Program Overview

Program Overview

The Master of Decision Analytics with a concentration in Accounting Analytics is a graduate program designed to provide students with knowledge of statistical, mathematical, and scientific skills necessary for advanced data analysis in business decision-making.

Program Goal

The program aims to equip students with the ability to examine situations, determine relevant data-driven analyses, and apply advanced analytical and quantitative skills to decision problems in businesses, organizations, and society.

Student Learning Goals

Students will be able to:

• Examine a situation or problem to determine a relevant data-driven analysis
• Apply advanced analytical and quantitative skills to decision problems
• Communicate analysis information and recommended decisions in a clear, ethical, and transparent manner

Student Learning Outcomes

Master of Decision Analytics Core Outcomes

1. Database structures and query: Understand basic database structures, query databases, and organize data for analysis.
2. Quantitative skills: Identify appropriate data analysis approaches and perform analysis using commercial software.
3. Problem formulation: Take non-quantitative problems and determine ways objective analysis can bring organization and insight.
4. Analytics applications: Experience various applications of analytics in real situations.
5. Technical communications and teamwork: Communicate analytical analysis and results effectively and develop teamwork skills.

Accounting Analytics Concentration-Specific Outcome

1. Accounting insights: Analyze, present, and interpret accounting data to facilitate decision-making in accounting settings.

Admission Requirements

• Degree: M.D.A.
• Semester(s) of entry: Fall, Spring, Summer
• Deadline dates: July 1 for Fall, November 1 for Spring, March 1 for Summer
• Test requirements: None specified, but applicants may opt to submit GMAT or GRE scores.
• Additional requirements: Up-to-date resume, English proficiency score for international applicants, and course-by-course international transcript evaluation.

Degree Requirements

• Completion of a calculus course and proficiency in spreadsheet use at an intermediate level.
• Prerequisite undergraduate and/or foundation courses may be waived based on equivalent knowledge.
• Required core courses:
  • INFO 601: Database Management
  • INFO 645: Prescriptive Analytics
  • INFO 648: Business Data Analytics
  • SCMA 632: Statistical Analysis and Modeling
  • SCMA 642: Decision and Risk Analytics
• Concentration courses:
  • ACCT 507: Fundamentals of Accounting
  • ACCT 608: Managerial Accounting Concepts
  • ACCT 621: Accounting Analytics
• Approved electives: Six credits from a list of specified courses.

Curriculum Requirements

The program requires a minimum of 30 graduate credit hours, including:

• Required core courses (15 hours)
• Concentration courses (9 hours)
• Approved electives (6 hours)

Graduation Requirements

Students must apply to graduate and meet the VCU Graduate School graduation requirements. The application to graduate must be finalized for the degree to be conferred.