With technology’s continuous advancements, it is no surprise that the demand for data scientists is increasing. Everything in technology and business today involves data. Gaining one of the best Bachelor’s Degrees in Data Science is a great way to break into this field. Data science bachelor’s degree programs take about four years to complete.
The purpose of this guide is to help prospective students in the data science field find the best data science bachelor’s degrees. It will cover important aspects of the field to help you decide if a data science major is the right path for you. Keep reading for our list of top Bachelor’s Degrees in Data Science.
What Is Data Science?
Data science is the use of advanced analytics techniques and scientific principles to draw useful information from raw data. This information is used to make well-informed business decisions, create strategic plans, and promote business growth. It can be used to give a business a competitive advantage.
Where Can I Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science?
The best colleges where you can get a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science include Boston University, Drexel University, Northeastern University, UC Berkeley, and Penn State University.
What Schools Offer the Best Data Science Bachelor’s Degrees?
- Boston University
- Drexel University
- Northeastern University
- University of California, Berkeley
- Penn State University
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science?
Some common requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science include SAT/ACT scores, an essay, good high school grades, and letters of recommendation. A bachelor’s degree is intended for students who have no previous advanced educational or professional experience.
A strong background in math, statistics, computer science, and other related fields is recommended. To learn more about a university’s educational requirements, go to the school’s website and speak with the admissions team or an advisor. Your Bachelor’s in Data Science requirements will look different depending on your chosen program.
Data Science Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
- SAT/ACT scores
- High school transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Supplemental essays
- School report
How to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science
You can get a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science by completing all the necessary coursework and at least 120 credits. You don’t usually need extensive background knowledge in data science, but you will need an impressive academic performance to get into a top school.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science?
You usually need around 120 credits for a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science. This takes most students four years to complete. Some online programs also offer a self-paced option for students who want to earn their data science degree in less time.
Data Science Degree Requirements
- At least 120 credits
- At least 18 credits above the 400 level
- GPA of at least 2.0
- 10-14 elective credits
- 40-50 general education credits
Best Data Science Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Boston University | Bachelor of Science in Data Science | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Cornell University | Bachelor of Arts in Information Science, Data Science Concentration | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Drexel University | Bachelor of Science in Data Science | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Northeastern University | Bachelor of Science in Data Science | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Penn State University | Bachelor of Science in Data Sciences | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Purdue University | Bachelor of Science in Data Science | The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools |
| Stanford University | Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematical and Computational Science, Data Science Minor | Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges |
| University of California, Berkeley | Bachelor of Arts in Data Science | Western Association of Schools & Colleges |
| University of Pennsylvania | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Data Science Minor | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Yale University | Bachelor of Arts in Statistics and Data Science | New England Commission of Higher Education |
Best Schools for Data Science: Top Data Science Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The top data science bachelor’s programs will provide a comprehensive education and help you land a job in the field. The list above contains the best schools for a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science and below is a brief description of each school and its program curriculum.
Best Online Data Science Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Bachelor of Science in Data Science | North Central Association Higher Learning Commission |
| Baker College | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Data Analytics Concentration | Higher Learning Commission |
| Norwich University | Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Saint Louis University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems | Higher Learning Commission |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| SUNY at Albany | Bachelor of Science in Informatics | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| University of Massachusetts Global | Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Data Science Concentration | WASC Senior Colleges and University Commission |
| University of Maine at Augusta | Bachelor of Science in Data Science | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Webster University | Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics | Higher Learning Commission |
| Western Governors University | Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics and Data Management | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
Best Colleges for Data Science: Top Online Data Science Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Not everyone can afford the full-time commitment of in-person programs due to tight scheduling and other reasons. That doesn’t mean those people can’t earn their degrees. There are several other alternatives, one of them being online bachelor’s degrees. The list below includes descriptions of different online degrees in data science.
What Is a Data Science Bachelor’s Degree?
A data science bachelor’s degree is a program that trains students in statistics, math, and computer science to prepare them to work in IT, business, government, economics, healthcare, and many other fields. It typically takes four years to complete undergraduate programs.
