The Texas McCombs Master of Science Programs offers rolling admission each year with four deadline options. Each Admissions Committee holistically reviews applications to each program. Applicants have the opportunity to apply to more than one Master of Science Program for a single application fee. You will be able to indicate your interest in either one or two programs within any of the Master of Science Program applications.

Qualified applicants should meet the following criteria:

1. An undergraduate degree from an accredited institution
2. Mathematical aptitude and demonstrated ability to handle quantitative material
3. Strong communication skills
4. A completed application consisting of the following:

• Official transcripts uploaded in PDF format
• TOEFL or IELTS for all international students (waivers are available - please review our "International Students" section under Application Components below for specific information)
• Personal essays. A video essay component is required by each admissions committee.
• Letters of recommendation
• Resume

Specific program requirements as required by individual MS degrees. Please check Program Prerequisites in the next section.

All sections within the online application must be filled to entirety. Additionally, if the admissions committee requires further information about a candidate, an interview may be required.

Each program has a specific set of admissions requirements in addition to the general admissions requirements listed above. To view requirements for your program(s), please refer to the program-specific admissions pages below:

• MS Business Analytics Application Process
• MS Finance Application Process
• MS IT & Management Application Process
• MS Marketing Application Process

The committee will evaluate your application relative to the entire applicant pool in a holistic manner. We consider a wide variety of factors, including but not limited to, previous relevant experience, leadership and extracurricular activities, demonstrated communication skills, strong quantitative skills, in addition to grade point average and test scores. GMAT and GRE test scores are now optional for the Texas McCombs Master of Science Programs. Applicants will not be disadvantaged in the admissions profess if they do not submit test scores, and applicants who feel that their test scores reflect their potential for success in graduate school may submit scores for consideration.

Key criteria being evaluated by the admissions committee includes your academic aptitude, interview (if granted), test scores (if submitted), and personal characteristics.

1. Online Application

a. Complete the online application by the submission deadline for the round you choose to apply.

b. You cannot access our application from the ApplyTexas site. You must go to our website and click on the orange “Apply Now” button. If you are a first-time user, please create an account/EID.

2. Transcripts

a. When filling out your application, you must upload transcripts (converted to a PDF) of all higher education institutions you have attended. This is sufficient for our admissions committee to review your application.

Once you submit your application and pay your application fee, you will have to send official transcripts to the Office of Graduate Admissions.

You can find more information from the Office of Graduate Admissions here. 

3. Official Test Scores

a. GRE or GMAT

Beginning with the 2023-24 admissions cycle, we are pleased to announce that GMAT and GRE test scores are now optional for the Texas McCombs Master of Science Programs! Applicants will not be disadvantaged in the admissions profess if they do not submit test scores, and applicants who feel that their test scores reflect their potential for success in graduate school may submit scores for consideration.

If you opt to submit GMAT, GMAT Focus or GRE scores, you will need to provide your test scores in order to submit your application. While the official score report may reach the Graduate School after we have received your application, you will not be able to submit unless you have entered your scores and at least uploaded an unofficial score report. Read more about tests now being optional on our blog.

If you opt to submit test scores...

i. Test scores must be received before the round deadline. On the application, you will upload a PDF of your score report. Self-reported scores are considered unofficial but will be used to review your application. You must send your official test scores to our Office of Graduate Admissions. Please be aware that it will take 4-6 weeks for your official scores to get to the Office of Graduate Admissions. You can monitor your requirements after you apply on the MyStatus Page.

Scores sent to our Office of Graduate Admissions must be sent to the University by the testing agency (self-reported scores are not accepted by the Office of Graduate Admissions). The Educational Testing Service (ETS) institution code for UT Austin is 6882. There is no institutional code for the IELTS examination. To fulfill the requirement with scores from the IELTS, please use the IELTS electronic score delivery service to send your scores to the “University of Texas at Austin” account.

b. TOEFL or IELTS (English Proficiency)

i. International students applying to UT Austin must submit either an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score report demonstrating an adequate knowledge of English. The Institutional TOEFL (ITP) and the IELTS General Training are not accepted. International applicants who are from a qualifying country are exempt from this requirement. Additionally, applicants are exempt from the requirement if they possess a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. institution or a qualifying country. The requirement is not waived for applicants who have earned a master’s—but not a bachelor’s—degree from a similar institution. You can contact the Office of Graduate Admissions directly and inquire about your specific situation: intladm@austin.utexas.edu. There is no institutional code for the IELTS examination. To fulfill the requirement with scores from the IELTS, please use the IELTS electronic score delivery service to send your scores to the “University of Texas at Austin” account.

