MSDA Learning Path

Modified on Wed, 12 Mar at 9:23 PM


Table of Contents




MSDA Program Overview

Academic Requirements

To successfully complete the MSDT program: 

  • Passing Grade: You must achieve a passing grade of B or higher in all courses.
  • Cumulative GPA: You must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 throughout the program.

Curriculum Structure

The MSDA program consists of a total of 12 Core courses for a total of 36 credits.


Advanced Business Analytics Foundation Program

Learners without a previous degree or specialization in a business-related field are required to complete the Business Analytics Foundation program, consisting of up to two courses to gain full admission into the MSDA program: 

  1. Applicants without a degree in a business-related field will be required to take FND5100 Business Fundamentals.
  2. Applicants with no prior statistics coursework will be required to take STA1300 Statistics.

Each course can be completed in one month, and learners will gain full admission into the MSDA program on completion of the required courses provided all other admissions requirements are met. 

 


Understanding Your MSDA Enrollment Options

At Nexford, we understand that flexibility is key to balancing your studies with other commitments. That's why we offer a personalized approach to course enrollment.


To help you adjust to online learning and build a strong academic foundation, you'll begin your MSDA by taking one course per month or term for the first four courses in your learning path. This allows you to ease into the program and establish a manageable study routine.

Accelerated Learning Enrollment: Increasing Your Pace

  • After successfully completing your first four courses, you have the option to accelerate your progress by enrolling in up to two courses concurrently.
  • To be eligible for this standard enrollment pace, you must meet the following criteria:
    • Maintain a Cumulative GPA (CGPA) of 3.6 or higher.
    • Have no outstanding tuition balance.

This accelerated pace enables you to make quick progress while maintaining a manageable workload and ensuring academic success.


Picking the Right Path for You

At Nexford, we offer flexibility in how you progress through your MSDA, and choosing the right path depends on your individual circumstances and preferences. Here are some factors to consider when deciding between a standard pace of one course per term or an accelerated pace of up to two courses per month.


FactorsStandardAcceleratedModerate
Course Load
First 5 courses: 
1 course/term


Courses 6-11:
2 courses/term


Capstone: 2 months


First 5 courses: 
1 course/ month

Courses 6-11:

2 courses/month

Capstone: 2 months

All Courses, including Capstone: 

1 course / term

Program Length
18 months
10 months
24 months
Time Commitment 
20-25 hours/week
34-40 hours/week
15-20 hours/week


Accelerated Pathway

Taking two courses per month requires a significantly greater time commitment, demanding 35-40 hours per week. Consider whether you can realistically allocate this amount of time alongside your other responsibilities. If you decide to take this path and you meet the criteria, you can expect the following learning path. 


MonthCourse(s)
1
BAN6010
2BAN6420
3GBL6850
4BAN6430
5ACC6050
6BUS6410 + BAN6440
7BUS6030 + AIA6550
8BAN6450 + BUS6130
9 + 10BAN6800 (Capstone)


Requesting Accelerated Enrollment

If you're interested in taking two courses per term and meet the criteria, please reach out to our Success Advisors at success@nexford.edu for a 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. 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.

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