FAQ
General Program Information FAQ
Admissions FAQ
Application Process FAQ
International Applicants FAQ
Cost and Financial Aid FAQ
Curriculum FAQ
Career Development FAQ
General Program Information
We anticipate the Fall 2022 cohort size to be approximately 50 students.
Data science and analytics although being interconnected in their fundamental resource, data, each have different goals.
Data science focuses on big data and tackles challenges in data storage, retrieval, cleansing, preparation, mining, visualization, privacy, ethics, and analysis. Data scientists create and leverage algorithms to collect and shape large-scale raw data into something that can be more easily understood. Whereas analytics refers to the process and practice of analyzing data to answer questions, extract insights, and translate data into actionable decisions. This is done using an array of tools, techniques, and frameworks. Analytics professionals closely collaborate with data scientists and bridge the gap between data scientists and product/program managers.
In short, data science explores and tests new methods to store, use and interpret data, whereas analytics focuses on creating data-driven solutions to problems.
While these two programs share some core technical courses, the IEOR Master of Engineering program prepares students for engineering leadership and offers a curriculum with a balance of management and technical content. On the other hand, the Master of Analytics focuses on building data-driven solutions for industry challenges.
Master of Analytics students begin the program with a 50-hour Python programming language bootcamp, whereas Master of Engineering students begin the program with a pre-semester bootcamp on leadership.
The Analytics program offers elective decision analytics courses with industry context in place of the Master of Engineering leadership courses. The Master of Analytics also offers an Analytics Lab – a project-oriented course for building analytics solutions in teams starting from raw data. IEOR’s Master of Engineering program focuses on engineering leadership.
The Master of Analytics program includes a summer internship to help students gain hands-on experience instead of the two-semester Master of Engineering capstone project.
Both programs have a quantitative curriculum, however, the Master of Engineering program may be a better fit for those more interested in developing leadership skills, while the Master of Analytics program may be a better option for those students with data and quantitative interests along with industry context.
Admissions
For admission into the Master of Analytics program, all applicants are expected to have:
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or recognized equivalent.
- Sufficient undergraduate education for graduate work in your chosen field.
- At least one college-level course or equivalent knowledge in: Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics.
- Fluency in a computer programming language.
No. All applications are holistically reviewed by a faculty committee to ensure those recommended for admission can succeed in the program. No applicant is automatically admitted into the program.
No. Work experience is not required for admission to the Analytics program. If you do not have work experience, we will want to know why you are choosing to pursue an Analytics degree at UC Berkeley and we will look for competitive academic records, relevant internships, and clear career goals.
We recommend strengthening one’s knowledge in probability and statistics, computer programming, and linear algebra. If you have minimal analytics-oriented background, gaining this knowledge will maximize your learning in the Master of Analytics program.
Not at this time. However, we anticipate the Fall 2022 cohort size to be approximately 50 students.
The Master of Analytics is a new program beginning Fall 2022; thus, we do not yet have an acceptance rate.
At this time, there is no plan for an interview. If the admissions committee deems it necessary, they may arrange an interview via Zoom.
Although most applicants generally come from computer science, mathematics, statistics, or engineering majors, the Analytics program application is open to all that meet eligibility requirements. Long-term success in analytics requires both strong quantitative foundations and an interest in data-driven problem-solving. Applicants that are stronger in one area or the other can still be successful in admissions. We will also ensure that all students develop the required skills to start a promising career in data analytics upon completion of our Master of Analytics program.
No. You may only apply to one degree program at UC Berkeley per admission cycle.
Yes, we welcome applications from individuals who have already completed an advanced degree. Our program can help you to transfer the skills you have already developed and apply them to creating data-driven solutions to problems. Please note duplicate degrees (eg: a completed Master of Analytics from another institution) is not permitted.
Application Process
If you decide to opt-out of taking the GRE, it will not be a detriment. If you have already taken the GRE and believe your score may strengthen your application, feel free to submit it.
