Considered the sexiest job in the 21st Century by HBR, Data Science continues to live up to this prestigious distinction. Undoubtedly, Data Science is a hot career choice right now because it continues to grow at an incredible rate. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment for Data Scientists is expected to grow by 22% from 2020-2030, with a median salary of $131,490 per year. Data scientist salaries vary based on location, industry sector, and experience level but are generally higher than average pay scales for other industries.
What is Data Science
Data science is a field that collects raw data and combines it with mathematical algorithms to produce insights. Data scientists are tasked with wrangling messy, unstructured information in order to make sense of it and create useful insights that can be used by businesses or individuals to improve their lives.
Check out our compilation of cheapest degrees in Computer Science and Information Technology. Also we have comprehensively covered the cheapest degrees in Network Administration.
Difference Between Computer Science And Data Science
| Computer Science | Data Science |
| It is the study of computer design, architecture, and programming | Data Science studies, analyzes, mines, and manipulates data. |
| A computer scientist studies both theory and applications of computational systems. | Data Scientists aim to discover hidden patterns in data using mathematics, statistics, and other tools. |
| Mainly focused on the development and growth of technology. | Focused on maintenance and handling of large volumes of data. |
| Has existed for many years in academics. | The field of data science has only recently gained popularity in academia. |
Online Data Science Degrees
In today’s world, it’s essential to have a degree in order to work with top-tier companies. Data science degrees offer courses on everything from Advanced Mathematics, Data mining to programming languages and modeling so that students have all bases covered when entering this exciting career path.
Online degrees in data science are perfect for working professionals who want to get into the field but don’t have time to go back to school full-time. Education in data science can help you gain proficiency in this emerging field. You will not only learn about data science but also develop the practical skills needed for success.
Choosing An Online Data Science Degree
The following points should be taken into consideration before selecting an online data science degree program.
Choose a Specialization: Your specialization can help you focus on your area of interest. Some of the specialized roles available are data scientists, machine learning engineers, data analysts, statisticians, and data architects.
Curriculum: In addition to the core curriculum, the program should offer a broad array of optional modules. In addition to data-intensive computing technologies, the curriculum should include computation, statistics, and microeconomics.
Placements and Internships: After completing the course, you should be able to secure an internship at a reputable company.
Networking Opportunities: It is important for programs to have strong alumni networks and excellent industry connections. By networking, you can gain valuable experience and increase your chances of getting hired.
Accreditation: In general, regional accreditation has higher quality standards than national accreditation. It is still possible for institutions with national accreditation to offer rigorous, high-quality programs, but regional accreditation ensures higher quality standards.
Available Online Degrees in Data Science Programs
Data Science degrees online are available in the following formats:
| Program | Credits (may vary) | Duration | Admission Requirements (may vary) |
| Associate Of Science (AS) | 60 credits | 2 years | minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent |
| Bachelor of Science (BS) | 120 credits | 4 years | High school diploma or equivalent Minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA/ ACT/SAT scores |
| Master Of Science (MS) | 30-60 credits | 1-2 years | A four-year bachelor’s degree in computer science/ data science/ related field 3.0 GPA preferred in a prior, completed degree Official transcripts from prior attended schools Letter of recommendation Statement of Purpose Resume |
7 Cheap Online Associates Degree In Data Science
#1. Carroll Community College
Program: Data Science, A.A.
Tuition: $68.00 per credit (in-state); $114.50 per credit (out-of-state)
Accreditation and Ranking: Regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and ranks #3 Best Community Colleges in Maryland
As graduates of the 60-credit Data Science Associate program, they will be capable of researching, analyzing, and presenting conclusions about data in fields such as Business, Accounting, and Healthcare. The program’s curriculum is created and continually reviewed by an industry advisory board made up of experts and business leaders.
#2. Seminole State University
Program: Data Science Associate in Arts Pathway
Tuition: $79.78 per credit
Accreditation and Ranking: Regionally accredited by SACSCOC and ranks #3 Best Online Colleges in Colorado
Seminole State’s Data Science Associate in Arts Pathway offers prerequisite courses for a degree in data sciences. These courses will help you turn your passion into a career. Students will gain a basic understanding of computer programming and statistics. You will learn how to analyze data in order to discover trends and patterns that will assist businesses in making informed decisions.
#3. Saint Paul College
Program: Data Science Associate of Science (AS)
Tuition: $204.20 per credit
Accreditation and Ranking: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and ranks #6 Best Community Colleges in Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
By enrolling in the Data Science Associate of Science (AS) Degree program at Saint Paul’s, students will acquire the skills to collect, manage, interpret, and analyze data in order to assist a business or organization in making data-driven decisions. By analyzing large amounts of unstructured data, such as emails, videos, social media, and other user-generated content, data scientists are able to extract valuable insights.
