Marketing Data Analytics MBA - Admissions Requirements

When you're ready to apply to the College of Business Marketing Data Analytics MBA specialization, we're here to help

Skilled data analysts are the most sought-after professionals in marketing and many other facets of business. At CSU’s College of Business, we’ve tailored our Marketing Data Analytics program to support individuals who value what data can offer their organization by obtaining the tools and skills needed to put that data to good use.

As part of the Marketing Data Analytics program, you are looking to develop new solutions for the challenges your organization face. You recognize the critical role technology plays in the ability to make savvy business decisions in every organization. The emphasis on business fundamentals that are supported by innovative data-driven techniques and ideas drew you and other professionals to the program. A blend of marketing management foundations with CIS and analysis-based coursework helps you find new solutions that you can apply in the real-world.

As you discover new ways to help your organization, you’ll be working alongside a network of more than 35,000 College of Business alumni, all of whom are finding new ways to apply data to business. Prepare for the next step in your career path and apply.

Eligibility and Requirements

We know you're more than a test score or a grade. The admissions committee takes a holistic approach when considering applications, which means we look at who you are as a person and what you would bring to our program and campus community. While we encourage our applicants to meet the minimum criteria, the inability to meet one may be offset by strengths in other areas. If you do not meet the full eligibility requirements, there may be alternative paths to admission, so please contact us to learn more. If you do not meet the full eligibility requirements, there may be alternative paths to admission. Ask an enrollment counselor about our MBA Access option, which offers a pathway for those who have a GPA less than 3.0 or less than two years of professional working experience.

An undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited four-year institution in any field with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher. No GMAT required

We review your field of study and cumulative GPA rather than the sole GPA from your degree-granting institution (if applicable). If your GPA is under 3.0, you may qualify for our MBA Access admission option.

We do not require GMAT test scores as part of your application, but welcome them if provided.

MBA Access – an alternative pathway to admission

There's another way to get in: MBA Access

As an undergrad, things can get in the way of a strong GPA. We get that! If your undergraduate GPA falls between 2.4 and 3.0, the MBA Access pathway allows you to start taking MBA courses right away either through the Business Management Graduate Certificate or individual courses.

If you're still in the early stages of your career, you may not meet our two years of work experience requirement. If you have 12 months of work experience, the MBA Access pathway helps you accelerate your academic plans and advance your career.

The MBA Access pathway helps you demonstrate that you're ready for the academic rigor of an MBA program, can apply the best of your work experience and can establish a new GPA to meet the requirements for admission. Upon completion of the four MBA Access courses, the course credits that you take in the MBA Access pathway will transfer seamlessly into the Online MBA program and you'll be close to earning the Business Management Certificate—a credential you can immediately add to your resume.

Want to learn more about the MBA Access option? Set up time with an enrollment counselor to talk about your options.

A minimum of two years of professional work experience

When evaluating your professional experience, we look for full-time positions, career progression, and an increase in responsibilities. If you have 12 months of work experience, you may qualify for our MBA Access admission option.

International applicants: satisfactory English proficiency test scores

If you are an international applicant, you should have one of the following: Internet-based TOEFL score of 86 or higher, an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher, a minimum of Duolingo score of 120, or a PTE score of 58 or higher. The test must have been taken within the past two years.

Other TOEFL testing formats may be accepted. Please contact us for information.

Written communication skills

We evaluate your written communication skills via the statement of purpose and resume that you'll supply with your application.

Demonstrated capability, skills, and goals

We evaluate your capability, skills, and goals via the professional recommendations, resume, and statement of purpose that you'll supply with your application.

Application Deadlines

JanuaryApply by Dec. 1
AugustApply by July 1

Please be aware that deadlines for financial aid may occur before the application for admission deadlines.

Application Process

The time it takes to complete the application process mostly depends on how long it takes you to gather your materials. Gathering the materials listed below is a great first step in preparing for the application process. In the meantime, please connect with an enrollment counselor by requesting information.

