Applying 101
Before we can consider you for admission, we need some information about you. You can submit your application without some of these items. Your app will be considered complete when we've received all of them:
- Online application
- Resume
- Statement of purpose
- Unofficial academic transcripts
- TOEFL/IELTS score (international candidates only; may be waived)
- Optional: GMAT or GRE score
English requirements & waivers
A TOEFL, IELTS,* or Duolingo* score is required of all international applicants whose first language is not English.
Minimum scores are 100 iBT TOEFL, 7.0 IELTS with no sub-score below 6.0, and Duolingo 120+.
Even if English is your second language, you can be waived from the TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo if you completed a bachelor's or higher from an accredited university in the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada (excluding French Quebec), Africa (English speaking), Australia, or New Zealand.
TOEFL and IELTS scores are good for two years; your application must be submitted before the score expires.
If you are admitted, an official English test score is required. Request a report from TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo to be sent to the University of Iowa. Our institutional code 6681.
*All IELTS and Duolingo test takers will be required to take the on-campus English Proficiency Evaluation.
Online application
Start at apply.tippie.uiowa.edu. You'll need to create an account even if you've applied to the University of Iowa before—our application system operates separately from the university's. When you're creating your account, enter the following for Program Type and Program:
- Program Type: Specialized Master's
- Program: Master of Business Analytics
If you have an @uiowa.edu email address, please use it when creating your account. This will make it easier for us to locate your academic records.
The application fee is $60 for domestic candidates and U.S. permanent residents, and $100 for international applicants. Application fees are non-refundable and can be paid by credit card only.
Resume
You’ll be asked to upload your resume when you apply. It’s required in order to submit your application.
A complete resume includes information about your employment (if applicable), education, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. Be sure it’s complete without unexplained gaps in the chronological history, and above all, it should be accurate. Your resume should be no more than two pages. We prefer chronological format resumes; functional or skills-based resumes are not recommended. Tippie Career Services provides downloadable templates to help you craft your resume.
Statement of purpose
Take this opportunity to standout in the application process and give us a sense of who you are and why you're interested in this program. Your essay will be evaluated as an key element in the admissions decision and should include more information about your academic and professional goals. Your statement of purpose may be submitted as a written statement (250-500 words) or a recorded video (1 minute and 25 seconds or 6MB). For written statements, you can copy/paste or upload a PDF, DOC, or DOCX file when you submit your application. Directions on how to submit a recorded video are located in the application.
Academic transcripts
Unofficial transcripts are good enough for us to make an admissions decision. If you don’t have a copy or can’t get one, ask your institution to send official transcripts to us. If you're admitted, we'll need your official transcripts sent before your admission can be finalized.
Interviews
After an initial review of your application, you may be asked to interview for acceptance into this program. We conduct interviews to learn more about you and your academic and professional goals. Interviews are held in-person or with cameras on via Zoom.
Optional: GMAT/GRE test scores
While not required, you do have the option to include a GMAT or GRE score to strengthen your application. We accept the GMAT or GRE on an equal basis. Test scores are valid for five years. Apply before your score expires.
An unofficial score report is sufficient for your application.
If you’re offered admission, you’ll need to send an official score report.
If you already know you'll apply to Iowa before you take the test, on test day, select the University of Iowa Master of Business Analytics program to receive a copy of your score.
To send us your score report after the fact, go to MBA.com for GMAT score reports or the ETS Score Reporting site for GRE.