FAQ

The Tepper School of Business is globally renowned for its analytical approach to business problem-solving. It is an integral part of Carnegie Mellon University, a top-tier research university that has become the center for disciplines including data science, robotics, business intelligence and additive manufacturing. Several faculty members of the online MS in Business Analytics also hold appointments in other schools including Carnegie Mellon’s top-ranked School of Computer Science.

Our MSBA program provides students with exceptionally robust coursework in business analytics techniques, with a special focus on machine learning and optimization. All of the advanced analytics skills we teach are delivered in a business context, ensuring that students graduate knowing how to efficiently, effectively and creatively apply their analytics expertise to business problems. Furthermore, the Tepper School’s Accelerate Leadership Center offers students the opportunity to improve their leadership, inter-personal and communication skills, through online assessments and one-on-one coaching.

Additionally, the program’s on-campus experiences provide opportunities for online students to interact closely with faculty, each other and industry professionals working at companies that look to Carnegie Mellon and the Tepper School for high-caliber talent.

To preview one of our courses, please visit our Virtual Class Visit page. You’ll be able to view upcoming courses and register to virtually attend a course of your choosing.

Yes, the part-time, online MSBA is structured in cohorts to optimize student interaction and success in the program.

• The Master’s Career Center helps students develop strategies focused on their career needs through a variety of services. For example, the career center hosts workshops and webinars in job search fundamentals, such as resume writing, interviewing, and networking.
• One-on-one career coaching is offered for individualized career planning. Our coaches are steeped in experience in various industries and functions and can support a variety of student interests. Sessions are delivered virtually during times convenient to working professionals.
• Tepper leverages an extensive network of Fortune 500 companies to identify opportunities for MSBA candidates.

The part-time MSBA degree is offered only online, with three on-campus experiences. Attendance at campus experiences is expected. In the event of extenuating circumstances that prevent participation, please contact the Executive Director to discuss alternative options. Beginning Fall 2022, Tepper is also offering the MSBA in a full-time on-campus format. Learn more about the full-time on-campus MSBA.

Business analytics professionals hold a range of positions across sectors and industries. They have titles such as business intelligence analyst, operations research analyst, market research analyst and statistician. Other job titles for these professionals are available here.

Interested in seeing how your background compares to real MSBA students? Check out our class profile here.

Yes, the MSBA program accommodates students working full-time. Required weekly live sessions, lasting 75 minutes, are held in the evening, and the three residential components take place over weekends. Attendance at campus experiences is expected. In the event of extenuating circumstances that prevent participation, please contact the Executive Director to discuss alternative options. Students complete all other coursework on their own schedule, but must adhere to deadlines and be prepared to participate in weekly live sessions.

The weekly live sessions are in the evening (U.S. Eastern Time) and typically last 75 minutes.

All students must have access to the following technologies in order to participate in the program:

• Laptop with the following requirements:
  • Windows – Intel Core i5 processor or higher; 8GB RAM, 256+ hard drive capacity
  • Macintosh – 8GB RAM, 256+ hard drive capacity, Apple Boot Camp
  • Ability to run Microsoft Windows (run virtually for Macintosh computers)
  • Ability to install software locally (not cloud based)
  • Full administrative rights for downloading software.
  • Camera and microphone for remote conferencing.
• Broadband internet connection (at least 5 MBPS)
• Ability to access the CMU Learning Management System, Canvas
• Ability to access the MSBA Web Conferencing Software, Vidyo

Continual and unfettered use of the required IT environment, including uninterrupted access to a broadband internet connection, are integral to the program and to each student’s ability to fully participate in, and complete, each aspect of the program and the program in its entirety. Students who do not have such access, and/or are not able to maintain such access, may be advised by a representative of the program to withdraw from the program, following the university’s prescribed process for withdrawal, and subject to the tuition refund policy as outlined on the Student Financial Services website.

Yes, the 46-880 Introduction to Probability and Statistics and 46-881 Programming in R and Python courses are required for all MSBA students. These courses ensure that all students have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in courses that follow.

For more information, visit the Curriculum page on our website.

Yes, MSBA degree candidates must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to graduate.

