Data Analytics Bachelor’s Degrees: Best Programs, Jobs, and Salaries

The work of a data analyst demands a diverse range of technical skills with a high level of attention to detail. Most companies looking for data analysts require candidates to have a data analyst degree. There are many schools, colleges, and online programs that teach students analytical skills.

Data analytics bachelor’s degrees are a great first step towards a lucrative career track. Earning a four-year university degree, or even more advanced degrees in data analysis can open up a wide range of job opportunities. This article covers the degree requirements for various analytical roles and the best schools to get a data analytics degree.

What Is Data Analytics?

Data analytics

is the science of analyzing raw computational information and drawing educated conclusions about it. Data analytics helps individuals and companies understand data of all sizes. Data analysts typically analyze raw data to identify specific trends and patterns.

To help organizations make effective decisions, an analyst will use various techniques, analytics software, and tools. Those who want to work in a data analysis role need to be experts in data analytics software, statistical methods of data analysis, and working with database management programs.

What Is a Data Analytics Bachelor’s Degree?

A data analytics

bachelor’s degree

is a four-year program specializing in the skills necessary for a data analysis role. This degree, also called an undergraduate degree, prepares students with the qualifications and experiences required to apply for various tech jobs after graduation.

A data analytics degree can equip you with a wide variety of skills and provide you with valuable insight into the field. Data analytics undergraduate students learn discrete mathematics and analytical tools while completing analytical competency and statistics courses.

Data Analytics Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

You must possess several key attributes to enroll in a data analytics bachelor’s degree program as a prospective student. The first and most important requirement is to have a high school diploma or a GED as proof of high school graduation.

You must also have a deep interest in data analysis and data science, as well as a willingness to learn and study. By the end of a degree program, students who lack interest or computational skills generally lack a strong foundation in data analysis. This can harm your competitive edge when job searching, so you should fully commit to the program before enrolling.

How Much Does a Data Analytics Bachelor’s Degree Cost?

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) estimates that the

average four-year institution charges $16,647 in tuition and fees per year

. Bachelor’s degrees typically take four years to complete.

Data Analytics Bachelor’s Degree Financing Options: How to Pay for Your Data Analytics Degree

Some schools may charge a high tuition cost, but they also provide financial aid. Colleges, schools, and even online learning programs will typically offer candidates various financing options and financial aid programs. For example, scholarships can cover as much as $30,000 a year in financial aid at some universities.

Institutions may also offer other payment methods, such as split tuition payments. This means that you pay divided tuition over a given period, allowing you to comfortably pay several fees every month or year.

Best Data Analytics Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview

Best Colleges for Data Analytics: Top Data Analytics Bachelor’s Degree Programs

If you are hoping to become a data analyst, there is a broad variety of schools offering strong programs in data analytics that will prepare you for your future career. These bachelor’s programs focus on algorithms, mathematics, and mastering essential analytics tools.

Bachelor in Data Science and Analytics

| Drexel University

With Drexel CCI’s Data Science bachelor’s degree, students learn to make sense of big data. The program offers innovative coursework in data mining, information retrieval, visual analytics, social media trend spotting, human-computer interaction, and information policy.

Bachelor in Computer & Data Science

| Lebanon Valley College

Students can use information gained from a bachelor’s degree in computer & data science to create software and programs, analyze data, and solve complex problems, all skills you will need to develop to reach their career goals.

Bachelor in Data Science and Analytics

| Marist College

This program offers both an introduction to data science and an in-depth look into the subject matter. Students can choose between the major and minor programs in data science and analytics to tailor the program to their goals. They will learn how to make data-driven decisions and deal with complex data sets, among other essential skills.

Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Data Science

| Calvin College

The Statistics and Data Science program at Calvin College offers specialized training in the tools used by organizations worldwide to analyze and manage data. Students will learn analytics tools such as S.A.S., SQL, and Power B.I.

Data Science Major

| University Of Colorado

The program combines computer science, mathematics, statistics, and economics to analyze and teach big data sets and the use of scientific methods to analyze the information they hold. The skills you pick up in this program will prepare you for data analysis careers in a variety of fields.

Bachelor in Statistics and Data Science

| Kansas State University

The University of Kansas offers both a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) dual major program. Within the College of Arts and Sciences, students may double major in statistics and another subject. Additional courses required for the major include math (calculus and algebraic matrix), computer programming, and advanced statistics.

Data Science Major

| Purdue University

Most of the curriculum for first-year data science students is shared with computer science majors in the first two semesters of their education. For the remainder of the degree progression, students may choose an emphasis in machine learning, mathematics, or applied statistics. Students in the data science program can select from various electives to specialize in an additional area.

Bachelor of Science in Data Science

| Bryant University

Analytics students pursuing a BSDS degree from Bryant University receive a diverse education in the theory and practice of interpreting data. As a data science major, you will learn the skills you need to help organizations find solutions to real-life problems.

