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Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

Data Science, BS

Data is being collected constantly, whether we realize it or not. “Big data” is more than numbers – it’s images, tweets, locations. New industries like digital humanities and computational social sciences are appearing at the intersection of traditional fields of quantitative study, and this major is training students to understand and support these emerging needs.

Data science is an interdisciplinary field with roots in applied mathematics, statistics and computer science. With increasing employment demands across many STEM, health, social sciences and humanities fields, we seek to meet this need with the Bachelor of Science in Data Science.

Your Degree Plan The WVU Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Aerial view of Martin and Woodburn Halls

As a Data Science major, you will develop quantitative and computational skills to solve real-world problems. Customize the degree to fit your interests by choosing a focus area to create a degree with practical applications.

A key component to the Data Science major is the 12-hour focus area. Working with your academic adviser, you will take classes in a discipline related to your interests and career goals. You can choose from a variety of areas, such as the social sciences, humanities and sciences. Examples include astronomy, biology, criminology, geography, geology, GIS, physics, public health, psychology and sociology.

If you're interested in further specialization in statistics, math and/or computer science, you can add minors in those areas as well.

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations for first- and second-year students and Honors EXCEL for third- and fourth-year students.

    Explore Honors

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • Data Science majors are some of the only undergraduate students with access to WVU's High Performance Computing facilities.
  • WVU’s Data Science major is the first to be offered at a Research 1 (R1) institution in West Virginia.
  • Customize the major by selecting a focus area that reflects your career interests.
  • Earn academic credit through Eberly internship courses.
  • 500+ scholarships awarded annually by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
  • Academic Enrichment Program offers funding for activities that complement, extend and enhance your academic experience.
Scholarships

Over 92% of WVU freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

Learn more

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

Data science students will have opportunities for undergraduate research and faculty mentorship at an R1 university. The program participates in WVU’s Research Apprentice Program and Summer Undergraduate Research Experience.

Students majoring in data science can also apply for the Eberly College’s Academic Enrichment Fund to help finance internships, study abroad and research.

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the student organizations you can join.

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $108,020

Possible job titles include: .

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Statisticians

Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as bio-statistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $104,110

Possible job titles include: Senior Statistician, Statistical Analyst, Statistician, Trend Investigator.

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Clinical Data Managers

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $108,020

Possible job titles include: Clinical Data Management Director (CDM Director), Clinical Data Manager, Clinical Data Management Manager (CDM Manager).

Explore Career

Where Graduates are Working

  • Big tech
  • Healthcare
  • Business
  • Government

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to WVU's Data Science major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Tuition and Aid

How much does Data Science at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

View Tuition and Fees

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

Visit the Net Price Calculator

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Data Science major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

How to Complete the FAFSA

Ohio Tuition Reciprocity

As the result of a special agreement, students from Ohio who are fully admitted to Data Science can enroll at WVU and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.

Learn More

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the WVU family.

Request Info

Want to know more about Data Science at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

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Visit

​​Experiencing campus is the best way to see if WVU is the right fit. Choose from in-person and virtual options.

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Apply

Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission using our convenient online application.

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