The fastest online data science degree programs can get you into the data science industry faster. It is currently one of the fastest-growing technical fields. A survey by Statista revealed that the data analytics job market would grow by 30 percent annually. This will amass a revenue of over $68 billion by 2025.
This rapid growth in this career field has led more people to switch occupations or pursue data science or a data analytics degree program. Many students explore online learning for an accelerated path to earning a data science degree.
If becoming a business analyst is part of your career path, you will need introductory courses on the foundations of data science. This article will delve into accelerated online data science degree programs, tips on where to look for the fastest online data science degree, and the best jobs in this field.
What Is an Accelerated Data Science Degree?
An accelerated data science degree is an undergraduate degree program that allows you to graduate in less than four years. Generally, an accelerated degree takes three years instead of four, allowing you to launch your data science profession sooner.
In addition, accelerated data science programs cost less than traditional four-year programs but deliver the same education level as full bachelor’s degree programs. You can also pursue an accelerated associate or Master’s Degree in Data Science, which takes less than the traditional two years.
How Do Accelerated Degrees Work?
Accelerated data science degree programs have become popular among professionals wanting to boost their credentials and students pursuing affordable education. In fact, accelerated data science degrees are often in an online format and promote flexibility.
An accelerated online program allows students to take classes whenever they want to instead of being stuck in a forced schedule. Many universities that offer an accelerated online degree program offer students the control of choosing when they start and when they want to learn.
Types of Accelerated Data Science Degrees
The fastest online data science degrees accommodate all students at different academic levels. Depending on educational or technical backgrounds, students can apply for a community college certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or a Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics.
These degrees cover different aspects of data science, from foundational knowledge to expert-level skills. Below is an overview of different types of accelerated online data science degrees.
Accelerated Associate Degrees
Many universities and community colleges offer accelerated data science associate degrees. Typically, this degree takes two years to complete, but an accelerated version is shorter than this. Some schools may offer combined associate and bachelor’s degrees.
Admissions requirements vary, but most universities and colleges want prospective students to have completed high school. Schools will offer associate degree students an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or an Associate of Applied Science.
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
The best accelerated master’s degrees have quickly become the most in-demand education level for employers and professionals. A data science master’s degree is a graduate-level advanced degree program. 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 require a minimum of 30 credits to graduate.
Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees
An online data science combined degree allows students to study for both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree simultaneously. 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 six.
Who Should Get an Accelerated Data Science Degree?
People who want to complete the degree sooner should get an accelerated data science degree. The accelerated degree allows undergraduate data science students to complete the master’s degree requirements at an accelerated pace.
Look for a 4+1 university program in your school search. This refers to an accelerated program. The bachelor’s and master’s degrees are streamlined and slightly shorter for those who want to work faster.
Best Accelerated Degrees
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How to Get a Data Science Degree Fast
The best way to get a data science degree fast is to do an accelerated online degree. Universities streamline these degrees to help full-time students graduate more quickly. These degrees also have affordable tuition rates. Those who discover data science programs like this will get a well-rounded academic experience, including core credits and a choice of elective credits.
- Choose an online degree. Online degrees are faster to earn than on-campus programs. This is because students can study at their own pace, which means online students can access lessons whenever it suits them.
- Take more credits. Some universities only allow students to take a certain number of credits per semester. Choose a program that allows you to add extra credits per semester.
- Transfer credits. Often, students can transfer credits from work experience or the military. Find out if any professional work you’ve done will add to your final credit amount.
- Take an accelerated program. Many universities offer accelerated programs in data science. A 4+1 program is a combined data science bachelor’s and master’s degree. This will allow you to complete your degree in a shorter time.
- Take college classes during high school. This is known as concurrent or dual enrollment. Students enroll in college-level classes while still in high school. You may need a high GPA or standardized test score to do this.
What Is the Fastest Online Data Science Degree?
The fastest online data science degrees are Regis University and Full Sail University’s Master’s Degree in Data Science. You can finish your degree faster if you have transferable credits. Many universities allow professionals or military personnel to transfer credit for work they have carried out. Below is a list of accelerated online data science degree programs.
Fastest Online Data Science Degrees: The Basics
| 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 | 12 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 |
The Fastest Online Data Science Degrees, Explained
More colleges and universities are introducing fast-track data science degree programs to cater to industry demands. However, the nature of accelerated programs requires you to pursue data science knowledge in reliable institutions.
