Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The full-time program typically takes 15 months to complete: students take 4 courses in each of the fall and spring semesters, a practicum course involving an industry internship in the summer and the remaining 3 courses in the fall. It is possible to enroll in any semester but the time duration is similar. Some full-time students may be able to graduate in a year. Part-time students generally take two courses per semester; some classes are available in the summer semester.

A satisfactory GRE or GMAT score is required for admission to the MS in Business Intelligence. The GRE or GMAT is NOT required for the 4-course BI&A graduate certificate.

An Admissions Committee considers all applications for the BI&A degree. In addition to the GRE or GMAT test score, other factors such as undergraduate GPA, satisfaction of the requirements for prior coursework, student transcripts, recommendation letters and relevant work experience are also taken into account by the BI&A Admissions Committee. Apply online at: http://www.stevens.edu/sit/graduate/index.cfm or http://www.stevens.edu/sit/international/index (international students.)

The certificate is designed for practitioners and students who wish to develop a strong understanding of business intelligence and analytics but who do not have the time or inclination to take the full MS degree. There is no GRE or GMAT test score requirement. With advice from a faculty advisor, students choose four out of seven courses depending on their interests and educational needs. Apply online at: /sit/user?destination=node/1243

Students may take up to three BI&A courses on a non-matriculating basis before they submit a GRE or GMAT score and apply for admission into the MS in BI&A degree program. Usually, non-matriculating students are enrolled in the BI&A Graduate Certificate.

We accept applications on a rolling basis up to the last week before classes in each of the fall, spring and summer semesters. International students, should allow several months to obtain their I20 and entry visas.

Consult Stevens’ International and Scholar Services department for assistance with I20 forms: http://www.stevens.edu/sit/isss.

According to McKinsey (a major consulting firm), there is a national shortage of over 150,000 people with deep analytical skills such as those provided by Stevens MS in BI&A program. The program will graduate its first students in 2013 so starting salaries are not yet available. However, interest in the program from potential employers has been very strong.

Please see http://www.stevens.edu/sit/graduate/tuition/index.cfm for complete information on tuition rates. In 2012-13, the cost per credit is $1,280; the cost of the 4-course graduate certificate is therefore $15,360.  Students enrolled in four courses in a given semester pay $14,400 (a discounted rate of $1,200 per credit) in which case, the total cost for the MS degree is $43,200.

A limited number of graduate assistantships and several industry fellowships are available on a competitive basis. Students may apply for funding after admission to the program by contacting the Program Coordinator by email at: estohr@stevens.edu.