Admissions
Application Requirements
Admissions requirements for the MS AI for Business program include:
- An awarded bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university OR for international students, a U.S. comparable 4-year, bachelor's degree
- A 3.0 or higher GPA,
- GRE/GMAT
- Official transcripts** from each from each university, college or community college attended
- A resume,
- Three letters of reference,
- A purpose of graduate study document, and
- A completed Graduate College application
Background and Preparation for Success:
- Business: A general familiarity with business concepts can help you maximize your experience in the program. If your prior coursework or professional experience does not include foundational business topics, you may be asked to complete up to six credits of introductory business courses. Your background will be reviewed during the admission process, and we will provide guidance on any recommended preparation.
Technical: This program involves significant work with data, systems, and programming tools. Prior experience with a programming language such as Python, Java, or C# can be helpful, and familiarity with SQL is beneficial. While a technical background is not required for admission, students should be prepared to actively develop programming and technical skills throughout the program.
Applicants should have a genuine interest in developing programming and technical skills, as these will be used extensively throughout the curriculum. If you need to build foundational knowledge before starting, preparation can be completed through university coursework or flexible online resources such as Coursera, Udemy, or edX.
To ensure seamless processing, applications are considered complete only when all materials are submitted AND reference responses are received.
**We will accept unofficial versions of your school documents for initial evaluation purposes only; this does not eliminate the need for official school documents to be submitted. For transcripts to be considered official, they must be sent by and received by an institution or university.
Meet with our Admissions Coach
Our Admissions Coach can help you with your questions about admissions requirements, filling out your application, degree options, how to qualify for merit scholarships, completing your next steps to enroll, and all you have to look forward to as an Eller Wildcat.
Reserve an Appointment via the Calendly Link Below
International Applicants
The Eller College welcomes the cultural experience and knowledge that international applicants add to the program. In addition to the materials listed in the Application Requirements, international applicants are required to submit the following:
- Official TOEFL/IELTS score (this is a proof of English proficiency requirement for international applicants born in a country where English is not the official language).
- Check to see if your need a TOEFL from your origin country.
- IELTS: Minimum test composite score of 7 (no subject area below 6)
- TOEFL: For tests taken prior to January 21, 2026: Minimum score of 90 iBT or Home Edition iBT
- TOEFL: For tests taken on or after January 21, 2026: Minimum overall score of 4.0 on the TOEFL 1-6 scale
- Results should be sent to The University of Arizona Institution Code: 4832.
- An official transcript and an official copy of diploma(s) and/or degree certification, in the original native language and must be accompanied by an officially verified English translation issued by the university or college.
- Calculate their entrance GPA using the UA Graduate College GPA Calculator. Applicants will be asked to upload a screen shot of the GPA results during the application process.
Before You Begin
- Before the program, students should have experience in writing computer programs in Python and SQL. Basic knowledge in linear algebra, probability and statistics is recommended. Deficiencies may be addressed through university coursework or via online learning platforms, such as Coursera, Udemy, edX and others.
- Take the GRE or GMAT, unless you are an Eller College of Management undergraduate.
- Update your professional resume.
- For your three letters of recommendation, gather your recommenders' information —verify the correct spelling of names, titles and contact information, including email address.
- Statement of Purpose is your chance to describe your academic and professional goals. It is your personal expression of what has led you to desire to attend the program and can include life and academic experiences.
- International students
- TOEFL/IELTS score (this is a proof of English proficiency requirement for international applicants born in a country where English is not the official language). Results must have been taken within the last two years of intended term of enrollment.
- Calculate US comparable GPA using using the UA Graduate College GPA Calculator. Applicants will be asked to upload a screen shot of the GPA results during the application process.
Completing Your Application
| Step | Task |
|---|---|
| 1 | Go to the Graduate College Online Application (GradApp) and create an account. Note: there is a $90 fee to complete the Graduate College application. |
| 2 | Gather the following to complete the sections of the application:
|
| 3 | Submit the following supporting documents: a. Transcripts We require an official transcript from each university, college, or community college attended. International applicants must submit/present an official transcript and an official diploma (degree certification) in the original native language and must be accompanied by an officially verified English translation issued by the university or college, during the formal enrollment process. Official school documents may be sent to: MIS Department, Admissions Submission of Electronic Transcripts: If you have an option to order electronic transcripts, please provide the following institution name: MIS Department Admission, University of Arizona and email address: emilyk2@arizona.edu. The electronic transcript must be sent to and received by a University of Arizona employee in order to be considered an official transcript by the Graduate College. b. Have GRE/GMAT scores sent to the Eller College of Management. The test must have been taken within the last five years of intended term of enrollment. (No minimum score requirement)
c. Prepare your recommenders' information in order to fill out the three recommendation forms in the application. This will send the recommendation request to your references for completion. d. Update your professional resume (make sure it reflects your technical skills and any professional certificates you hold). e. Create your Purpose of Graduate Study essay. The personal statement should state your goals and career objectives of gaining this degree. Note: This document should be a minimum of one page, no more than two pages in length. f. International students:
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| 4 | Submit |
For additional information or assistance, please contact us at emilyk2@arizona.edu.