VCU Master of Science in Business
with a Concentration in
Decision Analytics
Ranked 21st in The Financial Engineer 2015 ranking of MS programs in Business Analytics

The VCU Master of Science in Business with Decision Analytics concentration provides students with a breadth of analytical and quantitative skills along with experience in analyzing and communicating solutions to problems arising in a business environment.

Listing of courses for the Decision Analytics curriculum
Fall 2016 Schedule of classes for the Decision Analytics curriculum

Leading businesses gain competitive advantage through the use of analysis of relevant data to guide/drive strategic and tactical business decision making.  Increased volumes of data and emphasis on data driven decision making provide new employment opportunities.  There is a demand for individuals with the ability to work collaboratively within an organization to mine relevant raw data and refine it into a recommended action of value to the enterprise.  The Decision Analytics concentration is designed to equip students with the essential skills to be analytically functional in an organization.

General set of skills/abilities/knowledge necessary for business analytics
·         Work in a collaborative environment.
·         Translate a specific business question into a problem that can be solved using appropriate data.
·         Acquire and organize appropriate data so that it can be used for analysis.
·         Know general principles and common tools and be able to apply them to analyze specific business problems.
·         Develop and effectively communicate an actionable solution for the specific business question.

This 30 credit hour program has built-in flexibility that allows students to focus on individual interests while obtaining a broader perspective necessary to develop solutions that provide benefit across the enterprise.  The required nucleus is supplemented with relevant elective courses from within the School of Business or from outside departments.  The flexibility also allows students to be either full-time or part-time.  Almost all of the courses are offered in the evening. 

Students are encouraged to pursue internships, field study opportunities or independent studies that will allow them to gain valuable practical experience.

List of courses for the Decision Analytics curriculum

Information about applying to VCU Graduate Programs in Business

Contact: VCU Office for Graduate Studies in Business
(804) 828-4622, gsib@vcu.edu

Traditional Concentration Faculty Advisor: Dr. Robert L. Andrews

Page last revised on June 6, 2016