Master of Data Analytics - MDA

USU’s Master of Data Analytics (MDA) program is designed to power your career in our rapidly growing tech and data-driven economy. The degree now centers on two stackable graduate certificates, plus an integrative, multidisciplinary capstone to total 30 credits. With defined certificate tracks such as Data Analytics, Data Science, Machine Learning and AI, Machine Learning Operations, Fintech Analytics, Marketing Analytics, Accounting Fintech, Tech Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Anticipatory Intelligence, you can tailor your credential to your strengths and to employer needs. Capstone options — ranging from Building Software with AI to Data Competitions and Agile Tech Design (plus internship experiences) — deliver real-world impact and a proven signal of capability to recruiters. All available courses remain available as electives for broader flexibility, and the certificate tracks can be pursued independently of the MDA degree.

Why you’ll benefit and stand out:

• Targeted, employer-facing credentials: two certificates clearly communicate your specialized skills to recruiters, accelerating hiring discussions.

• Market-aligned rigor: the program responds to Utah’s strong growth in software, data science, and fintech, ensuring your skills match current and future demand.

• Flexible, portable credentialing: stackable certificates let you tailor your path and showcase concrete competencies even before or alongside completing the master’s degree.

• Real-world readiness: integrative capstones demonstrate problem solving across disciplines and provide tangible project outcomes for your portfolio and resume.

• Strong industry and career support: collaboration across departments and Huntsman School career resources expand internship, networking, and placement opportunities.

This structure is designed to enhance your competitiveness in a dynamic job market while offering a flexible, practical, and impactful path to advanced data analytics expertise.

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university or a similarly recognized international university is required for admission to and completion of the MDA program.

Applicants should generally expect to start the MDA program in fall semester, but can also start in spring.

For admission, applicants will be required to submit the following, in addition to the application form: an application fee all undergraduate transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose describing why they are interested in the MDA program.

All materials will be uploaded or sent directly to the School of Graduate Studies. TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for international students whose native language is not English. International students with a prior degree from a university in an English-speaking country are exempt from the TOEFL or IELTS exam.

No application will be considered until all required information is received by the School of Graduate Studies. The School of Graduate Studies requires a minimum 3.0 GPA for the last 60 credits. For further requirements from the School of Graduate Studies please consult the following website: https://gradschool.usu.edu/apply/.