Master of Science in Business Analytics

Program Prerequisites

The Master of Science in Business Analytics requires that candidates have successfully completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Candidates must have a minimum of two years of post-bachelor’s professional work experience that includes significant analytical or problem solving experience. There are no specific requirements as to undergraduate major or prerequisite coursework.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Master of Science in Business Analytics Program is competitive. Candidates are admitted based on their strength in the following areas: 1) expected academic success; 2) demonstrated analytical and problem solving skills; 3) demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in oral and written English; 4) ability to work collaboratively; 5) attention to detail; and 6) a strong motivation for and need to complete the program. Evidence considered to support these areas includes two letters of recommendation, prior academic performance, GMAT test scores (GRE will be accepted, but GMAT is strongly preferred), written essays, and a required interview with a member of the admissions committee or a designated representative. Applicants who have already obtained a master’s degree in a quantitative or highly analytical subject, have a Ph.D., have passed the CPA, or have passed all three levels of the CFA exam may apply for a waiver of the GMAT requirement. A $75 application fee is required, which can be paid online with the application. If accepted, an initial non-refundable deposit of $1,000 is required within one month of acceptance and a second deposit will be due on the date stated in the candidate’s offer letter. Both deposits will be credited toward the first tuition payment. For more information or to access the online admissions services, please visit the website or contact:

McIntire School of Commerce
Rouss & Robertson Halls, East Lawn
University of Virginia
P.O. Box 400173
Charlottesville, VA 22904-4173
msba@virginia.edu
www.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 or financial need, and priority is given to those students who apply by March 15 of each admission cycle. Prospective students must complete a Departmental Aid Application Form and submit this with their application materials by the priority deadline. Scholarship awards will be communicated to students once admission decisions have been rendered.

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