Business Operations Research 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

Apply Analytical Methods To Decision-Making

The Business Operations Research Graduate Certificate, offered by the John Chambers College of Business and Economics, will help you learn to apply analytical methods to support robust decision-making. Decision-makers fluent in statistical analysis, modeling, and simulation have the tools to quantitatively evaluate and identify the best outcomes of challenges faced. If you find you’re always analyzing a situation to find the best option, operations research might be for you. Our online flexibility encourages students to simultaneously learn valuable business analysis skills, apply concepts in a real-world setting and experience improved results in an accelerated learning cycle.

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Overview

The Business Operations Research Graduate Certificate requires 12 credits of coursework taken over the span of one academic year.

The coursework focuses on the rigorous evaluation of different scenarios to help firms find the optimal scenario to pursue.

Learning Outcomes

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

Establish and maintain robust data collection and warehousing infrastructure.
Perform predictive analytics techniques using statistical software and communicate their results.
Conduct data simulation experiments of business scenarios and make inferences based on the results.

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Ann Clayton, Your Personal Online Admissions Coach

"I am a graduate of Michigan State University, with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. I have worked in an advising setting for over 15 years and am here to help answer any questions you may have about the enrollment process in our online programs. Our online programs are designed to allow everyone the opportunity to earn a degree, while balancing school, family and life, and I am happy to help you as you go through that journey."

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Contact

Email: Ann.Clayton@mail.wvu.edu
Phone: (304) 293-0915
Virtual Session: Schedule a virtual session with me

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 Operations Research

The growth in demand for operations research analysis is expected to persist as technology advances and organizations, including government agencies, pursue efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, there should be a rising need for professionals in the analytics field to enhance business planning and decision-making processes.

Career outlook for graduates with a certificate in Business Operations Research

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics employment of operations research analysts is projected to grow 23% from 2021-2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.

What are the benefits to earning a certificate in Business Operations Research?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Operations research analysts may be involved in many aspects of an organization. For example, they may help managers decide how to allocate resources, develop production schedules, oversee the supply chain, and set prices.

Certificate Code - CG47

The Certificate in Business Operations Research requires 12 credit hours, the coursework focuses on the rigorous evaluation of different scenarios to hep firms find the optimal scenario to pursue.

Course	Title	Credit Hours
BUDA 520	Data Management	3
BUDA 525	Business Statistical Methods 1	3
BUDA 540	Decision Sciences and Analytics	3
BUDA 545	Business Simulation Modeling	3

Total hours: 12

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of jobs will this certificate prepare me for?

Students who graduate from WVU Online with the Business Operations Research Graduate Certificate 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.

Management Analyst | Projected Growth: 10-15% *Bright Outlook
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%

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).

Will I need to pursue an advanced degree?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, operations research analysts typically need at least a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Some employers require or prefer that applicants have a master’s degree. Analysts may need a degree in operations research or a related field, such as applied mathematics.