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.

Young man working at home.

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.

Kelly Legg, Personal Online Admissions Coach

Kelly is here to help.

Kelly Legg, Your Personal Online Admissions Coach

As a graduate of the WVU with a degree in business administration, Kelly understands your needs and is here to support and simplify the enrollment process for you. You can have open and honest discussions with her about how your passion in life can become your career. Contact Kelly today!

Learn More About Kelly Request Information

Contact

Email: Kelly.Legg@mail.wvu.edu
Phone: (304) 293-0112
Virtual Session: Schedule a virtual session with me

Business Operations Research Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements

Create a username and password.
Once an account has been created, applicants can edit the application at their discretion. Please complete all questions asked.
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.
Request 1 letter of recommendation through the online portal. Individual letters should not exceed one page: We recommend that your reference provide some information that is not found in the other materials being submitted.
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.
Pay application fee.
Submit application.
Applicants will then need to send their transcripts to WVU's Office of Admissions. If the applicant's undergraduate school offers "e-script" (an official electronic copy of transcripts), email the transcripts to GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu. This will help expedite the admissions process. If they do not offer this service, please have your official transcripts mailed to:
WVU Hub
P.O. Box 6004
Morgantown, WV 26506
For applicants submitting GMAT/GRE scores, the program GMAT code is C2S-6D-25 or 5904 for GRE.
International Students are required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score. The WVU John Chambers School of Business and Economics TOEFL requirement is higher than the University’s - applicants must have a TOEFL score of either 580 (paper prior to July 27) or 68 (paper after July 27), 237 (computer), or 92 (Internet-based). If you have taken the IELTS instead of the TOEFL, the minimum score must be 6.5. English language exam scores should be sent to
WVU Hub
62 Morrill Way - Suite 220
Morgantown, WV 26506

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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.