The MSA is an intensive, cohort-based learning experience, offered only as a full-time program on campus. Our students’ success can be attributed to a great extent to the campus-based format, which requires full immersion in study.

A learning cohort is a group of students who move through their courses and related learning experiences together from the beginning of their program of study to its completion. Peer-to-peer learning and feedback are critical aspects of the MSA experience. Cohort-based learning prepares students for employers who value teamwork and collaboration.

No. All members of the MSA cohort begin studies in late June (NC State’s Summer II term) and complete the program over 10 months. Graduation is held in early May. There is no year-to-year carryover of students.

No. All members of the MSA cohort begin studies in late June (NC State’s Summer II term) and complete the program over 10 months. Graduation is held in early May. There is no year-to-year carryover of students.

No. All courses that are part of the MSA degree curriculum are restricted to students enrolled in the program.

We do not accept transfer credits. All students must complete the MSA 30-credit hour curriculum. Additional elective courses are not permitted while completing the degree.

Classes are scheduled Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. Students are involved in team exercises and other program activities when not in class and, therefore, do not schedule other commitments during these hours.

No. The MSA is an intensive full-time learning experience. Students typically spend 60 hours per week on MSA-related activities, most of which are team-based. Students should not attempt to hold a job while completing the degree; those who do so risk failing the program. Job responsibilities that interfere with school work are unacceptable, and are grounds for termination from the program.

You’ll find details regarding tuition and fees here.

MSA students are normally self-financed through personal savings or educational loans. You may apply for federal unsubsidized direct loans, and if qualified, for fellowships and other awards offered through the Graduate School. The Institute for Advanced Analytics provides a limited number of need-based financial aid awards. To be considered for these awards, admitted students who are eligible to file the FAFSA should do so as early as possible. Admitted students ineligible to file the FAFSA should contact the Institute’s Admissions Team to discuss their circumstances.

No.

The university provides estimates for additional expenses here.

Yes. More than 90% of MSA graduates seeking employment are placed with the Institute’s assistance. We provide dedicated career services to all students throughout the program, including resume review; interview coaching; and exposure to dozens of companies/organizations through an Analytics in Practice lecture series, networking receptions, and on-site interviews.

We provide a detailed Employment Report for each cohort of MSA graduates. You may access these reports here.

We provide a detailed Employment Report for each cohort of MSA graduates. You may access these reports here.

While the economy and other factors may create unpredictable obstacles to U.S. employment, and while some employers cannot or choose not to hire non-citizens, to date, 97% of MSA alumni are employed in the U.S. International students holding the MSA (a STEM-qualified degree) are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Please review our Employment Report for the latest information about student outcomes.

Admission is highly selective; however, we admit students from a wide variety of backgrounds. Our admissions committee bases its decisions on a combination of criteria, detailed here.

We are currently accepting applications for admission to MSA Class of 2025, which begins studies in June 2024. International applicants should apply by December 15 to meet the Graduate School’s priority deadline. Domestic applicants should apply by one of the three deadlines detailed here. All available seats are filled by the end of April.

You may complete prerequisite coursework concurrent with your application. You should inform us of any in-progress coursework and will need to provide a transcript once you have completed the course.

No. We do not consider scores from standardized entrance exams such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) as part of the MSA admissions process.

It depends. Refer to the English proficiency requirement to determine whether you qualify for a waiver.

No. You may submit your application and send other materials later, but please note that the MSA admissions committee will not review an application until we’ve received all supporting documents. Please encourage your recommendation providers to submit their letters by the deadline under which you’re applying.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring the submission of all application materials, and should monitor their submission status via the Graduate School’s applicant portal. We will acknowledge receipt of your application and will make an effort to contact you if your application is incomplete as the deadline approaches.

There is no specific length requirement or page format. The typical personal statement, otherwise known as a statement of purpose (SOP), is 1-2 pages long. We are less interested in a narrative of your educational and/or work history, and more so in your professional aspirations and interest in our program. For additional tips, see here.

We select applicants to interview based on the quality of the completed application, and we will not offer admission until a candidate has completed an interview with our admissions committee. If invited, you will receive an email containing instructions for scheduling your interview. We conduct interviews here at the Institute or remotely via video conference.

Please refer to our admission timelines for US citizens/permanent residents and international applicants for admission decision notification dates. You will receive an email notifying you that a decision recommendation is available in the Graduate School’s applicant portal. To protect student confidentiality, we do not provide admission decisions over the telephone. All admissions decisions are final.

If you are denied admission, you may re-apply to the program in the future. We encourage re-applicants to highlight how you have strengthened your candidacy since your previous application.

The state of North Carolina has a centralized Residency Determination Service (RDS). You’ll find details here.

NC State’s Office of International Services (OIS) is an excellent resource for international students.