Key Takeaways
- Holistic Evaluation: An assessment of your academic, professional, and personal strengths and goals give us a better picture who you are.
- Mind the Prerequisites: Specialized programs have specific requirements; for example, the MSIS program requires foundational programming knowledge (Python, Java, C, or C++) before you begin.
- The Silicon Valley Edge: Your application should demonstrate an "applied" mindset—demonstrating a love of learning and eagerness to improve yourself, your industry, and your community.
Deciding to pursue a Master of Science (MS) degree at the Leavey School of Business is a strategic move to position yourself at the intersection of rigorous academic theory and Silicon Valley’s fast-paced innovation. Whether you’re looking to master data analytics, dive into the business of sports, or develop powerful information systems, the admissions process is your opportunity to demonstrate how you fit into this ecosystem.
This guide offers information on the admission process and program requirements, while also providing insight into the profiles sought after by our recruitment team.
How to Apply to a Master’s Program
The path to a graduate degree at Leavey is designed to be transparent but thorough–the admissions committee isn't just looking for a "perfect" candidate, but a "prepared" one.
1. Check Program Prerequisites
Before beginning your application, ensure you meet the academic and technical foundations for your chosen track.
- Academic Foundations: While we welcome all undergraduate majors, some MS programs require a solid quantitative background.
- Technical Preparation: Programs like the MS in Business Analytics (MSBA) and MS in Finance and Analytics (MSFA) recommend prior exposure to Calculus and Statistics–even though no prerequisites are required.
- Specific Requirements: The MS in Information Systems (MSIS) requires at least one college-level course in a programming language such as Python, Java, or C++ (JavaScript, SQL, and some other programming don’t fulfill this, so check the program requirements).
- Work Experience: For our MS programs, professional experience is not required. The student body is comprised of both high-achieving recent graduates and seasoned professionals.
2. Prepare Your Application Materials
Gathering your documents early allows you to focus on the quality of your narrative.
- Transcripts: We require official transcripts from every post-secondary institution attended. For international degrees, a NACES-approved course-by-course evaluation is necessary to confirm U.S. bachelor’s equivalency.
- Resume/CV: Use this to highlight your technical stack (software, languages, tools) alongside your professional or internship achievements.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are needed for this application, and should come from academic or professional sources. Select recommenders who can highlight your top skills and contributions.
3. Submit Your Application
Our application is hosted on a secure online portal.
- Personal Statement: This is your "why." Use this space to share moments of growth, accomplishments, or unique aspects of your story.
- Interview: Qualified applicants may be invited to a virtual or in-person interview.
Master’s Admission Requirements
We maintain high standards to ensure the success of our cohort-based model.
- Undergraduate Degree: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required. If you earned your degree from an international institution, you’ll need to have your transcript evaluated by a NACES member organization in addition to reviewing the University’s policy for admitting students with a three-year degree.
- Standardized Tests: The GMAT or GRE may be required, but waivers are available for candidates who demonstrate significant quantitative readiness through previous coursework or professional experience.
- English Proficiency: International students must submit an overall score of 90+ for TOEFL, 6.5+ for IELTS, or 110+ for Duolingo unless they hold a degree from a U.S. or other English-speaking institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need work experience for a master’s degree?
At Leavey, work experience is not a requirement for our MS programs. We value internships, research projects, and technical skills just as highly for our specialized Master’s tracks.
Is a master’s degree better than an MBA?
An MBA is a generalist degree focused on leadership across all business functions. A Master of Science is a specialist degree designed to make you an expert in a specific domain like Marketing, Finance, or Analytics. The "better" choice depends on whether you want to manage the whole business or lead a technical department.
How long does it take to complete an MS program?
Depending on the program and your pace, most students finish in 9 to 24 months. Some programs have a set length, such as our MS in Sports Business, which is 14 months (or 5 quarters) in length.
Build Specialized Skills for What’s Next
A Master of Science from the Leavey School of Business isn't just about the credentials; it's about the access. By joining our community, you gain a network of peers and mentors who are shaping the future of global business.
Take the next step:
Discover Your Next Step
This will only take a moment.