West Virginia University

Last Updated By • November 5, 2023

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Big Data Degrees at WVU

West Virginia University appears in our ranking of the 15 Most Affordable Master’s in Data Science Online.

Since 2016, the College of Business and Economics has granted a Master of Science in Business Data Analytics for West Virginia University post-grads to sharpen their statistical techniques for mining large data sets. Chaired by Dr. Virginia Kleist, an Outstanding Service Award recipient, the 30-credit, non-thesis program is accessed wholly online via Blackboard Mobile for convenience. The accelerated, AACSB-accredited curriculum can be completed in 12 to 24 months with courses like Business Intelligence, Data Collection, Decision Sciences, and Simulation Modeling. Hands-on practice with Python, SQL, Hadoop, and more is acquired virtually thanks to WVU’s GoFirst Cluster. Other opportunities include interning at Cloudera, adding the Certificate in Applied Statistics, earning CCA Administrator certification, researching with the BrickStreet Center, and continuing for the Ph.D. in Business Management.

West Virginia University suggests that undergrad Big Data enthusiasts choose the BSBA in Management Information Systems track for learning how computer applications compile enterprise figures. Headed by Dr. Graham Peace, the 2001 Omicron Delta Kappa Teacher of the Year, the 120-credit, eight-term program focuses the business core for tech prowess. The 19:1 student-professor ratio means that courses like Data Communications, Programming, Database Design, and Systems Analysis are mid-sized. The Center for Career Development helps over 80 percent of WVU undergrads find internships at top companies, such as Microsoft, Northrop Grumman, Parker Hannifin, Thumbtack, and MindMeld. Majors might also travel to India, join Consulting Club, take the Certified Student Leader Program, minor in Statistics, and become Data Science Institute Scholars.

About West Virginia University

West Virginia University was chartered in February 1867 by Governor Arthur Boreman using Morrill Land-Grant funds to teach agriculture at the former Woodburn Female Seminary. Three years later, Marmaduke Dent receives the first degree and the renowned Martin Hall is erected. During WWI, the school expanded from biology to journalism and the country’s first mining degree. After the 1970s, record-high enrollment caused expansions beyond the 245-building Monongalia County campus to Charleston Medical Center, Potomac State College, and even Bahrain. Budgeting $1.07 billion, West Virginia University now enrolls 31,442 Mountaineers, including Data Analytics majors, from 108 nations. Affiliated with 25 Rhodes Scholars, WVU has trained John Chambers, Heather Bresch, Katherine Johnson, Don Knotts, and more.

The U.S. News & World Report ranked West Virginia as the 187th best national university, 63rd top online business school, and 15th best technology college online. On Niche, WVU is America’s 77th best big college with the 112th best student life and 294th top business program. Forbes picked West Virginia University for the 202nd best value and 143rd top public education nationally. Times Higher Education positioned WVU 377th overall. The Center for World University Rankings placed West Virginia 147th for alumni employment outcomes and 235th for faculty credentials. Bloomberg crowned WVU the 124th best undergraduate business pick. In Washington Monthly, West Virginia University had the 27th best graduation rate and 98th highest research expenditures too.

West Virginia University Accreditation Details

In August 2014, West Virginia University underwent a comprehensive evaluation by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA) to continue its Level VI accreditation for another 10 years under president Dr. E. Gordon Gee. Based 527 miles away in Chicago, this 19-state regional accrediting agency is authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to ensure the quality of WVU’s 124 baccalaureate and 180 graduate majors from Morgantown to Beckley and online. The College of Business and Economics is also among the elite 173 schools to hold dual Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation through 2020.

West Virginia University Application Requirements

Data shows that West Virginia University had a Fall 2016 acceptance rate of 71 percent for admission that was labeled “moderately difficult” by Peterson’s. Starting the BSBA in Management Information Systems will require finishing a secondary diploma. Scoring at least 500 on the TASC subtests or 450 on the GED exam would also be acceptable. On average, first-year Mountaineers present a 3.42 GPA, 1120 SAT score and 24 ACT score. Transfers should have a minimum 2.25 GPA in at least 29 non-remedial credits attempted. The M.S. in Business Data Analytics prefers four-year bachelor’s study in STEM or management majors. Graduates of West Virginia’s MIS program with 3.25 GPAs or better get a GMAT waiver. Otherwise accepted post-grads have a median 498 GMAT or 313 GRE score.

West Virginia University has rolling undergrad admission until the final deadlines of August 1st for Fall and December 1st for Spring starts. The Online M.S. in Business Data Analytics has an annual priority deadline of July 1st. Create an account to log onto the WVU Application Portal on Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox. Extra materials could be mailed to PO Box 6009 at One Waterfront Place in Morgantown, WV 26506 too. Contact (304) 293-2121 or admissions@mail.wvu.edu with any questions. Big Data programs generally need the following:

  • $45 application fee ($60 if international)
  • Official transcripts of all previous academics
  • Entrance exam scores from tea sting agency
  • Three one-page recommendation letters
  • Brief, 500-word statement of purpose
  • Current résumé of professional work history

Tuition and Financial Aid

Declaring the BSBA in Management Information Systems major costs West Virginia residents $8,976 annually. Non-resident undergrads should expect paying $25,056 per year full-time. Taking under 12 credits each semester costs $318 in-state or $893 out-of-state per credit. Living at the Morgantown campus’ dorms like Dadisman Hall adds room and board expenses of $10,284 yearly. With $900 for textbooks, the annual cost of bachelor’s attendance equals $22,472 for West Virginians and $37,712 for non-residents. The Online M.S. in Business Data Analytics bills $993 per credit regardless of residence for a $29,790 price.

According to the NCES College Navigator, 67 percent of full-time WVU Mountaineers share $143.9 million in annual financial aid for $9,561 apiece on average. The College of Business and Economics offers institutional funds, such as the John E. Arbuckle Scholarship, Mary Catherine Buswell Scholarship, DonMar Scholarship, Wallace D. Craig Scholarship, Facemire-Roll Scholarship, Fred Haddad Scholarship, and Lisa Helmick Scholarship. Undergrad BSBA majors file the FAFSA form with code 003827 for Federal Pell or SEOG Grant money. The Mountaineer Connection Grant gifts need-based help. West Virginians might qualify for the Promise Scholarship, Higher Education Grant, or Underwood-Smith Loan Assistance Program. Other West Virginia University options are the Federal Work-Study jobs, VA educational benefits, graduate assistantships, Ohio Tuition Reciprocity Grant, and RaiseMe Program.

Learn more at West Virginia University at the College of Business and Economics website.

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