Valparaiso University

Last Updated By • October 15, 2023

valparaiso-university

Studying Big Data at Valparaiso University

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

The school’s motto may be a religious Latin quote, but Valparaiso University offers technical degrees in cutting-edge fields. This includes a Bachelor’s of Science in Data Science, a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Analytics and a Master’s of Science in Analytics and Modeling through the College of Arts and Sciences.

Data science is the field that aggregates, analyzes and interprets complex data to solve real-world problems. Every field and industry from economics to entertainment relies on streaming data to identify, understand and predict information. This includes audience preferences, demographic trends and operational issues.

The Bachelor’s of Science in Data Science is an interdisciplinary program that integrates math, statistics, computer science and project management skills to produce graduates who can successfully manage, organize and evaluate data. Students learn about statistical modeling, prescriptive analytics, data visualization, algorithm execution, and applied machine learning. Students are encouraged to take either a second major or a minor in an appropriate field of interest.

Statistics classes include Probability Methods, Business Statistics, Time Analysis and Statistics for Decisions. Mathematics courses include Linear Calculus, Systems, Matrices, and Algebra. Students must take at least 11 credits of Computer Science, so they may learn about Algorithms, Programming, Abstract Data Types, Programming Languages, and Artificial Intelligence. Required Data Science courses involve Scientific Visualization, Data Mining, Research Methods, and Mathematical Models.

Students who are interested in the commercial or operational side of Data Science may pursue an undergraduate degree in Business Analytics. This major helps students transform raw Big Data into career opportunities. Students learn how to analyze and improve things like risk calculation, operational efficiency, and spreadsheet modeling. The Master of Science in Analytics and Modeling integrates methods and knowledge from math, modeling, statistics, databases, and computer science to analyze and solve problems in industry, science, business and government.

About Valparaiso University

Valparaiso University, commonly referred to as Valpo, is a Lutheran university located in Indiana. Despite only having an enrollment of about 4,500 students, over 50 countries are represented on the 350-acre campus. The Chapel of the Resurrection is the second-largest college chapel in the world. Founded in 1859, Valparaiso University was one of the first coed colleges in the country.

While Valpo is an independent Lutheran institution, religious affiliation is not a factor in admissions enrollment. The Lutheran background provides students with lifelong values that enhance their personal and professional lives.

Over 70 majors offered through the five undergraduate colleges and the graduate school offers over 40 programs. There is the Valpo Core, which is an intensive seminar for first-year students, as well as Valpo Study Centers located in China, Germany, England, and Costa Rica. There are over 20 study abroad programs located in Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia, and Central and South America.

96 percent of graduates are steadily employed after graduation or enrolled in graduate school after finishing school. At least half of all 60,000 alumni hold a graduate level degree. There are 10 men’s and 11 women’s varsity sports teams who participate in NCAA Division I, the Summit League and the Missouri Valley Conference. Students may choose from over 100 extracurricular organizations as well as nine fraternities and six sororities.

Valparaiso University strives to foster a lifelong commitment to the development of intellect, dedication, affinity for the truth and professional skills. This is accomplished through active community programs and the talented faculty who serve and strengthen their students. Students enjoy an impressive level of responsibility for their social and residential life through a student-initiated honor system and a collaborative system of university oversight.

Valparaiso University Accreditation Details

Valparaiso University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Valparaiso University Application Requirements

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Students are encouraged to apply one year before their desired start term. Admission decisions take approximately three to four weeks for notification. In order to qualify for Graduate School program, applicants must have graduated with a 3.0 GPA in all coursework from an accredited college or university.

Valparaiso University regularly sends admission counselors to attend local educational outreach programs for transfer students. Valparaiso University maintains separate admissions and education programs for specific student groups. These include:

  • The College of Adult Scholars for adults completing their first undergraduate degree.
  • The College Experience for Honors Program for high school juniors and seniors.
  • The SAGE (Senior Adult Growth through Education) low tuition program for students older than 60.
  • The VOLTS (Valparaiso Organization for Learning and Teaching Seniors) program for non-credit learning and activities.

Valparaiso University Tuition and Financial Aid

The cost of tuition at Valparaiso University for on-campus and off-campus students is generally $39,000 for 12 to 19 credit hours. Those who take under 12 credits will pay $1,715 per credit hour. General fees for all students are $1,260, personal costs are $1,620 and books and supplies are $1,200. On-campus rooms are $7,280 and off-campus are around $5400. The total cost of attendance for an on-campus student is $54,940 and for an off-campus student is $51,980

Valparaiso University considers all incoming students for these three academic scholarships and merit awards: Board of Directors, Presidential and Honors Scholarships. The first’s award amount is $28,000 per year and the last one ranges from $18,000 to $20,000 per year. Valparaiso University maintains a tuition remission and a tuition exchange program for employees and their dependents.

Students are expected to qualify for financial aid from federal programs and State grant programs. For example, the Federal Direct Subsidized Loan is a low-interest loan for students who are enrolled at least part-time. The interest rate is around five percent. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are different from the subsidized loan program because interest accrues. Federal Direct PLUS Loan (Parent Loan) involves an annual credit check and a good credit score. Eligibility is determined by the cost of attendance minus financial aid received. The Federal Direct Graduate Plus Loan program is for graduate and professional students.

Valparaiso University may be a very old educational institution, but they offer advanced technical degrees in data science and business analytics at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Valparaiso University offers many more flexible and useful degree programs.

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