Who Should Apply?
Learn what backgrounds, interests and qualifications best suit the Master of Management, Risk and Analytics (MRA).
Prepare for Your Future
Risk management and analytical skills are becoming an expected core competency for any business leader. The Risk and Analytics program may be of particular interest to:
- Individuals aspiring to lead key business units and advance toward senior leadership positions
- Professionals seeking to acquire expected core competencies in risk management and analytical decision-making
Regardless of your background, our program will bring you up to speed and prepare you for a successful career making strategic, data-based decisions that create measurable growth.
See if you’re a good fit
The Master of Management, Risk and Analytics (MRA) is best suited for:
- Mid-career Professionals: The program is designed with working professionals in mind, especially those with about 15 years of work experience. These individuals are often looking to shift to risk management or enhance their capabilities in their current roles to advance toward senior leadership positions.
- Professionals in Risk-Centric Roles: Individuals currently working in risk management functions within industries like banking, insurance or utilities find the MRA program beneficial. It is also well-suited for professionals in roles such as internal audit, compliance, finance/treasury, and legal departments of corporations and agencies.
- Aspiring Business Leaders: The MRA program is an excellent fit for individuals aspiring to lead key business units and progress toward C-suite positions. It equips them with required skills in strategic decision-making and enterprise risk management.
- Professionals Seeking a Career Shift: Those looking to transition into risk management from other fields can benefit from the MRA program as it provides the required knowledge and skills to make this transition smoothly. It is also suitable for professionals early in their careers (about 5-7 years out of school) who are from various industries and job functions.
- Individuals Seeking Flexible Learning Options: The fully online format of the program is ideal for individuals seeking flexibility due to personal or professional commitments. It allows them to complete their education without disrupting their current job or relocating.
- Individuals with a Strategic Focus: The program is also a good fit for those interested in leveraging data for strategic decision-making and managing both the operational and strategic aspects of risk.
Overall, the MRA program caters to a broad audience, offering vital skills that are applicable across a variety of industries and roles. It is especially beneficial for those who are in, or aspire to be in, positions where they need to manage and analyze risk within an organizational context.
More common questions
Who is the MRA program specifically designed for?
The Master of Management, Risk and Analytics (MRA) program is designed primarily for mid-career professionals aiming to advance into senior leadership roles by enhancing their expertise in risk management and analytics. It also caters to those currently working in risk-centric roles such as compliance, auditing, and finance, who seek to deepen their skills. Early-career professionals eager to establish a strong foundation in risk management will find the program beneficial for career growth.
What kind of backgrounds are a good fit for the program?
The Master of Management, Risk and Analytics (MRA) program at NC State is suited for individuals from various backgrounds. Because enterprise risk management (ERM) is relevant to all types of businesses and industries, there is no specific background required to enroll. The variety of student backgrounds enriches the learning experience, as it brings various perspectives and insights into the classroom, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of risk management.
Do you accept students directly out of undergrad?
Yes, the Master of Management, Risk and Analytics (MRA) program does accept recent undergraduates, though it is primarily designed with working professionals in mind. The program can be a good fit for recent graduates who are eager to start their careers with a strong foundation in risk management and analytics. However, having some professional experience is beneficial as it allows students to better understand organizational dynamics and the practical applications of the skills taught in the program.
What technical skills or experience are required?
For the Master of Management, Risk and Analytics (MRA) program, students are not required to come in with any specific technical skills or experience. While having a background in areas like accounting, statistics, or data analysis can be beneficial and enable students to hit the ground running, it is not a prerequisite for admission. The program is designed to build up technical competencies from the basics, making it accessible even to those who may not have a strong quantitative background. The curriculum introduces students to essential analytics techniques and tools that are commonly used in the industry, ensuring that all students, regardless of their prior experience, develop the necessary skills to succeed in risk management and analytics roles.
What career goals should applicants have?
Applicants to the Master of Management, Risk and Analytics (MRA) program should be focused on advancing their careers in strategic decision-making roles that utilize risk management and analytics skills. They should aim to hold positions where they can influence organizational strategies and outcomes through data-driven insights and risk assessment.
Where can this degree take graduates?
The Master of Management, Risk and Analytics (MRA) degree equips graduates for strategic roles that are critical across virtually any industry. They can excel in enterprise risk management, stepping into positions such as risk analysts, risk managers, or Chief Risk Officers. Graduates are also well-prepared for compliance and regulatory oversight roles, ensuring that organizations adhere to laws and standards. In strategic planning and financial analysis, they use their skills to influence data-informed business decisions. Additionally, they can pursue careers in consulting and advisory services, providing expertise on risk management strategies to various clients. This degree opens up opportunities in a diverse range of sectors, making it a versatile choice for those looking to impact organizational strategy and resilience at high levels.
What are some personal characteristics you look for in candidates?
Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills are crucial, as the curriculum focuses heavily on data interpretation and strategic decision-making. Effective communication and teamwork abilities are also important, given the collaborative nature of the program and the need to convey complex information clearly. Lastly, a keen interest in continuously learning and applying new knowledge in practical settings is essential for keeping up with the dynamic field of risk management.
“Any kind of leadership position moving forward, no matter the industry, will require the ability to identify and navigate emerging risks. In the next few years, the response ‘I hadn’t thought about that’ won’t be acceptable anymore.
The other piece of the puzzle is that most leaders will be expected to have analytical capabilities to use data to support strategic decisions. So this risk and analytics program blends two core competencies to equip graduates with a skillset they can bring to any job they want to do – whether that’s leading a big public company or working in a consulting practice.”
—Mark Beasley, Director of NC State Enterprise Risk Management Initiative