The program introduces data science students to fields of digital information and big data. The school may also collaborate with other departments to enable the students to properly understand how different fields work. Getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science will help students understand how to develop strategies and make informed business decisions.
How Important Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science?
It is very important to have a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science because it is the minimum level of education for many of the best jobs in the data field. It provides a more comprehensive education than an associate degree. After you earn your bachelor’s degree, it is important to earn industry certifications to further progress in your field.
What Types of Bachelor’s Degree Can You Get in Data Science?
You can get the following types of Bachelor’s Degrees in Data Science:
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Arts
You should get a Bachelor of Science if you are looking to work in a more technical field. A Bachelor of Arts has a larger emphasis on humanities while a Bachelor of Science focuses on math and science. However, both data science bachelor’s degree types can lead to a successful career.
Is It Better to Get a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in Data Science?
It is better to get a Bachelor of Science in Data Science because it has a larger emphasis on math and analytical skills. This means a Bachelor of Science can better prepare you for a job in the tech field. However, depending on your career goals, a Bachelor of Arts can also be a strong option. Either degree program will provide an impressive level of education.
What Is the Difference Between a Data Science Bachelor’s Degree and a Data Science Certificate?
The difference between a data science bachelor’s degree and a certificate in data science is that a certificate can be earned in much less time and requires fewer credits. It is better to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science than a data science certificate because it will provide a much more comprehensive education. A certificate may not be enough to help you get a job.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science?
A data science bachelor’s degree costs an average of $28,775, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. This covers tuition, dorm, and board fees. The average Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science cost of public four-year schools is $21,035, the average cost of private schools is $27,696, and the average cost of nonprofit universities is $48,965.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Data Science Bachelor’s Degree?
It takes about four years to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science. Most programs require about 120 credit hours taken over eight semesters. Your Bachelor’s in Data Science length will depend on how many courses you take every semester. If you take online courses and advanced courses, your degree might be faster. Accelerated programs are a good option for computing sciences.
How Hard Is It to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science?
Getting a data science bachelor’s degree is hard and requires several years of dedicated study. It requires strong mathematical and analytical thinking skills. While getting a data science bachelor’s degree is hard, it is still very achievable and will open up several career paths.
Why Should You Get a Data Science Bachelor’s Degree?
The benefits of a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science include a wide variety of job opportunities and the opportunity to earn a high annual salary. Another main benefit of getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science is that you can go on to earn a graduate degree if it becomes necessary for your career progression.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Bachelor’s Degree Program in Data Science?
Common Bachelor’s in Data Science courses cover topics like programming, database design, and machine learning. You may also see various general education subjects on your Bachelor’s in Data Science course list.
Programming With Data
Data scientists and data engineers often use programming languages like Python, R, and SQL. This type of course will teach students how to acquire and integrate data from various sources, as well as how to use data analytics libraries and data analysis tools.
Algorithms and Data
This introductory class will help students design, analyze, and implement effective algorithms. It will cover data compression, optimization techniques, information theory, and accurate ways to represent and interpret data.
Machine Learning and Data Mining
Machine learning and artificial intelligence are rapidly growing fields, so you will likely come across these topics in your Bachelor’s in Data Science courses. This course will introduce predictive modeling and machine learning algorithms.
Probability and Statistics
The data science field requires strong analytical skills. This mathematics course will cover probability theory, confidence intervals, distributions, and hypothesis testing. You may also take courses in statistics and linear algebra during your data science program.
Information Storage and Retrieval
This type of course will prepare students to work with large datasets, including both structured and unstructured data. It will cover data quality assurance, complexity theory, and the common challenges of working with massive data volumes.
Continuing Education Paths for Data Science Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
The best path to take with a data science bachelor’s degree after you graduate is to earn a master’s degree. You could even choose to pursue a doctorate degree. However, an undergraduate program is enough to set you up for a strong career, so you can also land a job and build your practical skills.
Related 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 will provide a wide range of hard and soft skills. With so many options, many students find the school search overwhelming. If you are wondering what to look for in a college for a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science, have a look at our list of criteria below.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Having a low student-to-faculty ratio allows each student to access the personal attention and assistance they need to succeed. If you learn best in a smaller class size or value one-on-one attention, this is an important factor to consider.
