Admissions

Admission to SMU Cox is highly selective. Just as you invest in your future by attending the school, we invest in ours by admitting top applicants to join the SMU Cox community.

Applying for the Cox MSBA

Your application, supporting documents and personal interview are all very important to us, but most of all, we want to get to know you. Please reach out to us with your questions, try to visit us on campus so we can meet in person, and consider attending an admissions event or class. Studying at SMU Cox is an intimate experience and connections matter — starting now.
The SMU Cox Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) is an Early Action 4+1 program. Meeting certain criteria, Cox undergraduates can supplement their business education by joining the MSBA program immediately after graduation. The 4+1 program comes with a guaranteed scholarship. Ask us how!

Requirements for Application

What You Need to Apply

All Applicants students will need these items to complete an online application:

  • Current resume
  • Written essays
  • Unofficial transcripts or degree progress reports
    • Degree progress reports must show cumulative GPA and grades for each course taken
    • Official transcripts from any university or college where a student earned 12 or more credit hours are required after a student is offered admission
  • Two references
    • Name and contact information only
    • Recommendation letters are not required
  • Optional: Unofficial GMAT or GRE score report

International Students have the additional option to submit a TOEFL/IELTS score as a part of their application. This testing component is not a requirement. For applicants without a test score, we will assess the application based on a holistic review process that takes all your application components into consideration.

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines for the MSBA program are below. For any questions about Fall 2024 admission, please email gradadmissions@smu.edu to connect with a member of the admission team.

2024 - 2025 Deadlines
Round Application Due
(11:59pm CST day of deadline)
1* October 10, 2023
2* January 9, 2024
3* March 5, 2024
4 April 30, 2024
5 May 28, 2024
Rolling Admissions based on availability after May 28, 2024

*Priority deadline for scholarships and fellowships


Financing Your MSBA

Financing your Master's of Science in Business Analytics is a large part of your research, we're sure. A graduate education is one of the most important investments you'll ever make, and it's likely to produce one of your biggest ROIs — you won't just boost your career and earning potential, but you'll reap personal gains, too. If you need additional funding, you'll find that a variety of loan and private scholarship opportunities are available.

Merit-Based Scholarship Opportunities

The Cox MSBA program has a limited number of merit-based scholarships available. All candidates are automatically considered for these scholarships and are not required to submit a separate application. These scholarships are based on academic performance and GMAT/GRE scores. Typical scholarship amounts are $5,000 per student.

Estimated Annual Tuition & Fees:

Tuition

$45,036

University and Program Fees

$9,438

Health Center Fee
 $300

International Student Orientation Fee*

 $100
International Student Fee*
 $200

Total

$55,074

Estimated Living Expenses*:

Housing

$20,055

Books and Supplies

$2,000

Transportation

$2,504

Misc. Expenses (Health Ins., etc.)

$4,000

"*This fee may not apply to all students and depends on international student status.

**This estimated total is based on a 9-month school year for the 2024-25 academic year. The cost may be more or less depending on the student's lifestyle, whether the student lives on-campus or off-campus and whether any family members accompany the student. If family members accompany the student, add $8,600 if 1 dependent (spouse or child) and $4,300 for each dependent after 1. "       

FAQs

Click here to find answers to frequently asked questions