“Our vision was to create a world-renowned program that stands out for its unique integration and excellence,” said Joel Sokol, Director of the Master of Science in Analytics (MSA) program. “We wanted to train professionals who use data not just to analyze problems but to solve them.”  

Launched in 2014, the MSA program was built to combine analytics, machine learning, and business insights into an interdisciplinary curriculum that prepares graduates to lead in an increasingly data-driven world.  

As the program celebrates its tenth anniversary, it has grown into a flagship degree, ranked among the world’s top programs in data science and analytics and boasting an extensive global network of over 4,000 alumni. 

Expanding Horizons through Innovation and Accessibility 

Since its inception, the MSA program has championed accessibility and innovation: 

• Global Reach: With an online format that spans all seven continents, the program enrolls students in over 150 countries. 

• Alumni Network: From just 40 students per year, the program now graduates up to 100 students annually, with over 4,000 alumni worldwide. 

• Top Rankings: The program is consistently ranked #1 in Data Analytics, #3 in Data Science, and #3 in Business Analytics. 

Dr. Sokol explains, “Our students don’t just learn to interpret data—they learn to use data to reshape industries and create meaningful change.” 

Fostering a Diverse and Driven Community 

A hallmark of the MSA program is its diverse student body. Students come from a range of backgrounds, from engineering and medicine to art history and social sciences. According to Ann Blasick, Director of Career Services: 

“Our students bring a unique blend of passion and problem-solving skills to the table. Whether they come from traditional or non-traditional fields, they are incredibly bright and driven, consistently exceeding expectations.” 

The achievements of MSA graduates reflect this drive. Today, they are impacting every corner of the professional world: 

• Industry Reach: Graduates have taken on roles in non-profits, government, and major corporations, contributing to critical projects like reducing credit card fraud, optimizing airline routes, and advancing global health initiatives. 

• Professional Partnerships: With over 60 corporate partnerships annually, the MSA program continues to facilitate professional development opportunities through project sponsorships and mentoring. 

   

Supporting Career Growth with Unmatched Resources 

The MSA program’s dedication to student success extends beyond academics. Over the past decade, the program has developed a robust network of support: 

• Comprehensive Mentorship: Alumni mentoring, networking with industry partners, and specialized career services ensure students are fully prepared to excel. 

• Professional Development: From career development funds to boot camps and technical interview prep, MSA students are set up for success from day one. 

“Our graduates leave here prepared for both technical roles and the interview process,” explains Candace McLemore, Director of Professional Master’s Programs. “We’ve created a community where students develop their skills and enter the workforce as confident, capable leaders.” 

Alumni like Evan Charles and Kaylene Gell attest to this support. Charles, with over 28 years at Coca-Cola, returned to the MSA program to expand his expertise, while Gell emphasizes the program’s career support as a critical factor in her readiness to enter the tech industry. 

Shaping the Future of Data Analytics Education 

Over the past ten years, the MSA program has adapted to the rapidly evolving fields of data science, machine learning, and AI: 

• Faculty Expertise: Georgia Tech’s MSA faculty are leading researchers who ensure the curriculum reflects state-of-the-art advancements. 

• Evolving Curriculum: Courses are continuously updated, preparing students for the latest industry challenges and technologies. 

Dr. Sokol highlights the program’s commitment to staying current: “Our faculty’s research often sets the standard for what students learn. This combination of cutting-edge knowledge and hands-on projects prepares our graduates to lead and make a real impact.” 

A Decade of Milestones 

The MSA program has reached many impressive milestones in its first decade: 

• 10 Years of Excellence: Established in 2014, the program has maintained its standing as a leader in data analytics education. 

• 4,000+ Alumni: Graduates are working across 150 countries and in a broad range of industries. 

• Top Rankings: Consistently ranked as a leading analytics program in the U.S. and worldwide. 

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Legacy of Innovation 

As the MSA program moves into its second decade, its mission remains clear: to continue setting the global standard for excellence in data analytics education. Dr. Sokol reflects: 

“Our success is the result of a fantastic community—our students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and corporate partners. Together, we’re ready to define the next chapter of data science and analytics education.” 

Georgia Tech’s MSA program stands as a testament to the power of vision, innovation, and dedication. As it celebrates this milestone, the program reaffirms its commitment to inspiring, educating, and empowering the next generation of data leaders.  

With a thriving community and a forward-looking vision, Georgia Tech’s MSA program is ready to drive impactful change for years to come.