To qualify for admission to the College’s Master of Science in Data Analytics (MSDA) program, you must meet all application requirements listed below no later than July 15th to be considered for the next fall cohort.

1. Complete the online MSDA application.
   • Upload a current resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
   • Complete a 500-1,000-word personal statement (similar to a letter of interest). This personal statement should reveal something about you as an applicant, the reason you want to pursue this graduate degree and how it will advance your future goals.
2. Hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 either (i) in mathematics, computer science, finance or business administration; or (ii) in another discipline but with completion of (a) introduction to computer science AND (b) regression AND (c) at least one of the following three courses: advanced computer science, multi-variable calculus or proofs.
   • If your cumulative GPA falls below a 3.0, in order to be considered for the program, you must include: (i) an explanation of GPA statement; and (ii) an additional letter of recommendation.
3. Submit transcripts from The College of Idaho.
4. Demonstrate the ability to meet The College of Idaho’s technology requirements for the duration of the graduate program.
5. Submit a letter of recommendation from a professor, instructor, employer or work colleague. This letter should highlight your academic or professional experiences relevant to admission to this graduate degree program and evaluate your leadership, interpersonal skills, critical thinking, and judgement as well as your ability and capability to complete a graduate degree.
   • If your cumulative GPA falls below a 3.0, in order to be considered for the program, you must submit a second letter of recommendation from a College of Idaho faculty member.
6. Graduate Entrance Exam (optional) – No graduate entrance exam is required for the MSDA program. If you wish to include a score (GRE, MAT, LSAT or GMAT), it will be considered. It may be helpful to include a score if you have a GPA below a 3.0 or if you would otherwise like to bolster your application.

The MSDA originates from and emphasizes the liberal arts. Our program is 36 credit hours and offers an interdisciplinary curriculum through 9 uniquely crafted courses. Through four core courses, four targeted courses and a practicum capstone, you gain the expertise to lead with confidence in today’s data-driven economic landscape.

• Data Analytics
• Introduction to Data Science
• Project Management
• Statistical Machine Learning
• Business Intelligence & Data Engineering
• Data Visualization
• Graduate Electives (e.g. management science, research methods and statistics)
• Capstone

Our MSDA program launches a new cohort each fall. Complete the MSDA curriculum in just 12 months over three terms! Our next cohort’s academic calendar is as follows:

The accelerated Master of Science of Data Analytics program consists of 36 credit hours that you can finish in just 12 months over three terms.

• 2027-2028 Tuition: $30,060
• Graduate Program and Technology Fee: $150 per term

Note: The College of Idaho’s MSDA tuition and fees are due before or on the first day of the semester/term. The amounts above reflect the approximate total cost of the graduate degree program based on the current tuition and fees schedules. Tuition and fees in future academic years are subject to change. The upcoming year’s tuition and fees schedules are posted in late spring.

After you've been accepted to The College of Idaho, you must pay a $300 matriculation deposit to secure your spot in the graduate program. This one-time, non-refundable deposit is credited toward your first term’s tuition.

All graduate students enrolled in a residential certificate, master’s or doctoral program at The College of Idaho, or participating in a College athletic program, must have health insurance coverage. Students enrolled in a hybrid program or an exclusively online program are encouraged but not mandated to have health insurance unless their immigration status requires it.

Graduate students can purchase student health insurance through The College of Idaho. The health insurance premium is $2,492 for the 2025-2026 plan year.

Students can qualify for federal financial assistance based on the information they submit in their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To learn more about financial aid options, explore our financial resources for graduate students or contact Financial Aid Services at finaid@collegeofidaho.edu or 208-459-5380.

The College of Idaho offers tuition scholarships for the MSDA program to the following students:

• Active U.S. military service members, reservists, National Guard members and veterans
• Alumni of The College of Idaho
• Full-time employees of The College of Idaho pursuant to our tuition remission policy
• Employees of organizations under a partnership agreement with The College of Idaho

Dropping a Course

Students who drop a course during the current term but remain actively enrolled will receive:

• A 100% refund if they drop a course on or before the Last Day to Drop
• A 50% refund if they drop a course after the Last Day to Drop but before the 15th day of the term/semester
• A 0% refund if they drop a course on or after the 15th calendar day of the term/semester

Withdrawing From a Program

Students who withdraw from all courses by the Last Day to Drop for the term receive a 100% refund of tuition and class fees. Those who withdraw after the Last Day to Drop but on or before the 60% point in time of the term/semester, calculated using calendar days, receive a refund based on the total payment on the account from all sources, minus the charges for tuition and fees for the enrollment period. Tuition is prorated for the attendance period. Student fees are non-refundable. Funds are returned to the federal programs, institutional programs, outside scholarships and then to the student. Students who withdraw after the 60% point of the term/semester do not receive a refund.

If financial aid awards create a credit on a student’s account, a refund check is sent to the student's mailing address.