Graduate
Master of
Data Analytics
Decode your future
Data analysis is one of the fastest emerging professions in Canada. With the Master of Data Analytics, you’ll graduate ready to step into a high-demand career as a big data professional.
Start dates
Fall (Oct)
Winter (Jan)
Spring (April)
Summer (July)
Program length
18 months
Specializations
Marketing Analytics
Operational Analytics
General Analytics
Delivery
On-campus
Online*
Hybrid*
*based on program availability
Quick find
Quick find
Talk to a Student Advisor
Career highlights
The MDA program provides core training in the data science lifecycle and opens the doors to a diverse range of career opportunities.
Finance
Business Intelligence
Technology and Innovation
Health Care
Specializations
Three program streams allow you to tailor your learning to suit your career ambitions and gain deeper problem-solving experience.
Marketing Analytics
Solve marketing-related problems in customer relationship management, product and pricing management, campaign performance and more.
Operations Analytics
Use analytics to improve quality and optimize processes in manufacturing, supply chain management, project management, tourism operations, and health care delivery.
General Analytics
Apply analytics to multi-disciplinary problems in government, non-profits, research, consulting and many other fields.
Course highlights
Core courses
Agile Software Development
Introducing agile software development practices to big data analytics, advocating adaptive planning, evolutionary development, early delivery and continual improvement.
Predictive Analytics
Frame machine learning problems for analysis and move into predictive modelling methods, while demonstrating how one could use predictive analytics with data mining and machine learning applications in everyday life.
Data Warehousing and Visualization
An end-to-end hands-on data analytics where students learn to connect, import, and clean data from multiple sources; create data models, analysis to find insights; and to create visual reports, dashboards, as well as mobile apps for users.
Other courses
Data visualization
Python for data analysis
SQL databases
principles of analytics
prescriptive analytics
Advanced analytics internship
Aimed at providing students with consulting skills, this internship is an opportunity to gain analytics qualifications in a chosen specialty: marketing, operations, or general analytics.
Faculty spotlight
Hany Osman
PhD, PEng
Associate Professor, Master of Data Analytics
Hany Osman is an associate professor in the Master of Data Analytics program. A research and educator with a PhD in Industrial Engineering, he has expertise in data analytics, machine learning, and operations management. Hany has applied his knowledge in industries like supply chain logistics, the oil industry, and online education. He is a certified predictive data analyst and a licensed professional engineer in Ontario.
Admissions
Academic information
Applicants must meet the following minimum conditions for admission:
- Bachelor’s Degree – Completion of a four-year honours degree standard with CGPA of 3.0 (on 4.33 scale) or better
- Completed at least two undergraduate courses in statistics or quantitative methods
Document checklist
Applicants must submit:
- A completed application form
- Official transcripts from all post- secondary institutions attended
- Official documentation confirming professional designations, where applicable
- Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
International information
Applicants who completed undergraduate studies outside Canada must also submit:
- Certified translations of any documents not in English
- Documentation confirming award of their previous degree(s), if not already indicated on official transcripts
- A credential evaluation from a recognized service, if required by the registrar
Tuition information
Choosing to pursue a university education is a big commitment that impacts every aspect of your life – including your finances. Our fees are determined by the total cost of individual credits per academic year. All fees are listed in Canadian dollars and these rates are subject to change.
Scholarships and awards
The Office of the Registrar had dedicated more than $15 million in scholarships, awards and financial support to students in 2025. Entrance Awards are for newly admitted international and domestic students, while Academic Scholarships are for those entering the second term of their program.
Financial aid options
UNF has partnered with organizations to help newly admitted domestic students finance their education.
$24,000
Domestic tuition
$48,000
International tuition
$15 Million
Scholarship & awards
Career outlooks
As businesses increasingly turn to machine learning to analyze vast amounts of data, the demand for skilled data analysts who can work with these algorithms is growing.
According to Canada’s Job Bank, there will be a shortage of data analysts across Canada through 2029 – especially in Ontario. This is a global trend, as the US Bureau of Labour statistics predict the rise of Data Science will create roughly 11.5 million job openings by 2026 and a report by IBM estimated that by 2025, there will be more than 2.7 million job postings for data analysts and data scientists in the US alone.
Career paths and salary
- Big data specialist - $122,100
- Data manager - $136,257
- Business analyst - $130,617
- Data visualization specialist - $110,000
- Customer intelligence analyst - $96,827
*Source, talent.com
Master of Data Analytics FAQs
Do I need a mathematics background for this program?
Students entering the MDA program should have a background in business management, math or computer information systems and have completed at least two undergraduate courses in statistics or quantitative methods. Email our Student Recruitment Advisors at inquiry@unfc.ca for more information.
Are there specializations in this program?
Yes! You can tailor the program to suit your desired career outcomes through one of three learning tracks: Marketing Analytics, Operations Analytics, or General Analytics.
Will I gain practical experience?
There are several opportunities for you to gain practical experience through this program, including internships, work-integrated learning opportunities and capstone research projects. Attend one of our graduate program webinars to learn more directly from faculty members. Visit our events page to find the date for our next webinar.
Do I need to take the GRE?
We do not use standardized testing as part of the admission process for our graduate degrees. We look at your academic record from your undergraduate studies during the application process. See our admissions page for more information about our requirements.
Why choose UNF?
UNF is Canada’s newest university, located in downtown Niagara Falls. Offering innovative and relevant programs at the undergraduate and graduate level, our educational model focuses on helping you build a foundation of skills, knowledge, and real-world experience so you can compete in a digital world.
This technology-centred approach puts you, the student, first. You will learn from industry leaders and highly experienced faculty, gain experience through work-integrated learning components, and build a solid foundation that sets you on the right path for success in your career.
Innovation Flows Here.
Contact your Student Advisor
Schedule an appointment with your dedicated Student Advisor at a time that's convenient for you to receive more information about:
- UNF programs
- Available scholarships
- The application process
This institution has been granted a consent by the Minister of Colleges and Universities to offer this program for a five-year term starting October 14, 2022. Prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate to their needs (e.g., acceptable to potential employers, professional licensing bodies or other educational institutions.)