The admissions committee reviews all parts of the application holistically. We seek to identify individuals with strong motivation and academic preparation necessary for successful completion of the program.
We do recommend submitting an application earlier than later. The faculty committee will begin evaluating applications for admission immediately following the early application deadline. We will not accept applications for admission past the final application deadline. All materials, including letters of recommendation, must be submitted by the final deadline.
The Statement of Purpose is your "academic statement" and should convey why you are interested in the program, what you will contribute to the program, and what you plan to do after the program.
The Personal History Statement should provide insight to you as a person and any personal experiences that have influenced you to apply for graduate studies in Analytics. This statement can also include any experiences in overcoming adversity, or any social or community projects/ programs/organizations with which you have worked.
The average length of each is a concise and articulate two pages, double spaced.
Yes. You can take a certified course and provide it in your application to supplement.
International Applicants
International and domestic applications are reviewed equivalently. Non-U.S. citizens/Permanent Residents may need to submit TOEFL or IELTS test scores to satisfy UC Berkeley’s English Language Proficiency requirement depending upon the undergraduate institution. We strongly encourage all international applicants to submit application materials early to ensure a complete application by the deadline.
Please see the university requirements for who needs to submit Evidence of English Language Proficiency.
Graduates of recognized academic institutions outside the United States should hold a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. Equivalency is determined by International Evaluators in the Graduate Admissions Office.
Required Records: Upload unofficial transcripts with the application for the departmental initial review. Official transcripts or academic records for all university-level studies you have completed, at U.S. institutions and abroad, will be required if admitted and decide to attend. If your academic records do not include official evidence of the award of your degree, you must also submit additional documents that verify the degree conferral. For information about the documents required for an initial review of your application, contact the department or program to which you are applying.
Academic records should be issued in the original language and accompanied by English translations if required (usually prepared by your university or Ministry of Education, unless the institution issues original documents in English). In general, records or transcripts must be issued by the school and include the school’s stamp or embossed seal and the signature of the authorizing official. For more detailed information on acceptable documents, please contact your prospective department or Graduate Admissions.
English translations are required for all languages except Spanish; degree names and grades should be transliterated, not converted into English words or the U.S. grades of A-F. If your home institution does not issue documents in English, you may submit translations prepared by certified translators from the American Translators Association.
Learn more about immigration policy updates from the Berkeley International Office.
Learn more about STEM OPT from the Berkeley International Office.
Cost and Financial Aid
Please view the current costs, fees, and financial aid options here.
Scholarships are available on a merit and need basis. You will be reviewed for merit-based scholarships based on your application for admission to the program.
Additional funding opportunities are available on the Graduate Division website.
Curriculum
Program curriculum and course descriptions can be found on http://guide.berkeley.edu/
Berkeley’s Analytics program is offered as a summer (August) start only.
At this time, only the pre-semester Python boot camp is offered remotely (online) in August. The fall and spring terms of the program are full-time and in-person.
The Python boot camp is not mandatory for Fall 2022 admitted students who are already fluent in Python programming language, but it is strongly recommended for the majority of students.
Once in the program, you can choose to enroll in available courses outside of IEOR; however, enrollment is not guaranteed. Note IEOR’s expectation is the degree is completed within the program’s 11 months. To meet degree requirements, you must complete core, elective, and internship unit requirements as listed in the Academic Guide.
The Master of Analytics program is a full-time, in-person program.
No, Analytics students complete a 10-week industry internship in place of a capstone project.
Career Development
The IEOR department partners with the Fung Institute for Engineering Leadership to assist in internship placement. The Engineering Career Center and the Cal Career Center have special programs such as how to approach the job market, resume preparation, how to interview, along with providing opportunities to meet employers.
It is not recommended due to the brevity and intensity of the program.
Data analytics professionals hold a range of positions across sectors and industries. They have titles such as business intelligence analyst, data analyst, data engineer, operations analyst, machine learning engineer, and quantitative analyst.
You can find a list of recent IEOR alumni job placements here.