FAQ

Yes.

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.

Please see our admitted student profile HERE.

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.

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.

Unfortunately, the UC Berkeley Graduate Division states that applicants may apply to only one degree program or one concurrent degree program per application term.

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) are not permitted.

The admissions committee looks for strong applications via the holistic review process. We seek to identify individuals with strong motivation and academic preparation necessary for successful completion of the program. This includes statements that show self-motivation, competence, and potential as a graduate student; letters of recommendation that support what the candidate has shared through their statements with specific examples; and research/professional experience that is clearly communicated through their resume. The most compelling applicants are those who show authenticity.

Once your application is submitted, you may check the status of your GRE and TOEFL scores on your online application status page. When the scores are received and matched they will show as “verified.” If the scores are not verified by January 6, 2025, the scores may not be reviewed with your application.

GRE and TOEFL score reports typically take up to 5-15 days to be received and verified in UC Berkeley’s application system after they are sent to UC Berkeley. If it has been over 5 days (or 15 days since your test date) and your status still shows “awaiting,” please contact us at gradadmissions-ieor@berkeley.edu, and we will conduct a manual search for your score report.

In your email, please include 1) the email address you used to register for the exam, 2) your full name, and 3) your UC Berkeley application reference number. Please note that the IEOR department will not take requests to verify GRE and TOEFL score reports after Monday, January 6, 2025.

*Note: For scores to be verified, it helps if you set up your Berkeley application account using the same name (including spaces) that you use when you register for the exam. It’s also helpful if your GRE registration email address matches the one you use for your Berkeley application.

Letters of recommendation provide the admissions committee with third party, qualitative accounts of your potential for success in our program.

Please select individuals who know you well and who will take the time to write thorough and thoughtful letters on your behalf. The title of those you select is not important. What does matter is how closely your letter writers have worked with you and whether they can attest to your value as an employee or student, your professional accomplishments, and your personal qualities. We have found the most helpful letters to be recent, relevant, and written specifically for this application. We discourage letters of recommendation from subordinates, family, or friends.

*Note: We require two letters of recommendation.

Your resume provides the admissions committee with a more in-depth understanding about your academic and professional experiences. We value a diversity of backgrounds and accept candidates with a wide range of experiences. The admissions committee is not looking at quantity but rather the quality, range, and substance of your experiences.

Treat your resume like a snapshot of your experiences, and then use your essays to delve deeper. Here are some tips for writing your resume:

• Be organized: Remember to be clear and concise with your resume. A resume should not exceed 1-2 pages and should be organized, ideally chronologically.
• Be to the point: Outline your experiences in a well-written (no acronyms) and succinct way that accounts honestly for your accomplishments. You do not need to elaborate on each position held on your resume. Your Statement of Purpose will allow you to dive deeper into these experiences and where you plan to go from here.
• Show clear advancement towards your goals: Your resume should highlight your career progression. Showcase a timeline from the beginning to now. Remember, your Statement of Purpose will fill in where you plan to go from here.

Please upload a 1-2 minute video or audio file on the Audio/Visual page answering the following prompt: Tell us what characteristics and qualities you have gained through professional, organizational and/or community experience(s) that have prepared you for a career in Analytics.

Tips:

• Keep your A/V short and straightforward: Be concise in your audio/visual recording. Collect your thoughts and aim to answer the prompt. You want to make sure your viewer does not miss any important information you wish to convey.
• Speak with confidence and enthusiasm: Speaking clearly and confidently will help maintain viewer engagement and help you convey your message.
• Be aware of your environment when recording: If you are submitting a video recording, feel free to be creative with your environment, record on campus, create an exciting background, and/or work with your lighting. Whether working with visual or audio, be mindful of your environment to ensure you have little to no disturbances that could distract from your voice and, most importantly, your message. Remember, your answer to the prompt is what will be reviewed.
• Capture and upload the best possible quality: If recording a video, please make sure your recording device is placed around your eye level. To avoid (or reduce) “shaky cam,” keep the recording device stationery while filming. NOTE: It is ideal for the highest quality video to film on a smartphone, as it doesn’t rely so heavily on specific software. Remember, you will not be evaluated on the quality of your video.
• Be yourself!