#4. American Military University
Program: Associate of Science in Data Science (AS)
Tuition: $285 per credit
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
AMU’s online data science associate degree helps students understand data and how it impacts business, health, and other industries. In this online associate of science program, students learn how to develop data analyses and solutions that are grounded in ethics, privacy, and security principles.
The associate program in data science at AMU explores these core areas:
- Analytical methods
- Functional coding and methods
- Descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics
- Machine learning
#5. Southern New Hampshire University
Program: Associate of Science (AS) in Data Analytics
Tuition: $320 per credit
Accreditation and Ranking: Regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and ranks #2 Colleges with the Best Student Life in New Hampshire
The online AS in Data Analytics is a 60-credit program that is ideal for students who wish to learn the basics of data analytics. The 60 credits may be transferred to our BS in Data Analytics program for a seamless pathway to a bachelor’s degree. Credits can also be applied to one of the many STEM degrees.
#6. South Dakota State University
Program: Data Science (A.S.)
Tuition: $354.75 per credit
Accreditation and Ranking: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and ranks #3 Best Value Colleges in South Dakota
Students in the Online Data Science AS program are prepared to analyze data and use it to make better decisions for organizations and society. To maximize the impact of their analyses, students learn how to analyze data using mathematics, statistics, and computational tools, as well as how to communicate the results. Students who complete the Data Science major will be able to transfer 60 credit hours to the B.S. in Data Science, B.S.
#7. Colorado Christian University
Program: Data Analytics Associate Degree, A.S.
Tuition: $494 per credit
Accreditation and Ranking: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and ranks #3 Best Online Colleges in Colorado
The online associate degree in Data Analytics at CCU has a strong technical focus and is highly valued. In this program, students will examine questions that organizations should be asking about data analysis in their organizations. By observing data, students will be able to identify patterns within groups of data and formulate conclusions.
10 Cheap Online Bachelor’s Degree In Data Science
#1. The University of Maine at Augusta
Program: Data Science, BS
Tuition: $245 per credit hour (in-state); $625 per credit hour (out-of-state)
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education
A Data Science degree at UMA combines a critical core of computing classes with a set of core mathematics classes and a built-in outside concentration to foster an interdisciplinary approach. Students will learn about data transformation, data storage, information theory, digital mapping, and other topics through courses that provide hands-on applications of computer science and information systems.
#2. Indiana University
Program: Data Science, BS
Tuition: $250 per credit (in-state); $350 per credit (out-of-state)
Accreditation and Ranking: Regionally accredited by the HLC and ranks #4 Best Colleges in Indiana
In this Online BS in Data Science, students analyze, organize, and collect data to come to meaningful conclusions about the data. Students learn to write programs for data analysis using large, complex datasets. Collecting large quantities of data allows you to evaluate their social, legal, and ethical implications.
Focus areas include
- Data acquisition and storage
- Data modeling and analysis
- Data exploration and curation
- Data visualization and presentation
- Data ethics and governance
#3. American Public University
Program: Data Science, BS
Tuition: $285 per credit
Accreditation and Ranking: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and ranks #4 Best value colleges in West Virginia
Earn a BS in Data Science from American Public University (APU) and gain technical depth in the study of data science. This online degree in data science focuses on the fundamentals of data science, followed by more advanced tools, techniques, and methods. In this course, students learn how to recognize data requirements and develop their capacity to collect and organize data efficiently from a variety of sources.
#4. University of Maryland Global Campus
Program: Data Science, BS
Tuition: $312 per credit (in-state); $499 per credit (out-of-state)
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
The University of Maryland Global Campus offers a 120-credit bachelor’s degree in data science online. This program is designed to meet the growing demand for highly skilled professionals who can translate data into actionable insights. The course will equip students with hands-on experience using analytical tools and methods, help them create and manipulate visualizations, manage and manipulate data, and build predictive models using a variety of machine learning techniques.
#5. Colorado Technical University
Program: BS in Computer Science with a concentration in Data Science
Tuition: $340 per credit hour
Accreditation and Ranking: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and ranks #5 Colleges with the Best Student Life in Colorado
Data Science at Colorado Tech is offered as a concentration of the BS in Computer Science. There are 183 credits in the program, including 51 general education credits, 88 computer science credits, and 44 data science credits. The BS in Computer Science program prepares students for a career centered on developing computer software solutions through algorithmic programming.
#6. University Of Phoenix
Program: Data Science, BS
Tuition: $398 per credit
Ranking: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
As part of their BS in Data Science degree program at Phoenix University, students gain the fundamental skills and knowledge required to analyze, manipulate, and process data sets. In this course, students will learn the ETL processes for integrating datasets for use in BI. The course will cover data mining, data modeling, programming languages for analyzing data, and data visualization. Students also learn to identify data patterns and trends and use them to drive strategic decisions making by transforming structured and unstructured data sets.
