What happens to the massive amounts of data generated and retained by large corporations? Or even the data small firms churn out while conducting their day-to-day business? Data scientists are the people who make sense of all this data. From augmented analytics to commercial artificial intelligence, they employ different processes, programming software, and analytical and statistical skills to help them get the job done.
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Their findings are then used to inform decision-making or develop solutions that ultimately influence or impact companies and even government agencies. In a 2017 report, the Atlantic Council took a look at how big data can transform our society — it can help to fight crime, tackle illicit financial flows, and be used to create legal frameworks to increase national security.
The abundance of big data is creating more and more job opportunities in a variety of fields ranging from computer science to mathematical science. From 2018 to 2028, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of computer and information scientists will grow 16 percent, which is more than three times faster the national growth rate for all occupations. During the same time period, employment of statisticians will grow 31 percent, while mathematical science occupations will see a 26 percent increase.
Earning a bachelor’s degree or higher in data science may help you land a job in this fast-growing field. Bachelor degree in data science programs begin with core courses that introduce students to tools and theories in data science, including working with big datasets and data visualization techniques. There are also programs that offer specialization in areas such as geographic information systems.
Similar to master’s programs in data science, many bachelor’s programs are project-based which means students can build portfolios to show to future employers. Certain programs partner with local organizations to give students the opportunity to gain real-world experience where they are defining problems, gathering data, cleaning that data and interpreting the results.
How to Choose the Best Bachelor Degree in Data Science for You
When choosing a bachelor degree in data science program, there are a few factors to consider. First and foremost, are your interests and career goals. Maybe you want to specialize in marketing analytics over software development. Find out if your desired program offers the specialization you want.
You should also consider the cost of the program, admissions requirements and whether you want to earn your degree online or on campus.
What are the Admissions Requirements for a Bachelor in Data Science?
Whether you’re considering a bachelor’s in data science or a master’s in data science, admissions requirements vary from school to school. Generally, most schools will ask for transcripts, SAT or ACT test scores, a personal statement, and an application fee. Even though all students submit the same application materials, there are ways to diversify your application and stand out. Here are a few important questions you can ask yourself to help you do just that:
- Does the school have a minimum SAT/ACT score requirement?
Some programs require that you present SAT/ACT scores to determine where you will stand in terms of credits and classes you will be placed in. Exceeding the minimum score is a good goal to have. Consider taking the test more than once if you have to.
- Have you taken classes in high school in specific topics to learn object-oriented programming, linear algebra, or game theory?
Experience with high school classes in specific topics may determine your placement and/or exemption from certain classes.
- What’s your background? Are you strong in math, science and communication?
Some schools may use your competency and skills in math, science and communication to predict the level of difficulty (or lack thereof,) in completing the program’s coursework.
- Do you have any relevant professional experience?
Relevant experience can be helpful in choosing a specialization. Alternatively, relevant professional experience can be applied to the classroom and vice versa.
Educational requirements for data science bootcamps may differ from that of your bachelor’s program. There are bootcamps for people of varying educational and experience levels. Bootcamps may help to supplement your university training.
Differences Between a Data Science Major and Minor
If you’re not sure whether you want to major in data science, you can look for universities that offer a data science major and minor. You can choose to start with a minor in data science to become better acquainted with the field, then switch to the major. A minor requires less coursework than a major — typically 6 to 25 credits versus over 40 credits.
It’s also important to consider meaningful electives regardless of whether you decide to pursue a major or minor in data science. Electives may help you narrow down a specialization and allow you to apply your data science skills to a topic you’re most interested in.
How long will the program last?
Those obtaining their bachelor’s degree in Data Science can expect to complete their program in four years or less, as is the case with most bachelor’s degree programs.
Your enrollment status (i.e. whether you are a full-time or part-time student,) can either lengthen or shorten the amount of time it takes to obtain your degree. When researching the right program for you, take a look at the amount of credits the college of your program considers to be full-time or part-time.
How Much Does a Bachelor Degree in Data Science Cost?
Tuition for a bachelor’s degree in data science is dependent on the program you desire to enroll in. The location of the school offering the program tends to influence tuition cost. In-state schools and programs may be an affordable option for students who don’t mind staying in their home state.