Bachelor of Science in Data Science

| College of Charleston

The program is optimal for students interested in future careers in data mining, business intelligence, national security, genomics, drug informatics, biomedical informatics, and any other area that uses data to discover new knowledge.

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Data Science

| Bethel University

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Data Science are prepared for growth in a rapidly developing field. Those graduating from this program will have the opportunity to pursue further education in a variety of disciplines or enter a diverse professional field directly as business leaders.

Best Online Data Analytics Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview

Best Colleges for Data Analytics: Top Online Data Analytics Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Online bachelor’s degree programs are a great option if you don’t have time in your schedule or the ability to travel to classes, or if you don’t live near a school with a data analysis program. Online students have access to the same level of education as in-person students.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

| University Of Illinois

A significant focus of the Department of Computer Science at the University of Illinois at Springfield is to prepare students for challenging careers in a variety of computer science fields. A degree in computer science from the University of Illinois at Springfield can lead to exciting career opportunities in the public or private sectors.

Bachelor of Science in Business Data Analytics

| University of Arizona

A bachelor of science in business data analytics is the perfect preparation for a career in data science, analytics, and other growing fields. Students from diverse backgrounds can earn a recognized degree through the University of Arizona online.

Bachelor in Business Administration in Business Data Analytics

| Utica College

A business data analytics degree can help graduates gain the essential business skills and data-driven expertise they need to advance their technological careers. Students learn applied statistical and data-analytic methods to prepare them for career advancement.

Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics

| Washington State University

The bachelor of science in data analytics from Washington State prepares students for careers in a competitive job market. The program emphasizes collecting, managing, exploring, and analyzing big data while acquiring skills in mathematics and communications.

Bachelor of Science Degree in Management Information Systems & Business Analytics Online Program

| Colorado State University Global

With the Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems and Business Analytics degree, you’ll be able to sharpen your data mining skills and become an organizational leader with strong I.T. skills.

Online Data Analytics Bachelor’s Degree

| Rasmussen University

A joint certificate program for SAS® technologies is offered with the online Data Analytics degree program. The Data Analytics S.A.S certificate is awarded to you upon passing three specific courses. These will help you learn to solve real-world business problems and gain a competitive edge in the job market.

Data Science Major

| Western Michigan University

As a student in this degree program, you will take classes in statistics, R programming for data science, big data storage and retrieval, machine learning, S.A.S., regression analysis, applied data mining, and computer-based data analysis.

Bachelor’s in Data Science Online Program

| Maryville University

This 128-credit online bachelor’s degree program from Maryville University includes core coursework, the data science major, general electives, and an optional concentration in actuarial science. Students are ready to take on an analyst role after graduation.

Bachelor’s Degree Specialization in Big Data and Analytics Online Program

| DeVry University

You will learn how to acquire, store, interpret and manage data with this online degree. The use of data mining, machine learning, and predictive analytics can aid in making quick decisions. These essential skills will be of use in a variety of data analytics careers.

What’s the Average Data Analytics Bachelor’s Degree Salary?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the

average salary for data analysts

is $86,200 per year. However, a data analyst’s salary range is heavily influenced by their level of experience, skillset, and work location.

Top Data Analytics Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview

Best Data Analytics Bachelor’s Degree Jobs Explained

Database Administrator

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $98,860
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  
  8 percent
  
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  168,000
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  New Jersey, Washington, Washington DC, California

The purpose of database administrators and architects is to store and secure data. These professionals make sure databases are running efficiently. Architects and administrators of databases store and secure diverse types of data, including financial information and records of customer shipments. Their responsibility is to ensure that the data is accessible to authorized users.

Data Engineer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $92,632
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  8 percent*
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  168,000
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  New Jersey, Washington, Washington DC, California

Data engineers use advanced mathematical and computational methods to resolve complex logistical issues within the company. In addition to strong communication skills, this job also requires you to explain your findings convincingly to others within the organization.

Data Analytics Consultant

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $90,362
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  
  25 percent
  
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  104,100
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Washington DC, New Jersey, California, Virginia

A data analytics consultant primarily helps companies improve their performance with business insights and data-driven calculations. These professionals collect and analyze data to provide insights so they can make more informed predictions.

Big Data Engineer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $89,838
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  8 percent*
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  168,000
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Florida, California, Texas, Virginia

A big data engineer interacts with large databases and massive data processing systems. Using the sweeping data, they identify relevant sets of information for analysis, which organizations then use to predict behavior.

Business Intelligence Analyst

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $87,660
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  
  14 percent
  
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  907,600
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington DC

Business intelligence analysts work alongside business owners to analyze financial data. This may include providing insight on patterns and trends regarding revenue, expenditure, and employment reports. In addition, they must have problem-solving skills to identify solutions and improve company procedures based on their findings.

