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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 Checklist - 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 2 - April 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 overview
Testimonials
Schedule an appointment
Can’t make it to one of our events? We’re happy to meet with you one-on-one.
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
National Analytics Conference
Socials & networking events
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.
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