Best Online Data Science Degrees

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Updated September 11, 2023

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Data Science Degree Online

A degree in data science and analytics incorporates math, statistics, and computer science, offering a springboard to many in-demand careers.

Data analysts provide valuable information for decision-makers in several industries. Data scientists help healthcare organizations analyze information about patient care. They also analyze financial information for firms making investment decisions and conduct research into consumer demand for new products.

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections, demand for data scientists will grow 31% from 2019-2029, making it one of the fastest-growing occupations. The field also reports an above-average median salary. Data science and analytics also offer a pandemic-proof career path, since most professionals can work remotely.

This article explores how to become a data analyst and ranks the best online bachelor's degrees in data science and analytics. It also covers common data science concentrations, data analyst certifications, and the earning potential for different data analyst careers. Prospective data analysts can find the best fit to reach their career goals by researching the top programs.

What Is an Online Bachelor's in Data Science and Analytics Degree?

A data science and analytics major trains students to collect data, analyze it using algorithms and statistical methods, and draw conclusions from large bodies of information. Some data scientists even write their own algorithms or create databases to organize big data.

During a data science degree, majors strengthen their mathematical and analytical skills. They also learn about data challenges in specific industries, such as healthcare, technology, and marketing. Data analytics majors also learn about the ethical challenges of collecting data and making policy recommendations.

An online bachelor's in data science and analytics allows enrollees to complete their coursework in a distance learning format. Some online programs incorporate an internship at a local site to help students gain practical experience and build a professional network.

Choosing and Online Program

The first step to becoming a data analyst is choosing the right educational program. When evaluating online degrees, prospective students should consider each school's accreditation status, graduation rate, and degree requirements. By researching online programs, applicants can find the best fit for their unique professional and personal needs. Learn more about how to choose an online degree at the links below.

Featured Online Data Science Degrees

The Best Online Data Science and Analytics Programs

#1 Best Online Data Science Degrees

Southern New Hampshire University

  • Manchester, NH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Learners seeking competitive online study should consider Southern New Hampshire University. Located in Manchester, the college supports distance learning across 35 remote bachelor's programs. The BS in data analytics is one of 35 programs providing a premier education.

Students in the data analytics program complete coursework pertinent to the field. Students complete general and advanced coursework, with the opportunity to modify the curriculum. Enrollees can also choose electives and pursue interdisciplinary studies to fit their career goals.

Undergraduate students can expect to pay $30,756 in tuition. Database management students can access scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities while enrolled.

Southern New Hampshire University at a Glance:

Online Enrollment: 106,762

Total Online Programs: 84

Online Bachelor's Programs: 35

Admission Rate: 88%

Transfer Credits Accepted: Accepted

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$30,756
Out-of-state
$30,756
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,810
Out-of-state
$18,810
Retention Rate
65%
Acceptance Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
113,514
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
94% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#2 Best Online Data Science Degrees

University of Massachusetts Global

  • Irvine, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Massachusetts Global, located in Irvine, California, facilitates online learning through 50 online degree programs. Undergraduate students can choose from 16 online bachelor's degree programs. Students looking for a data science-adjacent career can pursue study through the BS in information technology program at their own pace. The IT program offers flexible study options, where students can pursue full- or part-time enrollment while modifying classes as they see fit.

Throughout their coursework, students gain industry-relevant knowledge through general and advanced classes. The program curriculum prepares students for the demands of the data science field. Enrollees can work with their academic advisor to customize their degree, choose electives, and declare minors and concentrations.

A bachelor's degree often connects graduates with numerous job opportunities and a higher earning potential. According to the college, graduates earn a median salary of $48,300 six years after completing their degree. Prospective learners can explore funding options, eligibility requirements, and other opportunities by connecting with the Office of Financial Aid.

Brandman University at a Glance:

Online Enrollment: 9,772

Total Online Programs: 50

Online Bachelor's Programs: 16

Admission Rate: 89%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$12,000
Out-of-state
$12,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,880
Out-of-state
$11,880
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
89%
Students Enrolled
10,231
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
96% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#3 Best Online Data Science Degrees

Norwich University

  • Northfield, VT
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Students looking for a flexible bachelor's level education should consider Norwich University. The institution prides itself on its leadership in online learning, offering six online bachelor's degree programs. The online bachelor's degree in data analytics supports learners in their studies at a distance.

Enrollees benefit from a rigorous curriculum that enables flexible study. Learners seeking to modify their studies can work with their academic advisor. Students can choose electives that suit their career interests.

Undergraduate students pay approximately $39,234 in tuition. While at the college, enrollees can explore funding opportunities to apply toward their studies.

Norwich University at a Glance:

Online Enrollment: 1,746

Total Online Programs: 23

Online Bachelor's Programs: 6

Admission Rate: 75%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$39,234
Out-of-state
$39,234
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$17,904
Out-of-state
$17,904
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
75%
Students Enrolled
3,933
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
44% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education
Best Online Bachelor's in Data Science and Analytics badge

Online Data Science and Analytics Programs Ranking Guidelines

We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.

What to Expect From a Data Science and Analytics Degree

Data analytics majors often take classes in data structures, statistical modeling, and data science ethics. Students can also focus their studies by choosing a concentration, like bioinformatics, health data, or economics. By choosing a concentration, enrollees can prepare for more specialized careers after graduation.

