Admissions

Admission to the MS in Analytics program is highly selective. Our program receives more than 1,000 applications a year and we recruit a class of approximately 100 students each Fall.

The admissions committee is looking for exceptional students with a strong interest in data science and analytics and a high level of ability demonstrated by past performance on appropriate coursework and/or workplace experience as well as standardized testing.

Overall, we're looking for people with outstanding data science and analytics potential, regardless of background. The admissions committee evaluates each application holistically, considering all parts of your application.

During the application process, we ask all applicants to select what track they prefer: Computational Data Analytics (Data Science), Business Analytics, or Analytical Tools (Data Analytics). These selections are for our planning purposes only; students are able to switch tracks at any time or take additional coursework to satisfy multiple tracks.

*Available cohort seats are limited. Applicants who apply by the Priority deadline will receive the fullest consideration for admission.

2023 MSA Info Session

Prerequisites

All applicants must have a four-year bachelor's degree or equivalent and should have a basic background in mathematics and computing. This includes at least one college-level course or equivalent knowledge in each of the following:

• Calculus
• Probability/Statistics
• Basic Linear Algebra
• A high-level programming language (Python preferred, but could be C/C++, Java, FORTRAN, etc.)

Applicants who do not have sufficient background in mathematics and computing may still be admitted, with the expectation that they either learn the necessary background material on their own before arriving, or take one or more preparatory courses such as

Deadlines for Fall 2025

The application for the next admission term will be available by August 31st.

• The Priority Application Deadline for the Fall 2025 MS in Analytics Atlanta cohort is January 1st.
• The Late Deadline is March 1st.

The application deadlines are the same for both domestic and international applicants.

Required Application Materials

• GRE or GMAT Scores (we do not grant GRE/GMAT waivers; however, expired scores are accepted)
• Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate education completed or attempted
  • International applicants are highly encouraged to use one of three recommended Georgia Tech-approved credential evaluation services: IEE, Educational Perspectives), or SpanTran Pathways.
  • Utilization of these credential evaluation services can significantly shorten the admission processing time should you be admitted into the program
  • TOEFL: minimum Score: 100
  • IELTS: 7.5
  • GT Language Institute: 3

  Admissions Checklist

  $75/ $85 Non-Refundable Application Fee

  The application fee is $75 for U.S. applicants and $85 for international applicants.

  Fee payment must accompany the online application.

  3 Letters of Recommendation

  Please select recommenders that can best speak to your academic and/or professional experience, qualifications, and aptitude. The recommendation form is a series of ratings plus an area to either type or upload a recommendation letter.

  Completed Online Application Form

  All materials must be submitted directly through the application portal. If you have any technical difficulties with the application, please contact the Office of Graduate Studies at grad.ask@grad.gatech.edu.

  International Applicants: Academic Credential Evaluation
  • If you completed your education outside of the United States, we highly recommend using one of the three Georgia Tech approved credential evaluation services: IEE,Educational Perspectives, or SpanTran Pathways.
  • Georgia Tech requires that international applicants hold the equivalent of a U.S. four-year baccalaureate degree earned from an institution authorized to award degrees by the appropriate government agency such as a Ministry of Education or the University Grants commission.
  • For more information, please visit Georgia Tech's Graduate Studies Information Page.
  Official Scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT

  GRE test scores can be ordered at www.ets.org. Our school report code is 5248. No specific department designation is required.

  For complete information regarding the GMAT, go to www.mba.com/exams/gmat.

  Proof of English Proficiency

  If your primary language is not English, you must provide official scores on the TOEFL or IELTS Academic unless both of the following are true:

  • US Citizens and US Permanent Residents can submit Lawful Presence documents

  Non-immigrant visa holders can:

  • Provide proof of citizenship from an approved country
  • Provide a transcript from a regionally accredited university or college located in the United States reflecting a minimum of one academic year (3 quarters or 2 semesters) of full-time enrollment
  • Provide a transcript from a university or college located in one of these listed countries reflecting a minimum of one academic year (3 quarters or 2 semesters) of full-time enrollment

  Minimum English Language Proficiency Score requirements are:

  • TOEFL: minimum Score: 100
  • IELTS: 7.5
  • GT Language Institute: 3

  Click here for more information on English Language Proficiency Requirements and approved Exemptions..

  Statement of Purpose
  • Be sure to include your career goals after graduate school, how your academic and research background have prepared you for the MSA program, as well as how the program will help you reach your goal.
  • The Statement of Purpose has a 500-word limit. It is recommended that you type your Statement in a program, such as Microsoft Word, that will provide a count. You should edit your Statement if you exceed the limit. Try to be concise and to the point
  Transcripts from all post-secondary intuitions
  • You must provide documentation of your university/post-secondary school academic record, which should include all courses you have taken, all grades received, and degrees conferred. Including any additional mark sheets, official translations, or degree certificates for international transcripts as needed.
  • For US institutions, unofficial transcripts are sufficient for the initial admissions review. You will be asked for official transcripts/degree documents if you are admitted.

