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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

School Program Testing Requirements
American University Analytics@American Online Master of Science in Analytics (MSAn) program Not required
Arizona State University Online Master of Science in Business Analytics program GRE or GMAT required
Austin Peay State University Online Computer Science and Quantitative Methods Professional Science Masters (PSM) with a Concentration in Data Management and Analysis Not required - GRE is optional
Austin Peay State University Online Master of Science in Computer Science and Quantitative Methods Not required - GRE is optional
Bay Path University Online Master of Science in Applied Data Science program Not required
Bellevue University Online Master of Science in Business Analytics program Not required
Boston University Online Master of Science in Computer Information Systems with a concentration in Data Analytics Not required for admission
Brandeis University Online Master of Science in Strategic Analytics program Not required for admission
Carnegie Mellon University Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) Distance Track - Business Intelligence and Data Analytics GRE or GMAT required
Central Connecticut State University Online Master of Science in Data Mining program Not required for admission
Clarkson University Online Master of Science in Data Analytics GMAT or GRE required (applicants with 7 years of relevant work experience may request a waiver, but waiver is not guaranteed)
Creighton University Online Master of Science in Analytics GRE or GMAT not required for applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or higher with work experience and at least a bachelor's degree from a U.S. based institution - otherwise GMAT is required
CUNY School of Professional Studies Online Master of Science in Data Science program (Analytics) Not required for admission
Dakota State University Online Master of Science in Analytics program Not required
Davenport University Online Master of Science in Data Analytics program Not required
George Mason University Online Master of Science in Data Analytics Engineering Not required
Georgetown University Online Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) Not required
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Online Master of Science in Analytics program Not required
Illinois Institute of Technology Online Master of Computer Science with a Specialization in Data Analytics Not required (GRE is waived for MCS applicants with a Bachelor's degree and a min. GPA of 3.0)
Indiana University Online Master of Science in Business Analytics program GRE or GMAT Required
Iowa State University Online Master of Business Analytics program Not required
Johns Hopkins University Advanced Academic Programs Online Master of Science in Data Analytics and Policy Not required
Lewis University Online Master of Science in Business Analytics Not required
Maryville University Online Master of Science in Business Data Analytics Not required
National University Online Master of Science in Business Analytics program Not required if GPA greater than 2.5
National University Online Master of Science in Health & Life Science Analytics program Not required if GPA greater than 2.5
New Jersey Institute of Technology Online Master of Science in Computer Science with a Database and Data Mining Specialization GRE required for students without CS or Engineering degrees
Northeastern University Online Master of Professional Studies in Analytics Not required
Northeastern University Online Master of Science in Business Analytics GMAT or GRE required
Notre Dame of Maryland University Online Master of Science in Analytics program Not required
Ohio University Online Master of Business Analytics Not required
Oklahoma State University Online Master of Science in Business Analytics and Data Science program (Analytics) GRE or GMAT required (Applicants with more than 5 years of relevant work experience may be accepted on a probationary status without GRE or GMAT scores)
Oregon State University Online Master of Science in Data Analytics program Not required
The Pennsylvania State University Online Master of Professional Studies in Data Analytics - Business Analytics option GRE required (GRE may be waived with a GPA greater than 3.2)
Purdue University - Purdue Polytechnic Institute Online Master of Science in Information Technology with a Concentration in Business Analysis (ITBA) Not required
Quinnipiac University Online Master of Science in Business Analytics program Not required
Robert Morris University Online Master Of Science In Data Analytics program Not required
Rutgers University Online Master of Information with a Concentration in Data Science (Analytics) GRE or GMAT required (if GPA lower than 3.0)
Saint Joseph's University Online Master of Science in Business Intelligence and Analytics program (MSBIA) GMAT required
Saint Louis University Online Master of Science in Analytics program Not required
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Online Master’s in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics program Not required
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Online Master of Science in Data Analytics program (MSDA) Not required
Southern New Hampshire University Online Master of Science in Data Analytics program Not required
Stevens Institute of Technology Online Master of Science in Business Intelligence & Analytics program GRE or GMAT required
Syracuse University Online Master of Science in Applied Data Science - Data and Business Analytics Track GRE or GMAT scores not required, but students can submit scores if they think they will help their application
Syracuse University Online Master of Science in Business Analytics GRE or GMAT required (test scores may be waived for applicants with at least one year of professional work experience and a GPA greater than 3.0 or an undergraduate degree in a related field, or for students with a master's degree)
Texas A&M University Online Master of Science in Analytics program GRE may be waived based on preliminary review of a students application package including pre-questionnaire
The University of Scranton Online Master of Science in Business Analytics Not required
The University of Alabama Online Master of Science in Marketing with a Specialization in Marketing Analytics GRE or GMAT required
The University of Alabama Online Master of Science in Operations Management (MSOM) Decision Analytics Track GRE or GMAT required
University of Dayton Online Master of Business Analytics GMAT or GRE required - qualified applicants may be able to waive the GRE if they meet specific criteria: 1) bachelor's degree in science, math, engineering, economics or business with a GPA greater than 3.0, or 2) at least three years of technical experience with a GPA greater than 3.2
The University of Kansas Edwards Campus Online Master of Science in Applied Statistics and Analytics program (Data Analytics emphasis) GRE required
University of Maryland Global Campus Online Master of Science in Data Analytics program GRE or GMAT required (if GPA lower than 3.0)
University of Missouri Online Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics program Not required
The University of Texas at Dallas Online Master of Science in Information Technology and Management (MS ITM) with a Concentration in Business Intelligence and Analytics GMAT or GRE required
University of Wisconsin - Madison Online Master of Engineering: Engineering Data Analytics Option Not required
Utica University Online Master of Science in Data Science with a Specialization in Business Analytics Not required
Villanova University Online Master of Science in Analytics program GRE or GMAT not required (recommended for applicants with a GPA lower than 3.0)
West Virginia University Online MS in Business Data Analytics program GRE or GMAT required (may be waived with 5+ years of industry experience)
Western Governors University Online Master of Science in Data Analytics Not required

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