Introduction
Are you thinking about switching into data science but you don’t want to spend four or more years in school? You’re not alone. Data science has become one of the most sought-after career paths, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of data scientists to grow by 34 percent in the next decade, which is much faster than most other careers nationwide.1
This guide will explore the fastest online data science degree options, how accelerated programs actually work, and what jobs you can land once you graduate. Whether you’re a career changer that is looking to move quickly or a student that is aiming to save both time and money, you’ll find practical advice here that will help you map your next steps.
Key Takeaways
• Accelerated online data science degrees will allow you to graduate sooner by condensing your courseload, offering year-round schedules, or letting you transfer credits.
• Students can choose from associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or combined 4+1 degree pathways depending on their academic and career goals.
• Common ways to speed up your progress include taking heavier credit loads, transferring prior coursework, or earning credits through exams or prior learning assessments.
• Employers respect accredited online degrees, especially when the programs emphasize practical skills like Python, SQL, and applied statistics.
• Data science graduates can pursue careers in fields like analytics, research, and software testing, with strong salary potential and long-term job growth.
What Is an Accelerated Data Science Degree?
An accelerated data science degree is a shortened degree program that allows students to complete their degree faster than the traditional timelines.
Generally, an accelerated degree takes three years to complete instead of four, which enables you to launch your data science profession sooner than you would if you were enrolled in a traditional 4-year degree program. In addition, accelerated data science programs cost less than traditional four-year programs but they deliver the same education level as full bachelor’s degrees do. You can also pursue an accelerated associate or Master’s Degree in Data Science, which takes less than the traditional two years to complete.
Master’s programs commonly require about 30–36 credits and they can be completed on an accelerated full-time schedule (often in about 12–18 months, depending on the program).
How Do Accelerated Degrees Work?
Accelerated data science degrees work by compressing the students’s schedules into shorter terms or competency-based pacing that help students to graduate sooner.
An accelerated online program allows students to take classes whenever they want instead of being stuck in a forced and rigid schedule. Many universities that offer accelerated online degree programs offer students the control of choosing when they start and when they want to learn.This also allows for increased flexibility while in school.
• Common pacing models include intensive 6–8-week terms and competency-based formats, in which you progress by passing assessments rather than just logging seat time.
• Exam-based credit (for example, CLEP) may let some students satisfy general education or foundational requirements and shorten time to degree, subject to each school’s credit policy.
Types of Accelerated Data Science Degrees
Students can choose from several types of accelerated online data science degrees, which includes associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and combined 4+1 degree options.
These degrees cover different aspects of data science, from foundational knowledge to expert-level skills. Below is an overview of the different types of accelerated online data science degrees that you can chose from.
Accelerated Associate Degrees
Accelerated associate degrees in data science can be completed in under two years at many community colleges and universities.
Some schools may offer combined associate and bachelor’s degrees, and admissions requirements vary school to school, but most universities and colleges want prospective students to have at least completed high school.
Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees
An accelerated data science bachelor’s degree is typically a condensed version of a four-year program. Students still require a minimum of 120 credit hours. An accelerated bachelor’s degree is the most pursued degree level because of its popularity in the job market.
Data science bachelor’s degree students learn theoretical and practical skills like calculus, mathematical data science, statistical methods, and theory. Students select between a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts for the data science major.
Accelerated Master’s Degrees
Accelerated master’s degrees in data science are intensive graduate programs that are designed to be completed in about 12–18 months.
Students can choose a Master of Science or Master of Arts program, which generally includes probability theory, advanced calculus, linear models, computation, and statistical methods. Most universities will require a minimum of 30 credits to graduate. Some branded “accelerated” analytics degrees (such as the one at Duke) are 19 months, not 12 months.
Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees
Combined bachelor’s and master’s programs, which are often called 4+1 pathways, let students earn both their undergrad and their grad degrees in about five years.
Usually, the master’s program begins in the final year of the bachelor’s degree. One degree flows into the next, and you earn both degrees in five years instead of the typical six. Temple’s 4+1 framework typically requires a minimum GPA of 3.25 and an early application (spring of sophomore year) to double-count the credits you are already taking and reduce your total time to complete the master’s degree.
Who Should Get an Accelerated Data Science Degree?
An accelerated online data science degree is great for students who are motivated and want to save time and move quickly into the workforce.This type of accelerated degree structure allows undergraduate data science students to complete the master’s degree requirements at an accelerated pace.
Best Accelerated Degrees
Some universities offer accelerated degrees in data science that combine both affordability with faster completion timelines.
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How to Get a Data Science Degree Fast
You can get a data science degree faster by choosing to enroll in an online accelerated program, transferring your prior credits, or taking heavier course loads.
