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Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) · Starts Fall 2027 · Cox School of Business (jointly offered by the Information Technology & Operations Management and Marketing departments)

Southern Methodist University

MS in Business Analytics

Next deadline

Oct 13, 20267 days

Round 1 · 11:59 PM CT

4 later deadlines →
Application fee
$0
GRE / GMAT
Optional
GMAT or GRE
English test
Duolingo, IELTS, PTE or TOEFL
If your degree wasn’t taught in English
Recommendations
None
Essays
Not published yet
Interview / video
Interview (by invitation)

Source:Master of Science in Business Analytics ↗· checked Oct 4, 2026

We collect this from the school's official pages and check it regularly, but schools change things. Confirm with the school before you apply.

Deadlines

  • Oct 13, 2026

    11:59 PM CT

    7 days

    Round 1

  • Jan 12, 2027

    11:59 PM CT

    98 days

    Round 2

  • Mar 9, 2027

    11:59 PM CT

    154 days

    Round 3

  • Apr 20, 2027

    11:59 PM CT

    196 days

    Round 4

  • May 25, 2027

    11:59 PM CT

    231 days

    Round 5

How the rounds work

Five rounds for 2027 - 2028 entry (October 13, 2026 to May 25, 2027; Rounds 1 and 2 are the priority deadline for scholarships and fellowships), then 'Rolling Admissions and scholarship opportunities based on availability after May 25, 2027.' Admissions decisions are usually made within a month of submitting a completed application.

International applicants

STEM designated (MS FAQ). TOEFL, IELTS and Duolingo scores are accepted but optional to submit (no waiver required); without a score the application gets a holistic review. Transcripts need not be evaluated by an outside provider (no WES) but must be translated into English by a certified provider. A three-year bachelor's can be considered for the MSBA; additional information or credentials may be required. Students needing an F-1 visa submit a Financial Certification Form after admission; I-20 paperwork starts after the enrollment deposit. There is no set international deadline; apply as early as possible to allow time for the I-20 and visa process. The full-time spring internship option uses CPT; international orientation in early August is mandatory.

Source:MSBA Key Dates and Deadlines ↗· checked Oct 4, 2026

Requirements

  • Written essaysRequired

    The online application requires written essays. The prompts, number of essays and length limits are not stated on the public pages.

  • Current resumeRequired

    Current resume, uploaded with the online application.

  • Unofficial transcripts or degree progress reportsRequired

    Unofficial transcripts or degree progress reports with the application; degree progress reports must show cumulative GPA and grades for each course taken. Official transcripts from any university or college where a student earned 12 or more credit hours are required after a student is offered admission.

  • Two references (name and contact information only; recommendation letters not required)No recommendation letters

    Listed under 'What You Need to Apply': 'Two references' - 'Name and contact information only' - 'Recommendation letters are not required'.

  • GMAT or GREOptional

    Optional: unofficial GMAT or GRE score report. The exam must have been taken within five years of the date of application; an official score report is required after a student is offered admission. GMAT School Code: HWG-KN-59; GRE School Code: 6660. The FAQ says the GMAT and GRE are optional to submit (no waiver required). The Cox test page also lists the Executive Assessment as an option, evaluates your highest total score (no super-scoring) and has no test preference.

  • Duolingo English Test, IELTS or TOEFLIf your degree wasn't taught in EnglishOptional

    Duolingo English Test (optional): The TOEFL, IELTS and Duolingo exams are accepted, but are optional to submit a complete application (no waiver required). No minimum score is stated.

    IELTS (optional): International Students have the additional option to submit a TOEFL/IELTS score as a part of their application; this testing component is not a requirement. Without a test score the application is assessed through a holistic review. Exams must have been taken within two years of the date of application. TOEFL School Code: 6660. No minimum score is stated.

    TOEFL (optional): International Students have the additional option to submit a TOEFL/IELTS score as a part of their application; this testing component is not a requirement. Without a test score the application is assessed through a holistic review. Exams must have been taken within two years of the date of application. TOEFL School Code: 6660. No minimum score is stated.

  • PTE Academic not listedIf your degree wasn't taught in EnglishNot accepted

    PTE is not on the list of accepted English tests (the MS FAQ lists TOEFL, IELTS and Duolingo).

  • Interview (by invitation)

    Admissions interviews are held by invitation from the Admissions Committee. Candidates can select to interview via Zoom or in person on SMU's campus.

Who can apply

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalentRequired

    Applicants must have completed the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree and demonstrate strong academic achievement. A three-year bachelor's degree can be considered for the MSBA; additional information or credentials may be required (MS FAQ).

Sources:Full-Time Graduate Programs: International Applicants ↗ ·MS Questions, Answered ↗ ·M.S. in Business Analytics Admissions ↗· checked Oct 4, 2026

Essays

2027 essay questions not published yet. Some schools show them only inside the application.

Admissions events

  • Oct9MBA and MS Admissions Coffee Chat - Uptown Dallas (in person, Magnolias Sous Le Pont, Dallas, TX)Register
  • Oct12Specialized Master's Admissions Virtual Drop In: Ask Us AnythingRegister
  • Oct13Information Session for All MBA/MS Programs (Dallas campus)Register
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