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

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