Business Administration, Master of (M.B.A.)/Decision Analytics, Master of (M.D.A.) [dual degree]

Advanced study in business administration and decision analytics is available through a dual degree program sponsored by the School of Business.

The dual degree Master of Business Administration and Master of Decision Analytics program allows students to earn two degrees with a minimum of 63 graduate credits rather than the 75 graduate credits necessary if the two degrees were pursued separately. This efficiency lowers the overall cost of tuition while also reducing time to earning both degrees.

Prerequisite and/or foundation courses may effectively increase the number of credits needed to earn the degrees.

Program goals

The objectives of this dual degree program are to:

• Prepare individuals to be effective leaders and managers in today’s data-driven world
• Equip individuals with tools and techniques that optimize managerial decisions
• Provide the ability to organize and analyze data for decision-making as it relates to achieving strategic organizational goals and data-driven decision analytics systems for decision-making and effective governance throughout the organization
• Development of interpersonal and professional skills critical to business, including communication and presentation skills, leadership and management, and situational awareness, among others  

Among the many benefits offered by participation in the dual degree program are the following:

• Complementing the general management skills obtained in the M.B.A. with a solid specialization in data analytics for managerial decision-making
• Acquiring a high degree of competency with specialized knowledge unique to data management and decision analytics
• Enhanced ability to effectively compete for managerial positions across a wide spectrum of levels in today’s organizations where increasing emphasis is on data-driven decisions
• Enhanced job prospects — particularly for candidates intending to switch careers or striving to move up within their organizations
• The ability to effectively complete both degrees within a shorter time frame with considerable time and tuition savings through the 12 shared credits

The diplomas for this dual degree program may be awarded sequentially or simultaneously. Students are not required to begin both programs in the same semester, but must be enrolled in both degrees for at least one semester prior to graduation from either program for credits to be shared across programs.

Student learning outcomes

See each degree program page for student learning outcomes.

Other information

Advising

A program manager will serve as an adviser and administrative liaison for students. The assigned program manager will assist in developing a plan of study to meet the curriculum requirements of both programs. A faculty adviser from the Department of Supply Chain Management and Analytics will help students consider electives that will best serve their professional goals.

Admission requirements

Students must officially apply and be admitted to each degree program separately before the pursuit of the dual degree program may begin. It is not required to begin both programs in the same semester. View the application requirements for each program for additional details.

Degree requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 63 total credits to earn the Master of Business Administration and Master of Decision Analytics. Students without sufficient background in analytics may be required to first complete prerequisite course work.

A total of 12 credits may be counted toward both programs:

The diplomas for this dual degree program may be awarded sequentially or simultaneously. 

Curriculum requirements for the dual degree

The minimum number of graduate credit hours required for this dual degree is 63.

Sample plan of study

What follows is an example plan that meets the prescribed requirements. Students may work with their adviser to consider an individual enrollment plan that best meets their goals. Part-time enrollment and summer courses may be considered.

The minimum number of graduate credit hours required for this dual degree is 63.

Contact
Austen Gouldman
gouldmana@vcu.edu
(804) 828-4622

Additional contact
Graduate Studies in Business
gsib@vcu.edu
(804) 828-4622

Program website: business.vcu.edu/academics/mba-options