Proficiency in college-level introductory statistics and calculus
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
1 Letter of Recommendation required, 1 optional (at least one letter from a supervisor)
Unofficial transcripts*
Self-reported GMAT or GRE scores* (Review the Test Exemption policy below for eligibility requirements.)
Self-reported TOEFL or IELTS scores* (applicants who received degrees from non-U.S. accredited institutions in countries where English is not the primary/official language are required to demonstrate English proficiency).
2 Short written responses
Video essay (optional)
$75 application fee (waived for U.S. military personnel)
*If you are offered admission, we will require your official transcripts and score reports at that time.
GMAT/GRE Requirements and Waivers
Applicants to the M.S. in Business Analytics (MSBA) program may submit a GMAT or GRE score as part of their application and are encouraged to do so. However, many applicants can be evaluated without a standardized test score.
You may qualify for a GMAT/GRE waiver if you meet the criteria below. Applicants who do not qualify for a waiver must submit a valid GMAT or GRE score.
Please note: The MSBA Admissions Committee may require a GMAT or GRE score from any applicant if additional information is needed to evaluate academic readiness or program fit.
GMAT/GRE Waiver Eligibility
UGA Terry College and Double Dawg Pathway Applicants
You qualify for a waiver if you meet at least one of the following criteria:
Have a Data Analytics or Business Analytics Area of Emphasis
Have completed, or are currently enrolled in, BUSN 4000 and BUSN 5000
Have completed, or are currently enrolled in, BUSN 4000 and at least one BUSN 1.5-credit programming course
Are enrolled in one of the following majors:
Economics AB
Economics BBA
Finance BBA
Management BBA
Management Information Systems BBA
Marketing BBA
Mathematics BS
Risk Management and Insurance BBA
Statistics BS
Other UGA Students and Applicants from Accredited U.S. Institutions
You qualify for a waiver if you meet at least one of the following criteria:
Have an overall GPA of 3.3 or higher and earned grades of B or higher in both Calculus and Statistics (or equivalent courses)
Have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher and one or more years of full-time professional work experience after earning a bachelor’s degree
Who Must Submit a GMAT or GRE Score?
A valid GMAT or GRE score is required for:
Applicants who do not meet any of the waiver criteria above
International applicants who do not qualify for a waiver based on attendance at an accredited U.S. institution
Before You Request a Waiver
Consider submitting a test score even if you qualify for a waiver:
A GMAT or GRE score can strengthen your application by providing additional evidence of academic readiness.
Some consulting and finance employers may require a GMAT or GRE score during their recruiting or hiring process.
The MS in Business Analytics application cycle has three deadlines. 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.
Round 1
Recommended deadline for Double Dawg pathway applicants
Application Deadline: November 5, 2026
Decisions Due: December 18, 2026
Round 2
Final deadline for international students
Application Deadline: February 15, 2027
Decisions Due: April 2, 2027
Round 3*
Final deadline for all applicants
Application Deadline: April 15, 2027
Decisions Due: June 2, 2027
* Applications submitted after the Round 3 deadline will still be reviewed on a rolling basis until the class is filled.
Total MSBA Tuition and Fees (2026–2027)
Expense
Georgia Resident
Non-Resident
Out-of-Country
Tuition
$17,880
$37,056
$38,136
Student Fees
$1,494
$1,494
$1,494
Total Tuition + Fees for Program
$19,374
$38,550
$39,630
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 entering the MSBA directly from an undergraduate program to have completed at least one internship. Candidates who graduated more than a year before applying should have full-time work experience.
Professional experience helps students connect classroom concepts to real-world situations and contribute more effectively to coursework and the capstone project. It also makes candidates more competitive for employment after graduation. Entering the MSBA with limited professional experience may reduce employment opportunities and ultimately impact the return on your investment in the program.
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, addressing your academic performance in the application is strongly recommended.
Official transcripts from all institutions attended are required only after admission. Current and former UGA students do not need to request official UGA transcripts.
Do you accept GMAT or GRE?
Both the GMAT and GRE are accepted, and their is no minimum score requirement for either test. We encourage applicants to review our Class Profile for recent class average and to take time to prepare before test day. A variety of online resources, including practice tests, are available to help with preparation.
Official test scores are required only after admission.
What should I include in my short written responses?
The required written responses help the Admissions Committee understand your career goals, technical preparation, and readiness for the MSBA program. Be specific and use examples from your academic, professional, internship, or project experience.
Career Goals What are your short-term career goals immediately after completing the MSBA program? How do those goals connect to your long-term professional aspirations?
We want to understand what you hope to do with your MSBA and how the program fits into your broader career plans. Your goals may change, and that’s okay. We are looking for evidence that you have thoughtfully considered your next steps and that your goals are realistic and aligned with what the MSBA can help you achieve.
The Career Management Center (CMC) provides personalized support throughout the program, including career coaching, resume reviews, interview preparation, networking opportunities, and employer connections to help students prepare for their job search and long-term career success.
Technical Experience Describe your experience with programming languages or technical tools, such as Python, R, SQL, Tableau, Power BI, Excel, or others. Provide one or two specific examples of how you have used these tools in coursework, projects, internships, or work.
You do not need to have experience with every tool listed. We want to understand your current level of technical preparation and how you have applied those skills. Specific examples help us better understand your experience and readiness for the quantitative and technical demands of the program.
Optional Written Response Use the optional written response to provide relevant context or information that is not addressed elsewhere in your application. This may include explaining circumstances that affected your academic or professional record, clarifying something in your application, or sharing other information you believe would be helpful to the Admissions Committee.
Optional Video Essay The optional video essay gives you another opportunity to share more about yourself and your personality beyond what we see in the written application. Details and prompts are provided in the application.
Will there be an interview during the application process?
Interviews are by invitation only. After reviewing completed applications, the Admissions Committee may invite select candidates to interview. Interviews can be conducted virtually for any candidates who are unable to travel to campus.
How can I connect with the program?
The MSBA Admissions team is happy to connect with prospective students before or during the application process. You can:
Yes! Earn a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in five years with a Double Dawgs program! There are eight 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, Marketing BBA, Mathematics BS, Risk Management & Insurance BBA, and Statistics BS.
The MSBA is a full-time, cohort-based program at UGA’s main campus in Athens. Students begin the program each fall and complete all coursework by the following spring.
Have Questions?
Information sessions and other admissions events are a great way to learn more about the program and the details of the curriculum. Join us for an upcoming event or contact our office with specific questions.
