{"id":106115,"date":"2022-04-09T05:29:15","date_gmt":"2022-04-09T12:29:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/?p=106115"},"modified":"2022-07-24T07:26:59","modified_gmt":"2022-07-24T14:26:59","slug":"best-major-for-data-science","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/best-major-for-data-science\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Choose a Major for Data Science: What Degree for Data Science"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Data science uses scientific systems and methods to collect raw data on businesses, brands, or software. The information gathered is used to help companies with future decisions. With a growing demand among companies, data science is a promising choice. If this is a career that interests you, you\u2019ll need to know about the best majors for data science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Data Science is a large field of study. Therefore, to start a successful career, you will need to know how to become a data scientist<\/a>. In this guide, we will be discussing how to choose a major for data science and what degree for data science will allow you to achieve your professional goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Choose a Career in Data Science?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Throughout the last two decades or so, the world has rapidly become digitalized. Now more than ever, a depth of knowledge in data science is needed to gather, manage, and make sense of online and offline information. Online businesses and organizations are becoming increasingly popular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Data scientists are well-compensated for the valuable role they play in nearly every industry. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) presents data on data scientists under Computer and Information Research Scientists. According to BLS, data scientists earn an average annual salary of $126,830<\/a>, with plenty of room for increase based on location, experience, and specialization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Data Science Job Outlook<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

According to the IUS Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for data scientists<\/a> is projected to grow by 22 percent by 2030. Data science is an expanding and advancing field, leading to an estimated 3,000 job openings, every year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Data Science Job Satisfaction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Similar to any job in business analytics, a career in data science offers a high job satisfaction<\/a>. Your professional experience and technical skills create opportunities that are more competitive than many other science-related careers. There is room to increase your depth of study and change career paths or continue your development as a data scientist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Data Science Salary Potential<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n
Career<\/th>\n Minimum Level of Education<\/th>\n Average Salary<\/th>\n <\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Data Architect <\/td>\n Bachelor\u2019s degree<\/td>\n $123,052<\/a><\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Machine Learning Engineer<\/td>\n Master\u2019s degree<\/td>\n $122,717<\/a><\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Data Scientist<\/td>\n Bachelor\u2019s degree<\/td>\n $104,261<\/a><\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Data Engineer<\/td>\n Bachelor\u2019s degree<\/td>\n $100,583<\/a><\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Data Analyst<\/td>\n Bachelor\u2019s degree<\/td>\n $62,557<\/a><\/td>\n <\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Choose a Major in Data Science: Tips for Selecting the Right Data Science Degree<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tip 1: Research<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If data science is a field that interests you, start doing thorough research. It\u2019s important to know income rates, job satisfaction, and relevant degree programs offered at various colleges and universities. You should get very familiar with data science as an educational and professional path before committing to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip 2: Get a Data Science Education<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve got an idea of what data science entails, select a program that appeals to you. Some good degree programs are an undergraduate degree or a master’s degree program in a data science field. For example, a Bachelor of Science in Statistics or a Master of Science in Business Analytics is a great start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip 3: Talk to Data Scientists<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Current data scientists have professional experience and a depth of knowledge that can help you. Speaking to a professional can provide direct answers to your questions. They can also help you make an informed decision about your chosen career path and advise you on the best institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip 4: Do a School Search<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Search for schools that offer data science degree programs. To narrow it down, you can create a list of the top five schools you are interested in. You can research further by asking alumni of prospective colleges questions to help you choose one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip 5: Map Out a Decision Tree<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A decision tree is a chart that helps you visualize your decision-making process. After considering the tips mentioned above, create a decision tree with all your research findings. You can include applications, universities, and links to sites for help. For proper consideration, you can create a pros and cons list to help you choose the best major for data science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Degree for Data Science: Best Majors for a Data Science Career<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"A
Knowing the best majors for data science creates a successful career.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Statistics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Statistics is the analysis and interpretation of data. A statistician helps capture, analyze, and translate data in data science. If you become a statistician<\/a>, you will gain critical thinking, computer literacy, and analytical skills. Harvard University is one of the best schools for a degree in statistics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n