Reputation of School
Many of the best data science bachelor’s degree programs are offered by renowned schools. Attending a well-known school will look good on your resume and can provide strong networking opportunities. However, keep in mind that school reputation is not everything.
Barriers to Admission
Pay close attention to the admission requirements of your chosen schools. Competitive programs expect applicants to show evidence of rigorous high school courses, especially in STEM subjects. Make sure you hit all the criteria to give yourself the best chance of getting accepted.
Cost
The tuition prices at many private and renowned universities can get very expensive. Make sure you understand all your financial aid options and remember that attending a public school can help you save money. You can also earn a data science associate degree and transfer your credits to your four-year program to lower tuition costs.
Curricular Content
Visit your chosen school’s website and review the credit requirements and core courses. If you have a career in mind, make sure you choose a program that provides adequate training to get you started. Look into the available electives and specialization options.
What Is the Most Affordable Data Science Bachelor’s Degree?
The most affordable Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science programs are offered by Purdue University, University of Maine at Alberta, and Western Governors University. Pennsylvania State University also offers a more affordable program.
Salary and Job Outlook for Data Science Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
There are a wide range of data science bachelor’s degree jobs available to recent graduates. Careers in this field are known to provide strong benefits and high wages. As you gain a few years of experience, your Bachelor’s in Data Science salary projections will also improve.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Data Science Bachelor’s Degree?
It is not very hard to get a job with a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science because careers in this field have a strong job outlook. A bachelor’s degree will satisfy the required education for most entry-level and mid-level roles.
What’s the Average Data Science Bachelor’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science is about $80,000, according to PayScale. This figure will vary depending on your location, level of experience, and job title. Returning to school for a data science master’s degree can also increase your salary.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Data Science Bachelor’s Degree?
The jobs you can get with a data science bachelor’s degree include machine learning engineer, data engineer, and data architect. Some of the highest-paying jobs with a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science include solutions architect and applications architect.
Data Science Degree Jobs
- Solutions architect
- Applications architect
- Machine learning engineer
- Data engineer
- Data architect
Potential Careers With a Data Science Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science?
You can make between $60,000 and $120,000 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science. Data science majors have access to well-paying job opportunities because their technical skills are essential to a range of fields.
Highest-Paying Data Science Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Data Science Bachelor’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Solutions Architect | $121,359 |
| Applications Architect | $118,919 |
| Machine Learning Engineer | $112,567 |
| Data Architect | $98,860 |
| Data Engineer | $93,269 |
Best Jobs for Data Science Bachelor’s Degree Grads
The best jobs for a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science grad come with impressive salaries and compensation packages. The list below will provide more details about some of the careers you can start after leaving school.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Data Science Bootcamp vs Data Science Bachelor’s Degree: Which Is Better?
A data science bachelor’s degree is better than a data science bootcamp because it will be more useful in helping you start a career. However, a bootcamp and a bachelor’s degree both have their benefits. To decide on 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.
Benefits of a Data Science Bachelor’s Degree
- Education requirements. A bachelor’s degree is often the minimum education requirement for entry-level positions in the data science field. They are ideal for students with little or no advanced knowledge and 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.
- 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.
Benefits of a Data Science Bootcamp
- Length of program. The most popular benefit of a bootcamp is the length of its programs. Most 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 that are in high demand in the labor market.
Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science Worth It?
Yes, getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science is worth it if you are hoping to start a career in the tech field. Going to college will open up a world of opportunities and can help you choose a field of specialty. If you love solving problems and want to start a successful career in the data field, you will find getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science worth it.
Additional Reading About Data Science
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Data Science Bachelor’s Degree FAQ
Yes, you can be a data scientist with a bachelor’s degree if you apply for the right programs. Some degree programs you can apply for include data science, computer science, or information technology.
The best bachelor’s degree for data science is a Bachelor of Science in Data Science, Computer Science, IT, or Data Analytics.
A Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science is an undergraduate degree that takes about four years to achieve. Your data science program will cover areas including machine learning, data algorithms, information storage, and programming.
The average data scientist’s salary is $96,481, according to PayScale. The more practical experience you gain, the higher you can expect your salary to be.
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.
