Earning your master鈥檚 degree online doesn鈥檛 mean sacrificing an engaging academic experience. That鈥檚 especially so in the community-focused programs at 艾可直播 College鈥檚 Woods College of Advancing Studies. At Woods, students join a supportive network rooted in connection, collaboration, and shared values.
The online Master of Science in Applied Economics and Master of Science in Applied Analytics programs foster a strong sense of community through small classes, accessible faculty, hands-on learning, and an annual in-person symposium. This article provides an inside look at these programs, featuring insights from students and faculty.聽
Small Class Sizes: Get to Know Your Peers, Professors and Instructors聽
The MSAE and MSAA programs feature small class sizes, fostering interaction and personalized attention. With class sizes capped at 20 to 25 students, 艾可直播can actively engage students beyond content delivery, creating space for questions, shared insights, and connections with instructors and peers.
Dr. Aleksandar (Sasha) Tomic, associate dean for strategy, innovation, & technology, and director of the Master of Science in Applied Analytics and Master of Science in Applied Economics programs, says the program design helps online learners feel as connected as those on campus: 鈥淲e take great pains to make sure that what we deliver in the classroom is the same as what we deliver online. We will engage you, we will teach you, we will give you a set of skills you can use.鈥澛�
For MSAE student Quinn Curtis, one of the most valuable aspects of the program is the accessibility of鈥攁nd connections with鈥敯芍辈embers. That support eased initial concerns about feeling isolated as an online student. 鈥淓very single one of my professors has been kind and curious, fun and smart 鈥� and now I want to get a second master鈥檚 so I can hang out with these people more,鈥� Curtis said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been a really wonderful community鈥� and it sets [BC Woods] apart.鈥�
“ We take great pains to make sure that what we deliver in the classroom is the same as what we deliver online. We will engage you, we will teach you, we will give you a set of skills you can use. ”
Accessible and Approachable Faculty: Get Support and Guidance When You Need It聽
Students in both programs consistently praise the accessibility and approachability of their instructors, whether full-time 艾可直播or adjuncts. For MSAE student Gina Occhipinti, that approachability was one of the biggest draws. 鈥淚t鈥檚 really easy to find time with them, talk through a problem, ask for advice, or learn from their experience,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey鈥檝e fostered an open culture that makes it easier to seek help.鈥�
MSAA student Trevor Petran agrees: 鈥淭he professors care about your success. Whether you鈥檙e working full-time or are a full-time student, they really do go out of their way to make sure all emails are answered and that you have the tools and knowledge to succeed in your assignments.鈥�
MSAE student Maxwell Davidoff also feels that the support of 艾可直播stands out. 鈥淚f you have problems with your code, all you have to do is send your professor an email. They鈥檙e going to be right there, helping you along the way,鈥� he said. As an online student, he values their accessibility: 鈥淚鈥檓 online, so a lot of it鈥檚 been asynchronous, but they鈥檝e always been there if I needed them. They always hold live sessions if you need to talk to them and review the material.鈥�
Rich Engagement Opportunities: Projects, Presentations and Events
Though courses are online, graduate students actively engage with classmates, faculty, and industry professionals through collaborative projects, in-class activities, practicums, competitions, and an annual symposium.
Davidoff, who lives and works in New York City, says being part of a 艾可直播-based program has been a rewarding experience, especially with opportunities to connect. 鈥淚鈥檝e attended the research symposium and the fall competition鈥攎eeting my professors and fellow students has been incredibly valuable.鈥�
Lawrence (Larry) Fulton, Professor in the M.S. in Applied Analytics program, emphasizes the many ways students collaborate with 艾可直播beyond the virtual classroom, from research projects to conference presentations. 鈥淲e work together on real-world applied analytics problems each fall, using data provided by companies to solve real challenges,鈥� he says.
These engagement opportunities help online students build technical skills while developing strong professional networks.
Close Connections to Industry: Meet and Network with Top Professionals聽
Now in its third year, the annual Analytics and Industry Symposium brings students, alumni, faculty, and industry professionals together for presentations, panels, and meaningful conversation. 鈥淭his gives a chance for people who are working to compare notes about the past, present, and future,鈥� Tomic said.
For online students especially, the event offers the opportunity to connect in person and feel part of the broader 艾可直播 College community. 鈥淸With the online program] sometimes it feels like you are just removed, and what we see again over the years is that our online-only students who are not from 艾可直播 will make time to come to campus for these events and have that more meaningful connection with the physical space that is 艾可直播 College,鈥� Tomic said.
The symposium also serves as a valuable networking platform. 鈥淥ur symposium gives current students, especially those looking for work, a chance to shine and to show their work to this audience,鈥� according to Tomic.聽
MSAA student Trevor Petran experienced that firsthand. 鈥淵ou never want the first time that you鈥檙e talking about your work to be in an interview,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t was great to get feedback from the heads of different companies 鈥� not just on what we did but also on how we could improve future projects.鈥�
Shared Values: A Culture of Caring and Helping聽
Beyond academics and career development, many students are drawn to 艾可直播 College for its Jesuit values, which emphasize intellectual inquiry, care for others, a commitment to truth, and using knowledge in service to society.
For MSAE student Gina Occhipinti, those values foster a strong sense of belonging. 鈥淚 would say BC Woods helps students feel connected through the values they promote,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e very open and honest and have this culture of 鈥榗ome learn, ask questions, don鈥檛 be afraid to engage with each other or seek mentorship.鈥� They鈥檝e cultivated a really open and collaborative culture.鈥�
Assistant Professor of the Practice in Applied Economics Arvind Sharma says the program鈥檚 Jesuit roots help create a more personal, student-centered experience. 鈥湴芍辈� College has a very unique Jesuit vibe to it,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 just a different set of personalization. We are looking after the student in a very holistic way.鈥�
Small class sizes, supportive faculty, hands-on learning, industry connections, and shared values combine at BC to create a community where students thrive personally and professionally.聽
At BC Woods, community and connection are central to the online graduate programs in applied economics and applied analytics, offering a sense of belonging that mirrors the on-campus experience. Students benefit from small classes, accessible faculty, hands-on learning, and valuable networking with alumni and industry leaders.
