MMA Frequently Asked Questions

Which quantitative skills are necessary for the MMA program?

Although there is no direct pre-requisite skill required to do the MMA program, we find that the following skill sets perform well during our course work. 

1. At a baseline, students with strong general mathematical aptitude are able to handle the quantitative rigor of the program.
2. From the technical side, students are expected to have some knowledge/familiarity in problem solving tools/technology.  For example, strong familiarity with Excel/VBA will be good background for underlying skills needed.  Any exposure to programming languages like R and Python would be an asset, although not a requirement.

Do I need work experience?

​No prior work experience is required for the MMA program.

If I have work experience, am I still eligible to apply for admission to the program?

Even though no prior work experience is required for the MMA program, an applicant with work experience may still apply for admission.

What is the admission process?

Read the admission process for details. The Admissions Committee will review complete applications on a rolling basis after the first deadline of October 31, 2020. Only selected applicants will be invited for an interview. Our office will notify them by e-mail as to a time and date.

What is the minimum cGPA required?

For admission to graduate programs at McGill, the minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is 3.0 out of a possible 4.0, or a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.2 out of 4.0 in the last two years of full-time studies.

Do you require GMAT or GRE scores?

All applicants—except those with a graduate or undergraduate degree from any Canadian or US University—must complete the GMAT or GRE. We accept both scores. When registering for a test, request the results be sent directly to McGill University: GMAT Institution Code: 58H-MN-80, GRE Institution Code: 0935

What is the minimum GMAT/GRE score required for acceptance to the MMA program?

There is no minimum score required. The Admissions Committee will evaluate the complete application and take into account all application requirements.

Can the GMAT or GRE be waived?

No. Only those applicants with a graduate or undergraduate degree from any Canadian or US University do not have to complete the GMAT or GRE test.

Is the TOEFL or IELTS required?

For applicants whose mother tongue is not English and who have not completed their degree in an English speaking country, the TOEFL or IELTS is required. The McGill Institution code is 0935. Read the English language proficiency page for details on McGill minimum English requirements, and exemptions to submit proof of proficiency in English.

Who should I ask for references?

We recommend you get references from people who know your strengths and competencies. The references could be academic or professional ones. McGill will automatically contact these referees and invite them to upload references via uApply.

Is there an interview as part of the application process?

After a preliminary review of complete applications, only selected candidates will be invited for an interview. Our office will notify them by e-mail as to a time and date. Interviews are conducted via Skype.

When is a student notified of the admission decision?

Once an application is complete, applicants can expect to receive a response within 6-8 weeks of the application deadlines. Note that this timeline may vary.

If I receive an offer of admission, when do I have to accept?

Accepted applicants will have 2 weeks to accept the offer and pay the non-refundable deposit of C$4,000. For details, read the Tuition & Financial page.  

If I receive an offer of admission, can I defer my admission?

Deferring admission for one year may be considered in exceptional cases upon evidence of extenuating circumstances. A written request should be submitted to us at mma [at] mcgill.ca. If approved, students wishing to defer their admission will be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit in order to secure their place for the following year.

What are the program start and end dates?

The program starts once a year. In 2021, the program will start on August 2, 2021 and is planned to end on August 31, 2022.

What is the profile of an MMA student?

Our student body is very diverse. The MMA is designed for recent graduates with a Bachelor of Commerce, Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, Arts or Science degree and with proven quantitative skills. The program is best suited to students who have graduated in a related discipline, who have technical skills, and who are interested in studying analytics from a business or management perspective.  The program also caters to individuals with an undergraduate degree in any discipline, who want to be part of the digital and technological wave, and who have a strong interest in the emerging field of Big Data, Analytics and AI from a strategic perspective. You can view our current class profile here.

I am ready to apply and I can’t find the MMA program in the dropdown menu.

Please ensure you are selecting Summer for the start term as the MMA program offers admissions in the summer semester only.

Will my application be reviewed by a deadline if it is missing only my test scores?

In order to have your application reviewed by a particular deadline, it must be complete and include all documents, test scores, and references.

