Master of Data Analytics

Program Overview

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Master of Data Analytics

Program Overview

The Master of Data Analytics (MDA) degree is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for success in today's data-driven world. This graduate program offers core training in the data science lifecycle and opens the doors to a diverse range of opportunities for those pursuing a career in data analytics.

Career Highlights

The MDA program provides core training in the data science lifecycle and opens the doors to a diverse range of opportunities for those pursuing a career in data analytics. Career paths include:

• Big data specialist: $122,100
• Data manager: $136,257
• Business analyst: $130,617
• Data visualization specialist: $110,000
• Customer intelligence analyst: $96,827

Specializations

Three program streams allow you to tailor your learning to suit your career ambitions and gain deeper problem-solving experience:

Marketing Analytics

Solve marketing-related problems in customer relationship management, product and pricing management, campaign performance, and more.

Operations Analytics

Use analytics to improve quality and optimize processes in manufacturing, supply chain management, project management, tourism operations, and health care delivery.

General Analytics

Apply analytics to multi-disciplinary problems in government, non-profits, research, consulting, and many other fields.

Course Highlights

Year 1, Term 1 courses:

Principles of Analytics

This course introduces data analytics, focusing on practical skills using relevant software. Students explore data types, collection, cleaning, statistical measurements, visualization, and probability theory for business decisions. Hypothesis testing, ANOVA, and Chi-Square tests are covered. Ethical considerations and real-world applications are integrated, culminating in a capstone project.

SQL Databases

SQL competency is the single most important skillset for a Data Analyst. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the language of relational databases: Structured Query Language (SQL), focusing on the use of SQL for data analysis. Topics covered include: Entity-Relationship modeling, the Relational Model, the SQL language: data retrieval statements, data manipulation and data definition statements.

Python for Data Analysis

This course focuses on data analysis in Python. Students learn to manipulate data, perform statistical analysis, and create visualizations using Python and Python data tools like Jupyter, NumPy, and Pandas. The course also explores integrating Python code with other analytics tools such as Excel, Power BI, and Tableau.

Data Analytics Case Study 1

Apply data science, descriptive analytics, SQL, Excel, and relational database knowledge to a real-world marketing analytics problem (e.g., CRM, product management). Students formulate questions and hypotheses, prepare data, build models, and use visualizations to share insights, guided by a realistic scenario.

Admission Requirements

Academic Information

Applicants must meet the following minimum conditions for admission:

• Bachelor’s Degree – Completion of a four-year honours degree standard with CGPA of 3.0 (on 4.33 scale) or better
• Completed at least two undergraduate courses in statistics or quantitative methods

Document Checklist

Applicants must submit:

• A completed application form
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
• Official documentation confirming professional designations, where applicable
• Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable

International Information

Applicants who completed undergraduate studies outside Canada must also submit:

• Certified translations of any documents not in English
• Documentation confirming award of their previous degree(s), if not already indicated on official transcripts
• A credential evaluation from a recognized service, if required by the registrar

Tuition Information

Choosing to pursue a university education is a big commitment that impacts every aspect of your life – including your finances. Our fees are determined by the total cost of individual credits per academic year. All fees are listed in Canadian dollars and these rates are subject to change.

Awards and Scholarships

The Office of the Registrar had dedicated more than $15 million in scholarships, awards, and financial support to students in 2025. Entrance Awards are for newly admitted international and domestic students, while Academic Scholarships are for those entering the second term of their program.

Financial Aid Options

UNF has partnered with organizations to help newly admitted domestic students finance their education.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a mathematics background for this program?

Students entering the MDA program should have a background in business management, math, or computer information systems and have completed at least two undergraduate courses in statistics or quantitative methods.

Are there specializations in this program?

Yes! You can tailor the program to suit your desired career outcomes through one of three learning tracks: Marketing Analytics, Operations Analytics, or General Analytics.

Will I gain practical experience?

There are several opportunities for you to gain practical experience through this program, including internships, work-integrated learning opportunities, and capstone research projects.

Do I need to take the GRE?

We do not use standardized testing as part of the admission process for our graduate degrees. We look at your academic record from your undergraduate studies during the application process.

Does master's in data analytics require coding?

Yes, the Master of Data Analytics program does require coding, though no prior knowledge is required as students will be taught the basics through their courses. As per the program’s admission requirements, students must have finished a quantitative course before joining the MDA program.