Universities streamline these degrees to help full-time students graduate more quickly. These degrees also have affordable tuition rates.
• Choose an online degree. Online degrees are faster to earn than on-campus programs.
• Take more credits per semester if your program allows you to.
• Transfer credits from prior college work, military training, or exams.
• Enroll in an accelerated program such as a 4+1 BS/MS track.
• Enroll in dual-credit courses during high school if possible.
Fastest Online Data Science Degrees: The Basics
Here is a quick snapshot of the fastest online data science degree programs and their advertised completion times.
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| Degree Title | School | Required Time |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Science in Data Science | Regis University | 12 months |
| Master’s Degree in Data Science | Full Sail University | 12 months |
| Accelerated Master of Science in Quantitative Management: Business Analytics | Duke University | 19 months |
| Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science | Bellevue University | 16 months |
| Bachelor’s Degree in Data Analytics | Rasmussen University | 18 months |
| Bachelor’s of Science in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Software Development Data Analytics Track | ECPI University | 30 months |
| Bachelor of Science in Data Science | Western Governors University | 37 months |
| Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Data Analytics | Liberty University | 42 months |
| Bachelor of Arts or Science to Master of Science in Data Science, Auditing, and Cyber Security | Temple University | 5 years |
| Accelerated Bachelor of Science to Master of Science in Data Science | University of Massachusetts | 5 years |
Note: Published “required time” reflects the earliest advertised timelines; actual completion varies by transfer credit, term load, continuous enrollment, and assessment pace.^3
The Fastest Online Data Science Degrees, Explained
Below are detailed overviews of each accelerated online data science program and its structure.
Master of Science in Data Science | Regis University
School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $948/credit7
Graduation Rate: 62%7
Required Time: 12 months
Regis University offers eight-week terms for fast-track data science students. This program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The master’s degree requires 36 credits and is eligible for the dual degree FastForward option. This allows you to complete a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in five years instead of six.
Regis University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission; ABET accreditation at Regis applies to designated undergraduate computing programs, not the MS in Data Science.
Master’s Degree in Computer Science | Full Sail University
School Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
Tuition: $916/credit8
Graduation Rate: 40%8
Required Time: 12 months
Full Sail University’s online master’s degree focuses on data science, data visualization, human-computer interaction, and the powerful tool of advanced artificial intelligence. You can complete this program in approximately 48 weeks. The degree program teaches students to develop designs that tackle real-world problems.
This is a Computer Science MS with advanced topics (including AI/ML, data science, and HCI), delivered online with a published program length of about 48 weeks.
Accelerated Master of Science in Quantitative Management: Business Analytics | Duke University
School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Tuition: $75,500/year5
Graduation Rate: 96%5
Required Time: 19 months
This accelerated online Master of Business Analytics degree uses self-paced and real-time sessions. The application process includes letters of recommendation, a resume, essays, GRE scores, and an interview. The business analytics online multidisciplinary curriculum teaches programming for analysis, data analytics, digital marketing, and fraud analytics over three terms.
The Fuqua School of Business at Duke University offers financial aid through merit-based scholarships, private and federal loans, and international student loans. The university is also military-friendly and offers the Yellow Ribbon Program to eligible people.
Bachelor of Science in Data Science | Bellevue University
School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $440/credit2
Graduation Rate: 23%2
Required Time: 16 months
Bellevue University’s accelerated online data science bachelor’s allows undergraduate students to transfer credit or use military experience to accelerate their degree. The program is 100 percent online, and students pay for the relevant credits. However, you must present transcripts to prove you graduated from an accredited post-secondary institution.
Bellevue University offers the BS in Data Science fully online and on campus. The program requires 127 credit hours and is designed for working adults. While it can be completed quickly with transfer credits, the standard catalog estimate is closer to 2–4 years, not a master’s program as implied earlier.
Bachelor’s Degree in Data Analytics | Rasmussen University
School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $319/credit9
Graduation Rate: 33%9
Required Time: 18 months
Learn how to compile big data and add value to the business analytics industry. Use analytical tools like Tableau, Microsoft Azure, and Excel to extract information and help business leaders make informed business decisions. These online offerings from Rasmussen University are for students who want a career in big data across a wide variety of industries.
Rasmussen notes its Bachelor-Completer format can be finished in as few as 18 months for eligible students with prior credits; first-time students typically require more time.
Bachelor’s of Science in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Software Development Data Analytics Track | ECPI University
School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Tuition: $8,712/semester10
Graduation Rate: 42%10
Required Time: 30 months
ECPI University offers a year-round program allowing students to complete their 120-credit degree within two and a half years. The interdisciplinary curriculum requires 28 credits in core computer science coursework and 14 credits on the data analytics track.
