我在美国有一些硕士小伙伴，毕业以后很是头疼身份的问题。他们常常说，自己希望被雇佣的公司可以帮他们申请绿卡，但是反过来雇主们往往希望在雇佣他们之前他们就有绿卡。这就成了一个死循环。而随着特朗普总统越来越收紧的政策，靠着自己找工作走工作签证这条路留下来的方式就越来越难。而STEM专业当中相对门槛最低的数据分析专业，就成为了大家比较喜爱的一个专业。

先说一下我的直观感受。从我第一年来美国到现在，感觉招的Business Analytics硕士生，一年比一年要求高。以前还可以本科毕业直接申请，现在已经有明显的工作经验偏好了。有可能发展成为下一个类MBA项目。因此想写一下这方面申请的帖子，如果立志来美国是想要留下来拿绿卡，或者至少留下来工作几年攒一些经验的同学，但是又没有那么清楚地职业规划，强烈建议你们申请这个专业的硕士项目。而且越早越好，这个专业在美国已经有过热的趋势了，再过两年缺口期一过，就没什么优势了。以我给这个专业的一些课程做TA的经历来讲，感觉BA/DS这个专业属于短平快的专业，学完了马上就能有地方用，而且现在数据量成几何级数的增长，各行各业对于会数据分析的人才需求量非常大。所以现在还处于窗口期。我们学校在这个项目上办了第七年了，号称100%的就业率，以及不低于6万刀的年收入。一年就能读完，而且很快就能收回你读书的成本，因此是一个性价比非常高的项目。

接着说一下选择哪些学校，根据TFE Times 2018 年排名，贴出前30名的学校以及项目名称：

在根据QS排名，只看美国的学校：

大家可以看到，不同的排名出入还是不小的，说明这个专业还在发展阶段，不同的侧重就会给出不同的排名。所以怎么办呢？很简单，就选择不同的排名方式里，依旧排前面的学校呗：

比如Austin，Dallas，伦斯勒理工，普度这种工科名校，自然是有质量保证的。再有就是NYU，USC，Fordham，Drexel这种处在大城市的学校，随便你去找实习和工作都很方便，校友也多。最后就是商学院也不错的学校，比如ASU，Minnesota，Norte Dame，或者我们MSU一类的学校，找工作都不错。

再有就是别管他们的名字起成什么样子，爱叫什么叫什么。才一年的项目，你觉着能学到什么高深的东西嘛？什么Business Analytics, Data Analytics, Data Science,Business Intelligence，咱们的目标就是读STEM，学完了有三年OPT，几乎100的就业率。除此之外都不重要。

那要怎么准备申请呢？这个就跟你正常申请硕士项目一样，GT成绩，推荐信，PS，CV等等。先来看一下殿堂级的学校，MIT的官网上找不到任何的具体要求。只说了一句之前在英语国家读书是不能免tofel考试的，其他的都是比较官方的客套话：

http://mitsloan.mit.edu/master-of-business-analytics/admissions/apply/application-instructions/Master of Business AnalyticsMaster of Business Analytics

来看一个能查到数据的CMU吧，哈哈，我个人比较无脑粉CMU,而且他们没有申请费，可以电邮成绩单：

具体看一下英语成绩要求：

以及另一个项目，也属于Henzi的要求：

再看一个我们MSU的BA项目吧，这两年水涨船高，居然要求会C++一类的编程的东西了。但是据我所知，大部分来读BA的硕士都是技术0基础的。https://accounting.broad.msu.edu/academic-programs/ms-business-analytics/admission-requirements/

All applications must be completed by Oct. 1st in order to be considered for admission to the program for the upcoming spring term. Decisions and student notifications will made during the month of October.

Once an application is complete, qualified candidates will be invited for a interview. Notifications are typically sent within 30 days. Applicants should consider applying as early as possible for best advantage.Our program begins in spring (January) and lasts through December (graduation). We do not admit for fall or summer semestersIt is a fixed-curriculum, cohort-based program.The committee can not assess your chances of getting a program acceptance until your application files are uploaded to the system and you have submitted a application.

