The best online data science bachelor’s degrees give you an opportunity to earn a degree without being physically present in the classroom. Online degrees have become more popular in recent times and higher institutions are quickly adapting to using this learning method.
If you want to become a data scientist or a data analyst, you can get your degree online. There are full-time, part-time, and self-paced online data science bachelor’s degrees. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about online bachelor’s degrees in data science to help you get started and the data science bachelor’s degree jobs available post graduation.
Where Can I Get a Data Science Bachelor’s Degree Online?
Some of the best schools to get a data science bachelor’s degree online include Arizona State University, Southern New Hampshire University, and University of Maryland global campus. If you are wondering where to get a bachelor’s degree online in data science, see the lists below.
What Schools Offer the Best Data Science Bachelor’s Degrees?
- Arizona State University
- Baker College
- Southern New Hampshire University
- University of Maryland Global Campus
- Regent University
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Data Science Bachelor’s Degree?
The admission requirements for a bachelor’s in data science online include a GED or a high school diploma. Others may also require a satisfactory SAT score and a minimum GPA for application. Online bachelor’s degree in data science requirements often vary from institution to institution.
Some less common requirements include written essays, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. Some schools have different requirements for serving members of the US military. Other institutions may require evidence of community service, leadership experience, and extracurricular activities.
Online Data Science Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- SAT scores
- 2.5 GPA
- Letter of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
How to Get a Data Science Bachelor’s Degree Online
You can get an online data science bachelor’s degree by meeting the requirements for whichever school you choose. It is best to meet a large majority of the requirements, such as accurately filling out the application, having a high school diploma or GED, and a satisfactory GPA from your high school or GED program.
If you are wondering how to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science online, you can read below for more information on the application process and requirements. The easiest way to get an online data science bachelor’s degree is to choose a program that fits your schedule and interests you.
Data Science Degree Requirements
- 120 credits total
- Capstone project
- Core courses
- 2.0 Cumulative grade point average
- General courses
Best Online Data Science Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Bachelor of Science in Data Science | Higher Learning Commission |
| Baker College | Bachelor of Science in Data Science | Higher Learning Commission |
| Norwich University | Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Regent University | Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Bachelor of Science In Data Analytics | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| University of Maine at Augusta | Bachelor of Science in Data Science | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Bachelor of Science in Data Science | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| University of Massachusetts Global | Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Data Science | WASC Senior College and University Commission |
| Webster University | Bachelor of Science In Data Analytics | Higher Learning Commission |
| Western Governors University | Bachelor of Science Data Management and Data Analytics | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
Best Schools for Data Science: Top Online Data Science Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The best online school for a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science will provide you with the skills you need to land a job after graduation. Not everyone can afford the full-time commitment of in-person programs due to tight scheduling and personal commitments.
There are alternatives to in-person learning, one of them being online bachelor’s degrees. Browse the list below to pick your top school for an online data science bachelor’s degree.
What Is an Online Data Science Bachelor’s Degree?
An online data science bachelor’s degree is an educational program that introduces individuals to the high growth, big data, and digital information field. It is an interdisciplinary program in most schools and is often customizable to meet your preferences. Since this program is online, it gives students the opportunity to attend at their own pace.
Despite being remote, online data science bachelor’s degree students still enjoy one-on-one support while gaining hands-on experience. They work on projects that allow them to practice what they have learned during the program. Getting a data science bachelor’s degree online is a popular method of entering the tech field.
Online vs In-Person Data Science Degrees
The main difference between getting a bachelor’s in data science online vs on campus is the format of the instruction. Online data science degrees are 100% remote or hybrid where students can choose to attend physical classes during the semester. Generally, the classes take place online and group assignments, personal assignments, and examinations take place online.
In-person data science degrees are traditional programs in the classroom. Students are required to be physically present during the program. Exams are taken in person and group work is done physically. Deciding between an online vs in-person bachelor’s in data science can be tricky, but ultimately either will prepare you for a successful career.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science
- Flexibility. An online bachelor’s degree in data science offers students flexibility and convenience. They can choose when to attend classes and schedule their time according to their preferences.
- Networking opportunities. In most cases, remote learning makes it possible for professionals around the world to teach and learn together. This gives you a chance to meet new professionals from different parts of the globe.
