Grove City College is poised to graduate its largest class of Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) degree candidates, marking the growth of the College’s graduate degree programs.
The class will be recognized and hooded at the College’s 143rd Commencement on May 20. It will be the first time that master’s degree candidates have participated in the traditional graduation ceremony and a public recognition of their efforts to complete the rigorous online program in less than two years.
“We’re very proud of our academically strong and highly professional adult learners and cohorts. In the past year, more than half have achieved promotions or landed dream roles while working toward their master’s degree,” Dr. Christy Crute, director of Graduate & Online Programs, said.
The 2023 MSBA candidates include several alumni who looked to Grove City College to continue their studies and professional development.
Rachel Hanna ’19 loved the educational rigor and overall experience of her undergraduate years on campus. The Mathematics major was working in the insurance field when she saw a social media post about the College’s graduate programs.
“When I saw how well it aligned with what I wanted to do for a career, it seemed like a natural fit,” she said. “It was exciting to be part of this new program. Unsurprisingly, it was rigorous … I didn't know exactly what it would entail but I'm grateful to have learned so much about data analysis.”
Hanna just accepted a new position as a remote data analyst for Keystone Technologies in Lansdale, Pa., and said the MSBA program helped her land the job. “It's exactly what I wanted to be doing. This new position should utilize a lot of my new skills such as database management, forecasting, data visualization, and several of the coding languages we have worked with in the program,” she said.
Alums Daniel Barnes ’18, Jenny Dosch ’02, A.J. Holliday ’21, Mackenzie Klie ’21, and Tyler May ’08, and Trevor Prescott also completed the program and will join the Commencement ceremony.
Grove City College began offering graduate degrees through the Department of Graduate & Online Programs in 2021. The ethically and professionally focused degree programs build on the College’s academic strengths. Coursework is led members of the College’s esteemed faculty and designed for working professionals, new college graduates, and others who want to augment their undergraduate credentials and explore opportunities.
In addition to the MSBA program, Grove City College currently offers high value Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Accounting (MAcc) programs and has plans to expand its academic suite in the coming year. The MBA program includes an on-campus residency component in which industry leaders and professionals gather to share their expertise and wisdom with students in a personalized boardroom setting. A keynote leader this fall was alumnus Ed Breen (’78), current Executive Chairman and CEO of DuPont.
All the programs are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and reflect the College’s historic mission to provide an academically excellent, affordable, and Christ-centered education.
“If you want to make a difference in business at a strategic level, or are aiming for a promotion, I’d encourage you to take a strong look at our affordable, online, and fully accredited graduate programs,” Crute said.
Graduate & Online Programs applications are being accepted. To learn more, visit www.gcc.edu/gradprograms or email GraduatePrograms@GCC.edu.