Test scores must be received and fully processed no more than two weeks after the round deadline.

4. Application Fee

i. The application fee is $65 for domestic applicants and $90 for international applicants. After you submit your application and get access to MyStatus, you may pay your application fee online through UT Austin’s What I Owe page (UT EID and password required). After submitting your payment, you may return to your MyStatus page and refresh it to immediately confirm that your payment was received.* 

*The Office of Graduate Admissions receives many applications per day, and it takes 3-5 days after submission for them to receive your application and apply an application fee to your account. The application fee does not need to be paid by the application submission deadline. If your application is submitted by the deadline at 11:59 p.m. CST, your application will be considered on time by the admissions committee and without delay. However, a decision cannot be rendered until your fee is paid. Please frequently check your MyStatus page to pay your fee.

MS Programs does not manage fee waivers or eligibility; that is through our Office of Graduate Admissions. If you can’t afford the application fee and are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident pursuing your first graduate degree, you may be eligible for a fee waiver (not available for the MBA or MPA programs). Fee waivers are not available for international citizens. If you are eligible for a waiver, do not pay the application fee when prompted. Instead, submit your application and indicate you will pay later. More information can be found here.

5. Essays 

a. All essays must be submitted with your application by the deadline. You cannot edit your essays after your application has been submitted. Please make sure your video essay is public and can be viewed by our admissions committee. 

b. MSM essay prompts differ for each program and are required.

6. Letters of Recommendation

a. 2-3 letters of recommendation are required, depending on the program. The most effective letters should emphasize the applicant's quantitative skills and intellectual ability.

b. Helpful Tips

i. When you are filling out your application, you will input your recommenders' names and emails. You do not upload the letters yourself. Letters of recommendation are uploaded and received directly from the recommender via a secure portal, after your request. If you are applying to two MS Programs, you will have to request letters of recommendation for EACH program, even if you have the same recommender. Please be aware these letters should reflect your interest in the specific program you are applying to.  

ii. We cannot review your application if you are missing letters of recommendation. Once your letters of recommendation are received, you will receive an automated email. If your recommender has not received your request, have them check their spam folder. You can also go to your application and choose ‘Manage Recommenders’ and send a reminder email. 

iii. Letters of recommendation are due two weeks after the posted round deadline. If your letters of recommendation are not in two weeks after the posted deadline, your application may be withdrawn.

7. Resume

a. You must upload a PDF copy of your resume to your application.

Complete the McCombs application by the submission deadline for the round you choose to apply.

Returning users can log in with your UT EID (example: abc123) 

Forgot your EID or password? Go here to reset it.

First-time user? Create an account at this link.

Applications are due no later than 11:59 p.m. CST on the day of the submission deadline. Read the Application instructions carefully and complete each application section as directed. It is very important that all information is complete and accurate in order for your application to be reviewed.

Tip: Don't forget to self-report your test scores and have them sent to UT Austin if you opt to take the GMAT or GRE.

Submit your application once all sections are complete. You can review the Office of Graduate Admissions MyStatus checklist to ensure all items have been received by the program. Pay the application fee within two business days after you submit your application.

You will need to upload your official transcripts again to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Here is an FAQ from the Office of Graduate Admissions.

The application review process can take up to 6-8 weeks depending on the volume of applications we receive. Decisions are typically sent 6-8 weeks after the posted application deadlines.

Not all applicants will require an interview for admissions. Interviews will be conducted as a virtual interview. You will receive an invitation directly from the program if you are selected for an interview. Interview invitations are sent in batches depending on when your application is reviewed. If your peers have received an interview invitation and you have not, please note that the program will contact you if an interview is needed. It is not necessary to contact the program inquiring about an interview invitation. This could further delay the review process on your application.​

Decisions 

Once the admissions committee has reviewed applications and interviewed selected applicants, we will begin sending decisions to candidates. You should receive an email from the program and from the Office of Graduate Admissions regarding your decision status.