- Lower costs. One of the most common benefits of online bachelor’s degrees in data science is the reduced costs it comes with. You do not need to spend money on rent, accommodation, parking, or even transportation. This reduces your expenses greatly.
- Self-discipline. Learning remotely requires a lot of self-discipline and determination. When you enroll in an online data science degree, you will build your self-discipline and be a better employee or employer in the future.
- Convenience. Online learning is convenient. You can learn from the comfort of your home without needing to quit your job to support your schooling.
Top 5 Benefits of an In-Person Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science
- Sociability. Traditional in-person classes help you to be more sociable. As much as learning online is convenient, it reduces the chances of having in-person social interactions or making new friends.
- Extracurricular activities. Many people attend universities in-person to take part in extracurricular activities. Online learning makes this difficult to engage in extracurriculars, and impossible if you’re out of state.
- Fewer distractions. Learning from the comfort of your home may be distracting compared to learning in a controlled environment. In-person classes offer fewer distractions.
- More interaction. In-person classes allow students to interact better with one another. They can easily share ideas in real time and learn from each other.
- Build collaboration skills. When students learn in a traditional setting, they develop skills such as communication and collaboration that are essential to their career growth in the future.
What Types of Online Bachelor’s Degrees Can You Get in Data Science?
You can get the following types of bachelor’s degrees for data science:
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Science
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science
Both degrees are valid and will make for an excellent resume postgrad. You can get either of the two types of online bachelor’s degrees in data science completely remotely.
Is It Better to Get a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Data Science?
It is better to get an online Bachelor of Science degree in data science if you want to work as a data scientist. A Bachelor of Science focuses on math and science while a Bachelor of Arts emphasizes arts and humanities. If you want to get a broader scope of education to study different subjects, then a Bachelor of Arts in Data Science degree will be ideal for you.
However, if you want to focus on technical skills and science labs, a Bachelor of Science in Data Science degree is a better option. A Bachelor of Science degree is often preferred for a discipline like data science because it focuses on a lot of technical subjects. You will gain a more comprehensive and in-depth education than if you simply complete an online computer course.
How Much Does a Data Science Bachelor’s Degree Cost?
Online bachelor’s degree programs in data science cost $9,212 at a public institution, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Private schools are costlier at $31,785 per year for four-year degrees. You can sometimes lower your online bachelor’s degree in data science cost of tuition by applying for scholarships and financial aid.
Some factors that affect the average annual tuition of data science bachelor’s degrees are the type of institution, program format, and residency of the student. Students living outside the location of the university may pay higher and remote students may pay less.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Data Science Bachelor’s Degree Online?
It takes around four years to get a data science bachelor’s degree online. In most cases, students are required to complete 120 credits within eight semesters by taking 15 credits each semester.
However, some programs may be slightly longer due to the format students choose. Self-paced programs often take longer than 4 years. It allows students to take 12 credits per semester as opposed to 15.
Are Online Data Science Degrees Respected?
Yes, online data science degrees are respected around the globe. According to the NCES, there were 7,313,623 students in online programs in 2019. This shows that the learning method is quickly becoming commonplace and normalized. Online data science degrees are also accredited to give learners a chance to transfer their credits when necessary.
Is Data Science Hard to Learn Online?
No, data science is not hard to learn online. Most online data science bachelor’s degree programs are optimized for remote learning. Students still get one-on-one support with instructors and counselors, and work on hands-on projects and group projects. This gives you the chance to learn better without obstacles.
Data Science Bootcamp vs Online Data Science Bachelor’s Degree: Which Is Better?
An online data science bachelor’s degree is better because it will look better on your resume and provide a more comprehensive education. A bootcamp and a bachelor’s degree both have their benefits. To decide which is right for you, you should weigh the pros and cons of each. The list below shows you the benefits of each and will help to guide you when making a decision.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Data Science Bachelor’s Degree
- Education requirements. A bachelor’s degree is often the minimum education requirement for entry-level roles in the data science field. They are ideal for students with little or no advanced knowledge and professional experience. A bachelor’s degree is accessible to anyone with a high school diploma or equivalency.
- In-depth knowledge. Universities offer a wide range of knowledge in a specific field. They provide in-depth, relevant, and research-based information to their students, and curricula are updated every few years to meet the needs of the industry.
