MTDA Application and FAQs
Am I right for the program?
We’re looking for curious, hardworking problem solvers who thrive in team environments. Our program is built to accommodate a range of backgrounds, so you don’t need to be a computer scientist, statistician or data analyst to be successful with us.
Our program requirements include:
- An earned bachelor’s degree or higher in any subject.
- A 3.0 cumulative GPA from all courses from all course attempts
- At least 1 year of professional experience in a field relevant to the degree program
What counts as “professional experience”?
Professional experience refers to experience gained through employment. We are looking for committed individuals who can demonstrate problem-solving capabilities, those that take initiative, and those that can demonstrate a strong work ethic in a professional environment.
Required Application Materials
Please refer to Graduate and Professional Admissions for more information about required materials including transcripts and letters of recommendation. Please note that we no longer require standardized testing for admissions to our program.
Application Materials List
Transcripts
Official transcripts are required from every institution where you’ve attended and taken courses. Ohio State transcripts do not need to be provided.
For domestic and international students, please refer to the Graduate and Professional Admission resource page for transcript information.
Letters of Recommendation
We require two letters of recommendation that should be professional in nature. If possible, they should attest to your professional experience and work ethic. They should address the program’s benefit to your work and why you are a good candidate for admission.
For more information concerning recommendation letters and how recommenders submit letters directly to OSU, please see the Letters of Recommendation section on the Graduate and Professional Admission Required Materials page.
Resume / CV
Be sure to tailor your resume or CV to highlight relevant knowledge, skills and abilities which will demonstrate that you are a good fit for the program.
Statement of Purpose
Prompt: In case study format containing (a) a statement of problem, (b) approach and analysis, and (c) results, insight or impact: Describe an example from your professional experience about how you have or could have applied data analytics to solve a business or other work challenge.
Your statement of purpose should be a maximum of 1-page
Essay Prompts
Three short essays are required for application to this program:
- What in your life experience or background will contribute to the program/your success in the program?
- Describe a time when you worked with people with different experiences or viewpoints from each other and from you. What did you learn, and how did you find ways to work together effectively?
- Describe why you are interested in the program and why you are a good candidate for admission.
Additional International Student Application Materials
Along with the materials listed above International students have additional requirements to apply to any graduate program at Ohio State. See the tabs below for a list of these additional requirements.
Additional Application Materials List for International Students
Proof of English Proficiency
Your success requires a minimum proficiency in English. Please refer to Graduate and Professional Admissions website for current information about English proficiency requirements.
Transcripts
Since most international institutions do not send transcripts via a secure system, official transcripts can be accepted if:
- The official sealed university envelope is not open
- The official sealed university envelope containing the transcripts is placed in a mailing envelope and mailed to:
Graduate and Professional Admissions
The Ohio State University
Student Academic Services Building
281 W. Lane Ave.
Columbus, OH 43210-1132 USA
For additional information about international transcripts, please refer to the international section on the Graduate and Professional Admissions Transcripts page.
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the deadlines?
Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis with priority given to applications that are submitted by June 1st each year.
What is the Program cost?
University Cost Estimates
- Ohio State Application Fee: $60 one-time fee ($70 for international students)
Program Cost Estimates
| Pathway | Resident | NonResident | ||
| 5 Semester | $ 39,816.25 |
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| 8 Semester |
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| 10 Semester |
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*Non-resident tuition includes a $200/semester flat rate surcharge.
How is the program delivered?
The MTDA is now designated as a fully distance learning program, which means it can be completed from anywhere. We offer a combination of synchronous and asynchronous instruction for maximum flexibility for working professionals.
As a benefit to enrollment, we're also offering optional drop-in access to some of TDAI's collaboration spaces if you or your group wants to work or study together.
Where is the program authorized to be offered?
The Ohio State University is authorized to offer the MTDA in all 50 states. For more information on state authorization requirements and disclosures related to online programs, please visit online.osu.edu/state-authorization/disclosures.
How big is the program?
Our goal is to admit 30 students each fall. We want to preserve a small environment so that students receive individual attention.
What do you mean by experiential learning?
We know that learning is best when it’s applied to real-world problems. We work with a network of real community partners who will provide us with challenge problems and data sets. That way, you’re learning by engaging with real problems and developing a portfolio of results. Our program also integrates a two-semester sequence of capstones where you will integrate and apply everything you’ve learned.
Do you require the GRE or other tests?
No, we use a holistic admission process that does not include standardized tests.
What math background is needed to succeed in the MTDA?
Data analytics and math go hand in hand, so it would be a good idea to brush up on some basic concepts such as algebra and precalculus.