Common Data Analytics Courses

Common Data Science and Analytics Concentrations

Biology/Bioinformatics

Undergrads studying biology and bioinformatics learn to how apply data analytics to science topics like genomics, pharmacology, and neuroscience. Majors learn how to organize biological data and apply relevant models to analyze the data. Graduates can pursue opportunities in pharmaceuticals or biotechnology.

Health Data

The healthcare field increasingly relies on data science to make decisions regarding patient care and resource allocation. A health data concentration emphasizes healthcare and public health issues, including statistical modeling in the biomedical field. The concentration also often covers the use of data analysis in health insurance.

Economics

Data analysts interested in financial and economic data usually pursue economics concentrations. Students in these programs learn about microeconomics, consumer behavior, and macroeconomics. The coursework explores common economic theories and the role of data analysis in economic policy-making.

Sociology

Data scientists often work with social data, particularly when working for social media or marketing companies. A sociology concentration trains data analytics majors to consider data in a social context, including the related ethical issues. The concentration also helps undergrads consider the ethics of data sourcing methods and how to reliably build statistical models from sample populations.

Mathematics

A mathematics concentration incorporates additional courses in calculus, statistics, and number theory. Undergrads may also explore algorithm theory and applied mathematics. A background in mathematics can help data analysts pursue opportunities as statisticians or data scientists. It also helps graduates applying to master's programs in data science.

What Does a Data Analyst Do?

Demand for data analysts remains high, but what does a data analyst do? Data analysts collect and organize data to help organizations understand their impact and make informed decisions. Some specialize in big data, amassing large amounts of information to identify patterns. Others work in healthcare analytics, market research, or financial analytics.

The typical tasks of a data analyst include compiling data, evaluating algorithms and statistical methods, and drawing conclusions from their data analysis. They often create reports to help decision-makers understand the impact of their choices. Data analysts need strong analytical and software skills, often relying on analytics software to complete their work.

Where Do Data Analysts Work?

Data analysts work in many different industries. Financial institutes, including equity firms and investment banks, rely on data analysts to crunch the numbers on investments. Marketing firms hire data analysts to identify consumer needs and develop pricing strategies. They also work in the healthcare industry, helping hospitals improve patient outcomes through analytics.

Tech may be the industry most linked with data science and analytics. These companies rely on big data specialists to develop machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence programs. Government organizations also use data scientists to help with things like building transportation infrastructure.

With so many industries looking for data scientists and analysts, a data analyst degree offers a lot of career flexibility.

Skills

Data scientists and analysts rely on their analytical abilities to apply algorithms and find patterns in data. They also need technical skills in data mining, using analytics software, and synthesizing information to draw a conclusion. During data analytics courses, students strengthen these technical abilities. A data science degree also trains majors in organizational and presentation skills.

Data analysts can build specialized career skills through courses in finance, market research, machine learning, and business administration. Combining the analytical tools of a data analyst with more specialized training prepares graduates for more focused career paths.

Data Science and Analytics Careers

A data analyst degree can prepare graduates for varied career paths. For example, graduates can work as data analysts, financial analysts, or operations research analysts. With classes in business and marketing, they can also pursue careers as management analysts or market research analysts. The degree also leads to opportunities in tech as database architects or database administrators.

Career Annual Mean Wage
Database Administrators and Architects $96,110
Statisticians $95,680
Management Analysts $95,560
Operations Research Analysts $90,600
Market Research Analyst $71,570
Source: BLS

How to Become a Data Analyst

A data analyst typically needs a bachelor's degree in data science, business analytics, computer science, or a related field. During a bachelor's program, data analysts take classes in statistics, mathematics, and data analytics. Students interested in specialized fields like financial analysis or healthcare analysis should consider concentrations or electives in those areas.

Some career paths, like information research scientist, may require a master's degree. Earning a professional certification can also help data analysts advance their careers.

Certification

Professional certifications can help data analysts can demonstrate expertise and stand out in the job market. Several organizations offer certifications in this field: For example, the Data Science Council of America offers certifications for data scientists and big data analysts. The certified analytics professional (CAP) credential also recognizes experienced data scientists.

Typically, a candidate must meet education requirements and pass an exam to earn a professional certification. For instance, applicants for the CAP credential must pass a certification examination. Professional certifications generally remain valid for 3-5 years.

Common Questions About Data Analytics Degrees

Is a Degree in Data Analytics Worth It?

A degree in data analytics prepares graduates for in-demand careers as data analysts, financial analysts, operations research analysts, and data scientists, making the degree a strong investment. It is especially well-suited to students with strong skills in mathematics.

Is Data Analytics a Good Career?

With encouraging projected job growth and above-average salaries, data analytics is an in-demand career. Data analysts can also become information research scientists by earning master's degrees.

Is Being a Data Analyst Stressful?

Data analysts spend much of their time crunching numbers, working with data, and perfecting algorithms. For many data analysts, the career path is not high stress. However, some may encounter anxiety related to the ethical implications of social data analysis.

Are Data Scientists in Demand?

Data scientists benefit from faster-than-average job growth projections, which indicate that data scientists are expected to remain in high demand between 2019-2029.

What Does a Data Analyst Degree Qualify Me to Do?

With a degree in data science and analytics, graduates work as data analysts, financial analysts, and data scientists. They can also pursue opportunities as statisticians, market research analysts, and operations research analysts.

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