- Opportunity to specialize. College allows undergraduate students to explore and choose their area of specialty in their chosen field of study.
- Opportunity to build a professional network. With the diversity of students, professionals, clubs, and organizations that you can find in colleges, it is easy to begin building a professional network while still in school.
- Increased earning potential. The earning potential of college graduates is much higher than those without an undergraduate degree, as degrees are highly valued by employers.
Top 5 Benefits of a Data Science Bootcamp
- Length of program. The most popular benefit of a bootcamp is the length of its programs. The best data science bootcamps typically take between three to nine months to complete.
- Cost. The cost of a coding bootcamp is significantly less expensive than a four-year college degree program.
- Approach to learning. Bootcamps give their students hands-on experience and intensive training. The programs are designed to provide students with a real-world experience while they study.
- Career services. The majority of bootcamps offer career services to their students to help them become job-ready soon after graduation.
- Curriculum. The curriculum of coding bootcamps is designed to provide in-depth learning on a specific topic. They teach students the skills in high demand in the labor market.
Why You Should Get a Data Science Bachelor’s Degree Online
You should get a data science bachelor’s degree online if you are a recently graduated high school student, someone who took a hiatus from school, or a working professional. No matter who you are or where you are in life, getting a data science bachelor’s degree offers you the flexibility to attend classes when it’s convenient for you. With a stable Internet connection, you can join classes from wherever you find yourself.
One of the major benefits of gaining a data science bachelor’s degree online is that it allows students to customize their programs to accommodate other disciplines. You can choose to focus on business analytics or data analytics and apply your skills to the relevant industry.
What Courses Do You Take in an Online Bachelor’s Degree Program in Data Science?
Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science courses often cover several disciplines, since data science is an interdisciplinary program. However, there are some core courses in computer science and data science that every student in the field must take. We detailed some of the best online bachelor’s in data science classes below.
Introduction to Data Science
This introductory course offers students a solid foundation of data science in practice and in theory. Some of the topics covered in this program include statistical techniques, data analysis, testing hypotheses, running data analysis code, and setting up experiments.
Foundations of Data Management
This is also an introductory course that covers the basics of data management. During this course, students learn about data manipulation and master structured query language (SQL) to process data. The data management course also focuses on data security and other important concepts.
Data Visualization
The data visualization course covers principles of data science such as data visualization, color theory, design principles, and human perception to teach students to present the data they have analyzed.
Machine Learning
The machine learning course is quite common in many online data science degree programs. It teaches students to use machine learning to analyze data. The course covers data extraction, representation, and machine learning algorithms.
Data Systems Administration
This course focuses on database administration and its importance for businesses. Some of the topics in this course include account administration, database management tools, and recovery procedures for databases.
Continuing Education Paths for Online Data Science Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
After getting an online data science bachelor’s degree, you can continue your education by getting a master’s degree. An undergraduate vs graduate degree provides a significant knowledge-boost to students, providing them with a mastery in their chosen subject. For example, a Master of Science in Data Science builds on the knowledge you already had and increases your chances of securing a higher-paying job.
Related Online Data Science Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Data Science Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The best data science bachelor’s degree programs cover all the hard and soft skills you will need to get hired after graduation. The things to look for in the best data science bachelor’s degree program include cost, accreditation, flexibility, student-faculty ratio, and employment outcomes. Below is a breakdown of each of these criteria so you will know what to look for in an online data science degree.
Cost
Cost and financial aid are important factors to consider before choosing a data science bachelor’s degree program. Some schools have different tuition for in-state and out-of-state students. If the cost is too high, it may defeat the purpose of attending school online. Be sure to check the costs for both residents and nonresidents of the state.
Accreditation
Accreditation is essential when it comes to choosing a school. Employers do not recognize degrees from schools that are not accredited. Other institutions do not recognize them as well. This means it would be difficult for you to transfer credits to another regionally accredited university or even go for a master’s degree in your field.
Flexibility
The main reason why many people choose online learning is the flexibility it offers. You need to ensure that your chosen institution offers a truly flexible program for those who want self-paced study. Also, if you want an accelerated degree, ensure that the program offers this feature.
