Application Procedures

Application Deadline for Summer Term: April 22; Fall Term: August 8th; Spring Term: January 5

The M.P.S. in Data Analytics and Visualization prepares people from a wide range of professional/educational backgrounds to bring together data and design to visually communicate insights and stories, and supports both recent graduates and experienced professionals who seek to advance their education. Competitive applicants have experience with data, programming languages, and/or visual/graphic design. Because the program is cohort-based, applicants should be prepared to commit to a continuous, 15-month learning experience.

Application Requirements & Procedures for the M.P.S. in Data Analytics and Visualization (MPS)

1. Graduate Admission Application Form: completed and submitted online via SlideRoom.

2. Curriculum Vitae/Resume

The CV/Resume should provide the admissions committee with information about any experiences or skills you have supporting your candidacy for a data analytics and visualization graduate program. In particular, please list any skills related to software/programs, coding languages, data analytics, or visualization platforms.

3. M.P.S. in Data Analytics and Visualization Statement of Purpose (500 to 700 words):

Please submit a written statement describing your interest in graduate study in MICA's Data Analytics and Visualization (Online M.P.S.) program, and why now is the right time for you to pursue it. In particular, please explain what skills/experiences have prepared you for a degree with a focus in both data and design.

If there is an element of your CV/resume or transcript that would benefit from additional context, please share how that factor would be mitigated during your time in this program; for instance, if you had a low GPA during your undergraduate degree, what makes you feel confident in greater academic success moving forward?

4. Transcripts

An official transcript from the institution that granted your most recent degree will be required of admitted students in order to matriculate. At the application review stage, though, a transcript (either unofficial or official) from EACH institution where you have earned credit is required to enable the admissions committee to effectively assess the candidate’s academic history and preparedness for this program. Our holistic review process, designed to accommodate all learners, including those whose focus may have changed since college, relies more on the individual courses taken than a single metric such as GPA.

5. Samples of Data Visualizations

Please provide at least 3 (no more than 5) samples of data visualizations. They do not need to be sophisticated or demonstrate advanced design or data analysis skills; any charts and graphs will help the admissions committee evaluate your candidacy. Please include 1-2 sentences on your role in creating each visualization– cleaning the data, analyzing the data, design, etc. If you don’t yet have any samples of data visualizations to share, it may be helpful to test out the waters by exploring the resources below and completing one of the challenges listed:

6. $75 Application Fee

Payable via credit card during the application submission stage online.

7. Additional Requirements for International Applicants

International candidates whose primary language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in both written and spoken English. Additionally, certified translations of all transcripts and school documentation must be provided. For additional information on international applicant requirements, please visit Information for International Graduate Applicants.