Frequently Asked Questions

Unlike MBA programs, which provide a broader, more comprehensive foundation in business and leadership, our Master of Management, Risk and Analytics (MRA) program is designed to allow students to dive into their graduate studies with a more defined focus. The curriculum is heavily geared towards coursework in risk management and analytics, helping students develop a strong and unique skill set that is in high demand among employers. Earning a degree through our Master of Management, Risk and Analytics program is comparable to earning a degree through other types of specialized master’s degree programs — although there are no other programs as uniquely focused on risk management and analytics, nor with the same degree of faculty expertise as our program.

In recent years, companies have shifted towards integrating risk management into their strategic planning efforts, departing from traditional practices where risk was primarily handled by legal, audit, and compliance departments. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift, highlighting the need to evaluate risk in the context of strategic goals. Businesses now understand the importance of prioritizing proactive risk management over reactive approaches. This shift has made skills in risk assessment and analytics valuable across various career paths. 

The Master of Management, Risk and Analytics (MRA) program at NC State University stands out due to its unique combination of several key features:

1. Innovative Curriculum: The MRA program integrates cutting-edge coursework in risk management and data analytics. It provides a comprehensive education that combines both theory and practical application, preparing graduates to manage risks effectively and make data-informed decisions​​.
2. Industry-Relevant Skills: The curriculum is designed to equip students with skills that are highly demanded in various industries. Courses such as predictive analytics, data engineering, and enterprise risk management are tailored to develop competencies in strategic risk analysis and data-driven decision-making​​.
3. Real-World Application: The MRA program includes a practicum course, allowing students to work on real-world projects with businesses, providing hands-on experience that translates directly to professional contexts. This practical exposure helps students apply theoretical knowledge in actual business scenarios​​.
4. Flexible Online Delivery: Designed with working professionals in mind, the program is offered fully online, allowing students to balance their studies with professional commitments. This flexibility makes it accessible to a broader range of students, including those who may not be able to attend in-person classes due to work or other reasons​​.
5. Strong Industry Connections: The program is supported by NC State’s Enterprise Risk Management Initiative and the Business Analytics Initiative, providing students with access to a network of industry leaders and experts. These connections offer invaluable networking opportunities and insights into current best practices in risk management and analytics​​​​.
6. Strategic Career Advancement: The MRA program is not just about academic learning; it also focuses on career advancement. It prepares students for high-demand roles in enterprise risk management, compliance, financial analysis, and strategic planning, among others. The program is aligned with market needs, ensuring that the skills students acquire are relevant and sought after in the job market​​​​.

The Master of Management, Risk and Analytics (MRA) degree from NC State is ideal for a variety of professionals, particularly those looking to elevate their careers or pivot to roles focused on strategic decision-making and risk management. It suits mid-career professionals aiming for leadership roles, individuals currently in risk-centric positions like compliance or auditing, and those early in their careers seeking to develop core competencies in risk management and analytics. The program’s fully online format makes it accessible for working professionals who require flexibility due to their job commitments, offering a practical education that aligns with industry needs and enhances career prospects in various sectors.

We expect working professional students to be able to complete the program within two to three years. The actual time to completion depends on how many credit hours a student takes each semester as well as whether they take courses in the summer. Students who take six credit hours every term will be able to finish in two years.  

Sometimes life happens to working professional students; there can be new family members or new job challenges. Our program offers a lot of flexibility. Students can vary their credit hours from semester to semester; they also can take a leave of absence. The Graduate School at NC State does require all master’s students to complete their degree within six years.

All of the courses needed for the degree will be available online.

This degree is currently offered as a part-time program. However, students can work with their advisors to potentially fulfill a full-time course load if course availability allows.

Admission takes place in both the fall and the spring.

Classes are open only to students who have been admitted to graduate degree or certificate programs in the Jenkins Graduate School of Management.

All the latest information regarding student tuition and fees can be found on the Tuition and Financial Aid page.

All information about loans and financial aid options can be found on the Tuition and Financial Aid page.

Students should expect to pay for course materials such as texts and cases. They also must have a computer that is capable of storing and manipulating large data sets. Learn more about expenses on the Tuition and Financial Aid page.

The core curriculum of the Master of Management, Risk and Analytics (MRA) is designed to equip students with the crucial skills needed in today’s data-driven and risk-aware business environment. This comprehensive curriculum includes 12 credit hours of business analytics courses, covering essential topics such as data-driven decision-making, predictive analytics, and data engineering. Additionally, 9 credit hours are dedicated to risk management, focusing on enterprise risk management, strategic risk analysis, and effective communication of risk information. Students will also complete a capstone project, which involves real-world problem-solving in organizations, and choose from a wide range of electives to tailor their learning experience. The program totals 30 credit hours, aimed at developing future leaders capable of making informed, strategic decisions and managing risks proactively. 