To be considered for admission, applicants are expected to have:

A completed bachelor’s degree from a recognized educational institution.A working knowledge of personal computers, including word processing, spreadsheets, networking and data-base management systems.Knowledge of programming languages such as C, C++, Python, Java, HTML, as well as experience in using statistical packages, and use of statistical software programs.Strong scores on the GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test). The MS in Business Analytics GMAT code is QHO-5P-59. The GRE (Graduate Record Exam, university code 1465) may be accepted as an alternate to the GMAT. Waivers are not granted on GMAT/GRE requirement.NEW FOR MSU STUDENTS: We now waive the GMAT/GRE requirement for Michigan State University graduates with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher.A relatively recent laptop computer with Microsoft Office (No more than 2 years old).

International Applicants

There are specific requirements for international applicants with regard to academic transcripts, English language requirements and financial certification for application to the MS in Business Analytics program.

The undergraduate degree must be the equivalent to a four-year degree in the United States. Three-year programs are not accepted.English competency test scores are required with the following minimum scores: TOEFL: 250 on computer version and 100 on the Internet-Based Test and a 7 of the IELTS. English competency test takers should use the Michigan State University code 1465. Waivers will be considered for students who completed their undergraduate degree from an institution where the primary method of instruction was in English. For the IELTS, students MUST have a copy MAILED to the MSU Admissions office (not sent electronically).Affidavit of Support and Bank Statement: In order to obtain the documents needed to file for a student visa (I-20 or DS-2019), students must show adequate proof of financial support. All international students must provide a signedaffidavit of supportand bank statement with the name of the account holder in English. The financial amount can be found at ourTuition Page. This is not required until admission.Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded to the application portal. Upon admission, please request that all colleges or universities attended, and examination boards send original or attested copies of all transcripts, diplomas, mark sheets, and certificates directly to us in an official, sealed envelope. In addition, where the original documents are not issued in English, also provide an official English translation of each document.Applicants from CHINESE UNIVERSITIES: During the application process, applicants submit certified copies (sealed and stamped by institutions) of all post-secondary transcripts, graduation certificates and degrees directly to the MSU Department to which they are applying. MSU requires these documents in the original language (Chinese) as well as an official English translation. You may get these from your institution directly.

毕业以后，前途光明，性价比极高。虽然我觉着平均值8万有一些水分，但是6万以上肯定是有的。而且好像确实大家都找到了工作。因此现在申请很是不错。哈哈，怎么感觉成了广告贴。我又没有分成可以拿。。。

Is the program STEM certified?

The MS in business analytics program is officially designated as a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) degree program. The STEM certification provides international students in our program to work in the United States for an additional 24 months under OPT, beyond the standard 12, for a total of 36 months.

What is the full-time placement rate after graduation?

For the class of 2013, 100% of our student received employment offers. For the class of 2014, 95% have accepted employment. For the class of 2015 at graduation, 100% have accepted a job offer that were seeking employment. For the class of 2016, 100% are employed that were actively seeking employment. For the Class of 2017 graduates, 100% are employed that were actively seeking employment.

What is the average salary for recently placed graduates of the program?

The average annual base salary for the class of 2013 was $75,000 USD. For our class of 2014, it is $80,888. For the class of 2015 at graduation, the average salary was $90,020 and $88,000 at 3 months post graduation. For the class of 2016, the average salary was $85,200.

What employers recruit from the program?

Students have received offers from companies such as Nike, Gongos, Ducker, Chrysler, GM, PGA Tour, GM, Dominos, Capital One, EY, Cognizant Technologies, Deloitte, Fanuc and more. Typical job titles include Business Intelligence Developer, Data Analyst, Solutions Architect and Consultant.

Does the program offer any assistance to help with full-time placement?

The program provides each student with a career services advisor to help them in their search for employment. Students receive personalized resume reviews, practice interviews, negotiation advice etc. The program also provides networking opportunities, workshops and career fairs to help students develop relationships with employers. Specifically, we have a spring analytics fair focused on internships and a fall analytics fair focused on full time job opportunities. Please see the event page for additional details.