ECPI advertises an accelerated, year-round schedule enabling completion of the 120–121-credit bachelor’s in approximately 2.5 years.
Bachelor of Science in Data Science | Western Governors University
School Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Tuition: $3,625/term3
Graduation Rate: 64%3
Required Time: 37 months
Western Governors University is an NWCCU-accredited university, offering competency-based programs to ensure you speed up your degree. The accelerated degree allows you to pace your studies and start a semester without waiting for your classmates. WGU provides online course materials and assessments that you will use to review your progress.
The core classes give students academic backgrounds in IT fundamentals, network and security, database management, deep learning, and data systems administration. Program mentors will help you complete real-world applications and the relevant work experience you need for the job market.
WGU’s program is titled Bachelor of Science in Data Management/Data Analytics, not “BS in Data Science.” The degree uses a competency-based model across 120 competency units, delivered in 6-month terms. Students who accelerate can finish faster than the average, which WGU reports as roughly 2.5–4 years depending on pacing.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Data Analytics | Liberty University
School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Tuition: $390/credit11
Graduation Rate: 62%11
Required Time: 3.5 years
Liberty University provides high-quality online education, including this bachelor’s degree in the analytics and business field. The program gives students a crucial business skill in economic forecasting. It also covers database and business analytics. The 120-credit-hour degree program allows students to transfer up to 75 percent of credits for this degree.
Liberty confirms that students may transfer up to 75% of degree credits (90 out of 120 hours) into the BSBA in Data Analytics, significantly reducing completion time for qualifying students.
Bachelor of Arts or Science to Master of Science in Business Analytics | Temple University
School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Tuition: $611/credit (in state); $1,112/credit (out of state)6
Graduation Rate: 75%6
Required Time: 5 years
Temple University offers several accelerated programs for undergraduates and graduates. This degree program allows you to acquire a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree within five years. Students must possess the general 4+1 program admission requirements and pass a pre-admission skill assessment.
Temple’s 4+1 framework typically requires a minimum 3.25 GPA and early application (spring of sophomore year) to double-count credits and reduce total time to degree.
Accelerated Bachelor of Science to Master of Science in Data Science | University of Massachusetts
School Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Tuition: $14,179/year (in state); $30,317/year (out of state)12
Graduation Rate: 84%12
Required Time: 5 years
This accelerated program creates a continuous transition from a bachelor’s to a master’s degree. Students can apply if they are currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree but have not yet graduated. They must complete 60 credit hours before applying and be a University of Massachusetts student for two semesters.
UMass Amherst offers an official BS-MS in Computer Science with a Data Science track, allowing students to complete both degrees in about 5 years. Students apply in their junior year and may double-count graduate credits. The program requires continuous enrollment to maintain the shortened timeline.
Accelerated Data Science Programs: Side-by-Side Snapshot
• Duke University — MSQM: Business Analytics | Delivery: Fully online | Earliest timeline: 19 months | Notes: MS in Quantitative Management with Business Analytics focus.5
• Full Sail University — MS in Computer Science | Program length: ~48 weeks | Focus areas can include AI/ML, data science, and HCI (curriculum coverage varies).8
• ECPI University — BS in Computer & Information Science (Software Development), Data Analytics track | Credits: ~120–121 | Delivery: On-campus or online | Timeline: ~2.5 years (year-round schedule).10
• Rasmussen University — BS in Data Analytics (Bachelor-Completer) | Delivery: Online | Timeline: as few as 18 months for qualified completers (more for first-time students).9
Fastest Data Science Degree Completion Programs
Degree completion programs allow students to finish faster by transferring large blocks of their credits into an accredited data science or analytics program.
Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics | Southern New Hampshire University
This online analytics degree explores the data science field in detail and allows students to transfer up to 90 credits.
Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics | Grand Canyon University
This degree program is in an accelerated eight-week format. The analytics program requires 120 credits, and students can transfer up to 90 credits.
Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics | Bay Path University
Bay Path University is part of The American Women’s College. Students can transfer up to 90 credits toward a bachelor’s degree.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Data Analytics | Colorado Technical University
The online degree offers FastTrack modules and tests to give students credit for what they already know. Students may transfer up to 75 percent of required credits.
Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Analytics | Thomas Edison State University
Students who complete their degree at Thomas Edison State University can transfer up to 90 credits from an accredited institution.
Admissions Shortcuts & Credit Acceleration (PLA, CLEP/DSST)
• Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) & Military/Work Credit: Some schools award credit for demonstrated competencies or ACE-evaluated training, shortening time to degree.