We accept applications for two start dates: August and January. We strongly suggest that you not wait until the deadline, but submit the application well in advance. Admissions are competitive and made on a rolling basis.

Submit CSU Graduate School Application online
- Visit gradadmissions.colostate.edu/apply to start your application.
- Under "Select an application type," choose the term that you are applying to.
- Under "Program," choose Business Administration/Marketing Data Analytics (M.B.A.) - Distance."
- Request/upload application materials directly to your online application and then submit.
  As soon as you have completed the required information, please submit your application. You do not need to wait for recommendations, scores, or transcripts to move your application forward.

Official transcripts

Unofficial transcripts are accepted. You may be admitted and registered in the first semester of courses with unofficial transcript(s). You must upload the front and back of transcripts and include any grading scale provided.

Original and official transcripts must be received from each institution you attended, including the institution from which you received your degree. Institutions may mail or email transcripts directly to the address below. If you already have sealed, official copies of your transcripts, you may mail those directly to us. (Student copies are not accepted.)

Transcripts are required for study abroad if the courses, grades, and credits are not recorded on the transcript of the university that sponsored the study abroad.

However, official transcripts must be provided within the first semester before you can register for your second semester of graduate work. Admission may be rescinded, if you fail to meet this condition and will result in your dismissal from your graduate program.

International applicants: You must submit one set of official transcripts and a degree statement with a certified translation into English from each college or university attended. Documents must show courses and final examinations taken, marks received for each year, and degree or diploma received. These must be mailed to us.

Mail transcripts to:
Graduate Admissions
Colorado State University, Office of Admissions
1062 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062
gradadmissions@colostate.edu

Academic performance explanation (if GPA is below 3.0)

If your undergraduate or graduate* cumulative GPA is below 3.0, explain the circumstances relating to your past academic performance on your online application.

* A cumulative GPA is a calculation of the average of student’s grades for courses taken at all institutions attended.

Professional recommendations

Recommendations provide insight into your skills and expertise in the professional environment and areas where a graduate degree can help you improve. Two professional recommendations are required for your application to move forward and be reviewed. You will provide three recommenders' contact information in the online application. CSU will email them and provide a link to a secure form where they will submit a recommendation on your behalf.

A professional reference is typically a current or former employer, colleague, client, supervisor, or someone who has first-hand knowledge of your professional background. Please request that your recommender provide specific examples of past interactions with you.

English language proficiency test (if needed)

International applicants must complete the TOEFL or IELTS or PTE or Duolingo if the official language of your country is not English or if you did not earn your undergraduate or graduate degree from a U.S.-accredited institution. A minimum Internet-based TOEFL score of 86 or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or a minimum of PTE score of 58 or a minimum of Duolingo score of 120 is required.

Test scores must be submitted directly to Colorado State University (school code 4075) from the testing centers.

See eligibility section for more information.

Statement of purpose

A statement of purpose is a one-page letter addressing 1) why you chose our program, 2) what you hope to do with the knowledge and skills you would learn, and 3) what value you and your background would bring to the program. You will upload this document to your online application.

Current resume

Describe the responsibilities of your professional experience and what you accomplished while in those positions; show the length of time for each position (including the month and year). International applicants, please provide the city, state, and country for your employment and academic history. You will upload this document to your online application.

Pay the application fee
Use a credit card to pay your application fee ($60 for domestic applicants, $70 for international applicants).
Submit the online applicant data sheet
Use your CSU ID number to complete and submit the College of Business applicant data sheet. After you submit your application online, you will receive a CSU ID number in approximately two to three days, unless you already have one (alumni and current students).
Check your status
We know you are eager to hear about your application status, so you can check it any time to make sure your application is complete or to keep an eye on updates. You will receive a confirmation email once your application is complete.

Online MBA Marketing Data Analytics: Admissions

Eligibility and Requirements

Application Deadlines

Application Process