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IEOR MS Bridge Programs FAQ

The IEOR MS Bridge Program is designed to equip students for success in the Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) or the Master of Science in Management Science and Engineering (MS&E) programs. The Bridge Program provides a clear and structured pathway for students who may lack some of the quantitative, coding, or data science skills required for direct admission.
 

  • How do I apply?

    Interested students should apply using the On-Campus MS and PhD Programs application.

  • For whom has the IEOR Bridge Program been designed? What sort of background is appropriate?

    The Bridge Program is designed to attract top candidates who have undergraduate majors in non-Engineering disciplines but have some prior exposure to college-level mathematics courses. Appropriate candidates:

    • Aspire to become a business analyst, consultant, financial analyst, or specialist in related fields
    • Possess a strong academic record and/or relevant professional experience that would make them a top candidate for the MSBA or MS&E programs, despite not having all of the quantitative and coding skills.
    • Currently, does not possess all the necessary quantitative and/or coding skills required for direct admission into the MSBA or MS&E programs.

    Examples:

    1. An Economics major who has courses in “Mathematics for Economics” and “Econometrics”, and obtained an A in both courses.
    2. A Mathematics major who has several mathematics courses but has no programming courses or experience
    3. A Climate Science major who has taken Calculus I and Calculus II but no Multivariate Calculus, Linear Algebra, or Probability classes
    4. A Journalism major who has taken Statistics for Journalists but has not taken Calculus, Linear Algebra, or any programming courses.
    5. A Biology major who has completed General Biology, Calculus I, and Statistics for Biologists, but has not taken Calculus II, Multivariate Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability, or programming courses.
    6. A Business major who has completed a course titled Mathematics for Business, and has taken a Marketing Analytics class, but has not taken any programming courses or mathematics courses that specifically cover Calculus or Linear Algebra.

    The Bridge Program is a part-time, non-degree-seeking program. It is designed solely to strengthen students’ quantitative and coding backgrounds in preparation for their masters studies. Because it is a part-time program, it does not sponsor F-1 visas. After admission to either the MSBA or MS&E program, F-1 visa sponsorship becomes available.

  • What is the curriculum of the IEOR Bridge program that will prepare me for the MS in Business Analytics or the MS in Management Science and Engineering programs?

    The IEOR Bridge Curriculum consists of up to 6 courses (22 credits) detailed below; some requirements may be waived based on your performance (B or better) in equivalent courses taken previously. The requirements are:

    CompetencyCourses
    Foundations in Computing / Data Science (Both)

    ENGI E1006: Introduction to Computing for Engineers and Applied Scientists

    ORCA E2500: Foundations of Data Science

    Calculus Sequence (All three)

    MATH UN1101: Calculus I

    MATH UN1102: Calculus II

    APMA E2000: Multivariate Calculus for Engineers

    Linear Algebra (Choose one)

    APMA E3101: Applied Math I: Linear Algebra

    MATH UN2010: Linear Algebra

  • I’ve previously taken similar courses to the IEOR Bridge Program; can certain course be waived?

    Yes, it may be possible to waive some of the requirements based on previous courses you have taken. Once admitted, you will be able to consult with the IEOR Bridge Program Advisor, providing the course description and syllabus for review.

  • Is the IEOR Bridge Program a full-time or part-time program?

    The IEOR Bridge Program is an in-person program that can typically be completed in 3 semesters. It can be done either part-time or full-time.

  • How long is the IEOR Bridge Program?

    The IEOR Bridge Program is an in-person program that can typically be completed in 3 semesters. It can be done either part-time or full-time.

    Path 1

    Summer

    • MATH UN1101: Calculus I (3)
    • ENGI E1006: Introduction to Computing for Engineers and Applied Scientists (3)

    Fall

    • MATH UN1102: Calculus II (3)
    • ORCA E2500: Foundations of Data Science (3)

    Spring

    • APMA E200: Multivariate Calculus for Engineers (4)
    • MATH UN2010: Linear Algebra (3)

    Enroll in MSBA or MS&E program in Fall

    Path 2

    Summer A

    • MATH UN1101: Calculus I (3)
    • ENGI E1006: Introduction to Computing for Engineers and Applied Scientists (3)

    Summer B

    • MATH UN1102: Calculus II (3)
    • ORCA E2500: Foundations of Data Science (3)

    Fall

    • APMA E200: Multivariate Calculus for Engineers (4)
    • MATH UN2010: Linear Algebra (3)

    Enroll in MSBA or MS&E program in Spring

  • Is there a minimum GPA to transition into the MS programs in Business Analytics or Management Science and Engineering?

    Yes, students are expected to maintain a minimum 3.3 GPA in the bridge courses.

  • How do I transition into the MS program after completing the Bridge curriculum?

    Once you have successfully completed the Bridge requirements, you must complete the Bridge Transition Application. If you are unsure if you have completed the required coursework, please email IEOR Advising for a progress check.  After submitting your Bridge Transition Application, if you meet the requirements, you will formally transition to the MS program.

  • When is the IEOR Bridge Program application deadline?

    The priority deadline for complete applications is February 15th. In order to be considered complete for review, your application should be submitted, and all materials should be received (including letters of reference).