Program of Study
You will complete three virtual academic units as part of the Minerva University MDA curriculum, made up of:
Six practical courses that develop your creative and critical thinking skills and give you the tools to communicate effectively.
Two analytical courses that enhance your functional data analysis and research design skills.
A thesis that demonstrates a firm understanding of your chosen topic. Your master’s thesis does not involve scheduled class time, aside from a one-semester workshop, meaning that you will complete it independently with your thesis advisor.
The interdisciplinary curriculum and applied projects of the Master of Science in Decision Making and Applied Analytics offer a unique opportunity to specialize in your particular area of interest within the program, whether you would like to apply your learnings to business, science, education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, or a variety of other job fields.
Structure
Choose your path
The MDA is an online, part-time program that is typically completed in 21 months. For a more truncated version of the curriculum, consider the Certificate in Decision Making and Applied Analytics.
The MDA requires that you complete six practical knowledge courses, two analytical courses, and a master’s thesis for a total of 36 credits.
Required Courses
Electives (Select One)
Modular Courses
Curriculum is structured in a modular format, with students completing one course unit every other weekend. Most courses are spread across three weekends, with 22 total weekends of in-class time over 17 months for the MDA and 16 weekends over 12 months for the CDA.
Class Schedule
Courses are offered in multiple synchronous 2.5-hour class sessions Friday through Sunday every other weekend at set times - with three fixed group section times and an additional one or two 2-hour synchronous flex times for each module. During these intensive weekends, students attend live, active learning sessions designed to maximize interaction and collaboration with peers and instructors, while allowing for more flexibility to balance personal and professional obligations during the week.
Workload Expectations
Students should anticipate dedicating at least 20 hours to class time and related work each weekend. In addition to the in-class hours, students will need to allocate between 2-5 hours for class preparation, asynchronous activities, and group work between sessions. Assignments may also be due the week following a completed module, reinforcing the importance of ongoing engagement.
Apply Your Learnings in a Novel Thesis Project
Under the guidance of a Minerva University advisor and an external expert, you will design and carry out an original thesis project that offers novel insights for solving a problem of consequence or for informing a substantial decision. While many students begin working on their thesis early in the program and often address an issue identified in their personal or professional lives, the thesis is completed during the last months of the degree, primarily as an independent study project. Components of a successful thesis include the following:
- Research and review of relevant literature
- Original argument
- Advanced analysis of the issue
- Demonstrated mastery of coursework skills, including the identification, analysis, and presentation of key decisions to be made
- Completed thesis of approximately 35 pages, on average
- Oral defense before a panel of Minerva University Graduate School faculty
Cultural Immersion
Get to know your classmates and explore global locations by attending a one-week intensive program for an additional fee. This program gives you the opportunity to meet with local leaders in business and government and form a global perspective on a broad range of topics.
Choosing to take part in this program also gives you the chance to bond with your classmates while you build your personal and professional networks and gain unparalleled experience you can apply to life and work. Your program fee covers essential components such as housing, programming, and administrative costs, which vary by location. Additional expenses such as airfare, local transportation to events, and most meals are not included in the fee. Typically, students should budget around $2,500 in total for the immersive week experience.
Apply to Minerva University's Master of Science in Decision Making and Applied Analytics graduate program to give yourself an edge and grow into a leader people want to follow.
