MSBAi Admissions

Graduate College Application

All the steps below must be completed online through the University of Illinois Graduate College application.

Academic Credentials

Applicants must upload their academic credentials (transcripts, marksheets, certificates of degree, etc.) as required by the Graduate College. For the application review process, applicants do not need to submit official academic credentials; unofficial or scanned credentials are acceptable. If admitted, however, you will be required to submit official academic credentials. When uploading your academic credentials, please keep the following in mind:

• Credential evaluations (such as WES or ECE) are not accepted.
• Uploaded credentials must include applicant’s name, institution name, and a transcript legend, grade scale, or grade criteria.
• For domestic degrees, your transcript must have your degree awarded information and the date your degree was conferred.
• For international degrees, you must include the certificate of degree.
• If the credentials were originally in a language other than English, credentials in native language and an attested English translation must be uploaded.
• If you have not yet completed your undergraduate degree at the time of application, we will review your application based on the in-progress unofficial transcripts you have uploaded.

Resume

Your professional resume should include personal information (name, address, telephone number, and email address), educational background, work experience (start and end dates for each position and a brief description of responsibilities), internship experience, educational training, professional associations, and leadership experiences. Technical resumes are not required. Please limit your resume to two pages.

Essay Prompts

All degree applicants will be required to submit both an academic statement and a series of short answer personal statements. Exact essay prompts can be found within the graduate application.

• Academic statement: A 300-500 word statement that addresses three questions noted in the application.
• Short answer personal statements: A maximum of 250 words that address 2-4 questions noted in the application.

References

Two references are required. Once contact information is entered into your application, an email is sent to your reference where they will be asked to complete a short form describing their professional relationship with you. A letter of recommendation can also be submitted but is not required. It is preferred that your references are a current or former supervisor. Reference forms can be received after an application is submitted. Applicants cannot submit references on their own behalf.

English Proficiency Scores

(International applicants only) If you are a non-native English speaker or do not meet one of the Graduate College’s exemptions, you will need to upload your TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores directly to your application. If you do not have scores and do not meet an exemption, you may also upload an essay requesting an exemption.

Video Essay

You will need to complete a short video essay consisting of three questions. You will have 3 minutes for the video, and you are allowed two attempts. If you encounter any issues, please reach out to our team for assistance.

Preparatory Coursework

There are no prerequisite courses required for the MSBAi program, however, following an offer of admission you will be required to complete preparatory coursework by the following dates:

• Exploring and Producing Data for Business Decision Making (by August 24, 2026)
• Inferential and Predictive Statistics for Business (by September 21, 2026)
• Python & Tools Orientation (by October 19, 2026)

Note: These courses can be taken in advance of admission, but you will be provided free access as a University of Illinois student.