Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet the general Graduate School requirements for admission to master’s degree programs. Applications must include all of the materials listed by the Graduate School as typical for master’s degree application submissions. In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School, an earned baccalaureate degree from a college or university accredited by an accepted accrediting body in any scientific, engineering, or business discipline or a closely related field is required. Official GRE or GMAT scores are required for all applicants without an earned baccalaureate degree or higher from a U.S. college or university accredited by an accepted accrediting body. Applicants who do not meet a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) require GRE or GMAT scores.
In addition, prior to matriculation, the program requires:
- A current working knowledge of at least one higher-level (procedural) language; and a familiarity with computer applications
- A minimal background in mathematics is also required, including two semesters of calculus and one semester of statistics
Individuals who have worked at a high professional level in the computer industry or business may be able to substitute work experience for specific subject area admission requirements. Individuals without a business degree or business experience are required to complete an online business fundamentals course prior to enrolling in the program.
GRE/GMAT Waiver
The GRE/GMAT requirement may be waived for applicants who meet one of the following:
- Hold a terminal degree (e.g., J.D., M.D., D.D.S., or Ph.D.)
- Have successfully completed a minimum of two of the required courses in the Graduate Certificate in Data Science and Business Analytics with a GPA of 3.5 or above, and a letter of recommendation from at least one of the DSBA course instructors
Waiver from GRE/GMAT must be requested from the DSBA Graduate Program Director when submitting the completed application. All waivers are at the discretion of the DSBA Graduate Program Director. Applicants satisfying one of the above criteria may be asked by the DSBA Graduate Program Director to report GRE/GMAT scores.
Early Entry Program
Exceptional undergraduate students at UNC Charlotte may apply for the Early Entry Program and begin work toward the graduate degree before completion of the baccalaureate degree. See the Undergraduate Catalog for details and requirements. Also see the Degree Requirements and Academic Policies section of the Graduate Catalog for more information about Early Entry Programs.
Accelerated Master’s Program
Academically talented high school seniors and UNC Charlotte undergraduate freshmen are encouraged to apply for the Accelerated Master’s Program to begin work toward both undergraduate and graduate degrees in their Freshman year. See the Undergraduate Catalog for details and requirements. Also see the Degree Requirements and Academic Policies section of the Graduate Catalog for more information about Accelerated Master’s Programs.
Degree Requirements
Thirty-three graduate credit hours are required for the DSBA PSM. Of the 33 graduate credit hours, 21 credit hours are required core courses (inclusive of 3 credit hours for the internship), and 12 credit hours of elective courses. A minimum of 21 credit hours contributing to the M.S. in Data Science and Business Analytics must be from courses numbered 6000 or higher. A maximum of 6 hours of graduate credit may be transferred. Students may apply all of the credit hours earned in the Graduate Certificate in Data Science and Business Analytics toward the M.S. in Data Science and Business Analytics with the approval of the DSBA Graduate Program Director.
