Master of Analytics Home
From Data to Solutions
One-year master’s program in analytics
The University of California, Berkeley Master of Analytics degree trains students to build cutting-edge data and quantitative skills preparing them for exciting roles in industry.
There is a very high demand for analytics professionals who have the ability to analyze large amounts of data and offer solutions critical for success. These skills are needed in every sector of the economy, including commerce, healthcare, information technology, entertainment, finance, energy, security, transportation, consulting, and many more.
Learn More About the Program
About the Program
The 11-month in-person Master of Analytics program trains students in data-driven analytical methods and tools for optimization, statistics, simulation, and risk management with relevant industry context so that the graduates are not only highly skilled in the latest tools and fluent with working with large data sets, but also are able to raise the right questions to develop innovative models and find creative solutions to rapidly changing business and industry challenges, and communicate and implement their solutions.
Location
The Master of Analytics program is an in-person program with all coursework taking place in Berkeley, California in the San Francisco Bay Area, USA. The Bay Area is home to Silicon Valley, San Francisco, and the world’s leading technology companies.
Program Timeline
SUMMER
50 hour Python Intensive
FALL SEMESTER
Core Analytical Methods Courses
SPRING SEMESTER
Elective Courses + Analytics Lab
SUMMER
Internship (10 weeks)
Upcoming Events
Latest Methods for Decision Making
The Master of Analytics program teaches students the latest methods for data-driven decision making using tools such as:
Data Analysis
Optimization
Risk Modeling
Simulation
The Industry
These skills are used to solve complex business and industry problems in areas such as:
Pricing and Finance
Scheduling
Risk Management
Logistics & Supply Chain
Human Resources
Operations Management
IEOR
The Berkeley Master of Analytics program is offered by the Department of Industrial Engineering & Operations Research. At Berkeley IEOR, we expand the frontiers of optimization, stochastics and data science enabling transformative decision analytics and technologies to solve grand challenges in transportation, supply chains, healthcare, energy, robotics, finance and risk management.
Analytics is an enabling degree bridging Operations Research and Industrial Engineering with crucial data skills.
#3 ranked IEOR Graduate Program in the U.S. (US News)
Operations Research
Operations Research refers to theory and methods for decision-making through data analysis, optimization, risk modeling, and simulation.
Industrial Engineering
Industrial Engineering includes design, analysis, and efficient operation of industrial and business systems. These can be applied in areas such as logistics & supply chains, service operations, capacity planning, pricing, risk management, scheduling, financing, human resources.
High Demand for Analytics Talent
In January 2017, there were 2.35 million Analytics and Data Science job postings in the US:
- 500k+ in Finance and Insurance
- 690k+ in Information
- 500k+ in Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
- 230k+ in Manufacturing
- 100k+ in Retail/Trade
- 100k+ in Healthcare and Social Assistance
Of these job postings 67% were in Analytics and 33% were in Data Science.1
1PricewaterhouseCoopers Job Market Report, 2017
Job Openings: Data Science vs. Analytics
Future Graduate Titles
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Data Analyst
- Data Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Operations Analyst
- Supply Chain Engineer
- Quantitative Analyst
Curriculum
4 units practicum, 25 units coursework, and a comprehensive exam
Python Bootcamp (0 units) Expand
- Python boot camp (50 hours / 0 units)
Core Analytical Methods Courses (13 units) Expand
- IEOR 240 Optimization Analytics (3 units)
- IEOR 241 Risk Modeling & Simulation Analytics (3 units)
- IEOR 242 Applications in Data Analysis (3 units)
- IEOR 243 Analytics Lab (project course with Python, optimization & simulation) (4 units)
Elective Specialty Courses (12 units) Expand
- IEOR 215 Analysis and Design of Databases (3 units)
- IEOR 220 Economics & Dynamics of Production (3 units)
- IEOR 221 Introduction to Financial Engineering (3 units)
- IEOR 222 Financial Engineering Systems I (3 units)
- IEOR 223 Financial Engineering Systems II (3 units)
- IEOR 224 Portfolio & Risk Analytics (3 units)
- IEOR 250 Production Planning & Logistics Models (3 units)
- IEOR 251 Logistics Operations (3 units)
- IEOR 252 Service Operations Management (3 units)
- IEOR 253 Supply Chain Operations & Management (3 units)
- IEOR 254 Production & Inventory Systems (3 units)
- IEOR 264 Computational Optimization (3 units)
- IEOR 265 Learning & Optimization (3 units)
- IEOR 266 Network Flows & Graphs (3 units)
Summer internship (4 units) Expand
- Summer internship (4 unit course / 10 weeks)
Learning Goals Include:
Agile Analytics Development
Technical Communication
Project Presentation
Faculty
Ilan Adler
Anil Aswani
Alper Atamturk
Lee Fleming
Ken Goldberg
Paul Grigas
Xin Guo
Dorit Hochbaum
Phil Kaminsky
Javad Lavaei
Robert Leachman
Thibaut Mastrolia
Shmuel Oren
Daniel Pirutinsky
Rhonda Righter
Barna Saha
Zuo-Jun “Max” Shen
Ikhlaq Sidhu
Rajan Udwani
Candace Yano
Zeyu Zheng
Apply
Application Opens
September 15, 2021
Application Deadline
January 6, 2022 (Early application deadline)
March 2, 2022 (Final application deadline) Apply Now Admission Requirements Expand
- Submit a completed online application.
