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 communicate insights and stories visually and supports both recent graduates and experienced professionals who seek to advance their education. If interested candidates have yet to earn an undergraduate degree, exceptions can be made based on demonstrating a robust professional background with 5+ years of experience in increasing job responsibilities and a strong commitment to graduate-level coursework.
Application Requirements & Procedures for the M.P.S. in Data Analytics and Visualization (MPS)
REQUIRED:
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. Transcripts
An official transcript from the institution that granted your most recent degree will be required of admitted students in order to matriculate. If you have not earned an undergraduate degree, please include your highest earned complete transcript and a transcript (either unofficial or official) from EACH institution where you have earned credit 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.
4. Application Fee (Waived)
The application fee of $75 is currently waived.
The application fee is payable via credit card during the application submission stage online.
5. 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.
OPTIONAL
1. Statement of Purpose
(required if you have not earned an undergraduate degree):
In (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?
2. Samples of Data Visualizations
Candidates may submit up to 5 samples that provide relevant insight into their candidacy for the Data Analytics and Visualization MPS program.
We admit students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds and a candidate may choose to use the portfolio to showcase the applicant's ability to create, solve, and produce. Please note we do not have a specific portfolio format in mind and encourage applicants to submit any and all deliverables that demonstrate creativity, problem-solving aptitude, and attention to detail.
3. Portfolio Narrative
The portfolio narrative is a separate document that provides brief descriptions for each portfolio example. Each description should be 100 words or less.
The Office of Graduate Admission strongly recommends uploading .pdf documents.