I have started my application, but I can’t upload my documents.

Once you pay the application fee, you will be able to upload your documents.

What is the length of the MMA Program?

The MMA is a full time 45-credit program that is completed over the course of one year. However, students may choose to do an internship which will allow them to return for a 5^th term to complete their required credits.

Does the Program provide internships?

The program does not provide internships. If a student chooses the internship option, they are responsible for securing their own internship.

If I choose the internship option will my tuition be higher?

The MMA tuition fee is the same whether or not you do an internship as all students will complete the same number of credits. However, students would have to pay the University non-tuition fees for the additional term.

When do I have to decide if I want to complete the internship option (1.5 Year program length)?

All students start the one year program, and they have until the winter term (third term of program) to decide if they would like to complete the internship option. To take this option, students must secure an internship and receive approval by the MMA program.

Is there a possibility of doing the program part time?

The MMA program is currently only offered as a full-time study program. 

Can I work while completing the MMA Program?

The program is rigorous and intensive; therefore, we do not recommend students to work while completing it.  

What is unique about the MMA Program?

The MMA aims to bridge the ever-consuming gap between business leaders and technical leaders.  We have designed this program to pull the best features of pure strategy programs like an MBA, and a pure development program like MSc in DataScience.  Technically strong students get to learn the true business acumen required to succeed in the market, and strategically strong students get to learn the 'Need-to-know' technologies and skills to gain the respect and expertise required to be extremely valuable to organizations around the globe.

How much does the program cost?

The tuition is C$52,515* (2021 admission). Read more about other university fees and living expenses.  Note that there is a tuition waiver of $7,020 for Canadians and Permanent Residents. To accept the offer, applicants must pay the non-refundable deposit of C$4,000. For details and current fees, read the Tuition & Financial page.

When are the tuition fees due?

You must pay a deposit of C$4,000 when you accept your offer of admission. This deposit fee is non-refundable, and it will be applied towards your Summer tuition fees. Tuition fees are charged on a per credit basis per term and are due only after the student has registered for courses.

Are scholarships or financial aid available?

All MMA students are considered for entrance scholarships upon acceptance. If you are one of our most outstanding applicants, you may be awarded one. No additional application is needed to be considered for this award. Selected applicants will receive information on the scholarship award process with their offer of admission.

 I was awarded an entrance scholarship from the MMA Program, when will I receive the funds?

The award is deposited to your student’s fee account in two equal installments: the first in the beginning of September and the second in the beginning of January.

What are the job opportunities for MMA graduates?

Data & Analytics is what is known as a 'Horizontal' industry/function.  These can be performed in all sectors of the market including (but not limited to) Consulting, Health Care, Finance, Operations, Government, Science, Technology etc.  As Data Driven Decisions have become more common practice for these and other industries, the market is demanding that workers have deeper data and analytics skills for a vast range of jobs from a Financial Analyst, to Marketing Manager, to Lab Technician to Chief Technology Officer. 

Throughout the program, we will work closely with you, so that you can hone your skills and pursue the path that is the best fit for you and grant you the best chance of success.

What career resources are available to the MMA students?

Desautels Career Services will work with the students from Day 1 to prepare them for the job market. They will provide workshops such as resume and cover letter writing, one on one mock interviews, and networking events among others.

International Student Services at McGill offers a host of services to international students. We strongly encourage students to explore their website for information on pre-arrival orientation webinars, immigration, health insurance, work & permits, and more.

I am an international student, am I eligible to apply for a work permit after completing the MMA program? How long does it last?

International students who have completed an MMA degree may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit if they meet the eligibility criteria. The official length of the MMA program is 1 year, therefore, the PGWP may be valid for up to 1 year. Visit this International Student Services website for more details.

What Immigration documents do I need?

All accepted international students are required to secure both a CAQ (Provincial) and Study Permit (Federal) prior to starting the MMA program. In addition, students must also obtain a Co-op work permit for the Management Analytics Capstone course (BUSA 693). Additional information will be provided with the offer of admission. For detailed immigration information, visit the International Student Services website.