bu.edu or to call us at (617) 353-2670.
MS in Business AnalyticsAdmissions
Admissions Ambassadors
Meet our msba admissions ambassadors
Connect with current students and discover Questrom and all it has to offer.
Our MSBA Admissions Ambassadors are around to chat via email, on the phone, or even virtually through Zoom to answer your questions about what being an MSBA student at the Questrom School of Business is really like. Take a look at our student profiles below and if you would like to connect with an MSBA Admissions Ambassador, we ask that you please complete our Ambassador Contact Request Form so we can ensure we are connecting you to the appropriate person.
Bhagirath Bhardwaj Hometown New Delhi, India Major Computer Science School Wentworth Institute of Technology
Syeda Ghazal Qadri Hometown Karachi, Pakistan Major Economics School Institute of Business Administration
Tianao Robert Zhang Hometown Wuxi, China Major Finance School Boston University
Arushi Pathik Hometown Rohru, India Major Computer Science School NMIMS University
Rohan Chaudhary Hometown Meerut, India Major Mathematics and Operational Research School University of Delhi
Yulu Carol Jiang Hometown Wenling, China Major Mathematics, OR, Statistics and Economics School University of Warwick
Alexander “Alex” Heger Hometown Braintree, MA, USA Major Criminal Justice and Sociology School University of Delaware
Valentina Torres Hometown Bogotá, Colombia Major Economics and International Business School University of California
Carolina Bellani Hometown Pavia, Italy Major Economics and Marketing School Northeastern
Tyler Christoforo Hometown Boston, MA, USA Major Chemistry School Tsinghua University
Jay Chaudhary Hometown Boston, MA, USA Major Kinesiology School UMass
Xinyi Esme Li Hometown Lanzhou, China Major Finance School University of Alberta
Yu-ting Sophie Hung Hometown Taipei, Taiwan Major Business Administration School National Central University