*Note: Although not required, we strongly encourage the use of video.

We recommend that you review the UC Berkeley catalog descriptions below for the UC Berkeley equivalent courses. You can compare the course topics to see if the courses you’re interested in taking cover the same material.

UC Berkeley Equivalent Courses:

• Linear algebra: MATH 54, STAT 89A
• Probability: STAT 134, STAT C140, IND ENG 172, EECS 126
• Statistics: STAT 135, IND ENG 165

You may also find assist.org helpful.

It is strongly recommended that all prerequisites be completed with grades at the time of application submission. Online and/or extension courses from accredited colleges/universities are acceptable.

Completing programming coursework at an accredited institution is preferred and strongly encouraged, but feel free to submit certificates from other programs, such as Lynda, EdX, or Coursera.

We review applications holistically, and all application materials are taken into consideration. However, we want to see sufficient academic preparation.

Yes. You can take a certified course and provide it in your application to supplement.

However, do not include these courses in the Academic History section of the application. Instead, please list this information on your resume and add any coursework/certificates to your transcript upload.

For the Master of Analytics application, samples of relevant written work are not required and will not be reviewed.

A list of application requirements can be found HERE, and a downloadable application requirements checklist can be found HERE.

International and domestic applications are reviewed equivalently. Non-U.S. citizens/Permanent Residents may need to submit TOEFL or IELTS  scores to satisfy the UC Berkeley Graduate Division’s Evidence of English Language Proficiency requirement and additional academic records depending upon institutions attended.

We strongly encourage all international applicants to submit application materials early to ensure a complete application by the deadline.

Learn more about immigration policy updates from the Berkeley International Office.

Learn more about STEM OPT from the Berkeley International Office.

Please view the current costs, fees, and financial aid options HERE.

We offer merit and need-based scholarships to exceptional candidates admitted to the Master of Analytics program. These scholarships are awarded based on the comprehensive strength of each admissions application, taking into account academic achievements, professional experience, and other significant factors. You will be reviewed for scholarships based on your application for admission to the program. More information HERE.

For more funding resources, please visit the UC Berkeley Graduate Division’s Financial Support page and Graduate Fellowships & Awards page. For funding resources for international students, please visit Berkeley International Office’s Financial Aid for International Students page and Berkeley Financial Aid & Scholarships Office’s International Students page.

Program curriculum and course descriptions can be found on the Berkeley Academic Guide.

Berkeley’s Analytics program is a lock-step, summer-to-summer program that is offered as a summer (August) start only.

At this time, only the pre-semester Python boot camp is offered remotely (online) in July/August. The fall and spring terms of the program are full-time and in-person.

The Python boot camp is not mandatory for Fall 2025 admitted students who are already fluent in Python programming language, but it is strongly recommended for the majority of students.

Unfortunately, MAnalytics students cannot take courses outside the IEOR department. Unlike the college-wide Master of Engineering program, the Master of Analytics program is run exclusively by the IEOR department, and program fees apply toward courses offered by the IEOR department. Note that additional coursework is available through UC Berkeley Extension, however, this coursework would be an additional cost.

The Master of Analytics program is a full-time, in-person program.

No, Analytics students complete a 200-hour industry internship in place of a capstone project.

Master of Analytics students have access to a wealth of resources on campus to support them in their academic and professional journey. These resources are tailored to guide and advise students through their career search and provide them with opportunities to connect with industry professionals and peers. With a range of events, workshops, and self-guided resources available, students can access all the tools they need to succeed. IEOR Master of Analytics Career Services, Fung Institute for Engineering Leadership, and Cal Career Center are all here to help students reach their goals. Check out our Careers page to see the amazing job placements our students have achieved.

It is not recommended due to the brevity and intensity of the program.

Analytics professionals hold a range of positions across sectors and industries. They have titles such as Data Analyst, Consulting Analyst, Research Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Revenue Analyst, Customer and Product Data Analyst, Finance and Investment Analyst, Quantitative Analyst, Machine Learning Engineer, Supply Chain Engineer, and Software Engineer.

You can find a list of recent IEOR alumni job placements HERE.