Selecting the right master’s program for your career goals is important. Our admissions team is here to help you at every stage, from inquiry to application. Call or email us; or contact us to schedule a phone, Skype, or in-person appointment.

Applying to the Business Analytics MS Program

Learn about the supportive application and admissions process for the MS in Business Analytics, as well as what kind of students the program and UW-Madison attract.

Master’s Programs – Application Deadlines

Application due Decision Date For review of Enrollment Deposit Due
November 1, 2020 December 18, 2020 First-round applications February 21, 2021
February 1, 2021 March 19, 2021 Second-round applications April 16, 2021
April 1, 2021 May 14, 2021 Third-round applications and final round for international applications 4 weeks after notification
June 1, 2021 Rolling Rolling review for domestic applications Soon after notification

International applicants final deadline: April 1, 2021

Domestic applicants final deadline June 1, 2021

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree completed or expected completion by start of the program
  • Standardized test scores:
    • GMAT or GRE test scores; undergraduates, U.S. active military and U.S. veteran applicants may be eligible for a GMAT/GRE waiver.
    • TOEFL or IELTS test scores; international candidates only, and candidates may be eligible for a waiver.
  • Current résumé
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Response to essay question
  • Application and application fee
  • Interview–by invitation only with a completed application

GMAT/GRE Waivers

The Wisconsin School of Business Master’s Programs seek to build a well-rounded class with diverse professional, academic, and personal backgrounds. Candidates can request a test waiver for the GMAT or GRE for the master’s programs in business analytics, supply chain management, or real estate if they meet one of the following requirements:

If you are a current undergraduate student you qualify for a waiver if you:

  1. Are a current UW-Madison undergraduate student and have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) and with a B or better in statistics or one advanced math course.
  2. Are a current undergraduate candidate with an ACT or SAT score, that assessment will be used as a holistic part of the admissions process along with your undergraduate transcript.

If you are a working professionals you qualify for a waiver if you:

  1. Have been awarded a terminal degree, such as JD, MD, PhD, or equivalent credentials from an accredited U.S. institution.
    2. or
  2. Have at least five years professional full-time work experience and an undergraduate degree from a U.S. accredited university or college with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher (on a 4.0 scale), including at least one advanced math course or quantitative course like finance or accounting with a B or better.
    or
  3. Have studied outside the U.S.: You must submit original transcripts, along with transcripts evaluated by World Evaluation Services (WES), and meet these criteria: cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher (on a 4.0 scale), including at least one advanced math course or quantitative course like finance or accounting with a B or better and at least five years professional full-time work experience.
    4. or
  4. Are U.S. Military active duty or a veteran: You must have an undergraduate degree from a U.S. accredited university or college with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher (on a 4.0 scale), including at least one advanced math or quantitative course like finance or accounting with a B or better.

For admission to the program, your academic ability will be evaluated on your undergraduate transcripts. All transcripts will be taken into consideration, as well as any other transcript that you submit that has a graded course, e.g., transfer or study aboard.

If you do submit a GMAT or GRE at admission, that test score will be used when reviewing your candidacy.

Candidates admitted with the GMAT/GRE waiver may not eligible for all merit-based aid scholarships or fellowships.

Complete waiver application

Application Requirements in Detail

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  • Degree Equivalent

    A bachelor’s degree (completed or expected completion by start of the program) from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or a comparable degree from an international institution is required. International applicants must have a degree equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree. Minimum degree equivalents for some countries can be found here.

  • Degrees/Transcripts

    A bachelor’s degree completed, or expected to be completed by start of the program from an approved (accredited) institution is required. International applicants must have a degree comparable to an approved U.S. bachelor’s degree. You are able to submit your application with unofficial transcripts; certified copies of transcripts from the institution where the degree was conferred are required for all admitted students.

    Official transcripts can be submitted in one of two ways. Official transcripts may be mailed directly from your undergraduate institution in a sealed and stamped envelope sent to the Admissions Office. Official transcripts may also be submitted electronically via email to masters@wsb.wisc.edu. Official transcripts must be received on or before August 1.