Data Scientist

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $86,717
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  
  22 percent
  
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  33,000
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  California, Virginia, Washington, New York

Data scientists analyze sets of data for companies in a wide range of fields, then they use their findings to develop theories and models to solve problems and improve the company. Data scientists must stay up to date on the latest trends to implement top-tier solutions for quantitative support.

Quantitative Analyst

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $85,044
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  
  6 percent
  
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  492,100
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  New York, Washington DC, Massachusetts, Connecticut

Quantitative analysts study a company’s economic and business trends to determine its productivity and future fiscal projections. In addition, these analysts assess the team’s strengths, prospective areas of growth, and past reports to provide the most accurate data for optimal company expansion.

Data Modeler

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $84,391
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  6 percent***
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  492,100
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  New York, Washington DC, Massachusetts, Connecticut

A data modeler works with large troves of data in order to extract meaningful information. Modelers use this information to prepare detailed data reports for clients and businesses that help them become more efficient or make more money.

Data Analyst

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $67,294
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  25 percent**
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  104,100
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Washington DC, New Jersey, California, Virginia

Data analysts are responsible for collecting and organizing information from various databases to solve problems in business, logistics, healthcare, or other fields. These technological professionals use statistical analysis, simulations, predictive modeling, or other methods to identify company problems and implement practical solutions.

Transportation Logistics Specialist

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $61,531
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  
  30 percent
  
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  191,000
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Washington DC, Maryland, Alaska, Delaware

Transportation logistics specialists manage a product’s life cycle, starting from the initial design to final disposal. These specialists allocate various materials, products, and supplies to facilitate the transport of goods and services to the clientele. This position requires close attention to detail and excellent multitasking abilities.

*Job outlook and highest-paying state information from BLS report on database administrators and architects.

**Job outlook and highest-paying state information from BLS report on operations research analysts.

***Job outlook and highest-paying state information from BLS report on financial analysts.

Data Analytics Bootcamp vs. Data Analytics Bachelor’s Degree: Which Is Better?

Data science coding bootcamps

and bachelor’s degrees have advantages and disadvantages, so it can be confusing to determine which is best. Consider the benefits and drawbacks of each option before choosing which is appropriate for you. The following are the main features of each, so you can decide whether you should enroll in a coding bootcamp or pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Benefits of a Data Analytics Bachelor’s Degree

• 
  High demand
  
  : According to BLS, about 10,200 openings for operations research analysts are projected each year over the next decade. A data analytics degree will put you in a position to make the most of these opportunities. Recruiters may even approach you directly if they’re interested in you.
• 
  Career support
  
  : Data science majors and graduates can benefit from faculty advisors who can help set and achieve worthwhile objectives. You can find internships and careers through personal counseling, networking events, on-campus recruiting, and job fairs at some schools’ career centers.
• 
  Graduate opportunities
  
  : Obtaining a university degree in data analytics from a college or university can lead to a master’s or doctoral program that will expand your resources and improve your career goals. There are many schools offering master’s degrees in applied mathematics that focus on data analysis.
• 
  Versatility
  
  : The demand for data analysis skills is growing across many sectors, from management to medicine to marketing. If you major in data analytics, you’ll be well-versed in the analytical skills companies need regardless of what career path you choose. Comprehensive knowledge of statistics, mathematics, computer science, and software will enable you to adjust to a wide array of job roles.

Benefits of a Data Analytics Bootcamp

• 
  Program length
  
  : Bootcamps allow you to specialize and become an entry-level data analyst much faster than a traditional college degree. You’ll be able to pass a job interview for an entry-level position successfully within three to six months.
• 
  Cost
  
  : Data analytics bootcamps are relatively inexpensive compared to U.S. college full-time tuition fees. Bootcamps also offer flexible payment methods that might include income share agreements, deferred payments, and scholarships.
• 
  Learning methods
  
  : At a data science bootcamp you’ll learn data analysis from respected industry experts. Bootcamps employ experienced professionals to teach students the basics of data analytics and coding while providing extensive training and hands-on experience. As a result, students gain practical knowledge and practical experience from the programs.
• 
  Career opportunities
  
  : There are a lot of jobs for data science bootcamp graduates as employers that have been desperate for data talent are snapping them up not long after they graduate. Bootcamps often provide career services to help graduates find jobs in data analysis or software development quickly.

Should You Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Analytics?

Yes, you should get a data analytics bachelor’s degree if you are interested in this field. BLS data shows that

most entry-level jobs for data analysts require a bachelor’s degree

. However, developing your data analysis skills and gaining a job is possible even without a college degree.

Bachelor’s degrees in data analytics give candidates career opportunities to find roles as operations research analysts and data analysts. An accredited degree exposes you to a structured method of gaining skills and networking with professionals, so think about which option suits your needs best before deciding between a bootcamp or a bachelor’s degree.

Data Analytics Bachelor’s Degree F.A.Q.