Master of Science in Data Analytics (MSDA) Learning Path

Nexford University's MSDA equips learners with the technical and strategic skills to turn data into business value, combining data mining, statistical modeling, programming, and visualization with business fundamentals, culminating in a capstone project.

Academic Requirements

• Passing Grade: B or higher in all courses.
• Cumulative GPA: A minimum of 3.0 throughout the program.

Foundation Course Requirements

Learners without a previous degree or specialization in a business-related field, or without prior statistics coursework, may be required to complete up to two foundation courses to gain full admission into the MSDA program:

1. Applicants without a degree in a business-related field: FND5100
2. Applicants without prior statistics coursework: STA1300 Statistics

Each course can be completed in one term, and learners gain full admission on completion of the required courses, provided all other admission requirements are met.

Core Program Requirements

1. BAN6010 Business Analytics
2. GBL6850 The Art of Communication
3. BAN6420 Programming in R & Python
4. BAN6430 Data Modeling & Mining
5. ACC6050 Accounting and Financial Reporting
6. BUS6410 The Law & Ethics of Information Technology
7. BUS6030 Statistics for Business Analytics
8. AIA6550 Data Sciences for Decision Making
9. BAN6450 Information Visualization & Communication
10. BUS6130 Corporate Sustainability
11. BAN6440 Applied Machine Learning for Business Analytics
12. BAN6800 Data Analytics Capstone*

Total Courses: 12
Total Credits: 36

Satisfactory Academic Progress

To maintain satisfactory academic progress in this program, learners must meet the following standards:

Maximum Time Frame (MTF): Learners must complete the program within 27 months. Learners who reach MTF without completing the program are subject to dismissal.

SAP is evaluated on both academic performance (GPA) and pace of completion. Learners who fall below these standards may be placed on Academic Warning, followed by Academic Probation, in accordance with the University's SAP policy. Learners on Academic Probation have the right to appeal.

This article reflects the policies in the current catalog. Learners enrolled under a previous catalog version should refer to their applicable catalog or contact Learner Success for clarification.

Learning Path

Accelerated Learning Enrollment: Increasing Your Pace

• You'll begin with one course per term for your first five courses to build a manageable study routine.
• After successfully completing your first five courses, you have the option to accelerate your progress by enrolling in up to two courses per term.
• To be eligible for this pace, you must meet the following criteria:
  • Maintain a Cumulative GPA (CGPA) of 3.6 or higher.
  • Have no outstanding tuition balance.
• The capstone must be taken as a single course in its own term.

If you're interested in accelerating your pace and meet the criteria, reach out to your Success Advisor for review and approval.

Important Note to Kenyan Learners

To meet the requirements of the Commission on University Education, it is essential to complete your program within a minimum timeframe of one year for the graduate level and three years for the undergraduate level. This duration is specifically aligned with the criteria set by local government units in Kenya for civil service eligibility and some universities for PhD continuing education.