#7. Bellevue University
Program: Data Science, BS
Tuition: $440 per credit
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the HLC
With this online BS in Data Science degree, students have the opportunity to build a portfolio of their work as they progress through the program. Graduates can demonstrate to future employers their experience analyzing data to solve problems. The graduate’s portfolio will also demonstrate that you are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge to benefit their businesses.
#8. Maryville University
Program: Data Science, BS
Tuition: $500 per credit
Accreditation and Ranking: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and ranks #1 Best Online Colleges in Missouri
Students enrolled in Maryville University’s online bachelor’s degree in data science learn more than how to use tools and techniques. Through the use of the latest technology, students will be able to explore, analyze, monitor, manage, and visualize massive data sets. As part of the innovative program, students can also earn a business minor, which can prepare them for a wide range of data-related careers.
#9. Arizona State University
Program: Data Science, BS
Tuition: $561–$661 per credit hour
Accreditation and Ranking: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and ranks #1 Best Colleges in Arizona
The Online Data Science BS program at Arizona State University focuses on ethical data production and use. You’ll learn about cutting-edge trends in data and gain a strong mathematical background to understand how it works. In this cross-disciplinary degree, students can choose 18 credit hours from a variety of tracks. With each track, you can focus your degree on a specific field related to data science. The five tracks include Social science, Behavioral Science, Bioscience, Business analytics, and Spatial science.
#10. University Of North Dakota
Program: Data Science, BS
Tuition: $643.95 per credit
Accreditation and Ranking: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and ranks #1 Best Colleges in North Dakota
As an undergraduate data science student at UND, you’ll benefit from a program that combines data science, computer science, and business analytics for well-rounded expertise. This program offers a solid foundation in programming, as well as courses in databases, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and high-performance computing. Throughout the program, students gain knowledge of the tools they need to analyze and interpret data.
Cheap Online Masters In Data Science
As part of the admissions process, Master’s Degree applicants typically need to submit an updated resume or CV. Programs may favor candidates with experience in analytics and/or data science. For programs that otherwise require the GRE or GMAT scores, applicants may be eligible for a waiver if they have several years of professional experience in a relevant field. Additionally, universities and colleges look at your transcripts, essay, and references to determine whether you will be accepted into a graduate program without GRE scores.
10 Online Master’s In Data Science Without GRE Requirement
#1. Eastern University
Program: Data Science, MS
Tuition: $300 per credit hour
Accreditation and Ranking: Regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Designed for students of all levels of experience, Eastern’s MS in Data Science program prepares you for a variety of interesting and in-demand careers. Get specific, marketable skills in DS-standard coding languages, data analysis, mathematics, statistics, and machine learning.
#2. University of Oklahoma
Program: Data Science, MS
Tuition: $367.25 per credit (resident); $1025 per credit (non-resident)
Accreditation and Ranking: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and ranks #2 Top public universities in Oklahoma
In this online Master’s degree in Data Science, students will gain the advanced skills to design, build and analyze tools to extract, assimilate, analyze, predict, and enhance future performance for enterprises in the private and public sectors. With this program, students will gain a diverse set of technical and analytical data skills that are highly in demand in the business world.
#3. University of Michigan-Dearborn
Program: Data Science, MS
Tuition: $607 per credit hour
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
The MS in Data Science at UM-Dearborn is a 30-credit hour graduate program in interdisciplinary studies. Students will develop knowledge and skills in various Data Science areas that are highly demanded in the job market through required core courses and technical electives.
#4. University of Illinois Urbana
Program: Data Science, MS
Tuition: $670 per credit
Accreditation and Ranking: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and ranks #1 Top Public Universities in Illinois
This program leads to a Master of Computer Science degree focusing on data science and is non-thesis (coursework-only). As part of the MCS-DS track, students are required to complete 32 credit hours of graduate coursework, consisting of eight four-credit graduate-level courses.
#5. Utica University
Program: Data Science, MS
Tuition: $830 per credit
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
The Utica Master of Science in Data Science is a 30-credit, 100% online degree that prepares students to influence policy and strategy across organizations and industries. In addition, students learn how to evaluate data science in terms of ethics, social responsibility, and personal bias.
#6. University of Wisconsin
Program: Data Science, MS
Tuition: $875 per credit
Accreditation and Ranking: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and ranks #1 Best Colleges in Wisconsin
In the University of Wisconsin MS in Data Science and Graduate Certificate in Data Science, students will learn how to organize, analyze, and interpret unstructured data in order to drive business insights. Using the latest tools and analytical methods, students learn how to communicate and work with data effectively.
