Introduction to the M.S. in Business Analytics Class of 2024

By Pamela Pack & Marcy Bernabei

Welcoming the M.S. in Business Analytics Class of 2024

The leaves have yet to change here in Rosslyn, but the fall semester is well underway at Sands Family Grounds (SFG) for our sixth cohort of the M.S. in Business Analytics (MSBA) Program.

Opening weekend and the Module 1 kickoff began on Aug. 12, as we welcomed 64 students to SFG. Although these students vary in many ways, creating a unique cohort dynamic, each comes into the program with a central focus – empowering themselves to use data to inform business strategy in their lives and careers while surrounded by other driven, motivated, and highly intelligent classmates.

Now let’s dive into the demographics of our Class of 2024.

Representing Multiple States and Industries

An important aspect of the MSBA Program is cultivating a diverse cohort of students based a variety of factors, including their academic and professional backgrounds, both within and beyond the DMV area, as well as an array of personal and professional experiences.

While many students in the program reside in Virginia, approximately 42% of the class represents 15 states across the United States. Regardless of whether students travel a few minutes or a few hours for weekend residencies, the flexibility and hybrid model of the program further solidify the strength of experiences provided for each student during the program.

In addition to students residing in a variety of locations they also represent over 50 different companies and organizations from a wide range of industries. Some of our students represent entities such as Booz Allen Hamilton; CACI International Inc.; Deloitte; IKEA; the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force; Boeing; the Virginia Employment Commission; Enviva; Guidehouse LLC; Johns Hopkins University; and Nike.

Unique Stories Enhance Cohort Experience

The wide range of organizations and companies represented in the cohort allows students to bring their industry-specific knowledge, perspectives, and experiences to class discussions and team projects as they delve into business analytics. Students need at least two years of professional work experience to apply to the program; however, the Class of 2024 has eight years of experience on average, and over 500 years collectively.

Not only do these students bring a wealth of professional experience to the classroom, they also possess strong academic foundations, with backgrounds in engineering, liberal arts, science, finance, and more. While each student is required to have a bachelor’s degree for entrance into the program, 19% of students in the class have previously earned an advanced degree.

In addition to the various academic backgrounds possessed by students, each brings their own personal experiences into the cohort that continue to influence its strength. Within the sixth cohort, women comprise 31% of the class, with 21% of students identifying as underrepresented minorities. In addition, 23% of the cohort are active military or military veterans.

Regardless of a student’s background, location, or how they intend to utilize the knowledge acquired in the MSBA Program, each student brings a compelling story to the cohort and elevates the classroom experience for all.

Explore the full UVA MSBA Class Profile »