• Overview
  • Admissions
  • Academics
  • What You’ll Learn
  • Benefits

Overview

The ability to analyze data and make strategic decisions is critical to success in the modern workplace. The M.S. in Data Analytics from Nexford empowers you with the technical and data skills needed to lead organizations and unlock the true potential of data. Become a master of data analysis and shape the future of your career.

The Master of Science in Data Analytics (MSDA) program provides learners with the skills to leverage data to drive business strategy and value. The program combines data mining, programmatic data analysis, statistical modeling, and data visualization courses with a solid foundation of soft skills and business education to transform learners into data-driven decision-makers and leaders.

The industry urgently needs individuals with data analytics skills, and by obtaining a Master of Science in Data Analytics, you can acquire the necessary technical skills and business acumen to transition from an individual contributor to a leader. These skills and expertise will make you an exceptionally desirable candidate for new opportunities and professional growth.

Our MS in Data Analytics program not only equips you with a cutting-edge degree but also grants you exclusive access to the highly sought-after CompTIA Data+ certification. This industry-recognized credential validates your data expertise, making you a more competitive candidate and opening doors to exciting career opportunities.

By graduating with both a master's degree and the CompTIA Data+ certification, you'll showcase a comprehensive skill set that sets you apart in the data-driven job market.

Who Should Register

Who Should Register

This program is ideal for:

  • Professionals seeking to transition from individual contributors to leadership roles by acquiring technical data analytics skills and business acumen.
  • Individuals looking to enhance their career prospects in data-driven industries by gaining expertise in data mining, programmatic analysis, statistical modeling, and data visualization.
  • Aspiring leaders who want to leverage data to drive business strategy and unlock organizational value, while gaining access to the highly regarded CompTIA Data+ certification.

Why Michigan State University

Why Choose Nexford

Perhaps you’re already working. Maybe you’re crafting a business plan. Why put that on hold to do your MBA? At Nexford, you can study fully online MBA courses and still earn while doing so. And since it's done 100% online, you can learn from any location. When done with your master's degree, you’ll find it easy to apply your work experience to academic concepts that connect with real-world business scenarios, making you a highly valuable working professional for any business.

Nexford University is designed for a global audience looking to build in-demand skills while earning recognized and accredited credentials. We have reimagined what a modern university experience looks like, torn down the walls of the traditional campus and designed a modern learning experience 100% online.

By leveraging technology, we deliver world-class education, at a fraction of the cost of traditional universities. Our programs are future-focused and competency-based, enabling you to build practical skills you will use to get ahead in your career. And with no fixed class times, you can flex your learning to fit your schedule. Tuition fees are charged on a monthly basis, so the faster you graduate the more money you save. 

Admission Detail

Admission Requirements

To enroll, applicants must provide:

  • Government-issued identification
  • Passport-style photo or “selfie”
  • Evidence of English language proficiency
  • Official transcript verifying receipt of a bachelor’s degree from:
    • An accredited institution listed by the U.S. Department of Education
    • An international institution of higher education approved by the appropriate national ministry of education or recognized country equivalent
    • Documents not written in English must be accompanied by official translations (e.g., from a validated institutional official or embassy). If a translated copy is not available upon application, The Office of Admissions will arrange for translation before a decision is made.

 

All learners wishing to enroll in the Master of Science in Data Analytics (MSDA) must have:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in business or related field, or
  • Take Statistics course prior to degree enrollment with a minimum grade of C or better

Curriculum

The Master of Science in Data Analytics (MSDA) program combines data mining, programmatic data analysis, statistical modeling, and data visualization courses with a solid foundation of soft skills and business education to transform learners into data-driven decision-makers and leaders.

Course Information

Course Number Course Name Credit Hours
BAN 6010 Business Analytics 3
GBL 6850 The Art of Communication 3
BAN 6420 Programming in R & Python 3
BAN 6430 Data Modeling & Mining 3
ACC 6050 Accounting and Financial Reporting 3
BUS 6410 The Law & Ethics of Information Technology 3
BUS 6030 Statistics for Business Analytics 3
AIA 6550 Data Sciences for Decision Making 3
BAN 6450 Information Visualization & Communication 3
BUS 6130 Corporate Sustainability 3
BAN 6440 Applied Machine Learning for Business Analytics 3
 
 Capstone: 1 Course

The Business Analytics Capstone Project is an immersive, project-based learning experience that allows learners to apply what they’ve learned throughout the business analytics studies about how to make data-driven decisions to real business challenges organizations face.

Capstone Course Course Name Credit Hours
BAN 6800 Data Analytics Capstone

 

Total Credit Hours: 36

What You’ll Learn

What You'll Learn

Students will acquire skills and knowledge in:

  • Select appropriate data analytics tools, including advanced technologies such as SQL, Python, and R, for data collection, analysis, and project execution.
  • Manage, design, and architect large datasets, enabling cross-functional teams to efficiently access and retrieve information.
  • Develop expertise in machine learning and predictive modeling to apply real-world solutions and influence strategic decision-making.
  • Present complex data insights through effective visualization techniques, making them accessible and actionable for non-technical teams.
  • Create and maintain data repositories for seamless data integration solutions and business applications.
  • Identify and address modern social, legal, and ethical issues arising from the use of emerging technologies.
  • Apply critical thinking to interpret data analysis processes and guide informed business decisions.
  • Continuously assess personal and professional resources to stay current with industry best practices.

Why Michigan State University

benefits

Graduates will be prepared for roles such as:

  • Data Analytics Manager
  • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Data Scientist
  • Director of Business Intelligence
  • Chief Information Office
Cost: Covered by [funding source] benefits
To learn more about your benefits, speak with a military specialist.
Next Start Date: June 1, 2025

Program Details:

  • icon Master
  • icon Online
  • icon Flexibly Paced
  • icon 12 courses
  • icon 36 credit hours
  • icon 1-2 years
  • icon 16-17 hours a week
Related Career Pathways
  • Business & Management