#7. Loyola University Maryland
Program: Data Science, MS
Tuition: $895 per credit
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
The MS in Data Science at Loyola offers students a comprehensive data science educational experience with a 31-34 credit program, 10/11 three-credit courses, and 1 (one) credit course. A student can enroll in the program either during the summer, fall, or spring semester. Students who obtain this degree will possess rigorous statistical and computational skills that are applicable in any domain.
#8. University of Denver
Program: Data Science, MS
Tuition: $1,122 per credit
Accreditation and Ranking: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and ranks #3 Best Colleges in Colorado
Students who graduate from the data science program at the University of Denver can work in a variety of fields, including business, education, government, and the natural sciences. With this degree, graduates will be prepared to reach across disciplines, making sense of the past and present in order to improve the future, whether you want to work in research or in entrepreneurship.
#9. Southern Methodist University
Program: Data Science, MS
Tuition: $1,704 per credit hour
Accreditation and Ranking: Regionally accredited by SACSCOC and ranks #2 Top private university in Texas
Students enrolled in the online Data Science program at SMU can earn a degree and advance their careers without relocating. Students in this program are full members of the SMU community and have access to high-quality curricula, faculty, and resources. Working professionals will find the program flexible, allowing them to maintain current responsibilities while earning their degree in two years or less.
#10. Northwestern University
Program: Data Science, MS
Tuition: $4,780 per course
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
The Northwestern Master of Science in Data Science program teaches students how to manipulate relational, document, and graph databases and analyze data using open-source tools like R, Python, and Go, along with TensorFlow and Keras for deep learning. Using traditional statistics and machine learning, they learn how to make reliable predictions.
Is An Online Masters In Data Science Worth It
Due to the current data-driven digital transformations, employers prefer to hire master’s degree holders from accredited, reputable, and trusted universities. It is worth pursuing a master’s degree if you want to change careers, increase your salary, or add to your knowledge base.
Data Science Graduates’ Career Path
Without a college education, it is nearly impossible to launch a career in data science. For data scientists, a four-year bachelor’s degree is required. A large number of Data Science professionals working in the field have a graduate degree or a PhD. The pursuit of an advanced leadership position will require either a master’s or doctoral degree.
Working professionals in the Data Science field have achieved the following levels of education based on data collected by Zippia.
Since data scientists work in a variety of fields, having college courses or industry experience can be beneficial. For example, you might need experience with biology or chemistry if you plan on becoming a data scientist for a hospital or medical research institution.
Data scientists are not required to have a license. You may qualify for a range of jobs after graduating from a master’s program in data science; the key is to determine which companies and areas of expertise are right for you. The flow chart below highlights a few different potential paths you could take.
Salary for Data Science
Despite the fact that data scientists are still a relatively new job title, companies are willing to pay top dollar for data professionals. In part, this is due to the ability of data scientists/analysts to unlock new ways to utilize massive amounts of data, as well as the desire to use emerging technologies.
According to Glassdoor, an average data scientist’s salary is $121,326, but some big players (Amazon, Facebook, Apple, Walmart Labs, and Google) offer higher salaries: from $187,856/year at LinkedIn to $194,507 at Meta (Facebook).
The following chart highlights top paying employers for data science.
Data Science Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for data scientists is strong. Data scientist jobs are expected to grow 22 percent over the next decade – much faster than the average growth rate.
By analyzing structured and unstructured data, data scientists produce actionable plans that businesses can use to improve their performance. In view of the valuable insight it provides, data science has continuously been in high demand across the country. It is not surprising that many grads with master’s degrees are already getting job offers months before they graduate.
According to the Dean of Graduate Education at Tufts- Karen Panetta, “Most students worry about getting a job, these students are worried about: ‘Which one do I take?’”
The high demand for data science graduates also results in a steady stream of job offers and large compensation packages. According to the University of San Francisco, 90% of its data science graduates have received a full-time offer of employment within three months after graduating, with an average starting salary of $120,000.
The following chart shows the Percent change in employment for Data Scientists (Computer and Information Research Scientists), projected 2020-30, compared to other occupations.
As the demand for data scientists continues to increase, so does their salary. Data science professionals are expected to have high job satisfaction and security, which will result in them having more interest in advancing their careers in the future.
Is Data Science Worth It?
Data science is a rapidly growing field, and it is a great way to get into the world of data-driven decision-making. A growing number of industries are adopting data science to help them make better informed and more intelligent decisions. Due to the increasing use of computers in business and daily life, intelligent machines are needed that can learn human behavior and patterns. As a result, big data analytics and data science are at the forefront.
In short, demand for data scientists is high, but supply is low, which means a huge talent gap awaits the next generation of data scientists.
With a hot job market for data scientists, now is definitely a great time to have a degree in this field. If you love programming, have problem-solving skills, or would like to work in an innovative field that is in high demand, then data science is the perfect field for you.
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