Boston University

PDF of your current resume uploaded under 'Document Upload' > CV/Resume; recent work experience also entered in the 'Professional Experiences' tab.

Upload unofficial transcripts for all coursework (including study abroad and post-graduate work) in the 'Academic History' tab. If you enroll, official bachelor's transcripts must be sent directly by the institution (electronically preferred) and authenticated before matriculation — no exceptions.

None required; up to 2 accepted. 'Please select someone who can speak to your academic abilities, character, or qualifications. These should be employers, supervisors, professors, instructors or others who are able to reflect on your professional and educational goals and potential. Friends and relatives should NOT be submitted as references.'

The application's Recommendations tab: 'The MS in Business Analytics requires 0 references.' and 'The MS in Business Analytics allows for a maximum of 2 references.'

GMAT and GRE are optional; either is accepted. Upload an unofficial score report with the application; scores are valid 5 years. BU's GRE code is 3087. Candidates who submit competitive GMAT/GRE scores receive preferential consideration for admission and merit-based scholarships. Applying without a score is at the committee's discretion (strong academic record; relevant full-time work experience may also be considered), and the committee may ask for a score after the initial review. Official score reports are required only if you enroll.

The school’s official pages say this differently. Here is what each one says — check with the school before you rely on it.

The school’s official pages say this differently. Here is what each one says — check with the school before you rely on it.

Duolingo English Test (checklist section): Accepted in addition to TOEFL and IELTS; a minimum score of 120 is recommended. Select 'Boston University Graduate & Professional Programs' as the recipient and email questromappdocs@bu.edu with your name and test date. Tests valid two years.

Duolingo English Test (FAQ section): FAQ: a minimum score of 110 is recommended. Select 'Boston University Graduate & Professional Programs' as the recipient and email questromappdocs@bu.edu with your name and test date. Tests valid two years.

IELTS (checklist section): Competitive applicants typically score a minimum of 6.5 on each band. Tests valid two years.

IELTS (FAQ section): FAQ: a student must score a minimum of 6.5 on each band. Tests valid two years.

PTE Academic: Accepted (named alongside TOEFL/IELTS in the waiver and optional-essay text). No minimum is published: 'we are developing updated standards for our requirements.'

TOEFL iBT (checklist section): BU's TOEFL code is 3087. A minimum iBT score of 90 is recommended; for tests on the new 1–6 scale (introduced January 21, 2026), a minimum total of 4.5 is recommended. Tests valid two years.

TOEFL (FAQ section): FAQ: minimum scores of 600 on the PBT or 95 on the iBT are recommended. BU's TOEFL code is 3087, department code 02. Tests valid two years.

Waiver / exemption: The page's automatic waiver names TOEFL, IELTS and PTE, not Duolingo: automatic waiver if you have earned or will complete at least three years of a bachelor's or master's degree (or combination) at an institution where instruction was solely in English — submit evidence (transcript coversheet, official university statement, or institution web link) with the application — or if you have or will have worked at least two years full-time in a post-bachelor's position in the US. Otherwise, email a written request describing your English experience to businessanalytics@bu.edu before submitting; decided case-by-case. Even with a waiver, the committee may in rare cases ask for a score after the initial review.

Waiver / exemption: Automatic waiver if you have earned or will complete at least three years of a bachelor's or master's degree (or combination) at an institution where instruction was solely in English — submit evidence (transcript coversheet, official university statement, or institution web link) with the application — or if you have or will have worked at least two years full-time in a post-bachelor's position in the US. Otherwise, email a written request describing your English experience to businessanalytics@bu.edu before submitting; decided case-by-case. Even with a waiver, the committee may in rare cases ask for a score after the initial review.

All MSBA candidates submit three video essays through the 'Kira Assessment' section of 'Program Materials' in the application (register with the same email as your application). 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to record each answer; unlimited practice questions, but only one attempt at the formal questions. Recommended but not required for re-applicants.

If you have additional information to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee, you may address it in an optional essay of no more than 250 words. Acceptable topics for the optional essay include, but are not limited to, gaps in post-college work experience, choice of recommenders, and concerns about academic/test performance. If you plan to retake any admissions tests (GMAT or GRE; TOEFL, IELTS or PTE), please provide the date of your scheduled test here.

an essay discussing updates or changes since the time of the previous application, as well as reasons for re-applying