MSBA Frequently Asked Questions
Data drives answers. We’ve got both.
Find answers to common questions about Georgetown University’s Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program. Learn about admissions, curriculum, AI integration, career outcomes, and more for both the in-person, full-time and online, part-time formats.
General MSBA FAQs
What are the admission requirements for Georgetown McDonough’s MSBA?
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. While GRE or GMAT scores are optional, submitting them can strengthen your application. Required materials also include a resume, transcripts, and proof of English proficiency for international applicants.
When should I apply to Georgetown’s MSBA?
The MSBA program offers one intake per year in the fall, with multiple application deadlines. Admissions decisions are made shortly after each deadline.
When does the MSBA program start?
The MSBA cohort begins each year in August. View important dates on the MSBA Online Academic Calendar or the MSBA Full-time Academic Calendar.
What’s the difference between the Georgetown online MSBA (part-time) and the in-person Georgetown MSBA (full-time) program?
Georgetown’s MSBA is offered in two formats to fit different lifestyles and career stages. The online MSBA is a 16-month, part-time program designed for working professionals featuring weekly live virtual sessions, two in-person residencies, and flexible coursework. The full-time MSBA is a 10-month, on-campus program in Washington, D.C., ideal for recent graduates or early-career professionals seeking a fully immersive, in-person academic experience.
Students who begin in the full-time, in-person format may transfer into the online program if life circumstances, such as a new job or relocation, require added flexibility. However, the reverse—moving from part-time, online to full-time, in-person—is not available.
What makes Georgetown’s MSBA program different from other Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) programs?
Georgetown’s MSBA stands out for its values-based approach to business, global mindset, and strategic location in Washington, D.C. The program emphasizes not only technical skills in analytics, but also ethical decision-making, leadership, and real-world impact—core principles of Georgetown’s Jesuit tradition.
Unlike many MSBA programs, Georgetown integrates global business perspectives throughout the curriculum and offers access to international faculty, corporate partners, and a diverse cohort. Whether you choose the online or in-person format, you’ll gain strong analytical skills and a deeper understanding of how to use data to lead responsibly and drive change in complex, global business environments.
Is the MSBA program STEM-designated?
Yes, Georgetown’s MSBA is a STEM-designated program. This designation reflects the program’s strong emphasis on technical and analytical skills and may offer international students additional benefits related to post-graduation work opportunities in the United States.
Is there a minimum GPA required to apply to the MSBA program?
There is no official minimum GPA. Georgetown reviews applications holistically, considering academic performance, professional experience, and potential for success in the program.
How many courses or credits are required for the Georgetown’s MSBA program?
The program includes approximately 18 courses, including a capstone project with real-world client engagement. These courses are spread over 16 months (online, part-time) or 10 months (in-person, full-time).
Can I succeed in the MSBA program without a coding or STEM background?
Yes. Many students enter the program with little to no coding experience. The curriculum is designed to build foundational skills in AI, Python, SQL, and other tools, with strong support from faculty and peers.
How does the MSBA program incorporate artificial intelligence (AI)?
Georgetown’s MSBA program integrates AI and machine learning throughout its curriculum to prepare students for the evolving business landscape. Courses cover topics such as predictive analytics, natural language processing, and AI-driven decision-making, equipping students to apply these technologies to real-world business challenges. By combining AI techniques with strong business strategy foundations, the program ensures graduates can leverage advanced analytics to drive innovation and impact across industries.
What is the MSBA capstone project, and how does it help my career?
The MSBA capstone is a hands-on consulting project where students work in teams to solve real-world business problems using data analytics. Partnering with companies, nonprofits, or government agencies, students apply what they’ve learned to analyze data, develop insights, and present strategic recommendations to real clients.
This experience is designed to strengthen your resume and build practical skills employers value, such as problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management. The capstone is also a great way to demonstrate your ability to translate data into impact, a key differentiator in today’s analytics-driven job market.