• CLEP Exams: Recognized exams can satisfy select general education or intro requirements; more than 2,900–3,000 U.S. colleges grant credit for qualifying scores.
• Internal Challenge Exams: A few programs offer institution-specific assessments to place out of certain courses (check school policy).
Do Employers Respect Online Degrees?
Yes, employers respect online data science degrees when they are earned from accredited institutions that have rigorous curricula.
An online degree will impress your future employer by showing that you have competency, commitment, determination, and motivation to get ahead. Online degrees require organizational skills, excellent time management, and communication skills. Many reputable universities now offer online formats identical in outcomes to on-campus degrees.
What Jobs Can You Get with an Accelerated Data Science Degree?
Data Scientist: $112,590 median pay; job outlook: +34%.1
Actuary: $125,770 median pay; job outlook: +22%.13
Database Administrators & Architects: $123,100 median pay; job outlook: +4%.14
Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts & Testers: $131,450 median pay; job outlook: +15%.15
Operations Research Analyst: $91,290 median pay; job outlook: +21%.16
Best Accelerated Data Science Degree Jobs
Quality Assurance Analyst
Median Salary: $131,450; job outlook: +15%.^15
Actuary
Median Salary: $125,770; Job Outlook: +22%.13
Database Analyst
Median Salary: $123,100; +4%.14
Data Scientist
Average Salary: $112,590; Job Outlook: +34%.1
Operations Research Analyst
Average Salary: $91,290; Job Outlook: +21%.16
Skills & Tools Emphasis in Accelerated Tracks (What to Expect)
• Core: Python, SQL, statistics, data wrangling, data visualization/dashboarding.
• Add-ons that help: Cloud data tooling, introductory machine learning, and production-minded workflows (project or capstone-based artifacts).
Are Online Data Science Degrees Worth It?
Yes, online data science degrees are very worth it if you want flexibility, lower costs, and strong technical training.
Online tuition rates are generally cheaper than in-person rates. Apart from convenience and affordability, you will also gain technical skills and interact with state-of-the-art software during these programs. Online often priced per-credit or per-term; competency-based can reduce cost/time for fast movers. Capstones/portfolios are critical for job readiness.
Accreditation & Quality Checklist for Online/Accelerated Programs
• Institutional accreditation: Look for recognized regional accreditation (e.g., SACSCOC, HLC).
• Program details: Confirm total credits, term length (e.g., 6–8-week blocks or 6-month terms), and the earliest realistic timeline.
• Transfer & exam credit: Check maximum transfer limits and whether the school accepts ACE/CLEP/DSST credits.
• Programmatic notes: ABET most commonly accredits undergraduate computing programs; master’s-level data science programs typically aren’t ABET-accredited.
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Fastest Online Data Science Degrees FAQ
Are accelerated data science degrees worth it?
Yes, accelerated data science degrees are worth it for aspiring data science professionals. The industry has an impressive career outlook and covers many career paths. Many technology occupations offer lucrative salaries and opportunities for career growth.
What does it mean when a data science degree is accelerated?
An accelerated data science degree is a degree program that allows you to graduate faster than traditional degree programs. For example, undergraduate students can graduate within three years instead of the stipulated four years, and associate degree students can graduate within 12 months.
How long does it take to complete an accelerated Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science?
Depending on the school and what they offer, an accelerated Bachelor’s Degree in Data science can take from two and a half to three and a half years to complete. Typically, a bachelor’s degree takes four years. Online data science programs are faster as many online schools offer an accelerated eight-week format and up to 90 credit transfers.
How can I accelerate my data science degree?
You can accelerate your data science degree by taking a fast-track test to earn up to 30 college credits without attending classes or completing assignments. Start by registering with the College Level Examination Program and take exams in the courses of your choice.
Sources
https://www.abet.org/accreditation/find-programs/
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/data-scientists.htm
https://www.regis.edu/academics/majors-and-programs/graduate/data-science-ms
https://www.wgu.edu/online-it-degrees/data-analytics-bachelors-program.html
https://clep.collegeboard.org/
https://www.fuqua.duke.edu/programs/msqm-business-analytics
https://www.fox.temple.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/accelerated-41
https://www.regis.edu/about/accreditation
https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/technology/data-analytics/bachelors/
https://www.ecpi.edu/programs/software-development-bachelor-degree
https://www.liberty.edu/online/business/bachelors/business-administration/data-analytics
https://www.cics.umass.edu/ugrad-education/bs-ms-programs
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/actuaries.htm
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/database-administrators.htm
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/operations-research-analysts.htm
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