Wittenberg University - Big Data Degrees, Accreditation, Applying, Tuition, Financial Aid

Diving Into Big Data at Wittenberg University

In Fall 2017, Wittenberg University launched the B.A. in Data Science to prepare undergrads for CNBC’s #1 best job extracting useful insights from statistics in industry or government. Chaired by Dr. Adam Park in the BDK Science Center, the 43-credit major builds tech-driven analytical skills atop the liberal arts core utilizing a whole-person approach. Required courses include Introduction to Data Science, Database Design, SQL Programming, and Calculus before the capstone project-based seminar. Wittenberg juniors and seniors can find internships with J.M. Smucker Company, Prevedere, Procter & Gamble, Fifth Third Bank, and other Ohio companies. Students might also join Witt Math Club, study abroad in London, present thesis research at the Annual Analytics Symposium, and minor in Computer Science.

The M.S. in Analytics at Wittenberg University has attracted post-graduates since Fall 2016 to undertake high-impact learning that emphasizes Big Data case studies. Directed by Dr. Eugene Pierce, the 30-credit, 12-month program has a hybrid format that blends online modules on Moodle with three-day weekend residencies in Springfield. Number-savvy students will fulfill requirements for the Associate Certified Analytics Professional (ACAP) exam through courses like Data Mining, Business Intelligence, and Predictive Modeling. In the final term, master’s majors utilize real-world software, including Python, to yield valuable data conclusions for a four-part capstone project. First cohorts have found success with Provimi, JPMorgan Chase, the National Celiac Foundation, Palantir, and more.

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About Wittenberg University

Wittenberg University was established by Rev. Ezra Keller in 1845 with the Hamma School of Divinity for the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Ohio. Named for the German town where Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses, Wittenberg became coeducational in 1874 and desegregated in 1875. Now endowed for $98.7 million, Wittenberg enrolls 1,900 Tigers as a private, nonprofit ECLA liberal arts college of the North Coast Conference. Near the Little Miami Scenic Trail, Wittenberg University occupies a 114-acre, tree-lined campus in Springfield, an All-America City Award winner. Known for its East Asian Institute for International Studies, Wittenberg engages in nearly 70 fields, including Data Science, with a 14:1 student-professor ratio. Linked to 15,197 LinkedIn alumni, Wittenberg University has produced noteworthy alumni like James Rebhorn, John McLaughlin, Sandra Postel, and Jennette Bradley.

The U.S. News & World Report ranked Wittenberg University as the 158th best national liberal arts college and 101st top high school counselor pick. On Niche, Wittenberg is America’s 46th best Christian school and 116th best small college with the 161st top faculty. Forbes declared Wittenberg the 233rd best private university and 127th best liberal arts school. The Social Mobility Index placed Wittenberg University 390th nationally. In Washington Monthly, Wittenberg stands out for the 60th highest Ph.D. completion rate and 78th most community service hours. PayScale recognized Wittenberg University for the 124th best median mid-career salary of $108,700. Home to seven Ohio Professors of the Year, Wittenberg was also honored for the 11th best student experience by The Princeton Review.

Wittenberg University Accreditation Details

At Level III, Wittenberg University had its regional accreditation reaffirmed for another 10 years in 2016 under president Michael L. Frandsen by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA). This institutional mark of excellence is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to extend Federal Title-IV eligibility to all 45 bachelor’s and three master’s programs. Wittenberg’s curriculum is also authorized by the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE).

Wittenberg University Application Requirements

Reaching Big Data goals at Wittenberg University will require passing the “selective” admission process that had a Fall 2016 acceptance rate of 78 percent. The B.A. in Data Science only considers first-year freshmen who’ve finished a college-prep curriculum, including four years of math, or the GED. Although tests are optional, admitted undergrads have an average GPA of 3.42, SAT score of 1160, and ACT score of 25. Transfers are accepted from regionally accredited colleges with grades of “C” or greater. Completing the Ohio Transfer Module for an A.A./A.S. degree guarantees 60 semester hours. Getting into the M.S. in Analytics mandates an accredited bachelor’s, preferably in STEM quantitative fields, with a 3.0 GPA. International students are accepted from 30+ countries with a minimum 550 TOEFL score or equivalent.

Wittenberg University has set deadlines of November 15th for Early Decision, December 1st for Early Action I, January 15th for Early Action II, and March 15th for Regular Action applicants. Transfers are reviewed until May 15th for Fall or December 15th for Spring. The School of Graduate & Professional Studies has rolling admission for the M.S. in Analytics. Hopeful Tigers can submit the Common Application or Wittenberg Application online and send any extra materials to 200 West Ward Street in Springfield, OH 45504. Data enthusiasts shouldn’t forget the following:

• $40 non-refundable application fee

• Official transcripts from every school

• Standardized test scores if desired

• Three professional reference letters

• Current résumé of work/education history

• Personal goal statement of 250+ words

• Exams of English proficiency if applicable

Wittenberg University Tuition and Financial Aid

Pursuing the B.A. in Data Science costs full-time Wittenberg undergraduates $19,340 per semester or $38,680 annually. Budgets should leave room for the $60 New Students Day fee, $300 student activity fee and $520 technology fee each year. Living on the Springfield campus will add $2,644 for housing and $2,534 for meal plans every semester. Total annual cost of attendance is roughly $52,056 for residents and $41,930 for commuters. Graduates are billed $1,090 per credit, which means the 30-credit M.S. in Analytics has a $32,700 price tag.

According to the NCES College Navigator, 96 percent of full-time Wittenberg Tigers share $43.39 million in yearly financial aid for average packages worth $24,268. Big Data gurus could earn institutional funds like the Broadwell Chinn Award, Honor Award, Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship, Martin Luther Scholar Award, Reverend H. Eldon Akerman Scholarship, Elizabeth Allison Scholarship, and more. The Yellow Ribbon Grant offers up to full tuition for military veterans and families. Filing the FAFSA form via code 003143 could open Federal Pell Grant and FSEOG Grant funding based on need. Students may borrow lower-interest Perkins, Direct Stafford, and Graduate PLUS loans. Federal Work-Study jobs pay at least $8.15/hour for campus employment up to 18 hours weekly. Wittenberg University also suggests the American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning tax credits of $2,500 and $2,000 respectively.

Learn more about Wittenberg University’s data science offerings at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science website.

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