Master of Science in Business Analytics Admissions
We look for candidates who can not only analyze data but also think critically about what it means and communicate it in ways that influence business decisions.
Employers across industries are seeking analytics professionals who can combine technical rigor with sound judgment to drive data-informed decisions in fast-moving, complex environments. The UC San Diego Rady MSBA is designed for tenacious, ambitious, and tech-savvy individuals who will drive business decision-making with data.
Who Is a Strong Fit
You are a strong fit for the UC San Diego Rady MSBA if you bring:
- A strong quantitative foundation through a quantitative or technical undergraduate degree or relevant professional experience, and
- Prior coursework (with A or B grades) in calculus and probability or statistics, and
- Demonstrated programming proficiency in Python, R, SQL, and/or MATLAB gained through coursework, professional experience, or reputable online programs
Preparing for an Evolving Analytics Career
In an era of powerful analytics platforms and AI-generated insights, judgment is a differentiator. Employers today are hiring for adaptability—not just mastery of current tools.
The most competitive UC San Diego Rady MSBA candidates will also demonstrate:
- Curiosity, which drives analysts to ask clarifying questions, challenge assumptions and seek deeper understanding
- Communication, which enables analysts to clearly convey insights, comprehend complex information, and translate data into compelling narratives to ensure career mobility across roles and industries
- Critical thinking, which allows analysts to evaluate data quality, bias, limitations, and risk before insights are acted upon
A candidate who understands today’s tools and can learn tomorrow’s is far more valuable than someone who only checks technical boxes.
Complete applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Early application is encouraged, as seats are limited. We look forward to working with you.
Will the current updates on U.S. H-1B visa requirements affect me as a student or as an employee in the U.S. after I graduate?
No. Switching from a student visa (F-1 or J-1) to an H-1B via a change of status from within the United States is not subject to the $100,000 fee, which is detailed on the UC San Diego’s International Services and Engagement website. With respect to employment, our international graduating students qualify for OPT (Optional Practical Training, a status granted for graduates from STEM-designated programs) and after 36 months of employment can be sponsored by their employer or can apply for an H-1B through the lottery system and will NOT have to pay the $100,000 fee, so long as they apply via a change of status from within the U.S. More information is detailed on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
Summer 2026 Application Deadlines
Full-time MSBA Application Deadlines:
- Round 1: October 1, 2025
- Round 2: November 15, 2025
- Round 3: January 15, 2026
- Round 4 (Fellowship & International Deadline): April 1, 2026
- Round 5 (Domestic Deadline): May 15, 2026
Application Checklist
Application Form
Transcripts
You may provide academic transcripts in two ways: upload a PDF or Word document of your transcripts directly into the online application, or you can have your academic records sent to us from the institutions at which you studied. If you upload your documents and are offered admission, official transcripts of all your previous academic work will be required to verify the information provided in the uploaded files.
For international applicants ONLY: All international transcripts require an official translation into English by a certified translator. International applicants must submit a certified copy of their diploma indicating the degree received.
For international applicants ONLY: All international transcripts require an official translation into English by a certified translator. International applicants must submit a certified copy of their diploma indicating the degree received.
Upon Provisional Admission to UC San Diego
All admitted, international applicants are required to complete and submit a WES Course-by-Course evaluation. Please go to wes.org to create your account. You will be prompted to input your academic history, and will then be provided with a list of documents required for the completion of your evaluation. Applicants with academic work in progress who expect to complete a degree program before the intended date of enrollment at UCSD must provide evidence of degree conferral and a final academic transcript as soon as they are available.
Please do not send official documents to the Graduate Admissions Office. As an international applicant, you must submit a WES Course-by-Course evaluation via WES once you have been admitted for your admission to UC San Diego to be finalized.
Eligibility Requirement
All students must have conferred their undergraduate degree by the first day of instruction in the program.
Resume or CV
Submit your up-to-date resume or CV.
Quantitative Background
Provide details regarding your experience with computational programming (for example, C++) and with statistical, econometrics and mathematical applications and tools (for example, SAS, Stata, MatLab, R, S-Plus, Mathematica).
Recommendations
All applicants are required to submit two recommendations. It is highly encouraged that recommendations be submitted online. It is most important that recommendations be completed by individuals who are in a position to analyze your ability and academic promise.
Statement of Purpose
Your Statement of Purpose should be no longer than 500 words, double-spaced, 12-point font: The Rady School of Management MSBA program is designed to train the next generation of technology leaders who can help businesses deliver successful outcomes through business analytics and technology. This requires leaders who can make a significant commitment to developing strong technical and business skills. Tell us about a major commitment you have made in your life that challenged you (in business or your personal experience). What was it, how did you pursue that commitment, and how did you handle roadblocks along the way?
