The School of Business

Master of Applied Data Science for Business

Contact Program Coordinator David Bikman at davidb@pdx.edu with questions about this pathway program.

BTA + MSADSB Undergraduate Business Analyst to Master of Science in Applied Data Science for Business Pathway

We offer an accelerated pathway program for PSU Business Technology and Analytics  (BTA) students into our Master of Science in Applied Data Science for Business  (MSADSB). Students can complete up to 20 MSADSB credits in their Junior and Senior years which are shared between their bachelor’s degree in business with a BTA concentration and their MSADSB degree.

Who Can Benefit

This program is designed for academically high-performing students who wish to accelerate their career with a graduate degree.  Students admitted to this program can earn up to 20 graduate credits (at a lower undergraduate tuition rate) in their Junior and Senior years and apply it toward the requirements for both their Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

Admissions Requirements

Undergraduate students interested in the BTA + MSADSB Pathway Program must meet the following minimum requirements. Admission to the MSADSB program will be on a competitive basis and meeting the minimum requirements will not guarantee admission to the program.

  • Junior standing or higher
  • Admitted to The School of Business by opting in to the business major
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.3 with a letter of recommendation from PSU faculty or a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher with no letter of recommendation
  • BTA + MSADSB Pathway application

If a student is admitted to the BTA + MSADSB Pathway program, they must maintain a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.3 and earn a grade of B or higher in each MSADSB graduate level course taken for shared credit.

Upon completion of the bachelor’s degree, students who are conditionally admitted and meet those requirements will be guaranteed formal admission to the MSADSB program.

Process and How to Apply to BTA + MSADSB Pathway

Summarized timeline for candidates

  • Junior Year
    • Fall - Summer: Submit an application to the 4+1 BTA + MSADSB Pathway program
    • Spring - Take a Data Visualization course for graduate credit
  • Senior Year
    • Fall & Winter: Complete pathway shared credits
    • Fall - Summer: Complete bachelor’s degree
  • Fall Following Bachelor's Graduation
    • Formally start the BTA + MSADSB program

Detailed timeline for candidates

Junior Year

Step 1: Apply to the Pathway
Ideally, between Fall and Summer of your junior year, you will submit an application to the 4+1 BTA + MSADSB Pathway Program. This timing will ensure that your application is reviewed by the admissions team in time for taking the shared pathway courses.

If you meet the program admissions requirements, you will be notified of acceptance to the BTA + MSADSB Pathway Program via email. Instructions for registering for the approved pathway courses will be included.

Senior Year

Step 2: Register for the pathway approved courses in Fall through Summer

Step 3: Continue progress towards your bachelor’s degree
Complete your bachelor’s degree in business with a BTA concentration and apply for graduation.

Step 4: Formally join the MSADSB program

  • If you remained in good standing and maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.3 and B or higher in each graduate course you will be formally admitted to the MSADSB program and expected to begin the program in the Fall term. You may elect to defer admission to the MSADSB program for 1 year.
  • If you have not remained in good standing or maintained a 3.3 cumulative GPA, you will be notified that the MSADSB graduate courses applied to your bachelor’s degree will not be applicable to the MSADSB degree requirements. 
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