Student Faculty Ratio
The student-faculty ratio is important because it determines how much one-on-one support a student will get during the program. If a class is small, there will be more support for students. However, some institutions manage by hiring teaching assistants to reduce the ratio.
Employment Outcomes
Not all schools publish their employment outcomes. However, if the information is available, it is a valuable tool that can help you to make your decision. Some schools’ reputations precede them, but for others, it helps to check the employment outcomes of their students.
What Is the Most Affordable Online Data Science Bachelor’s Degree?
The most affordable online data science bachelor’s degree is Western Governors University’s bachelor of science data management and data analytics program. It costs only $7,452 per year to attend.
Can I Get a Data Science Bachelor’s Degree Online for Free?
No, you cannot get a data science bachelor’s degree online for free. However, you can get to study at a subsidized rate if you qualify for financial aid from the government. There are some free non-degree online learning programs such as MOOCs you can consider as well. While there are no free online bachelor’s degrees in data science, you can use scholarships to help cover your tuition.
Salary and Job Outlook for Online Data Science Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, online data science bachelor’s degree holders have a positive job outlook. The job outlook is 22 percent with around 33,000 available jobs per year. The annual salary is also far higher than the national average.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Data Science Bachelor’s Degree?
It is not difficult to get a job with an online data science bachelor’s degree. However, you will need to stand out during job interviews because you will be competing against other qualified professionals. Doing some research on how to get a job in data science can help you to know what to expect. Gaining a bachelor’s degree will be more useful in landing a job than online data science courses.
What’s the Average Online Data Science Bachelor’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for a person with an online data science bachelor’s degree is $97,254 per year according to PayScale. Your online bachelor’s degree in data science salary can be less or more depending on the location of the job and the company.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Online Data Science Bachelor’s Degree?
The jobs you can get with an online data science bachelor’s degree include working as a data engineer, data scientist, or data architect. You can also become a data analyst or even a data warehouse manager with this degree. It should not be hard to get a job with an online data science bachelor’s degree.
Data Science Degree Jobs
- Data engineer
- Data scientist
- Data architect
- Data warehouse manager
- Data analyst
Potential Careers With an Online Data Science Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Online Data Science Bachelor’s Degree?
You can make between $68,000 and $136,000 per year with an online data science bachelor’s degree. Your geographical location, qualifications, and cost of living in your region will determine what salary percentage you fall into.
While you can earn a living with your online data science bachelor’s degree, getting a master’s degree in the same field can dramatically increase your salary potential. Many grads find that making money with an online data science degree is not difficult, as tech skills are in high demand.
Highest-Paying Online Data Science Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Data Science Bachelor’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Data warehouse manager | $125,129 |
| Data architect | $123,052 |
| Data scientist | $97,254 |
| Data engineer | $93,255 |
| Data analyst | $62,789 |
Best Jobs for Online Data Science Bachelor’s Degree Grads
The best jobs for online bachelor’s degree holders in data science include data scientist, data engineer, database administrator, and data architect, among others. Bachelor’s in data science online jobs offer competitive salaries and you have the option to work in different industries.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Online Data Science Bachelor’s Degree Worth It?
Yes, an online data science bachelor’s degree is worth it because it gives you the opportunity to switch careers without quitting your job. It is flexible and more affordable and you do not need to leave your comfort zone.
If you are a working professional, an online data science bachelor’s degree is worth it for you. The training is customizable and you can use the degree to work in different industries. An online degree is worth just as much as an in-person degree.
Additional Reading About Data Science
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Online Data Science Bachelor’s Degree FAQ
Yes, you can become a data scientist with a bachelor’s degree alone. Most employers in this field require a bachelor’s degree. However, a master’s degree in data science can increase your chances of getting a job and higher salary potential. You can also land an entry-level job with an associate degree.
A bachelor’s degree in data science takes about four years in most cases. However, it can be a bit longer depending on the program format and the number of credits you are taking per semester.
According to PayScale, the average salary of a data scientist is $97,254 per annum. In states like Oregon, data science professionals earn the highest pay per year in the country.
You can learn data science in three months if you enroll in an online data science coding bootcamp. These bootcamps offer hands-on training to give you the skills you need to land entry-level data science jobs within a few months of completing the program.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
