Business Data Analysis Graduate Certificate

Aug. 20, 2025

Next Start Date

Courses Required

$1,004

Cost Per Credit Hour

Reflects current academic year's tuition.
Military Discount Available

Total Credit Hours

Online Courses

Learning Format

Extract Insights and Knowledge from Data

The Business Data Analysis graduate certificate, offered by the John Chambers College of Business and Economics, is intended to prepare you to extract insights and knowledge from data. As the intensity of demand grows for professionals with business data analytics skills, so does the need for a variety of programs capturing the breadth and depth of the discipline. The courses in this certificate are focused on advanced analytical methods and visualizations to help students make the most of their data and communicate their findings elegantly. Equipped with this certificate, you need never worry about a presentation to the Board.

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Overview

The Business Data Analysis Graduate Certificate requires 12 credits of coursework taken over the span of an academic year.

The coursework is intended to prepare students to extract insights and knowledge from data. The courses in this certificate are focused on advanced analytical methods and visualizations to help students make the most of their data and communicate their findings.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this certificate, students will be able to:

Perform advanced predictive analytics techniques using statistical software and communicate their results.
Deploy machine learning for mining big data.
Communicate data inferences visually using data visualization software packages.

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Admission Requirements

Successful Completion of an bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Complete the following steps to apply:

Complete the WVU Online Graduate Application
Upload an up-to-date resume. Your resume should include enough information for the admissions committee to trace your entire professional work history and should indicate any relevant affiliations.
Create a Statement of Purpose (not to exceed one page). Your statement of purpose should be a short, one-page essay which describes your interest in the program, why you wish to pursue the program at WVU, how the program will help you reach your career goals, and any additional information which may be necessary to understanding your candidacy.
Request 1 letter of recommendation through the online portal. Individual letters should not exceed one page. We recommend that your reference provides some information that is not found in the other materials being submitted. Topics regarding your ability to work with others, your discipline and ambition, leadership potential, etc. should be addressed. Your reference letter should cover aptitudes necessary for your success in the program to which you are applying.
Applicants will need to submit college transcripts; an unofficial copy may be uploaded with your application. Upon acceptance, an official transcript must be submitted to finalize acceptance. If your school offers “e-script” (an official electronic copy of transcripts), email your official transcripts electronically to: GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu. Or by mail to: WVU Hub, P.O. Box 6004, Morgantown, WV 26506.
International applicants should submit electronic transcripts to: InternationalAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu. For those using express mail, use the address WVU Hub, 62 Morrill Way - Suite 220, Morgantown, WV 26506.
International Students are required to submit a TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score.

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Students enrolled in certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid. Visit Student Financial Support & Services for additional information.

The tuition rate per credit hour listed above is for the 2024-2025 academic year. Tuition and fees increase beginning in the fall term of each academic year.

Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies and living expenses. Please see the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage for how to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

The future for graduates with a certificate in Business Data Analytics

The future of business data analytics looks very promising, as there is a growing trend towards data-driven decision-making in business. Companies are realizing the importance of leveraging their data to gain insights and make informed decisions, and are investing heavily in analytics tools and talent to help them do so.

Career outlook for graduates with a certificate in Business Data Analysis

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of analyst is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. Operations research analysts are expected to grow 23% from 2021-2031, market analysts are expected to grow 19%, and management analysts are expected to grow 11% during the same time period.

What are the benefits to earning a certificate in Business Data Analysis?

Upon completion of this certificate, students will be able to:

Perform advanced predictive analytics techniques using statistical software and communicate their results.
Deploy machine learning for mining big data.
Communicate data inferences visually using data visualization software packages.

Certificate Code - CG44

The Certificate in Business Data Analysis requires 12 credit hours, the coursework is intended to prepare students to extracts insights and knowledge from data. The courses in this certificate are focused on advanced analytical methods and visualizations to help students make the most of their data and communicate their findings.

Course	Title	Credit Hours
BUDA 525	Business Statistical Methods 1	3
BUDA 530	Business Statistical Methods 2	3
BUDA 535	Business Data Mining	3
BUDA 550	Business Data Visualization	3

Total hours: 12

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some trends that are likely to impact business data analytics?

Some trends that are likely to shape the future include:

Artificial intelligence and machine-learning
Cloud-based analytics, eliminating the need for expensive on-site storage
Real-time analytics – allowing for quicker response to market changes
Data visualization – presenting data in clear, concise, and visually appealing ways

Do I need to be great in math to earn this certificate?

To succeed in data analytics, a strong math background is recommended. Math that you will use daily include linear algebra, probability, and statistics.

What is data?

Data comes in various forms such as text, observations, figures, images, numbers, graphs, or symbols. Examples of data may comprise individual prices, weights, addresses, ages, names, temperatures, dates, or distances. However, data in its raw form does not hold any significance or purpose as it is simply a raw form of knowledge.

What are some career paths for students with this certificate?

Students who graduate from WVU Online with the Graduate Certificate in Business Data Analysis – Data Analysis degree may be prepared for the following careers. These are only a few examples of some of the many opportunities that will be open to you with this degree. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for some positions.

Business Intelligence Analyst Projected Growth: 15% or higher *Bright Outlook
Data Scientist Projected Growth: 15% or higher *Bright Outlook
Database Architect Projected Growth: 5-10%
Management Analyst Projected Growth: 10-15% *Bright Outlook

Information about careers on this list comes from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).