In today’s data-driven world, organizations need professionals who can translate complexity into clarity and insight into action. The VCU Master of Decision Analytics (MDA) Weekend Program is designed for professionals who want to harness the power of data and artificial intelligence (AI) to solve problems, influence strategy and drive meaningful change.
Whether you’re leading teams, advising leadership or planning your next career move, this program equips you with the tools and confidence to take the next step.
Program Length
20 months
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree
2+ years work experience
Average Class Size
25-30 students
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Application Deadlines
Round 1: November 1
Round 2: March 1
Round 3: May 1
Round 4: July 1
This is not your typical graduate program. Designed with flexibility and career advancement in mind, the MDA Weekend format offers live, in-person instruction two weekends per month, making it ideal for busy professionals. Learn from top faculty and industry leaders while building your professional network in a collaborative, team-based environment.
Whether you’re already working in analytics and want to deepen your skills, or you’re a professional ready to pivot into data and AI, this program meets you where you are at and supports your goals. No analytics experience required.
The MDA program at VCU was undoubtedly one of the best decisions of my professional career. The technical depth of the curriculum rivals any leading analytics program, but what truly sets VCU apart is the direct instruction on how to translate data into meaningful, actionable business solutions. I left the program with stronger skills and confidence, as well as an incredible professional network and lifelong friendships."
The impact has been truly transformative. This program did not just expand my skill set; it elevated my confidence, accelerated my growth and played a direct role in my recent career advancement."
The final capstone project was the highlight of the program and one of the most valuable learning experiences I have had. It strengthened my ability to work in a team setting, sharpened my problem-solving approach and allowed me to benefit from the curiosity, professionalism and collaborative spirit of the cohort."
As a health care professional, I was looking for a program that would open doors. This program did just that and taught me many technical skills along the way. I received a promotion to health care management while still in the program and attribute that to the MDA."
I chose VCU’s MDA Weekend Program for its exceptional faculty and format designed for working professionals. The classroom experience was curated for optimal learning, and I immediately applied what I learned to my work. Collaborating with a diverse, brilliant cohort helped me approach problem-solving in a new and exciting way."
— JAY PHINIZY, MDA '18
Capital One
Apply your skills through multiple hands-on projects with local organizations.
Each experience builds toward a year-long practicum where you'll partner with a company to apply advanced analytics and AI, delivering insights that drive measurable business impact.
Learn from accomplished analytics professionals and VCU faculty who blend academic rigor with deep industry experience. Class sessions emphasize applied learning and analysis, helping you connect theory with data-driven decision-making.
Whether you're strengthening your analytics and AI expertise or making a career change, the program meets you where you're at and helps you move forward. You'll build the technical, analytical, and strategic skills to advance — no matter your starting point.
Learn alongside a close-knit cohort of professionals in a program designed for both in-person and virtual participation.
This format reflects today’s professional landscape, emphasizing collaboration, adaptability and team-based problem-solving.
Advance your career through personalized coaching and hands-on development.
You’ll strengthen your leadership and communication skills, gaining the confidence to present insights, influence decisions and lead with impact.
Gain experience with leading analytics AI tools and methods that power today's data-driven organizations. See the tools and techniques you'll learn below.
The MDA Weekend Program is unique. I learned new analytical tools and methods over the weekend and applied it to work on Monday. The team-based structure exposed me to techniques from top Richmond companies, and I gained a holistic skillset few financial analysts have. The benefits to my organization have been substantial."
— BRIAN BECKMANN, MDA '19
Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
The MDA Weekend Program is completed in 20 months. Classes meet two weekends per month.
Class sessions are held on:
No matter your goal, the MDA Weekend Program provides the tools, experience and confidence to take that next step.
Our alumni work as data analysts, senior consultants, analytics managers, data product owners, business intelligence analysts and machine learning analysts across nearly every industry, including healthcare, finance, government, logistics and technology.
Demand for analytics and AI professionals is rapidly growing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in data science and related fields is projected to grow by 36% through 2033.
As both a student and an alumnus, you have access to professional development resources, including personalized career coaching, access to job postings and employer events.
The comprehensive cost of the MDA Weekend Program is $45,000.
This rate covers:
We recommend several financial support options to help students fund their education.
Receive a $2,000 award for eligible students referred by a VCU alumnus.
Many students secure partial or full sponsorship from their employers to help finance their studies.
Traditional financial aid is available through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Graduate students may borrow up to $20,500 per academic year through federal unsubsidized loans.
Eligible students may divide their semester balance into four interest-free payments (available for fall and spring semesters).
VCU’s Military Student Services helps veterans, active duty service members, spouses and dependents transition from service to academics—offering counseling, GI Bill guidance and connection to resources.
VCU’s MDA Weekend Program is AACSB-accredited, a distinction held by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide. It delivers this level of academic excellence at a competitive cost, lower than other Virginia accelerated analytics master’s programs. Plus, you'll be connected to Richmond’s vibrant business community—giving you access to real-world projects, networking opportunities and lasting professional growth.
Want to learn more about the MDA Weekend Program?
Join us for one of our monthly information sessions or alumni panel webinars to hear directly from faculty, staff and alumni. These events are a great way to explore the program, ask questions and see if the VCU MDA Weekend Program is the right fit for you.
The MDA Weekend Program is developed in close collaboration with a dedicated advisory board of industry leaders. Their insights and guidance ensure our curriculum remains forward-thinking, career-relevant and aligned with the evolving demands of analytics and AI professionals.
We thank them for their ongoing support and commitment to our students' success.
Have questions about the MDA Weekend Program?
We’re happy to help you explore whether the program is the right fit for your goals.
There are several ways to connect with us — choose the one that works best for you. Complete our inquiry form, and a member of our team will reach out shortly with more program information.
Prefer a conversation? Schedule a one-on-one meeting to get personalized guidance and answers to your questions. You will also find our direct contact information below.
Rachel Kaeser |
Mark Wensell, Ph.D. |
