Wharton Research Data Services (WRDS) is only accessible to MSU faculty and graduate students.*
You must request an account to use it. Register for an account here: http://wrds-web.wharton.upenn.edu/wrds/?register=1.
Once you have an account, you may access WRDS from any computer here: http://wrds-web.wharton.upenn.edu/wrds/.
*There is a research assistant option that must have a supporting faculty member. Faculty may also create access for a class.
Wharton Research Data Services (WRDS) is a database interface that allows user to manipulate datasets to do research. The available datasets are heavy on finance.
WRDS may be accessed either through a web interface, a UNIX session via a Secure Shell (“SSH”) program, or using PC/SAS. More information: http://wrds-web.wharton.upenn.edu//wrds/support/Additional%20Support/WRDS%20Knowledge%20Base%20with%20FAQs.cfm?article_id=2542&folder_id=744. (Must log in to view.)
Web Interface
This is the most common and easiest way to access via http://wrds-web.wharton.upenn.edu/wrds/. It contains documentation and description of the datasets. There are also forms that will walk users through their queries. There are also ways to get help.
Unix & SSH
This is for more advanced users. Users should make an SSH connection to wrds.wharton.upenn.edu using their WRDS username and password. The help on the WRDS web site will have information on how to set it up. More information: http://wrds-web.wharton.upenn.edu/wrds/support/Accessing%20and%20Manipulating%20the%20Data/_002Unix%20Access/Remote%20Access%20to%20WRDS%20using%20SSH.cfm. (Must log in to view.)
PC-SAS
This is for more advanced users. More information: http://wrds-web.wharton.upenn.edu/wrds/support/Accessing%20and%20Manipulating%20the%20Data/_005SAS%20Programming/Getting%20Started%20With%20SAS.cfm. (Must log in to view.)