Full List of Bachelor’s Degrees in Data Science
| University | Degree Type | Delivery | Program Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Edison University | B.S. in Data Science and Analytics | Online/Campus | 120 credits |
| DeVry University | Bachelor’s Degree in Software Development with Big Data and Analytics Specialization | Online | 129 credits |
| Maryville University | B.S. in Data Science | Online | 128 credit hours |
| California Polytechnic State University | Minor in Data Science | Campus | 80 credits |
| University Of San Francisco | B.S. in Data Science | Campus | 56 units |
| Yale University | Undergraduate Degree in Statistics and Data Science | Campus | B.A.: 11 credits B.S.: 14 credits |
| Florida Polytechnic Unversity | B.S. in Data Science | Campus | 132 credits |
| Florida Polytechnic Unversity | B.S. in Data Science | Campus | 132 credits |
| Chaminade University | B.S. in Data Science, Analytics and Visualization | Campus | N/A |
| Luther College | Data Science Major Data Science Minor |
Campus | Major: 10 credits Minor: 8 credits |
| Brigham Young University | B.S. in Data Science | Campus | N/A |
| Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis | B.S. in Data Science | Campus | 120 credits |
| University of Evansville | Major in Statistics and Data Science | Campus | 89 credits |
| Valparaiso University | B.S. in Data Science | Campus | 40 credits |
| Northern Kentucky University | B.S. in Data Science | Campus | 82-85 credits |
| Smith College | Major or Minor in Statistical & Data Sciences | Campus | Major: 10 credits Minor: 6 credits |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute | B.S. in Data Science | Campus | 57 credits |
| University of Michigan | Data Science Major | Campus | 128 credits |
| Winona State University | B.S. In Data Science Minor in Data Science |
Campus | Major: 60 credits Minor: 25 |
| University of New Hampshire | B.S. in Analytics and Data Science | Campus | 129 credits |
| Fei Tian College | B.S. in Data Science | Campus | 125 credits |
| University of Rochester | B.A. and B.S. Data Science Degree | Campus | 17-19 courses |
| Case Western Reserve University | B.S. in Data Science and Analytics | Campus | 128 credits |
| Pennsylvania State University | Data Sciences – Intercollege Undergraduate Major | Campus | 40-59 credits |
| College of Charleston | B.S. in Data Science Minor in Data Science |
Campus | Major: 65+ credits Minor: 19+ credits |
| Augustana University | Data Science Major Data Science Minor |
Campus | Major: 43 credits Minor: 18-19 credits |
| Westminster College | Data Science Minor | Campus | 16 credit hours |
| University of Wisconsin-River Falls | Bachelor Degree in Data Science and Predictive Analytics | Campus | 63 credits |
| Bethel Unversity | B.S. in Mathematics and Data Science | Campus | 123 credits |
| Bowling Green State University | Data Science Specialization | Campus | 14 courses |
| Bryant University | Major in Data Science | Campus | 122 credits |
| California University of Pennsylvania | B.S. in Statistics and Data Science | Hybrid | 120 credits |
| Calvin College | Data Science Major | Campus | 46-49 hours |
| Chatham University | Data Science Major Data Science Minor |
Campus | Major: 51 credits Minor: 18 credits |
| Colorado State University | Data Science Major | Campus | 120 credits |
| Columbia University | B.A. in Data Science | Campus | 18 courses |
| DePaul University | B.S. in Data Science | Campus | 192 credit hours |
| Drexel University | B.S. in Data Science | Campus | 187 credits |
| Eastern Michigan University | B.S. in Data Science and Analytics | Campus | 124 credits |
| Houghton College | B.S or B.A. in Data Science | Campus | BA: 31-32 credits B.S.: 61-64 credits |
| Iowa State University | Data Science Major | Campus | 48 credits |
| Iowa State University | Data Science Major Data Science Minor |
Campus | Major: 48 credits Minor: 15 credits |
| John Carroll University | B.S. in Data Science | Campus | 46 credits hours |
| Lebanon Valley College | Computer and Data Science Major | Campus | 46 credits |
| Loyola University of Maryland | Computer and Data Science Major | Campus | 15 courses |
| Marist College | Data Science Major Data Science Minor |
Campus | Major: 120 credits Minor: 18 Credits |
| Marquette University | Data Science Major | Campus | 120 credits |
| Mills College | B.A. in Data Science | Campus | 53 credits |
| Montana Tech | B.S. in Data Science | Campus | 120 credits |
| Northeastern University | B.S. in Data Science | Campus | 132 credits |
| Purdue University | Data Science Major | Campus | 120 credits |
| Saint Mary’s University | Computer Science Major: Data Analytics Track | Campus | 122 credits |
| Saint Michael’s College | Data Science Major Data Science Minor |
Campus | Major: 46 credits Minor: 24 credits |
| Salem University | BS Computer Science – Data Science | Campus | 15 courses |
| Siena College | B.S. in Data Science | Campus | 47-54 credits |
| Simmons University | B.S. in Data Science | Campus | 63–67 credits |
| Temple University | B.S. in Data Science | Campus | 123 credits |
| Tufts University | B.S. in Data Science | Campus | 38 courses |
| University of California Irvine | B.S. in Data Science | Campus | 135 credits |
Can a Bachelor Degree in Data Science Help You With Job Placement?
Demand for computer and information scientists comes not only from the explosion of big data, but also from the need to write algorithms that help computer scientists create software that can help businesses better understand their customers. Obtaining your bachelor’s degree in data science can equips you with the skills and knowledge for this very task and many more. Specializing can also prepare you to work in a range of positions, from cybersecurity to finance.
Since working your way to a data scientist position may take some time after graduation, you can start by working for a company with an analytical role in computer programming or a related field. You’ll want to make sure that the you can grow within the company or take on more responsibility. After gaining some work experience, you can even consider obtaining your master’s degree in data science to help to increase your worth and earning potential for future endeavors in the field.