Transform your future — one weekend at a time
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
Program Overview
Why VCU MDA Weekend?
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.
Who it’s for
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.
What you’ll gain
- Career-ready analytics and AI skills
- Real-world project experience
- A strong professional network
- A VCU graduate credential with industry recognition
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
Hear from our MDA Weekend Alumni
Curriculum Highlights
Real-World Experience
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.
Expert Instruction from Industry Leaders
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.
Designed for All Backgrounds
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.
Cohort-Based, In-Person
& HyFlex Learning
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.
Executive Coaching
& Professional Development
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.
Hands-On with Industry Tools
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.
Tools and techniques
- Python, R and SQL
- Tableau, Power BI and data visualization
- Machine Learning fundamentals
- Statistical modeling and forecasting
- Large Language Models (LLMs) and generative AI applications
- Data storytelling, executive communication and presentation skills
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
Program Calendar
The MDA Weekend Program is completed in 20 months. Classes meet two weekends per month.
- The first weekend of each month is mandatory in-person.
- The second weekend is offered in a HyFlex format, attended in person or virtually.
Class sessions are held on:
- Fridays: 12:30 p.m.–6:15 p.m.
- Saturdays: 8:00 a.m.–4:15 p.m.
Careers and Outcomes
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.
Career outlook
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.
Professional development
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.
Tuition and Financial Support
The comprehensive cost of the MDA Weekend Program is $45,000.
This rate covers:
- Tuition and university fees
- Textbooks and required software
- Parking and meals on class weekends
- A domestic analytics conference
- Social and networking events
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.
Events
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.
Advisory Board
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.
- Matt Austin
Virginia Green - Karen Bernhard
Citi - Michael Bland
B&B Printing - Lee Brooks
Virginia Credit Union - Christine Chmura
Chmura Economics & Analytics - Simeon Chow
Altria (retired) - Sheilla Collins
Truist - Kirby Forlin
McKesson - David Garrett
McKesson Medical-Surgical - Kevin Gorman
Wells Fargo - Matt Harrison
GetInsured - Chip Hidinger
Truist - Christine Holzem
Federal Reserve (retired) - Atma Iyer
Capital One (retired) - Tyler Joiner
Markel - Katybeth Lee, Ph.D.
VCU School of Business - Jess Lewis
McKesson Medical-Surgical - Ajit Mangdi
Dominion Energy - Kavitha Narayanan
Capital One - Vishal Patel
Derive, LLC - Anthony Phelps
Altria - Mallik Pullela
Hamilton Beach - Robert Reynolds
Fall Line Specialty - Timo Selvaraj
SearchBlox Software, Inc. - Craig Snodgrass
Valor VC - Larry Tentor
Virginia Retirement System - Ward Thomas
Havas Helia - Sam Waters
CarMax
Quick links
- Program Calendar (PDF)
- Curriculum Overview
- Tuition & Billing Schedule (PDF)
- Apply for Financial Aid
- Alumni Referral Award
- Student Financial Services
- Application Checklist
- Start Your Application
- Schedule a 1-on-1 Conversation
- Military Student Services
- International Student Services
- Accessibility Student Services
Contact Us
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.
Program Contacts
Rachel Kaeser |
Mark Wensell, Ph.D. |