Decisions are typically sent 6-8 weeks after the posted application deadlines. The admissions team is working as quickly as possible to report decisions in a timely manner. If you send an inquiry to the program during peak times, please allow up to three days for a response.

Waitlist 

The Texas McCombs MS Programs receive many applications from highly qualified applicants throughout the year. It is impossible to fit everyone into the physical space of our program. Therefore, some applicants are placed on our waitlist. The waitlist is not a final decision.

The admissions committee periodically reviews candidates on the waitlist on a rolling basis. Due to the uncertain and often unpredictable nature of the admissions process, we cannot tell you when you will receive your final decision. Should the admissions committee require additional information, they will reach out to the applicant directly.

Provide an official transcript from every senior college you have attended. Even if courses taken at one institution are recorded on another college's transcript, transcripts must be submitted from the institution at which the courses were taken. Failure to list all colleges on the application and provide those transcripts will be considered an intentional omission and may lead to the cancellation of your application for admission or withdrawal of your offer of admission.

If your transcripts are in a foreign language, they must be translated into English.

Scan and upload these to your McCombs Application online. After you submit your application, pay your application fee. This will be available two business days after you submit your application. Scan and upload transcripts to the Office of Graduate Admissions. You will need to upload your transcript twice. Once via the McCombs online application and once to the Office of Graduate Admissions after you pay the application fee.

All applicants must hold a four-year bachelor degree from an accredited university or an equivalent three-year degree. The Office of Graduate Admissions makes the decision if a specific three-year degree is considered equivalent. Put your official transcripts in safe-keeping. If you’re offered admission and intend to enroll, you will send your official transcripts to the Office of Graduate Admissions.

GPA: A minimum grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) is required. For applicants from an international institution, a comparable GPA will be calculated by the Office of Graduate Admissions. Your GPA is calculated using grades from upper-division course work—junior- and senior-level courses—and in any graduate-level classes. If your GPA does not meet the minimum requirement—or if you feel that your GPA is not a valid indicator of your ability—you have an option to address this in the Optional Essay section of the application. The Office of Graduate Admissions staff will determine GPA equivalencies for international applicants.

You will not be able to pay the application fee for approximately two business days after you press the submit button on your application. Your application is considered “on time” if submitted by the deadline, regardless if the fee is paid on that date. However, your application will not be evaluated if you do not pay the fee once it’s due.

The fee is $65 for domestic applicants and $90 for international applicants. Credit card and electronic checks accepted.

Fee Waivers: If you can’t afford the application fee and are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident pursuing your first graduate degree, you may be eligible for a fee waiver. If you intend to seek a waiver, do not pay the application fee when prompted. Instead, submit your application and indicate you will pay later. Demonstrate your need for an application fee waiver by providing a copy of:

• A waiver granted by GMAT or GRE (if applicable); or
• If you are currently enrolled, your financial aid awards for the previous two semesters showing the source(s) of your funding; or
• If you are not currently enrolled, your tax returns for the last two years.

Wait until you receive the email with a link to your MyStatus page, redact your Social Security number from the documentation, then email it to Shannon Neuse. Make sure you include your UT EID in the email; without this information, your request cannot be processed. Please note that it will take 24 to 48 hours from when you submit the application before you receive the status check email – do not send your request prior to receiving that email. You will be unable to upload any documents to MyStatus until your fee is waived or paid.

The most effective letters will describe the applicant's quantitative skills and intellectual ability.

Each program requires two letters of recommendation. While we prefer to see one academic reference and one professional reference, applicants can choose the appropriate mix of academic and professional that best displays their fit for the program. Letters should highlight the student's quantitative strengths. For MSBA and MSITM, letters should also emphasize the student's programming ability.*

Recommendation letters must be submitted by the application deadline to be considered a complete application. Letters of recommendation are received directly from the recommender via a secure portal. While completing your application, you will be able to send your recommender an invitation to access this secure portal to submit their recommendation. Once your letter of recommendation is received, you will receive an automated email.

*The admissions committee highly recommends this number of academic references. Professional references will also be considered.

A Few Helpful Hints:

• Complete this part of your application first. This will launch email notifications to your recommenders and allow them to get started on the form while you're working on the other components of your application.
• Contact your recommenders ASAP to let them know they should receive an email as soon as you save the section. Sometimes these emails end up in a junk folder since they come from a Texas MS email address.
• Monitor the status of your recommendations on your McCombs application status page to ensure they're completed within a reasonable amount of time and by the deadline. You can resend notifications from within the application as needed.