  • Standardized Test Scores (GMAT or GRE)

    A Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required. Please direct the testing service to forward your test results to the University of Wisconsin–Madison (GMAT institution code: 79K-2S-01; GRE institution code: 1846)

    Candidates can request a test waiver if they meet the requirements.

  • TOEFL or IELTS Score

    Applicants whose native language is not English or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English must complete either the Internet-based (100 or higher) or paper-based (600 or higher) TOEFL. The test must be taken within two years of your intended start term. Please direct the Educational Testing Service to forward your test results to the University of Wisconsin–Madison (institution code: 1846).

    Results of the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or PTE (Pearson Test of English, institution code: NML-ZH-25) will also be accepted. An IELTS minimum score of 7.5 or higher, or a PTE Internet-based score of 73 or higher or paper-based score of 80 or higher, are required.

    An international applicant whose four-year undergraduate degree and/or master’s degree (minimum of eight semesters total) instruction was in English, or who will complete such a degree prior to matriculation at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, may request a waiver. To request a waiver for the language test requirement, please select the TOEFL test type in your online application and select “Request a Waiver” for the English proficiency test. We will confirm that English is the language used at the academic institution where your degree was conferred.

  • Résumé

    A one-page résumé outlining your professional, academic, and personal achievements. You may find the following resources helpful as you prepare your résumé.

    Download the Résumé Template

  • Essays

    The essay is required, and is an opportunity for you to share more information about you and your career goals with the Admissions Committee.

    Required essay: Please write a Statement of Purpose (SOP) for pursuing a Master of Science-Business: Analytics. A typical SOP describes why you want to pursue an MS in Business Analytics and how your previous studies, interests and/or skills fit into this field.

    Optional essay: Please use this optional essay to communicate additional information about yourself that is not otherwise represented in the application, and that you feel would benefit the admissions committee.

  • Letter of Recommendation

    One recommendation is required. Select a recommender who is qualified to evaluate your potential for leadership or management. He or she should have a strong understanding of your abilities and be familiar with solid examples of your accomplishments. This individual may be a current or past supervisor or manager, a client or vendor, or a representative of a volunteer or community organization in which you are involved.

    You will enter your recommender’s name and email address into your application. The recommender will then receive an email with a link to your recommendation form. The recommendation forms are submitted separately from your application upon its completion. You should not wait for your recommender to submit his or her recommendation before submitting your application; however, your application will not be reviewed without the recommendation form.

  • Admissions Interview

    Admission interviews are by invitation only once you have submitted a completed application. The interview is one-way, meaning that candidates will record their responses using an interview platform. If you would like to meet with a member of the admissions team to learn more about program, discuss your specific application, and ask questions, you can arrange a time to meet in person or by phone.

    Contact the Admissions Office to get started.

  • Application Fee

    The application fee is $75 for both domestic (non-international) and international students. There is an additional processing fee of $6 for international students. Payment by credit or debit card is available through the online application system. Admissions decisions will not be communicated to the applicant until the application fee has been received.

Tuition and Fees

The following estimated costs apply to the 2020-2021 academic year. Estimated expenses for books, supplies, room and board are provided separately by the University of Wisconsin–Madison Office of Student Financial Aid.

Cost Per Credit Total Tuition[1] Segregated Fees[2]*
$1,500 $45,000 $1,468.60
  1. Tuition rates vary from year to year, and are determined by the The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents, based on budgets approved by the Wisconsin governor and legislature. Tuition is reviewed and set annually in August. For more information about tuition rates, please visit the Bursar's Office website.
  2. Segregated fees are charges, in addition to tuition, assessed to all students for student services, activities, programs, and facilities that support the mission of University of Wisconsin System institutions, including UW Madison. The segregated fee rate is updated each summer. The segregated fee rate is updated each summer.

    3. * As the MS in Business Analytics has a summer start, summer segregated fees are a prorated version of the full semester fees.


Due to the structure and rigor of the Master of Science-Business: Analytics program, as well as significant cocurricular, experiential learning, and career development opportunities, students are not allowed to accept any teaching, research, or project assistantship positions, or University appointments that grant waivers of tuition or academic fees while enrolled in the program.

Additional Details About Costs

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