No, the Tepper School does not accept transfer credits.

We have three on-campus experiences. The first is an orientation basecamp, where the students are introduced to the program, interact with faculty, and learn about their cohort. The second, an immersive analytics experience led by top CMU faculty, takes place mid-program. We end the program with a capstone experience where students can present their work to real-world clients and celebrate the end of the program.

For more information, visit the On-Campus Experiences page on our website.

Our goal is to make sure that everyone entering the program has the necessary background to be successful. We strongly recommend that applicants who feel they need additional preparation in programming languages take a for-credit course from an accredited two- or four-year institution.

Students take two classes at a time and should expect to spend at least 10 hours on each course, or 20 hours total for the week. Coursework includes live synchronous meetings, assignments, projects, readings, and quizzes.

Yes we do. To preview one of our courses, please visit our Virtual Class Visit page. You’ll be able to register to virtually participate in a course of your choosing.

No, these test scores are required.

Yes, international students are eligible for the MSBA program. Please review the International Applicants page for specific requirements.

Attendance is expected but in extenuating circumstances can result in exceptions and alternative arrangements. Please contact the Executive Director to discuss alternative options. Please note that because the program is delivered online, enrollment in the MSBA will not qualify students for a student visa to enter the United States.

Basic programming knowledge in a modern language is required for admission. You do not need to be familiar with any specific language or build advanced programming skills before applying to the MSBA program. Your courses in the program will introduce you to relevant languages and provide hands-on experience.

There is no average score expectation. The test scores are simply one component of the multifaceted admissions process that we consider when making an admissions decision.

No, the GMAT/GRE requirement will not be waived based on work experience.

No, applicants may not substitute other exam results for the GMAT/GRE (for example, we will not accept the LSAT or the MCAT).

When completing the online application, enter “01/01/2001” for the GMAT/GRE score date. This will allow you to submit the application and signal to us that you are applying without a test score.

Visit the GMAT/GRE Waiver page for more information.

No, GMAT/GRE test scores, or applications submitted without them, do not impact the TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo English Test requirement for non-native speakers of English. Visit our application instructions for international students to find out more about our TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo English Test requirements.

Yes, either the GMAT/GRE or evidence of mathematical ability is required even if you took the TOEFL/IELTS/Dulolingo. We do not accept the TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo as evidence of mathematical ability.

Yes, for more information about a monthly payment plan and debt minimization services, please review our payment options.

Through the generosity of alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations, all MSBA students are considered for a Tepper School Scholarship at the time of admission based on the overall strength of the admissions application. A separate scholarship application is not required. Students who receive a Tepper School MSBA Scholarship are advised when they are accepted for admission.

Students may also be eligible to take out federal and/or private education loans to cover tuition and other education-related costs. Please view our Tuition page for details.

Yes, as a GMAC military-friendly business school, we waive the $125 application fee for active duty U.S. military personnel, veterans and retirees. Please contact Mike Danko at uro-vaedbenefits@andrew.cmu.edu to discuss the fee waiver.

Yes, the Tepper School is participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

For more information, please visit the Tuition page or contact Mike Danko at uro-vaedbenefits@andrew.cmu.edu.

Deferrals are granted only if an applicant must complete military service or has an extreme emergency. Deposits are refunded in these instances. Students are re-admitted the following year and must submit their deposit before the deadline for their start date.

A withdrawal from the Tepper School or Carnegie Mellon University indicates that a student has no intention to return to the program. This process can be initiated by first meeting with an academic advisor to terminate a student’s Campus ID and email account.

A student who leaves the Tepper School or Carnegie Mellon with a sincere intention to return may petition for a leave of absence (LOA) for up to two calendar years. This process can be initiated by first meeting with an academic advisor to complete the required paperwork.

With the exception of the $2,500 non-refundable deposit, Tepper School tuition is refunded 100% for students who withdraw from the MSBA program before the course drop deadline. After this deadline, tuition is non-refundable and charged at 100%.

We encourage students who are considering withdrawing or taking a leave of absence to first contact The Hub at thehub@andrew.cmu.edu to help minimize financial impacts.