Master of Business Analytics
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions cover general topics about curriculum, teaching style, student life, and career support. Here you’ll find the specifics on application procedures and requirements, visiting campus, interviews, and financial considerations.
Questions About the Program
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What is the Master of Business Analytics Class size at MIT Sloan?
The Master of Business Analytics class entering in August 2019 has 60 students.
Where can I view the class profile?
The class profile can be found online. This contains all of the statistics we have for the current class.
How busy is the program schedule? What time of day are classes?
The Master of Business Analytics program is rigorous and intensive to ensure that students have a strong understanding of the fundamentals of data science. Balancing job searching with academics is also a challenge, but students have support along the way. Classes generally run between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Are classes individually driven or team based?
The curriculum is team based for most homework, projects, and case studies. The midterms and exams, however, are individual. Different classes have different expectations and the teaching faculty will make it clear if you are to work as a team or on your own.
What is the curriculum content like?
Our program is an advanced training program for students who want to become top tier business analytics professionals. We prepare them to solve for the real-world issues through our action learning courses and required analytics capstone project, which guarantees them a summer internship in the summer before graduation.
Do Master of Business Analytics students participate in SIP & IAP?
Sloan Intensive Period is held one week in October and one week in March. In the spring, Master of Business Analytics students have a mandatory ethics session and Software Tools Part 2. Independent Activities Period is MIT-wide and occurs during the entire month of January. Master of Business Analytics students will be preparing for their Analytics Project Course and taking Software Tools Part 3 during IAP.
Does the Master of Business Analytics program accept transfer students?
The MIT Sloan Master of Business Analytics program does not accept any transfer credits and it is not possible to shorten our program based on work done elsewhere.
Can students complete the Master of Business Analytics program part-time or via distance learning?
No, the Master of Business Analytics program is full-time only and takes place on the MIT campus.
What degree would I graduate with after completing the Master of Business Analytics?
The degree is a Master of Business Analytics.
Can a Master of Business Analytics student start in the spring semester?
No, all students must start in the fall.
Can I apply to the MFin and Master of Business Analytics programs concurrently?
Applicants may apply to both programs; however, each program makes admission decisions independently and students can only attend one program at a time. You should create both applications with the same email address.
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What if my transcript is not in English?
If your transcript is not in English, you are required to have it translated by a credential service, such as World Education Services (WES). We ask that you scan both the original and translated copies and submit them with your application.
If I have an international transcript, do I need to have an outside credential service evaluate it and provide you with a report?
While some applicants choose to have an outside credential service evaluate their transcript, it is not mandatory.
Is there a minimum GPA?
There is no minimum GPA. A low GPA can be offset by excellence in another area, such as the GMAT.
How do I submit letters of recommendation?
You will provide the recommenders’ contact information on the online application, and then your recommenders will submit their recommendations online.
Should recommendations be in a question-answer format, or should they be in letter format?
Either format is acceptable. We require only that the recommender answer all of the questions that we ask.
Is there a minimum GMAT or GRE?
There are no minimums for applying to the Master of Business Analytics program in any category. We just ask that you please self-report your highest score only.
What types of questions are asked during the interview?
Interviews are composed of behavioral event and resume questions - be prepared to provide specific examples in answer to questions about past experiences, how you handle real-life situations, and your goals.
Who reads the applications?
First, the applications are read by the Admissions Committee and the Director of Admissions, and then by the Faculty Committee.
Can my recommenders submit their letters of recommendation after the application deadline?
Everything from you and the recommenders needs to be submitted by the deadline.
Is an internship considered working experience?
Yes, an internship is considered to be professional work experience and will be considered in your application.
Are there any required courses students have to take in order to be admitted?
We do not have any required courses that students have to take to be admitted to the program. As for prerequisites, students are encouraged to review the curriculum we have posted online and ensure that they have the necessary math and programming skills required to be successful in the required coursework.
Is there rolling admissions for the Master of Business Analytics program?
The Master of Business Analytics program does not have rolling admissions. Applications will be reviewed after the deadline.
Do I need an undergraduate degree in a particular field in order to apply?
No. We will consider applications from candidates from a variety of backgrounds, although the majority come from mathematics, sciences, engineering, statistics or computer science.
Do I need work experience in order to apply?
While some applicants may have 2-3 years of experience, this is not a requirement for admission. A significant population of our students come directly from undergraduate schools.
Is it possible to waive the application fee?
To see if you qualify for an application fee waiver please visit the Application Fee section in our Application Instructions page.
Can the TOEFL requirement be waived?
All applicants whose native language is not English and who have not received their entire undergraduate education in an English-speaking country must submit scores from one of two internationally recognized assessments of English language proficiency, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Test scores are valid for two years. For applicants planning to enter the program in 2020, we will consider scores for tests taken after January 8, 2018. Receiving your undergraduate degree in a country that lists English as an official language such as India, Pakistan, Hong Kong, or Singapore does not exempt you from the English language proficiency requirement.
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Are Research Assistantships (RA) or Teaching Assistantships (TA) available to Master of Business Analytics students?
Students enrolled in the Master of Business Analytics program are expected to be self-funded. Although the Master of Business Analytics program does not offer RA or TA positions, our students are welcome to seek and apply for RA or TA opportunities that may exist in other programs or departments across MIT.
Are fellowships or scholarships available to Master of Business Analytics students?
The Master of Business Analytics program offers a limited number of fellowships. Also, each year, the Office of the Dean of the Graduate School invites programs to submit nominations for a limited number of fellowships. When our students meet the required criteria, we are eager to nominate them. Typically, these fellowships are extremely competitive, so you should not plan on this as a support mechanism.
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What is the function of the Career Development Office (CDO)?
The CDO helps you think through what it is you want to do. They serve as your thought partner, to help you be successful whether or not you are changing careers and no matter how unusual your career goals. The CDO is not the only resource supporting you in this pursuit. Other resources include alumni, clubs, tracks and certificate staff, and greater MIT.
When does the recruiting process start for Master of Business Analytics students?
Recruiting season starts in September, and for many students the process continues all the way through to graduation. The Career Development Office, shares several career development and research resources online even before you arrive on campus, to help you tighten your career focus. Still, it is a very intensive process combining job search and study—one that requires a strong work ethic and good time management skills to be successful.
What are the employment statistics for the Master of Business Analytics Class?
Please view the 2018 MBAn Employment Report here.