Salem University

Last Updated By • September 14, 2023

salem-university

Accelerated Big Data Degrees at Salem

Salem University appears in our ranking of the Top 20 Most Affordable Bachelor’s in Data Science.

Online on Blackboard or in person, Salem University offers a BS Computer Science with the Data Sciences Specialization for tech-savvy Tigers to turn vast catalogs of complex numbers into actionable information that organizations need. The 120-credit, HLC-accredited curriculum compiles four-week courses like Algorithm Structures and Cyber Security for graduation in only 40 months. Salem undergrads can finish and reach the 85 percent job placement even faster by transferring from the 20-month, 60-credit AS Computer Science.

The School of Business grants an MBA in Information Technology Management that helps bachelor’s grads further their careers supervising company computer systems. Overseen by Dr. Craig McClellan, this 36-credit, one-year master’s follows ACBSP standards with monthly seminars, such as Database Management and Business Intelligence Analytics.

About Salem University

Salem University originated in April 1889 when the Seventh Day Baptist Church opened Salem College for nonsectarian liberal arts education at the bachelor’s level. In 1960, the present 100-acre “Valley of Learning” campus was built among West Virginia’s Appalachian Mountains. In 1989, its original Administration Building from 1909 was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. That same year, it became Salem-Teikyo University after partnering with the Itabashi campus in Japan. In 2000, Singapore investors acquired the school and made it Salem International University. In July 2001, another alliance with Holdings Ltd. Informatics led to the advent of online education. By 2005, Salem Education was incorporated for private, for-profit schooling at fair prices. In 2017, the Salem University name was adopted after growing master’s and MBA enrollment. In 2018, WVU-Parkersburg even launched adult courses at Salem.

Generating $50 million in revenue, Salem University now enrolls 1,835 Tigers from 13 countries at a 22:1 ratio online and face-to-face off Route 23 with 20 clubs like Enactus, Alpha Phi Omega, and the Rainbow Alliance. In 2018, Salem was honored with a Preservation Alliance of West Virginia Historic Preservation Award. In 2017, Salem International University accepted the ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award for NCAA Division II. On Niche, Salem boasts America’s 180th most campus diversity. College Factual applauded Salem for the 243rd most popular computer information systems degrees nationally. WalletHub ranked Salem 482nd for educational outcomes and 257th for faculty resources. GetEducated.com also featured Salem University among the 20 most affordable online computer science bachelor’s.

Salem University Accreditation Details

On March 9, 2015, the Higher Learning Commission on North Central Association (HLC-NCA) Board of Trustees mailed an Institutional Status Report to Salem University that renewed the Level III accreditation through 2022-23 under its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Danny D. Finuf, who earned a Harrison County Economic Development Corporation Award. Located 524 miles west via Interstate 70 in Chicago, Illinois, this mammoth 19-state Midwest Region accreditor is authorized by the U.S. Education Department to continually evaluate Salem’s eight associate, eight bachelor’s, four master’s, and four certificate offerings. Particularly, Salem University was approved by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) in January 2018. The NC-SARA member is properly licensed by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission in 2019 too.

Salem University Application Requirements

Starting at Salem University is classified “non-competitive” by Peterson’s because 100 percent of the 649 Fall 2017 applicants were selected for open enrollment. First-year Tigers prowling the BS Computer Science in Data Sciences still must display college readiness with a secondary diploma or GED though. Minimum GPAs of 2.0 are preferred to avoid probationary status. All undergrads must fulfill the Level I competency requirement within the first 30 credits. Freshmen with a 410 SAT Reading and 500 SAT Math score or better would qualify right away. Otherwise, taking the Accuplacer for at least 65 Algebra, 70 Sentence Skills, and 80 Reading marks is required. Bachelor’s transfers receive up to 90 credits graded “C-” or greater. Special transfer articulations exist with Ivy Tech, Eastern Gateway, and Owens Community Colleges. Non-U.S. residents typically prove English fluency with a 500 paper, 173 computer, or 59 internet TOEFL score. MBA in Information Technology Management entrants must culminate a four-year bachelor’s degree at a minimum 2.75 GPA overall.

Salem University conveniently has rolling admission year-round to begin courses each month. Applying at least one week before current start dates of January 7th, February 4th, March 4th, April 29th, May 28th, July 8th, August 5th, and September 3rd is recommended. Simply complete the SalemU Application online with an E-Signature for free ($20 if graduate). File transcript requests for official records mailed to 223 West Main Street in Salem, WV 26426. For testing results, select SAT/TOEFL code 5608 or ACT code 4530. Supplemental items include the diploma or GED copy, enrollment agreement, proof of prerequisite courses, statement of purpose, two post-grad reference letters, transfer evaluations, and immigration documents. The School of Business seeks up-to-date résumés of work/service experience from MBA in IT Management entrants. Inquire further by contacting (844) 462-9128 or admissions@salemu.edu.

Tuition and Financial Aid

For 2018-19, Salem University charged full-time BS Computer Science in Data Sciences majors $16,700 annually. This equated $16,500 for tuition and $200 for student fees. Prices have risen 11.11 percent since 2017-18 when undergrads paid $$15,050 each year. Living at the Harrison County campus’ dorms like Montgomery Hall added $7,480 for yearly room and board. Salem budgeted $1,000 for books and $2,000 for miscellaneous expenses. Annual undergrad attendance was around $27,180 on-site and $19,700 if commuting or studying online. Accelerated associate degrees like the AS Computer Science cost $33,400 to $54,360 overall. Bachelor of Science study equaled $66,800 to $108,720 in total. The School of Business billed graduate tuition of $688 per credit taken. MBA in Information Technology Management cohorts spent $24,768 total over 12 months.

According to the NCES College Navigator, the Student Financial Services Office at Randolph Campus Center gets 88 percent of full-time Salem Tigers median aid of $6,961 each for $3.98 million combined. The President’s Honor Scholarship gifts $2,000 each year to undergrads with a 4.0 cumulative GPA their first semester. MBA in IT Management students who completed their bachelor’s at Salem get the $2,000 Alumni Scholarship. Filing FAFSA applications coded 003820 determines Federal Pell Grant, SEOG Grant, or Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant eligibility. The Federal Work-Study program pays at least $7.25/hour for on-campus or service employment. Salem University students carefully borrow the Perkins, Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, Grad Plus, and Consolidation loans. Maximum GI Bill benefits at private colleges are $23,671 per year for military veterans. The West Virginia Promise Scholarship has a March 1st deadline for receiving in-state funds up to $4,750. Data Science would count for the $3,000 West Virginia STEM Scholarship requiring GPAs over 3.0.

Keep exploring Salem University at the Computer Science Department website.

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