{"id":1948,"date":"2010-07-21T15:46:44","date_gmt":"2010-07-21T19:46:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/analytics.ncsu.edu\/?page_id=1948"},"modified":"2025-07-16T14:48:21","modified_gmt":"2025-07-16T18:48:21","slug":"frequently-asked-questions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/analytics.ncsu.edu\/?page_id=1948","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"MSA<\/p>\n

\n

Frequently Asked Questions: The MSA Program<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Is the MSA available as a part-time or distance program?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Open Answer<\/div>\n
Close<\/div>\n
The MSA is an intensive, cohort-based learning experience, offered only as a full-time program on campus. Our students\u2019 success can be attributed to a great extent to the campus-based format, which requires full immersion in study.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is a cohort-based program?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Open Answer<\/div>\n
Close<\/div>\n
A 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.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
May I start the MSA during the fall or spring semester?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Open Answer<\/div>\n
Close<\/div>\n
No. All members of the MSA cohort begin studies in late June (NC State\u2019s 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.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
May I complete the MSA over two years instead of one?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Open Answer<\/div>\n
Close<\/div>\n
No. All members of the MSA cohort begin studies in late June (NC State\u2019s 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.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
May I register for MSA courses if I have not been accepted into the program?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Open Answer<\/div>\n
Close<\/div>\n
No. All courses that are part of the MSA degree curriculum are restricted to students enrolled in the program.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
May I transfer credits from prior coursework toward the MSA?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Open Answer<\/div>\n
Close<\/div>\n
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.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
When are classes held?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Open Answer<\/div>\n
Close<\/div>\n
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.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
May I work while pursuing the MSA?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Open Answer<\/div>\n
Close<\/div>\n
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. We discourage students from working while completing the degree, so that they can more effectively prioritize their academic responsibilities.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How much does the MSA cost?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Open Answer<\/div>\n
Close<\/div>\n
You’ll find details regarding tuition and fees here<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Is financial aid available?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Open Answer<\/div>\n
Do you offer graduate (teaching or research) assistantships?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Open Answer<\/div>\n
Close<\/div>\n
No.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What additional expenses can I expect to incur while I am a student?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Open Answer<\/div>\n
Close<\/div>\n
The university provides estimates for additional expenses here<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Does the MSA program offer job placement assistance?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Open Answer<\/div>\n
Close<\/div>\n
Yes. 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.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who employs MSA graduates and for what positions do MSA graduates qualify?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Open Answer<\/div>\n
Close<\/div>\n
We provide a detailed Employment Report for each cohort of MSA graduates. You may access these reports here<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the average salary for MSA graduates?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Open Answer<\/div>\n
Close<\/div>\n
We provide a detailed Employment Report for each cohort of MSA graduates. You may access these reports here<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the employment outlook for international MSA students seeking jobs in the U.S.?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Open Answer<\/div>\n
Close<\/div>\n
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<\/a> for the latest information about student outcomes.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Frequently Asked Questions: Our Admissions Process<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Am I eligible to apply?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Open Answer<\/div>\n
Close<\/div>\n
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<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What are the deadlines for application submission?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Do I need to complete all prerequisites before applying to the program?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Am I required to take the GRE or GMAT?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Open Answer<\/div>\n
Close<\/div>\n
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.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
As an international student, am I required to take the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Do I have to have all of my recommendation letters, transcripts and scores before I submit my application?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Open Answer<\/div>\n
Close<\/div>\n
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\u2019ve received all supporting documents. Please encourage your recommendation providers to submit their letters by the deadline under which you\u2019re applying.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Will you notify me if something is missing from my application?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Open Answer<\/div>\n
Close<\/div>\n
Applicants are responsible for ensuring the submission of all application materials, and should monitor their submission status via the Graduate School\u2019s applicant portal.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the required length of an applicant\u2019s personal statement?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Open Answer<\/div>\n
Close<\/div>\n
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<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Are interviews required?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Open Answer<\/div>\n
Close<\/div>\n
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 Zoom.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
When and how will I receive an admission decision?<\/strong><\/p>\n
May I re-apply if I am denied admission?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Open Answer<\/div>\n
Close<\/div>\n
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.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How do I qualify for North Carolina residency?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Open Answer<\/div>\n
Close<\/div>\n
The state of North Carolina has a centralized Residency Determination Service (RDS). You’ll find details here<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Where can I find more information for international students?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Open Answer<\/div>\n
Close<\/div>\n
NC State’s Graduate School<\/a> and Office of International Services (OIS)<\/a> are excellent resources for international students.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Frequently Asked Questions: The MSA Program Is the MSA available as a part-time or distance program? Open Answer Close The MSA is an intensive, cohort-based learning experience, offered only as a full-time program on campus. Our students\u2019 success can be attributed to a great extent to the campus-based format, which requires full immersion in study. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":76,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1948","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analytics.ncsu.edu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1948","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analytics.ncsu.edu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analytics.ncsu.edu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analytics.ncsu.edu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/76"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analytics.ncsu.edu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1948"}],"version-history":[{"count":131,"href":"https:\/\/analytics.ncsu.edu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1948\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":26077,"href":"https:\/\/analytics.ncsu.edu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1948\/revisions\/26077"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analytics.ncsu.edu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1948"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}