M.S. in Business Analytics Application Steps & Admission

Providence College Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) Program looks for students with strong quantitative skills and a passion for analytics. The program enrolls students who are ready for the academic rigor of graduate study, are willing and able to meaningfully contribute to their courses, and are prepared to learn how to identify relevant data, interpret data, design strategic actions based on data, and tell a compelling story based on data.

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Holistic Application Review

We holistically review applications, focusing on academic achievement, professional development, career goals, and personal characteristics. We review applicant transcripts and recommendations and take many factors into consideration.

M.S. in Business Analytics part-time and full-time program applicants are not required to take the GMAT or GRE exam. There is no minimum GPA requirement, however, the historical undergraduate average GPA for the MSBA program is 3.37.

M.S. in Business Analytics Application Process

Applicants are encouraged to submit the online application first and then submit other items, such as transcripts. In so doing, students will be able to track their application status online and the PCSB Graduate Programs office can contact the student with upcoming deadline information.

The non-refundable application fee that must be paid after the online application is submitted. In preparation of submitting the online application, please have your resume and personal essay ready for upload. The application form will also ask for two recommenders.

M.S. in Business Analytics Application Steps

It is recommended that you review this detailed information on the application steps, including valuable guidance on submitting a successful application, before applying to the program.

International Students: The MSBA Program does NOT provide visa sponsorship for this program. Please consider the MBA Program with a Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics.

Step One: Completing the Application

Complete and submit the online application and pay the application fee. The non-refundable fee must be paid after you submit your online application. In preparation of submitting the application, please have your resume and personal essay ready for upload. The application will also ask for two recommenders.

It is encouraged to submit the online application form first and foremost and, then, submit other items, such as transcripts and scores. In so doing, students will be able to track their application status online and the PCSB Graduate Programs office can contact the student with upcoming deadline information.

Personal Statement: Your essay should address the following areas in 500 words or fewer:

  • Why do you want to pursue your MSBA? Why at PC? And why are you pursuing an MSBA at this time?
  • How does your academic background and work experience qualify you for the admittance to the MSBA program?
  • How will attaining a PC MSBA support your future plans and career goals?

Two Recommendations: As part of the online application, you must submit the names and contact information of two recommenders who can speak to your ability to be successful in the MSBA Program. The recommenders will be sent an email directly from the online application system once you click “send to recommender.” No more than two recommendations is preferred.

The recommenders will complete and submit the recommendation and can upload a letter if they would like. (Note: a recommendation letter is optional; the recommendation form is required.)

Tips on Recommendations:

  • Academic recommendations are preferable. Select instructor(s) from your undergraduate major who are able to speak about your academic performance and ability to perform MSBA-level work.
  • For applicants who are no longer in contact with their undergraduate professors, professional recommendations should be submitted by a current or former supervisor. This is preferably someone who has known you for some time and who is familiar with your skills, abilities, and personality.
  • Formally ask your two recommenders if they are willing to submit a recommendation before submitting their name in the application form and at least three-to-four weeks prior to the application deadline. Provide them with details, such as the deadline, and let them know that they will receive an emailed link from the application site. The MSBA recommendation form should not take too long to complete and is required; letters are optional. All items must be received by the application deadline to be considered.
  • Use caution when entering the recommenders’ email address in the online application; check for accuracy.
  • You may send reminder links to your recommenders through the application site as the deadline approaches.

The applicant is responsible for seeing that recommendations are submitted by the application deadline.

Step Two: Transcripts

Official Transcripts (Domestic): The MSBA Program requires transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary educational institutions. This includes both complete and incomplete degrees/studies in the U.S. and non-U.S. institutions. All transcripts must be sent directly from the academic institution, not the applicant.

Please have all official transcripts are sent electronically to: gradschool@providence.edu (preferred), or via mail to: Graduate Admissions, Providence College, Office of Admission, 1 Cunningham Square, Providence, RI 02918.

Step Three: Check Status

Check Application Status. MSBA applicants are responsible for monitoring their application. Applicants can monitor their application status online. The PCSB Graduate Programs office will email applicants once all application materials have been sent to the PCSB Graduate Programs office and the application is complete. To protect the privacy of our applicants, we do not release the application status or decision via non-official email, phone, or fax. In addition, we do not discuss an applicant’s status with anyone except the applicant.

Admission Notifications

The PCSB Graduate Programs office only reviews completed applications. Once an application is complete, the PCSB Graduate Programs office sends an email indicating that the application is being reviewed. After the application is reviewed, the applicant will receive an email, within four to six weeks, that a decision has been made and may be reviewed on the application site. Applicants typically receive one of the following admission decisions: offer of admission, interview invitation, denial of admission, denial with an option to reapply, or waitlist offer.

Offer of Admission

If an applicant is admitted into the MSBA Program, he or she receives an acceptance letter and admission packet. The student must return his or her acceptance materials and enrollment fee to the PCSB Graduate Programs office within 30 calendar days from the date of the acceptance letter, unless otherwise noted on the admission letter. If a student fails to send in his or her acceptance materials and enrollment fee to the program within the deadline, the applicant forfeits his or her spot in the MSBA program.

After the PCSB Graduate Programs office receives the non-refundable enrollment fee and acceptance packet, the office contacts the student regarding a mandatory orientation session. Admitted students are required to attend the new student orientation before registering and beginning their first term. Failure to attend orientation may lead to MSBA admission revocation and/or the placement of an academic hold on the student’s account.

Waitlist Offer

Applicants who are waitlisted receive a letter via email confirming waitlist status. This means that the student’s application is competitive for admission for that term, but that the program may not have capacity to accept that student. The letter will ask the applicant to contact the PCSB Graduate Programs office to confirm whether he or she would like to remain on the waitlist until an opening is available to begin the program for that semester. A student can request to be evaluated for admission for the next academic year.

Denial of Admission

An applicant may receive a letter via email confirming that he or she has not been accepted into the MSBA program. An applicant may also receive a letter offering the option to work with a PCSB Graduate Programs advisor for application coaching and recommendations. This letter is sent to students whose applications are competitive, with the exception of GPA or TOEFL. In this case, the program will deny the student’s application, but the students should contact the PCSB Graduate Programs office for guidance.