Question: Are There Any Online Master's in Data Analytics Programs That Do Not Require the GRE?

Answer: Yes, among master’s in data analytics programs that are offered online, there are several that do not require the GRE for admissions, some that require applicants to submit GRE scores, and others that provide GRE waivers to qualified candidates or that only require the GRE on a conditional basis. In fact, a majority of the master’s in data analytics programs currently offered online do not use the GRE or any other standardized test as part of their admissions process. In lieu of standardized test scores, they rely on other factors, such as an applicant’s prior academic performance, a written personal goals statement, letters of recommendation, and prior professional experience in an analytics field.

The GRE, or Graduate Records Examinations General Test, is an assessment tool used by many graduate programs to identify applicants who have the verbal and quantitative skills to succeed academically. However, the GRE is not universally required and its use is more common in some fields than in others. Analytics is a field in which the GRE is not required for admissions by the majority of master’s in analytics programs. This is true of online master’s in data analytics programs and of online master’s in business analytics programs, which are similar in curricular focus to data analytics programs.

OnlineEducation.com classifies online master’s in data analytics and master’s in business analytics programs together as one group. The breakdown of online master’s in analytics programs by GRE requirement is as follows:

• No GRE Required: 36 programs
• GRE Required: 10 programs
• GRE Required on a Conditional Basis: 14 programs

Typically, programs that have a conditional GRE policy will waive their standardized test requirement for applicants who have several years of professional experience in an analytics field, applicants who hold a graduate degree in another field, and/or applicants who graduated from their bachelor’s program with a minimum GPA of 3.0, 3.25, or higher on a four-point scale. GPA requirements for a GRE waiver vary by program.

Online Master’s in Data and Business Analytics Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements vary by school and by program. Potential applicants to online master’s in data and business analytics programs should be aware of this while researching programs and examine admissions procedures and requirements carefully. For example, while there are many online master’s in analytics programs that do not require the GRE, online master’s in business analytics programs offered through business schools may require the GMAT, or Graduate Management Admissions Test, a standardized admissions test that is similar to the GRE. However, standardized test scores are just one of a number of factors that programs may weigh as part of the admissions process.

Applicants to online master’s in data analytics programs are typically asked to furnish undergraduate transcripts, transcripts from any graduate work they have completed, and an up-to-date resume or CV. In addition to filling out a formal application, candidates may also be asked to provide two or three letters of recommendation, a written personal goals statement, and/or answers to one or more essay questions. These are some of the materials admissions departments may use in lieu of the GRE to assess an applicant’s qualifications.

Some programs also have a preferred or required minimum undergraduate GPA for admissions (2.5, 2.75, 3.0 or higher), although these programs may conditionally admit students whose GPA does not meet those standards. And some programs may prefer candidates who have one or more years of experience in data analytics or a related field.

Finally, analytics is a technical field in which computer and quantitative skills are an integral component. Online master’s in data and business analytics programs typically include core coursework in advanced mathematics, statistics, and computer programming, and may require applicants to have completed undergraduate coursework in linear algebra, statistical methods, and/or computer science. Online master’s in analytics programs typically list any undergraduate prerequisites with other admissions requirements and some programs may offer a preparatory or “bridge” program of several online courses designed to fulfill undergraduate prerequisites.

GRE Requirements by Online Master’s in Data Analytics Program

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