In Program’s First Year, UVA Master’s in Business Analytics Grads Achieve Stellar Career Outcomes

The first cohort of graduates from the University of Virginia’s Master of Science in business analytics (MSBA) program achieved outstanding employment success over the course of the 12-month program delivered jointly by UVA’s Darden School of Business and McIntire School of Commerce, according to new career data.

The program defines three major groups of students within the MSBA based on their desired career outcomes. Darden’s Career Development Center and McIntire’s Commerce Career Services deliver tailored career coaching accordingly to “switchers” — those who want to change careers — “climbers” — those who want to move up in their current organizations — and “enhancers” — those who seek professional development within their career. Approximately 53 percent of students in the MSBA Class of 2019 identified as switchers, 39 percent as climbers and 8 percent as enhancers.

Over Two-Thirds of Graduates Started New Jobs, Earning 19 Percent Average Salary Increase

Just over two-thirds of the class (72 percent) reported a role or job change over the course of the program. On average, those students received a 19 percent increase in base salary from the start to the end of the program, graduating with an average salary of $123,604.

Graduates Seeking to Change Careers Report Nearly 30 Percent Salary Increase, Entered Variety of New Industries and Functions

Switchers reported an average starting salary at graduation of $125,917, which represents a 30 percent average salary increase from the beginning to the end of the program.

These graduates began new careers in a wide variety of industries, including consulting, financial services, education, nonprofit and technology. New job roles were in functions including accounting, finance, marketing and sales, information technology, and human resources.

Companies that hired students from the MSBA Class of 2019 include Capital One, Deloitte, Grant Thornton, McKinsey and Tableau, among others.

Graduates Seeking to Move Up at Their Current Organizations Report 6 Percent Gain in Salary

Climbers also received a salary increase during the program. These students reported a 6 percent increase in base salary from the start to the end of the program, graduating with an average base salary of $121,081

“These outstanding employment outcomes speak to the clear demand in today’s market for the skills in analytics, business and leadership taught in the Master of Science in business analytics program,” said Jeff McNish, Darden assistant dean for career development. “It’s rewarding and invigorating to collaborate with and coach these leaders in the field of data analytics.”

Later this academic year, Darden will release a comprehensive report of career outcomes for the Class of 2019 in Darden’s full-time MBA and Executive MBA and the UVA Master of Science in business analytics.