Aug. 20, 2025
Next Start Date
10
Courses Required
30
Total Credit Hours
Online Courses, Virtual Residency
Learning Formats
The Master of Science in Business Data Analytics offered by the John Chambers College of Business and Economics is located at the intersection of prescriptive analytics and data science for business. Prescriptive analytics uses techniques from operations research, operations management and global supply chain to help businesses achieve better decisions. Data science for business entails the use of data management technologies, data mining, machine learning and visualization techniques to help organizations better use the large-scale data they collect to optimize business outcomes. You will be qualified to answer the industry’s demand for a skilled pool of graduates who can apply data science to solve business challenges.
Invest in Your Future
The Business Data Analytics (BUDA) program at the John Chambers College of
Business and Economics is located at the intersection of prescriptive analytics
and data science for business. Prescriptive analytics uses techniques from
operations research, operations management, and global supply chain to help
businesses achieve better outcomes. Data science for business entails the
use of data management technologies, data mining, machine learning, and visualization
techniques to help organizations better use the large-scale data they collect
to optimize business outcomes. Additionally, the curriculum lends itself
to large-scale data set analysis for problems such as sports management,
healthcare research, or the investigation of solutions for societal issues.
Students will have the knowledge and skills to demonstrate expertise in:
You will apply data analytics to decision-making in organizations, improving performance metrics and measurement, risk indicators, assessment, and response and compliance.
BUDA graduate students will use business analytics to:
All BUDA students work on experiential learning projects with companies and clients and present their results in their capstone project.
The mission of our program is to enhance a student’s ability to use analytics and data science techniques to support informed business decisions and increase organizational value.
The program offers full-time and part-time plans of study that are typically completed in 3-5 semesters. Our graduate advisors are here to help guide you through the graduate school experience and will be the ones you turn to for questions about your plan of study, course registration, or any other assistance you need.
Attend a Virtual Information Session
Thank you for your interest in the Business Data Analytics M.S. program at West Virginia University! Attend a Virtual Information Session and learn more about the Business Data Analytics M.S. program.
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!
Successful completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must be admitted to WVU as a graduate student.
The above-mentioned items are required for admission review. Additional documents may be requested after initial evaluation of a student’s admission application.
"Not once did I feel alone, isolated, or like I could not ask for help. If anything, I felt even more connected."
"I looked at several schools that offered data analytic postgraduate programs, but WVU’s BUDA program had the right balance of technical and business curriculum, as well as a very competitive cost structure, that I felt made it the best option on the market."
His cohort was placed in groups at orientation and they remained in those groups for the majority of the program.
"From the very beginning of our curriculum, I was able to connect with my classmates on their careers, aspirations after BUDA, and understanding of how they solved problems that our course materials presented."
He encourages other students to take online classes, specifically those that are offered in an asynchronous learning environment, because this provides a different challenge than in-person instruction, or synchronous learning (logging into a lecture every week at the same time).
"The student has to understand the proper application of what is learned. It is the application of what is learned that makes the real difference in the workplace and learning those skills via online coursework is the best way to do it."
"I’ve worked with businesses of all sizes and locations, from multi-nationals to local start-ups, and there is a common thread,” he says. “To me, using analytics, data science, statistics, machine learning—and all the tools from the field—is helping people solve problems."
He describes Business Data Analytics as a field for problem solvers, but also as a diverse field where there are many ways to be successful.
"Our students don’t just come from technical backgrounds. Some of our students with backgrounds in English and sociology have had amazing success."
All his classes have a technology component because it’s important for students to get hands-on, practical training. In this field, they must understand and be able to get results with the standard technology that the industry is using.
"My students use technology in their everyday lives and our program is all about using the technology, but it’s also about understanding why you use it and what flaws it has so that you really provide value and insight."
Brad says he is a very hands-on and student centric.
"I’m a believer in that when a student chooses to join our program, that’s a sign of faith in our ability to help them achieve their goals. It is my job to help them get there."
Financial aid is available. Students are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to determine their eligibility for federal and state funds as well as scholarships. WVU’s FAFSA Code is 003827.
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.
M.S. Business Data Analytics graduates will understand emerging technology trends in the job market and be well-positioned, by way of their strong technology and analytical and quantitative skills, for career and lifelong success. Data analytics is a rapidly emerging segment in business and industry, and all indications are that it represents one of the fastest growing job markets and has a sustainable future. This program seeks to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and tools to successfully compete for a variety of positions in the emerging job market.
The educational goals and objectives of the M.S. in Business Data Analytics are as follows:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the employment of data scientists is projected to grow 36% from 2021-2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
| Course | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BUDA 510 | Foundations of Business Intelligence | 3 |
| BUDA 515 | Big Data Technologies for Business | 3 |
| BUDA 520 | Data Management | 3 |
| BUDA 525 | Business Statistical Methods 1 | 3 |
| BUDA 530 | Business Statistical Methods 2 | 3 |
| BUDA 535 | Business Data Mining | 3 |
| BUDA 540 | Decision Sciences and Analytics | 3 |
| BUDA 545 | Business Simulation Modeling | 3 |
| BUDA 550 | Business Data Visualization | 3 |
| BUDA 555 | Business Analytics Practicum | 3 |
Total Hours: 30
According to Indeed.com, some of the careers this degree will prepare you for include: operations and market research, financial analyst, consultant, programmer, computer systems analyst, business analyst, statistician, data scientist, data architect, and quantitative analyst.
The M.S. program is designed for working professionals with one- and two-year plans of study, and many find they can apply the concepts learned to their work before graduation.
The program is AACSB accredited, which includes rigorous reviews of a schools mission, faculty qualifications, curricula, and ability to provide the highest-quality programs.
Some employed individuals find it challenging to pursue a master's degree through a traditional on-campus program due to the time required. Commuting back and forth to attend hour-long lectures on campus during the week can complicate the already demanding juggling act of work and family responsibilities.
If you can relate to this situation, exploring the possibility of obtaining an online graduate degree could be a viable alternative. However, it's important to note that not all online degrees are created equal. Conduct thorough research on the requirements of an online degree and assess how much flexibility you require in terms of lectures, readings, and coursework.