MSBA Admissions - Terry College of Business

Prerequisites

Admission prerequisites:

Proficiency in college-level introductory statistics and calculus
Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
Knowledge of computer programming with at least one high-level language (e.g., R, Python, SQL, C, Java)
1+ internship and/or full-time work experience is required

Application Requirements

A complete application includes:

1-page Resume
Letters of Recommendation: 1 required, 1 optional; it is preferred that one letter be from an internship supervisor
Unofficial transcripts*
Self-reported* GMAT and/or GRE scores (Select applicants may apply for a test score waiver. Please review the application instructions for more information.)
Self-reported* TOEFL or IELTS scores (only required for non-native English speakers)
Essay(s): 1 required, 1 optional
Video essay (optional)
$75 application fee for domestic students, $100 application for international students (waived for U.S. military personnel and UGA Graduate School Institutional Recruitment Partners)

*If you are offered admission, we will require your official transcripts and score reports at that time.

Application Deadlines

Deadline Type	Date
International Applicant Recommended Submission	February 1*
International Applicant Final Deadline	April 15
Final Application Deadline	May 1*

*Applications received after May 1 will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the class is full. Seats will fill quickly.

Rolling Decisions

Complete applications received by the 1st of each month will receive a decision by the end of that month. Please note, due to winter holidays, applications received between November 2 and December 1, will receive decisions by January 15.

Examples:

Complete application received by September 1. Decision will be issued by September 30.
Complete application received January 10. Decision will be issued by February 29.

It is advantageous to submit your completed application as soon as your application is at its best. The admissions committee may utilize a waitlist if they need additional information before making a decision.

Total MSBA Tuition and Fees (2023–2024)

Expense	Georgia Resident	Non-Resident
Tuition	$17,278	$33,586
Student Fees	$1,390	$1,390
Total Tuition + Fees for Program	$18,668	$34,976

The University System of Georgia Board of Regents adjusts tuition and fees in May of each year for the next academic year. Please visit the UGA Bursar’s Office website for the most current tuition and fee information.

Admission FAQs

Why do I need an internship or full-time work experience?

The admissions committee strongly prefers candidates to have completed at least one internship if entering the MSBA program directly from an undergraduate program, or full-time work experience if you’ve graduated more than one year before applying. This requirement serves two key purposes. Firstly, it enables students to bridge theoretical concepts from the classroom with real-world experiences, enhancing their understanding and application of course content and the capstone project. Secondly, having internship experience significantly enhances a candidate’s attractiveness to potential MSBA employers. Opting for the MSBA program with limited experience might curtail your employment choices and impact your return on investment.

What should I include in my résumé?

Please include your employment and educational history in reverse chronological order (most recent first). For internships/work experience, include titles, month and year durations, and whether you worked part-time or full-time. Your educational record should indicate dates of attendance and degree(s) earned. Feel free to integrate additional details that quantify your accomplishments and offer context to your achievements. Whenever possible, incorporate information about extracurricular activities, community involvement, and personal interests.

What are the transcript requirements?

The University of Georgia requires that all MSBA applicants possess a baccalaureate degree or its foreign equivalent from a regionally accredited institution. Please refer to the Graduate School website for more information about requirements for domestic and international students. Candidates are expected to have a minimum 3.0 GPA. While applying with a GPA below this threshold is permissible, submitting an optional essay that addresses your academic performance is strongly recommended. Official transcripts will be required after admission.

Do you accept GMAT or GRE?

Both GMAT and GRE scores are accepted. We do not have a minimum score requirement for either test, but please refer to our Class Profile to understand the average applicant profile. We highly encourage candidates to take time to prepare before test day. Many online resources are available to assist you, including practice tests. An official score report will be required after admission.

Do you offer test score waivers?

All applicants to Terry’s MSBA program may, and are encouraged to, voluntarily submit a GMAT score as part of their application. The MSBA program considers select applicants for test score waivers, however, the admissions committee may request any applicant to submit a test score. We evaluate waiver requests on a case-by-case basis for those who meet at least one (1) of the criteria below:

· 1+ years of full-time*, relevant professional work experience or U.S. military experience
· 3.7 cumulative GPA with B+ or higher in quantitative courses from an accredited U.S. institution
· An advanced degree (graduate or PhD level)

* We typically define full-time work experience as that gained after completing an undergraduate degree.

The test waiver request is done through the MSBA application.

What should I include in my essays?

Essays are a way for you to share your perspective and plans. The best essays are introspective, authentic, and succinct. We are looking for answers to what accomplishments and activities are you most proud of and what your career goals post-MSBA are?

Why do I have to write about these topics?
This application process is the beginning of your journey to become a leader in analytics. To achieve that success, you have to be able to articulate what motivates you, what you enjoy doing, and how what you have done prepares you for what you want to do in the future. We are looking to understand how our program can help you achieve these goals. We are also looking to understand how much you have thought about these ideas already. Your goals may change (and that’s okay with us), but we want to understand what matters most to you and that your goals are realistic and achievable with our help.

Optional Essay
Please use the optional essay to share relevant information that isn’t revealed anywhere else in your application. The committee wants to understand you as a whole person, so use this essay to “fill in any holes” in your application.

Optional Video Essay
The video essay is another way for you to show parts of yourself and your personality that are not seen elsewhere in your application. Details and prompts are available in the application.

Will there be an interview during the application process?

Interviews are by invitation only. After we receive and review applications, select candidates may be invited to schedule an interview if necessary. We can arrange virtual interviews for international applicants and domestic candidates unable to travel.

How can I connect with the program?

The admissions team would love to connect with any prospective student before or during the application process. Anyone can join an information session, connect with our admissions counselor for a 1:1 meeting, or watch the Georgia Analytics YouTube videos to learn more.

Are there any MSBA Double Dawgs program?

Yes! Earn a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in five years with a Double Dawgs program! There are six different program offerings leading to a Master of Science in Business Analytics for current UGA undergraduate students in the following programs: Economics AB, Economics BBA, Finance BBA, Management BBA, Management Information Systems BBA, and Statistics BS.

Learn more about our Double Dawgs Pathway.

Is the MSBA program offered part-time or online?

The MSBA program is a full-time, cohort program and only offered at our main campus in Athens. No evening or online MSBA courses are offered.

MSBA Info Sessions

MSBA information sessions are a great way to learn more about the program and the details of the curriculum.

If you’d like to schedule a 1:1 meeting, please reach out to msba@uga.edu.

More Information

Do you have questions about the MSBA or the application process?

Please contact Georgia Analytics at msba@uga.edu.