Can I talk to a current student or attend a virtual event for the MSBA program?
Yes, prospective students can connect with student ambassadors through virtual coffee chats or attend online information sessions and webinars hosted by the admissions team.
What is the cost of attendance of the MSBA program?
The tuition for the full Georgetown MSBA program, for the cohort starting in Fall 2025, is $69,960.
Are scholarships available for the MSBA program?
Yes, merit-based scholarships are available and awarded during the admissions process. Applying earlier in the cycle can improve your chances of receiving financial aid. Every applicant will be considered for scholarships. For details on scholarships and other ways to finance your degree, please visit our Financing page.
What work opportunities are available during the MSBA program?
Georgetown offers part-time campus jobs and graduate assistantships that MSBA students may apply for to complement their studies. Georgetown McDonough’s Career Center and program-specific career services also provide resources, networking events, and employer connections to help students secure positions in analytics, consulting, and other business-related fields.
Does Georgetown provide housing for MSBA students?
Georgetown University does not offer on-campus housing for graduate students in the MSBA program. However, students have access to resources and support for finding off-campus accommodations in the Washington, D.C., area. The university’s Off-Campus Housing Office provides listings, neighborhood guides, and tips for securing housing near campus or along public transportation routes. Many MSBA students choose to live in popular D.C. neighborhoods or nearby areas in Virginia and Maryland that offer convenient access to the university.
Full-Time, In-Person MSBA FAQs
Can Georgetown Full-time MSBA students work during the program?
The full-time MSBA requires a significant time commitment and is not designed for students to hold full-time jobs while enrolled. Students may apply for graduate assistantships or part-time roles that fit within the program schedule.
Where are classes held in the Full-time MSBA?
All classes for the full-time MSBA program take place on Georgetown University’s main campus in Washington, D.C.
What career outcomes and support can I expect from the Full-time MSBA program?
Graduates gain sought-after skills for roles in data analytics, business intelligence, and strategy. Georgetown’s McDonough Career Center offers personalized career coaching, corporate connections, and alumni networking to support your goals.
Online MSBA FAQs
Can I work full-time while completing the Online MSBA?
Yes. The online MSBA is specifically designed for working professionals. The program offers flexible scheduling, allowing students to balance coursework with full-time employment.
Are residencies mandatory for MSBA students?
Yes, the two residencies are a required part of the online and in-person MSBA curriculum.
What do the MSBA residencies cover?
Each residency lasts seven days and offers students the opportunity to earn academic credit, collaborate in person with peers and faculty, and participate in hands-on, immersive learning and networking activities.
Is the Online MSBA curriculum the same as the on-campus program?
Yes. Both the online and full-time MSBA programs deliver the same curriculum, taught by Georgetown faculty. Online students also have access to the same career services, alumni network, and faculty expertise.
What kind of support do online students receive in the MSBA program?
Online students receive 1:1 career coaching, access to the Career Resource Library, employer networking events, and participation in the MSBA Mentorship Circle.
Who is eligible to apply for the Online MSBA program?
The Online MsBA program admits students who reside in time zones that are +/- 3 hours of Eastern Time.
Does the Online MSBA program sponsor F-1 visas?
The Online MSBA program sponsors F-1 visas only for the in-person residencies when students are required to come to the Washington, D.C. campus for classes. F-1 visa holders must not engage in employment while physically present in the United States and must depart the United States at the end of each residency.
What are the live class requirements for the Online MSBA program?
The Online MSBA combines asynchronous coursework with synchronous live sessions. Live sessions are held on weekdays within the 6 p.m.-9:20 p.m. ET time window, except during required in-person residencies on Georgetown’s Washington, D.C. campus. If you are admitted and enroll in the online MSBA, you are expected to attend live classes during these times from a time zone that is within three hours (+/-) of Eastern Time.
Contact Our Online MSBA Team
msbaOnline@georgetown.edu
(202) 729-9995