Beginning with the 2023-24 admissions cycle, we are pleased to announce that GMAT and GRE test scores are now optional for the Texas McCombs Master of Science Programs! Applicants will not be disadvantaged in the admissions profess if they do not submit test scores, and applicants who feel that their test scores reflect their potential for success in graduate school may submit scores for consideration.

If you opt to submit GMAT, GMAT Focus or GRE scores, you will need to provide your test scores in order to submit your application. While the official score report may reach the Graduate School after we have received your application, you will not be able to submit unless you have entered your scores and at least uploaded an unofficial score report. Read more about tests now being optional on our blog.

IF YOU OPT TO SUBMIT TEST SCORES...

As long as you’ve taken the test and have made the request to have your official scores sent to UT Austin by the round deadline, your application will be considered “on time.”

During the admissions process, we sync what you reported in the application with what’s received by UT Austin. It can take several weeks for your official score to be received by the university. Once the item is received you will see that update on MyStatus page.

You should submit your strongest possible application. Please do not submit the application with the intent to send updated test scores. If you’re applying to multiple programs at McCombs, you don’t need to send separate scores to each program. UT Austin has a central repository for official scores that all departments can access.

The university generally receives scores four to six weeks after a test is taken. If you are sending scores from a prior test, the scores must still be valid at the time of application to the program (within the last five years for the GRE or GMAT and two years for the TOEFL or IELTS).

There are many resources for GRE Prep and GMAT Prep.

Please visit your program’s page above to read more about requirements for admission as this can vary by program.

GMAT/GRE FAQ

What are the Codes for GRE/GMAT/TOEFL/IELTS? The Educational Testing Service institution code for the GRE and TOEFL is 6882. The institutional code for the GMAT: MSM: 396-44-93 MSF: 396-44-78 MSBA: 396-44-73 MSITM: 396-44-30 To fulfill the requirement with scores from the IELTS, have an official paper score report sent to the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Do you prefer taking one test over the other? No, we do not have a preferred test. We accept both the GRE and the GMAT.

What’s your minimum acceptable test score? What test scores do I need in order to secure admission? We do not admit/deny solely based on test scores since we are looking for overall exceptional applications, including high grades, strong professional development, high test scores and communication skills. Our faculty committee is concerned when GRE/GMAT scores are below the 50th percentile for MSM and MSF (verbal or quantitative) and below 60th percentile for MSBA and MSITM, or TOEFL scores are below 100 (IELTS below 7).

I have an advanced degree/work experience, can I waive the test score requirement? We cannot waive the GRE/GMAT/TOEFL requirement for applicants with work experience or advanced degrees. These scores are an important part of our application evaluation.

In addition to completing the prescribed graduate admissions process, international students applying to The University of Texas at Austin must submit either an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score report demonstrating an adequate knowledge of English.

Waivers

International applicants who are from a qualifying country are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement. We can only apply this exemption to qualifying countries. Additionally, applicants are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement if they possess a bachelor's degree from a U.S. institution or an institution in a qualifying country. The requirement is not waived for applicants who have earned a master's (but not a bachelor's) degree from a similar institution.

Eligibility

• Open to current UT Austin students only
• Open to all majors

When to Apply

Students who are interested can apply now. Applications are reviewed 4-6 weeks after each deadline - deadlines are the same as the traditional application deadlines.

A Pathway Two admissions options is available for students who have confirmed internship offers for the summer after their junior year - contact your specific Program Coordinator for details

Admissions

Admission to the program is competitive. The admissions committee is looking for demonstrated quantitative coursework on your transcript as well as any program specific requirements as listed under your program's requirement tab in this section. If you have any questions about specific program requirements, please visit your program’s page above.

Benefits

• Students admitted to the Bridge program may take MS summer courses between their Junior and Senior Year and reserve for graduate credit
• Allows time for internship upon completing undergraduate degree
• Bridge students will gain access to McCombs Career Services after successful completion of summer courses between their Junior and Senior Year

Learn more about MSBA Bridge
Learn more about MSF Bridge
Learn more about MSITM Bridge
Learn more about MSM Bridge