Most associate and bachelor’s degrees require the completion of a capstone project at the end of the degree. Online students get the same benefits as on-campus students, as faculty who teach online classes also teach on-campus students. Below is an overview of accelerated online data science degrees.
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $948/credit
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Required Time: 12 months
Regis University offers eight-week terms for fast-track data science students. This program is accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET). 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.
- School Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
- Tuition: $916/credit
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- 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.
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- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $75,500/year
- Graduation Rate: 96%
- Required Time: 12 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.
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $440/credit
- Graduation Rate: 23%
- Required Time: 16 months
Bellevue University’s accelerated online data science master 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.
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $319/credit
- Graduation Rate: 33%
- 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.
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $8,712/semester
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- 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.
- School Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Tuition: $3,625/term
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- 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.
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $390/credit
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- 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.
- School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Tuition: $611/credit (in state); $1,112/credit (out of state)
- Graduation Rate: 75%
- 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.
- School Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- Tuition: $14,179/year (in state); $30,317/year (out of state)
- Graduation Rate: 84%
- 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.
Fastest Data Science Degree Completion Programs
The fastest data science degree completion programs include business administration programs focusing on data science. Degree completion programs allow students to transfer a significant number of credits to another accredited university to finish their degree. Students need a background in math and a background in statistics and have a minimum number of credits to apply.
- 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. The admission requirement is straightforward and enables students to apply on a rolling basis whenever they are ready.
- 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. The 120-credit-hour program includes computing technology fundamentals and gives students critical insights into practicing leadership.
- 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 for bachelor’s or associate degree programs. School rankings on the US News & World Report demonstrate the school’s high-quality online programs.
- 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. This curriculum teaches business processes alongside digital ethics, programming, and statistics.
Do Employers Respect Online Degrees?
Yes, employers do respect online degrees. An online degree will impress your future employer by showing your competency, commitment, determination, and motivation to get ahead. Online degrees require organizational skills, excellent time management, and communication skills.
When you study for your degree online, you must learn to communicate and collaborate with other students. They are most likely an eclectic mix of international students of all ages, levels of experience, and abilities.
What Jobs Can You Get with an Accelerated Data Science Degree?
- Quality assurance analyst | $110,140
- Actuary | $105,900
- Database analyst | $99,270
- Data scientist | $97,575
- Operations research analyst | $82,360
Best Accelerated Data Science Degree Jobs
The best jobs for accelerated data science grads offer high salaries, impressive job outlooks, extensive benefits, and opportunities for career development. Online data science degree grads have the same employment opportunities as in-person graduates.
Job titles for data science degree jobs include quality assurance analysts, actuaries, and data scientists. Below is a detailed overview of the highest-paying jobs with their annual salary.
Quality assurance analysts look for flaws in software, websites, and other technical products. Statistics knowledge helps you evaluate data and the impact level for data quality. You will test programs, create plans and procedures for new products, implement testing, and provide feedback to the clients.
Actuaries apply statistical, mathematical, economic, and financial analyses to evaluate risk and opportunity in business. You will also help business organizations create policies that limit financial risk potential. Daily duties include compiling and analyzing statistical data, estimating the probability of tragic events, designing and testing insurance policies, and explaining findings.
Database analysts work in finance, business, and research. You will act as a consultant, recommending solutions to improve an organization’s performance. Your duties include gathering and organizing information, recommending new systems to improve an organization’s performance, and collaborating with managers to implement changes.
Data science goes hand in hand with statistics. You will analyze large sets of unstructured data, then process and model it to draw conclusions. Furthermore, you will apply statistics in machine learning algorithms, translate data patterns, and apply mathematical models to specific variables.
Your responsibility is to help organizations solve problems and make informed decisions by applying advanced mathematical and analytical methods. The role involves gathering information from computer databases and giving customer feedback. You will also identify and solve organizational problems and influence decision-making. Operations research analysts help managers to set prices, design schedules, and manage the company’s supply chain.
Are Online Data Science Degrees Worth It?
Yes, online data science degrees are worth it. You will earn a highly-sought after degree remotely, without the pressure of commuting to school or worrying about additional costs. 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.
The best part of an online data science degree is access to networking opportunities. Online classes comprise students from various countries, allowing you to collaborate and extend your knowledge.
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Fastest Online Data Science Degrees FAQ
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.
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.
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.
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.
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