  Common Questions

  Admissions

  Are admission decisions released on a rolling basis? What is the application deadline for fall?

  The primary application deadline for the on-campus MSA is January 1, and late applications can be submitted through March 15 for all applicants, including international applicants. We generally review all applications after the January 1 deadline.

  Can I still apply if my major/background isn't in a quantitative or technical field?

  In the past, MSAs have held degrees in various non-technical fields including anthropology, music, philosophy, law, medicine, etc.

  All applicants are expected to have basic background in mathematics (at least one college-level course or equivalent knowledge in calculus, probability/statistics, and some linear algebra) and computing (at least one college-level course or equivalent knowledge in computer programming using a high-level language like C, C++, Java, Python, FORTRAN, etc.)

  If you are unsure of your background, we recommend taking one or more Georgia Tech preparatory courses such as MATH 1712, ISYE 6739, MATH 1553, and/or CS 1301 when they arrive on campus. Googling these courses, you'll see a fundamental list of topics you should learn (and in some cases, an entire course web page with course notes, homeworks, etc.). Any course you take that includes all those topics should be acceptable; whether it's in a classroom, online, or even self-taught.

  How do you select students for your program?

  Overall, we're looking for people who have outstanding potential in data science and analytics, regardless of background. We look at many parts of your application: academic background (college/university, grades, courses, major, etc.), test scores, resume, experience, letters of recommendation, personal statement, etc.

  What are the admissions requirements of this program?

  All applicants are expected to have a basic background in mathematics and computing including as well as a four-year bachelor's degree or equivalent.

  • At least one college-level course or equivalent knowledge in calculus, probability/statistics, and some linear algebra
  • At least one college-level course or equivalent knowledge in computer programming using a high-level language like C, C++, Java, Python, FORTRAN, etc.
  • GRE or GMAT scores
  • Resume
  • Personal Statement
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • TOEFL scores (minimum score of 100) or IELTS scores (minimum score of 7.5) are also required for international applicants.
    • (Unless you qualify for one of the exemptions listed at https://grad.gatech.edu/english-proficiency you will need to take the TOEFL or IELTS).
    What is the GRE Code for this program?

    GRE test scores can be ordered at www.ets.org. Our school report code is 5248. No specific department designation is required.

    For complete information regarding the GMAT, go to www.mba.com/exams/gmat.

    When will admission decisions be released?

    Decisions will be released around the end of February.

    When will the Fall 2025 Application open?

    The Fall 2025 Application will be available by August 31, 2024.

    International Applicants

    Can I qualify for Optional Practical Training (OPT) if I complete the program? Is this a STEM program?

    We are an official STEM program (CIP code 52.1399). International students qualify for all of the benefits associated with this designation.

    Do I need to have my transcripts evaluated by WES or a similar agency?

    If you completed your education outside of the United States, we highly recommend using one of the three Georgia Tech-approved credential evaluations: IEE, Educational Perspectives, or SpanTran Pathways.

    Does the program accept international students with a three-year degree?

    Generally, GT requires a 4-year degree (or a 3-year degree, plus 1 additional year of degree study, like a BS/MS). If you need more information, you may contact GT's Office of Graduate Studies at grad.ask@grad.gatech.edu

    How can I request an Application Fee Waiver?

    Unfortunately, the program doesn't generally offer application waivers for our program. However, current US Federal TRIO program applicants, such as McNair Scholars, are eligible for an application fee waiver.

    For consideration, please email a PDF of your current program participation certificate to grad.ask@gatech.edu for guidance on how to obtain this waiver.

    Is the TOEFL or IELTS required?

    Yes, in most cases. Georgia Tech requires that all applicants demonstrate proof of English language proficiency at the time of application. A list of the ways that this requirement can be satisfied is available at https://grad.gatech.edu/english-proficiency

    My degree was taught in English, do I have to take the TOEFL?

    The TOEFL/IELTS is not required of applicants who have or will have obtained an undergraduate degree entirely from an institution (or institutions) in which English is the primary language of instruction. Click HERE for a list of exempt countries.

    The TOEFL/IELTS requirement will be waived automatically for an applicant who submits an application with evidence of these circumstances.

    What are the IELTS/TOEFL requirements?

    IELTS ≥ 7.5 (minimum band score for Reading, Listening, and Speaking is 6.5; minimum band score for Writing is 5.5)

    TOEFL - Institute Code: 5248 Department Code: Not required

    Minimum Score Required: Internet-based: 100, with minimum section scores of 19