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or recognized equivalent.
- Sufficient undergraduate education for graduate work in your chosen field.
- A satisfactory scholastic average, with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0-scale.
- (Optional for Fall 2022 applicants) Score of the general Graduate Record Examination (GRE) taken within the past 5 years. For Fall 2022 admission, test taken before June 2016 will be not be accepted.
- International applicants: the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 90 for the internet-based test (iBT) or 570 for the paper-based test (PBT), taken within the past two years. For Fall 2022 admission, test taken before June 2019 will not be accepted.
- The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is also acceptable. The minimum acceptable score is 7 on a 9-point scale on your most recent exam. Only test taken within the past two years is acceptable.
- Also, please keep in mind that ETS sends us test scores (GRE and TOEFL) twice a month electronically, so even if you’ve received them, it does not mean that we have. Because this is the case, it’s a good idea to take the tests as early as possible in advance.
- Electronic recommendation letters. (Three required.)
Please read the Graduate Division webpage on admission requirements and policies. If you received or are a candidate to receive your undergraduate degree from an institution outside the United States, you will need to read the section on international applicants in admission requirements.
Application Process:
The application process is entirely electronic. Please do not mail any documents to the IEOR Department.
Your application will only be considered complete when all forms are submitted electronically and all official test scores have been received by the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
The following materials can be submitted independently and in any order.
- Online Application
- You can only apply to one program under one department per admission cycle.
- Application fee
- Berkeley students and alumni who have received or will be conferred a bachelors degree from Berkeley are automatically granted fee waivers. More information on the application fee waiver for Cal alumni can be found here.
- If you have completed a degree, please upload your diploma or degree certificate along with your transcript in the Transcript Upload section.
- For international applicants, please upload your transcripts in both English and your native language.
- GPA: We require applicants report their GPA as it reads on their transcript. International students do not need to convert their grades to the 4.0 system. Graduate Division’s minimum GPA is 3.0 or equivalent.
- Please remember to submit your application. Complete but unsubmitted applications will not be reviewed.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) – ~ GRE Scores Not Required for Fall 2022 Admissions ~
- Please send the official scores to Berkeley at institution code 4833 by the deadline. Please do not send them to the IEOR Department.
- There is no minimum scores required.
- GRE Subject Tests are not required, but we encourage applicants to take the GRE Math Subject Test.
- Only tests taken within the past 5 years are acceptable. For Fall 2020’s admissions, tests taken before June 2015 will not be accepted.
- Test results for the General GREs must be sent to code 4833 only (the Berkeley institution code).
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Please send the official score to Berkeley at institution code 4833 by the deadline. Please do not send it to the IEOR Department.
- For information regarding TOEFL exemption, please visit here.
- The minimum score is 90 for the internet-based test (iBT) and 570 for the paper-based test (PBT).
- The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the only acceptable substitute. Other tests such as the TOEIC are not acceptable.
- Only tests taken within the past 2 years are acceptable. For Fall 2020’s admissions, tests taken before June 2018 will not be accepted.
- Letters of Recommendation
- A total of 3 letters are required.
- You can send letter of recommendation requests in the Recommendations section of the online application.
- Letters of recommendation must be received by the IEOR Department electronically by the deadline.
- See Career Center for additional guidance.
- Statement of Purpose
- The Statement of Purpose is your “academic statement” and should convey why you are interested in the MEng IEOR program, what you will contribute to the program and what you plan to do after the program. The average length of this statement is two pages double spaced.
- Personal Statement
- 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 IEOR. This statement can also include any obstacles or barriers that you have overcome during your education career, or any social or community projects/ programs with which you have worked.
- Transcript
- IEOR department does not require official transcripts at the time of submitting the application. Unofficial transcripts and other required academic records should be uploaded, in PDF format, with the application. If an offer of admission is made, applicants will be required to send to the Graduate Division the official paper documents for verification. Offers will not be considered final until the Graduate Division has received the official documents that match the uploaded record.
- Please note, applicants are not required to mail transcripts to our office at the time of application. For the application review process, applicants should upload all required materials to the online application.
- Resume
- Be sure to upload your resume so that the admission committee may gain a more in depth understanding about your academic and professional experiences.
Status Check
After submitting your application, you may check the status of the materials received or processed, such as: fee waivers, test scores, letters of recommendation, and admission decision.
We ask that applicants do not contact the department to request a status check. If there are missing materials needed to continue review, we will notify the applicant.