Visit our curriculum page to learn more.

Yes, the Master of Management, Risk and Analytics (MRA) program strongly emphasizes experiential learning, preparing students to tackle real-world challenges through hands-on experiences. Courses like the Enterprise Risk Management Practicum offer direct consulting experience with corporate clients, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. These opportunities not only enhance learning but also build valuable industry connections and professional skills in data analysis, strategic decision-making, and effective communication within a real-world business context.

There are a variety of ways for students to engage beyond the classroom, including becoming a McLauchlan Fellow or a Jenkins Graduate Delegate. Our advising team hosts student mixer events each semester, where students can network with fellow classmates from the MMA program and other Jenkins Graduate Programs. The Career Management Center (CMC) also hosts networking events each semester (both virtual and in-person) for all Jenkins Graduate Students. The ERM Initiative also hosts in-person roundtable events each spring, which provide a wonderful opportunity for students to learn from industry experts and network with professionals across various industries.

Yes, earned credits can be used toward the MBA. The Working Professional MBA is a 40-hour degree program; 12 credit hours may be counted toward the MBA, subject to approval by an academic advisor. Applicants must understand that completion of the Master of Management program does not guarantee admission to the MBA.

There will be an online orientation to prepare new students about the tools they will be using in their classes and to prepare them for the classwork ahead.

The GMAT or GRE are not required.

There is no work experience requirement. Admissions decisions will be based on academic potential and the fit between the student’s background and what the program has to offer. The admissions committee will view applicants with experience in analytics or marketing favorably. However, the committee will also be open to candidates who have a strong academic achievement record that demonstrates the potential to excel.

Application fees are waived for all US military members.

Application fee waivers may also be available for U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents with financial need. Please send your request to Dr. David Shafer, Assistant Dean at the Graduate School, at dmshafer@ncsu.edu and include an explanation of your economic circumstances.

Applicants who are denied admission are allowed to reapply.  Denied applicants should seek feedback from the admissions committee regarding how to put together a stronger case for their admission.

NC State accepts up to 12 transfer credits. The credits need to correspond very closely with NC State courses and the grades need to be B or higher.

To be eligible for admission to graduate study at NC State, all non-US citizen applicants (i.e., non-resident aliens and permanent residents) must demonstrate proficiency in English at a level necessary to be successful in a graduate program at NC State. This requirement can be met for most applicants in one of the following ways; however, some programs may require additional evidence of English proficiency:

1. Provide Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a total score of at least 80 on the Internet-based Test (iBT), and with minimum test scores for each section of:
   1. Listening – 18 points
   2. Reading – 18 points
   3. Writing – 18 points
   4. Speaking-
      1. 18 points for admission
      2. 23 points for TA appointment where TA has direct verbal interactions with students,
      3. 26 points for TA appointment where TA presents lectures in the class or laboratory
      4. NOTE: The current computer- and paper-based versions of the TOEFL test will be given until the iBT version is implemented in a particular location. Computer-based TOEFL scores must be 213 or higher (with at least 17 on three sections and no section score below 13). The paper-based test requires a score of 550 or higher (with scores of 50 on at least two of the three sections and no section score below 45).
2. Provide International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores with an overall band score of at least 6.5. Minimum test scores for each section are listed below:
   1. Listening – 6.5
   2. Reading – 6.5
   3. Writing- 6.5
   4. Speaking – 6.5 for admission; 7.0 for TA appointment
3. Provide Duolingo with a total score of 110 or better.
4. Be a citizen of a country where English is the official language and the language of instruction in higher education
5. Have successfully completed at least one year of full-time study in a degree program at a regionally accredited four-year US College or university.

TOEFL or IELTS test scores must be no older than two years (24 months) prior to the beginning of the requested entry term.

The Poole Career Center provides all Jenkins graduate students with career coaching, workshops and several networking and professional skill-building opportunities. Learn more about career services for students.

Graduates of the Master of Management, Risk and Analytics concentration are well-prepared for a wide array of career paths across various industries. This degree equips professionals to excel in roles such as Risk Manager, Data Analyst, Compliance Officer, and Strategic Planner, among others. Industries particularly seeking experts in risk management and analytics include financial services, consulting, healthcare, government, and technology. The program’s strong focus on data-driven decision-making and strategic risk analysis also opens opportunities in enterprise risk management, business continuity planning, and sustainability. With the growing importance of data and risk considerations in business strategies, graduates find themselves highly competitive for positions that require acute analytical skills and the ability to foresee and manage potential risks, enhancing organizational resilience and decision-making.

Our alumni have several ways to stay engaged, such as conducting practice interviews with students, delivering corporate presentations to students, hosting a workshop or participating on an event panel.

As a Jenkins alumnus, you are eligible to receive lifelong career coaching. We are excited to connect with you and help you navigate through your career path.