School of Business

At a glance

 

• The VCU Master of Decision Analytics (M.D.A) Weekend Program provides students with the in-demand business analytics skills and experience needed for analyzing problems in the business world. 
  
  This hybrid program follows an alternating weekend schedule. On the first class weekend of each month, students attend class in person. The second class weekend of each month is HyFlex, and students may attend in-person or virtually.
  
  Application ChecklistHyFlex Calendar
• Program length: 16 months
  Schedule: Every other Friday afternoon and Saturday
  Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree; 2+ years' work experience
  Average class size: 25 to 35 students
  Application deadlines: Round 1 - February 15

Program Highlights

• Live, interactive classroom instruction from distinguished professors and business professionals
• Work directly with major businesses in the area on live projects and practicum
• Enjoy sessions with area executives and data science practitioners
• Teamwork and communications coaching
• Career counseling
• Social and networking events
• Become part of VCU's Analytics Alumni network - a valuable source of career opportunity and development

The curriculum

Prepare for positions in advanced analytics functions and gain an understanding of database structure, data query, statistical analysis, data mining, forecasting and more. We emphasize communicating analytics results to nonquantitative audiences, data visualization and effective teamwork skills.

Other opportunities

• Health Care Management Certificate: Enroll in optional add-on during the summer semester.
• Corporate Finance Certificate: Enroll in optional add-on during the summer semester.
• Practicum: Help solve problems for a real-world business, medical or government agency client.
• Career Services: Use our free services to boost your career. 

Program and degree requirements

Program overview 

Testimonials

Schedule an appointment

Can’t make it to one of our events? We’re happy to meet with you one-on-one.

Request a meeting

Tuition 

We offer a competitive tuition of $43,000, billed in four separate semester payments.

For billing and payment questions, visit VCU Student Accounting.

Our comprehensive tuition covers:

Course materials & software

Parking

Meals during on-campus sessions

Socials & networking events

Billing Schedule

Financial Aid

Federal loans are available. Visit VCU Financial Aid for information.

Class schedule

Classes meet every other Friday and Saturday.

Fridays 12:30 p.m.-6:15 p.m.

Saturdays 8 a.m-3:45 p.m. 

 

16-month program, includes summer & winter breaks. 

The first class weekend of each month students are expected to attend in-person.
The second class weekend of each month is HyFlex; students may attend in-person or virtually.

HyFlex Calendar

 

Advisory board

We’ve partnered with executives from local organizations to form an Analytics Advisory Board.

The Master of Decision Analytics Professional Track program was created with the board’s direct involvement and consent.

Meet the board

• Matt Austin
  Keiter Stephens Advisors
• Elliot Becker
  McKesson Medical-Surgical
• Karen Bernhard
  Citibanamex
• Michael Bland
  B&B Printing
• Lee Brooks
• Virginia Credit Union
• Christine Chmura
  Chmura Economics & Analytics
• Simeon Chow
  Altria (retired)
• John Datovech
  Hamilton Beach
• Kevin Gorman
  Verizon
• Chip Hidinger
  Truist
• Atma Iyer
  Capital One
• Robert Reynolds
  W.R. Berkley Corporation
• Craig Snodgrass
  Cardlytics
• Wesley Strom
  IBM
• Larry Tentor
  Virginia Retirement System
• Robert Thomas
  Dominion Power
• Ward Thomas
  Havas Discovery
• Sam Waters
  DSD Partners

Contact us

Get your questions answered and start receiving emails about program details, updates, event invites and more.

Steve Custer, Ph.D.
DAPT Director
(804) 828-7170
swcuster@vcu.edu

Rachel Kaeser
Program Manager
(804) 828-0612
rekaeser@vcu.edu

 

Contact Us