Application Result
If your application is successful, the IEOR Department will notify you that you have been recommended for admission. Only the Dean of the Graduate Division can offer official admission. You have not been officially admitted until you have received the official admission letter from the Dean. Admission letters will be issued around mid-March.
Denied Students
The admission committee conducts a comprehensive and thorough review of each application. We are unable to offer specific reasons for denial. While we do not want to deny applicants, admission to Berkeley, particularly to our graduate program, is extremely competitive with generally more qualified applications received than allotted slots for new students.
Accepting Your Offer:
Applicants receiving an admission offer will also receive a copy of A Guide for New Graduate Students from the Graduate Division. This document details the steps necessary to complete the three required forms online: the Statement of Intention to Register Form, Statement of Legal Residence Form, and the Non-Immigrant Information Form (for non-US citizens).
Decision Notification
You will be notified of your application decision by email which will be posted on your status page.
If you have received a fellowship offer, you will be receiving a separate email announcing your award details.
Admissions decisions will be released in early March.
Admitted Students
We encourage applicants who have received an offer of admission to submit the Statement of Intent to Register as soon as they have decided on a graduate program and no later than April 15th.
After a student accepts an offer of admission, the student will begin to receive information regarding registration, orientation, and his/her I-20 (for international students).
We kindly ask that all admitted students inform us of their intention to attend (accept or decline).
Deferring Admission
Admitted students who have accepted their admission offer may request for their application to be deferred to the following fall term by emailing the program admissions office with the following information:
- Name
- Student ID
- Reason for deferral
If the department approves, a deferral recommendation will be forwarded to the Graduate Division. The Graduate Division will then review and issue a final decision on the deferral application.
More information on admissions policies.
Also see admission requirements and policies, information for international applicants, as well as information about tuition, costs, and financial aid.
FAQ
General Program Information
Is this program STEM-designated? Expand
Yes.
What is the class size for this program? Expand
We anticipate the Fall 2022 cohort size to be approximately 50 students.
What is the difference between data science and analytics? Expand
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.
What is the difference between the Master of Engineering and the Master of Analytics program at UCB? Do any of these require more technical proficiency? Expand
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
What are the admission criteria for the program? Expand
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.
If I meet the admission criteria, am I automatically admitted? Expand
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.
Is work experience required for admission to the Master of Analytics program? Expand
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.
I am not yet ready to apply. What can I do now to prepare for future admission? Expand
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.
Is there a cap on admissions? Expand
Not at this time. However, we anticipate the Fall 2022 cohort size to be approximately 50 students.
What is the acceptance rate? Expand
The Master of Analytics is a new program beginning Fall 2022; thus, we do not yet have an acceptance rate.
Is there an interview process? Expand
At this time, there is no plan for an interview. If the admissions committee deems it necessary, they may arrange an interview via Zoom.
Do I need an analytics background to apply to the program? What are common majors that pursue this degree? Expand
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.
Is it possible to apply for admission to multiple programs at UC Berkeley? Expand
No. You may only apply to one degree program at UC Berkeley per admission cycle.
Does IEOR accept students with advanced degrees? Expand
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
Since the GRE is optional for Fall 2022 admission, will GRE be part of the application review? Expand
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.
What would be the criteria in evaluating an application and what is considered in the selection process? Expand
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.
Is there any difference between the two rounds of deadline? Expand
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.
What is required for the Personal Statement and Statement of Purpose? What is the word count for each? Expand
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.
Can I take a course from a third-party provider, like Lynda, EdX, or Coursera, to prepare for the programming requirements of this program? Expand
Yes. You can take a certified course and provide it in your application to supplement.
International Applicants
What is the admissions process for international applicants? Expand
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.
Who is required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)? Expand
Please see the university requirements for who needs to submit Evidence of English Language Proficiency.
Do I need to have my transcripts translated or converted? Expand
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.
Will I be offered a visa? Expand
Learn more about immigration policy updates from the Berkeley International Office.
Will I qualify for OPT since this is an 11-month program? Expand
Learn more about STEM OPT from the Berkeley International Office.
Cost and Financial Aid
What is the tuition cost for this program? Expand
Please view the current costs, fees, and financial aid options here.
Are scholarships available? Expand
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
Where can I find the curriculum? Expand
Program curriculum and course descriptions can be found on http://guide.berkeley.edu/
Can I start the program in the winter/spring? Expand
Berkeley’s Analytics program is offered as a summer (August) start only.
Can the program be taken remotely? Expand
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.
Is the boot camp mandatory? Expand
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.
Can students take courses outside of IEOR? Expand
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.
Is part-time study possible? Expand
The Master of Analytics program is a full-time, in-person program.
Can students opt for a capstone project? Expand
No, Analytics students complete a 10-week industry internship in place of a capstone project.
Career Development
What resources are available to help students obtain internships and jobs? Expand
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.
Can we also do an internship while completing degree requirements (Python boot camp? Core/elective course)? Expand
It is not recommended due to the brevity and intensity of the program.
What are examples of job titles an Analytics graduate might pursue after graduating? Expand
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.