Program Admissions
Admission Criteria
The Penn State Smeal Master's in Business Analytics program features a two-part application process. During this process, you will be required to submit the following:
- Part 1: Penn State Graduate School Online Application
- Resume
- Copies of official educational transcripts (and copy of degree certificate if applicable)
- Program-specific questions: Ensure that you respond to all questions requesting information, especially when it is marked as required.
- Reference contacts (3): Provide the names, titles, relationships, and contact information for three professional or academic references. A letter of recommendation will not be requested or required. In the event we need more information, we will reach out to your references.
- Official English language proficiency exam scores (for international applicants)
- Application fee
- Part 2: Virtual Interview and Essay via Kira Talent
- Within 24 hours of starting your Graduate School Online Application, you will receive a link to complete your virtual interview and essay. Please check your spam folder or inbox filters for the invitation. The virtual interview consists of answering three behavioral questions in a recorded video format within a timed session. The essay portion requires a written response to an admissions essay question within a timed session. Your interview and essay should be completed within seven days of submitting your Graduate School Online Application.
To be considered for admission, all components of the application process must be completed, submitted, and received by the respective deadline.
Application Deadlines
The Penn State Smeal MBAN has multiple application deadlines throughout the year. Applications are reviewed and decisions are made on a rolling basis.
| Application Deadline Rounds | Complete Your Application By | Expect a Decision By |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Round | October 1 | December 1 |
| 2nd Round | December 1 | February 1 |
| 3rd Round: Priority deadline for international applicants | February 1 | April 1 |
| 4th Round | April 1 | June 1 |
Admission Decisions
All applications will undergo a comprehensive review process conducted by both the Penn State Smeal MBAN program admissions office (assessing MBAN requirements and admissions criteria) and the Penn State Graduate School (verifying educational documentation, credentials, and international visa requirements). You may receive communications from representatives of either department.
Admission is granted in two stages: first by the Smeal MBAN program and then by the Penn State Graduate School. The Graduate School requires a recommendation from the Smeal admissions office before taking action on your application. To confirm the receipt of your application materials and check the status of your application, it is recommended that you contact the Smeal admissions office at mban@smeal.psu.edu.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
The Penn State Smeal College of Business has a strong commitment to ethics and integrity as reflected in our Honor Code. The admissions committee will not tolerate any form of plagiarism or appearance of impropriety in an applicant’s materials. To ensure academic integrity, all essays will be confirmed through iThenticate authenticity software.
For more information on academic integrity and plagiarism: "Academic Integrity" and "Academic Integrity, Plagiarism, and Copyright"
Failure to follow these guidelines will result in a deny decision.
Ready to begin your application? Visit our Apply page to take the next step.