GMAT or GRE Scores
The Rady Admissions Office encourages all applicants to prepare appropriately for these examinations. Study can be done individually, in classroom environments, or online. Though the Rady School does not endorse any particular test prep organization, the following are organizations that have been utilized successfully by previous applicants:
The GMAT/GRE test requirement is optional for the Full-Time MSBA application. Applicants are welcome to include valid GRE or GMAT test scores at the time of application submission. You should be aware that your application will be considered incomplete and will not be moved forward or reviewed until official scores are received from the testing institution and verified by the Rady Admissions Office.
The code for the GMAT is 3NS-ZK-10
The code for the GRE is 4836
English Proficiency (for international applicants only)
Demonstrated proficiency in the English language is required for all international applicants. International applicants may be exempt from this requirement if they have earned or will be earning a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree with grades of B (3.0) or better from either:
- A regionally accredited U.S. college or university where English is the sole language of instruction, or
- A foreign college or university which provides instruction solely in English. You may verify whether your institution meets this requirement by looking up your institution in the IAU World Higher Education Database (WHED). If English is not the sole language of instruction listed, if no language is listed at all, or if the institution does not appear on the WHED website, you are required to submit English proficiency exam scores. No other documentation (e.g. letters, language certificates, school websites) may be used in place of WHED as a means to obtain an exemption from the English proficiency requirement.
UC San Diego accepts the following English language proficiency exams listed below. UC San Diego has no preference on the English language proficiency exam that is taken and submitted.
Duolingo English Test (DET)
UC San Diego accepts the Duolingo English Test (DET) as one of the approved options to meet the English language proficiency requirement for graduate admission.
- Minimum Total Score: 120 (out of 160)
- Score Validity: Scores are valid for two years from the test date
- Official Score Submission: Scores must be sent electronically to UC San Diego Rady School of Management directly from Duolingo.
To send your Duolingo English Test scores to UC San Diego Rady School of Management, follow these steps:
- Log in at englishtest.duolingo.com
- Go to "My Tests" and click "Share Score" on your certified result
- Select "university" and search for "University of California – San Diego – Rady School of Management”
- Check the box next to "University of California – San Diego – Rady School of Management” in the dropdown menu
For more information or to register, visit the Duolingo English Test website.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Minimum Total Score: The university-wide minimum TOEFL score required for consideration for graduate admission is 85 for the internet-based test (iBT). Competitive scores for the Rady School of Management will be above 100.
- Score Validity: Scores are valid for two years from the test date
- Official Score Submission: When ordering your TOEFL score reports, use UCSD's institution code 4836. TOEFL score reports are sent to the university four to six weeks after the test is administered.
At this time, UC San Diego does not accept TOEFL MyBest Scores offered through ETS. Consult the TOEFL website for further information.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Minimum Total Score: The university-wide minimum IELTS Academic Training exam score required for consideration for graduate admission is Band Score 7.
- Score Validity: Scores are valid for two years from the test date
- Official Score Submission: To submit official test scores to UC San Diego Rady School of Management, applicants must contact the IELTS test center where they took the test to request their official test results to Rady/UC San Diego. UC San Diego does not accept unofficial copies of IELTS Test Report Forms from students. An institution code is not required.
IELTS is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. Arrangements for taking the IELTS Academic Training exam may be made through the website.
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE)
- Minimum Total Score: The minimum PTE Academic score required for graduate admission is Overall Score: 65.
- Official Score Submission: PTE test takers must select the University of California, San Diego as a score recipient, then submit a copy of your scores directly to our Graduate Admissions office at: Rady School of Management, UC San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive #0553, La Jolla, CA 92093-0553. Include your registration ID number and exam date on your application. Official scores will be verified online.
PTE Academic is a computer-based academic English language test benchmarked to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF). For registration and test information consult the PTE website.
Application Fee
The application fee is $150. The non-refundable fee is payable by credit card through the online application. You may also pay by check, following the instructions in the online application. If you choose to pay by check, please note that your application will not be processed until your check has been received. Your application cannot be reviewed until the application fee is paid.
After You Apply
The Rady School admissions team reviews applications as they are received and makes decisions on a rolling basis. The number of seats is limited so applying early increases your likelihood of gaining admission.
- After you submit your application, you will receive confirmation and instructions for further action, if necessary.
- Once you have submitted a complete application, it will be reviewed to determine if the admissions committee would like to schedule an interview.
- Interviews are required for admission and are by invitation only. Interviews are completed via an online and asynchronous interviewing platform. The Rady Admissions Office reserves the right to request to live interviews in certain cases.
If you have questions about the application process, please contact the Rady Admissions Office.