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Why Pursue a Master's Degree in Data Analytics

Data is the foundation of every industry that utilizes technology. Organizations across the business spectrum are heavily reliant on Big Data and the need for strategic data analysts to interpret it. As Texas takes its place as an influential hub for emerging technology, graduates can enjoy a rewarding career in data analytics and explore paths in healthcare, business, national security, and beyond. The program prepares students to jump right into the workforce by encompassing a versatile combination of core competencies, including data analytics algorithms, predictive modeling, data architecture management, and analytical interpretation.

Critical Technology Studies Program

As a member of the Intelligence Community Center of Academic Excellence, the UTSA Carlos Alvarez College of Business is offering two options for MSDA students to participate in the Critical Technology Studies Program (CTSP) and receive specialized training regarding the intelligence community and the national security field.

MSDA majors can elect to pursue the CTSP track, or the CTSP track with Intelligence Studies Certificate, which provides students with critical technology skills and allows them to specialize in intelligence studies by completing three national security courses and engaging in a hands-on practicum with UTSA’s government and industry partners working in the national security sector.

STEM Designated Degree Program

This program in the UTSA Carlos Alvarez College of Business is included on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s STEM Designated Degree Program list.

STEM Designated Degree Programs provide several benefits, including:

  • High career growth potential and competitive salaries
  • Development of transferrable skills such as adaptability, critical thinking, research and analysis
  • International students on an F-1 visa are eligible for up to 24 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Admission & Application Requirements

Applications are submitted through the UTSA Graduate Application. Please upload all required documents (listed below) on your UTSA Graduate Application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure completion and submission of the application, a nonrefundable application fee, and all required supporting documents are on file with UTSA by the appropriate application deadline.

Data Analytics (MS)
Admission is only available for the Fall semester
  Required Degree Bachelor's Degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States or have proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution.
  Minimum GPA 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) Departments may consider GPA of last 60 semester credit hours
  Coursework 18 credit hours in an area related to this graduate degree and at least 12 hours must be at the upper-division level.
  Transcripts* Required from all institutions attended; international transcripts must be recorded/translated to English
  Credential Evaluation Required if you have earned university-level credit from foreign institutions. Submit an evaluation of your transcripts from Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) directly from the graduate admission application platform
  GRE/GMAT Required scores not older than five years. Scores are currently waived for this program through the 2023-24 academic year.
  TOEFL/IELTS Score 550 TOEFL Paper / 79 TOEFL Internet / 6.5 IELTS scores for International applicants (exempt countries). Scores are currently waived for this program for the 2022-23 academic year.
  Purpose Statement Required
  Letters of Recommendation 2 demonstrating your academic and personal attributes for success in this program (you will request these through the Graduate Admissions Application; let your recommenders know of your deadline to ensure submissions are on time)
*Unofficial transcripts will be taken into consideration for admissions; however, if admitted into the program, you must submit official transcripts to the University.
Apply using 2021-22 Graduate Application Apply using 2022-23 Graduate Application

Admission Deadlines

Applicants are encouraged to have their admission file completed as early as possible. All applications, required documents and letters of recommendation, if applicable, must be submitted by 5:00 PM U.S. Central Time on the day of the deadline. Deadlines are subject to change.

Data Analytics (MS)
Completed applications will be reviewed for admission on a rolling basis. Decisions generally will be made and sent to applicants within 4 to 6 weeks of receiving the application.
  Fall Spring Summer
Priority April 1 Not Available Not Available
International June 1 Not Available Not Available
Domestic July 15 Not Available Not Available

Funding Opportunities

Resources Assistantships

Career Options

UTSA prepares you for future careers that are in demand. The possible careers below is data pulled by a third-party tool called Emsi, which pulls information from sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, online job postings, other government databases and more to give you regional and national career outlook related to this academic program.


  • American Express
  • Booz Allen Hamilton
  • Caesar’s Casino Las Vegas
  • Chicago Fire Football Club
  • Fiserv
  • GM Financial
  • Group O
  • Harland Clarke
  • H-E-B
  • IBM
  • Outdoorsy
  • Rackspace
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • University Health Systems
  • USAA
  • Valero
  • Various agencies within the Intelligence Community
  • Veracity Forecasting and Analysis
  • Verizon Business
  • Western States Pharmacy Coalition

Program Manager

Molly Miller

210-458-7301

molly.miller@utsa.edu