Western’s Master of Data Analytics (MDA) program is a one-year, full-time, interdisciplinary, professional science master’s program. It is designed to produce high-skilled professionals ready to pursue an analytics-focused career. 

MDA students have a rigorous quantitative background, holding four-year undergraduate degrees and proven expertise in statistics, computer science and mathematics. Their strong analytical foundation ensures they are well-prepared to tackle complex data challenges from day one. 

MDA students take a deep dive into advanced data science and analytics that is complimented by graduate-level business and communications courses. This rigorous curriculum develops technically savvy professionals with advanced technical analytics knowledge and impressive ability to communicate meaning and insights up the chain.

After completing two terms of coursework, MDA students are required to complete a 4-month (500-hour) co-op term from May - August. Students become like full-time employees, working 35-40 hours a week.

MDA students have the technical skills and the knowledge to be an asset from day one, taking on major assignments and responsibilities, and contributing to the successful completion of projects.

Students require a supervisor for the duration of their co-op. This supervisor must be a full-time employee of the organization who is accessible to provide guidance and mentorship to the student.

Skills and Tools:

MDA students and alumni are ideally suited for positions such as:

MDA Student Salaries for the Co-op Work Term	Hourly Rate of Pay
Typical Hiring Range for MDA Students	$22-40/hour
Average Over Past 5 Years	$30/hour
Average During the 2024 Co-op Work Term	$30/hour

Each experiential learning opportunity may be eligible for The Ontario Co-operative Education Tax Credit (maximum credit $3,000 per four-month placement). Other funding for employers includes the MITACS – Accelerate program ($15,000 per four-month term), where grants are available to offset the cost of employing students.

Important Dates
Late September	Job postings are accepted
May 1	Employment begins

Recruitment for MDA students begins late September each year, and job postings continue to be accepted through to May the following year. This allows flexibility for organizations, as hiring timelines vary industry to industry.

Students begin to review job postings in October, with many applying to positions over the Winter Break (end of December - early January). The majority of interviews take place February - April with a start date of May 1. However in some cases, employment contracts can begin as late as June.

Note: Employers are encouraged to submit employment opportunities before January 31 to gain access to the greatest number of applicants. 

As an employer, we ask that you commit to:

• Offering the students work projects that are relevant and degree-related
• Providing orientation and training for the student when they begin their co-op term
• Imparting your experience and wisdom through regular supervision and mentorship

Additionally, to support the evaluation of the student's performance, you will be asked to help the student develop learning outcomes, attend a mid-term site visit, complete an end-of-term evaluation and review the student's final report.

Positions may begin May 1 at the earliest. Positions can begin later, however, to ensure that students are able to graduate in the Fall Convocation, we encourage employers to begin employment prior to July.

February or March (or even April) isn't too late to hire an MDA student for the summer. While it may be difficult to hire a student for a May 1 start, many students continue to apply to jobs in the final months of the program. If you are interested, we encourage you to contact us to get your posting up as soon as possible.

The Master of Data Analytics (MDA) is a recognized co-operative education program with the Ministry of Colleges & Universities and enables an employer to be eligible for the Ontario Co-operative Education Tax Credit that can reimburse an employer up to $3,000 of the costs incurred as a result of hiring an MDA student for the first 4 months of their position.