Companies produce large volumes of data every second. Consequently, they need skilled workers to collect, store, and analyze all that data. These professionals can earn higher-than-average salaries in diverse industries like energy, finance, and healthcare.
As companies develop more effective technology to cope with our constant streams of data, they rely on experts with knowledge of tools like statistics and artificial intelligence — an intersection known as data science. Professionals in this field turn raw data into actionable insights. They work as business intelligence analysts, risk managers, data analysts, data scientists, or statisticians.
Earning a bachelor's degree can help you qualify for these analytical, data-driven careers. Use our guide to learn about top programs in this field, how to choose the best school, and common outcomes for a bachelor's in data analytics.
Why Get a Bachelor's Degree in Data Analytics?
Careers in data analytics are in demand. For example, the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects data scientist jobs will grow 35% from 2022 to 2032. If you are detail-oriented, have a knack for math, and enjoy technology, you may thrive in these professions. A four-year degree in data analytics can be the first step toward a data analytics role. Benefits of these programs include:
Improved Information Literacy: Data analysis students learn to evaluate, interpret, and effectively use data. They study data sources, data quality assessment, and navigation of data repositories and platforms.
Higher-than-Average Salaries: BLS and Payscale data reveals that a variety of data science and analysis jobs offer higher-than-average salaries.
Data-Driven Decision-Making: Enrollees learn how data can inform and guide decision-making processes in various contexts, promoting a culture of informed choices within organizations.
Problem-Solving and Optimization: Learners in data analytics programs study how to solve problems with systematic, structured approaches. They also learn to define problems, gather relevant data, analyze these questions to identify patterns and trends, and propose optimized solutions.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What to Expect From a Data Analytics Bachelor's Program
Data analytics degrees help prepare enrollees for careers in data science and data analytics, including roles like data analyst, business intelligence analyst, and risk manager. Consequently, these programs typically include coursework in computer science, data analysis, and statistics. Most schools require students to complete at least 120 credits, which usually takes four years of full-time study.
Admission Requirements
Each college or university sets its own admission requirements, so they can vary between institutions. In general, however, applicants should be ready to submit the following:
Application: Prospective students must fill out an application online. Learners can use Common App, which lets them apply to multiple schools simultaneously.
Application Fee: Some schools charge a nonrefundable processing fee for applications, which often range from $30 to $100.
High School Transcripts: Institutions typically require official transcripts from high school or equivalent evidence of academic progress. Students with previous college credits must typically send transcripts for this coursework, too.
Supplemental materials often include ACT or SAT scores, admissions essays, resumes, and letters of recommendation.
Degree and Concentration Options
Not every data analytics degree looks the same. Some schools offer a major in this field, while other institutions require students to pursue a degree in subjects like business or computer science with a concentration in data analytics. Learners can complete these degrees in person or online. We explore degree options below:
Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics: This degree focuses on the techniques and tools used for data analysis. Students explore the methods for extracting useful insights from complex datasets.
Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics: This degree combines business courses with data analytics and computer science classes, focusing the curriculum on business strategy. Students often take courses in coding, financial markets, mathematical modeling, statistics, and probability.
Bachelor of Applied Science in Data Analytics: An applied science bachelor's degree may offer courses focused on real-world applications of theories and tools covered during the program.
Popular Bachelor's in Data Analytics Courses
Though each school's data analytics courses vary, the following classes are common across programs:
Data Wrangling: Data wrangling is the process of cleaning and organizing data so it can be used to make insights and predictions. This course covers topics like how to gather, extract, assess, and clean data.
Scripting and Programming: Courses in scripting and programming build learners' skills with tools like Python programming language. Students need basic programming skills to solve real-world problems in their data analyst roles.
Machine Learning DevOps: Enrollees in this class explore software engineering fundamentals for deploying data. They also learn to build and monitor machine learning models.
Data Structures and Algorithms: This course covers dynamic data structures such as stacks, lists, bags, trees, queues, and hash tables alongside these structures' associated algorithms. Learners discuss topics like abstract data types and object-oriented design.
Discrete Math and Logic: Students in this class learn about topics like logic, proofs, Boolean algebra, and Boolean functions. Coursework builds on the skills and knowledge from classes like applied algebra and applied probability and statistics.
How Much Does a Data Analytics Bachelor's Cost?
Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) for the 2020-21 academic year reveals the average tuition at in-state public schools was $9,375 per year. Out-of-state public school tuition averaged $27,091 per year, while private institutions averaged $32,825 per year.
Many factors affect the price you pay for a bachelor's degree, including a school's public or private and students' state residency. Beyond tuition, learners should also consider the cost of living in the area near prospective schools. Institutions in more expensive jurisdictions may cost enrollees more for food, housing, and transportation. Pursuing an online degree can help students eliminate costs like relocation, campus housing, and transit.
Learners should apply for financial aid like scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs to help defray the cost of their degree.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Jobs for Bachelor's in Data Analytics Graduates
A data analytics degree can qualify graduates for jobs in areas like data science, financial analysis, and operations analysis. Students with a bachelor's in data analytics can work in roles like the following:
Data Analyst
Data analysts use specialized tools to extract data, organize it, and review it for trends and patterns that can help companies make decisions and solve problems. These professionals need skills in statistics, writing, problem-solving, data visualization, and data cleaning.
Required Education: Bachelor's degree
Job Outlook (2022-32): N/A
Average Annual Salary: $66,310 (September 2023)
Data Engineer
Data engineers build systems that store and convert raw information. They acquire datasets, build data pipelines, develop new algorithms, and conform to ethical and legal regulations on data collection and management. Many data engineers begin their careers as software engineers before moving into management or data architecture positions.
Required Education: Bachelor's degree
Job Outlook (2022-32): N/A
Average Annual Salary: $95,740 (September 2023)
Supply Chain Analyst
Supply chain analysts study data to help ensure that goods and services move efficiently through the supply chain. These professionals aim to develop or improve strategies that respond to global supply chain bottlenecks, including determining new transit routes and researching product prices. They need a strong background in business, problem-solving, and quantitative analysis.
Required Education: Bachelor's degree
Job Outlook (2022-32): N/A
Average Annual Salary: $65,650 (September 2023)
Operations Research Analyst
Operations research analysts sort through large volumes of data to find actionable insights that help increase organizational efficiency and productivity. They often work in operations, finance, or human resources departments. These professionals use statistical analysis, data mining, and mathematical modeling to do their work.
Required Education: Bachelor's degree
Job Outlook (2022-32): +23%
Median Annual Salary: $85,720 (2022)
Business Intelligence Analyst
Business intelligence analysts break down complex data to produce business and market intelligence and improve their companies' bottom line. These professionals may start their careers as data analysts before moving into consulting, senior analyst, or leadership roles.
Required Education: Bachelor's degree
Job Outlook (2022-32): N/A
Average Annual Salary: $73,890 (September 2023)
Selecting the Best Bachelor's in Data Analytics Program
In addition to factors like cost and learning modality, consider the following details about each program on your list:
Staff Diversity: Explore faculty qualifications to investigate whether the department employs professors from an array of backgrounds and expertise areas.
Location: For on-campus programs, how expensive is the cost of living near the school? For online programs, do you have any in-person components that require you to travel to campus?
Program Length: Does the school offer their data analytics degree in an accelerated format?
Available Concentrations: Research classes and specialization options to see if the school offers coursework that aligns with your career goals.
Internship Opportunities: Does the school partner with local organizations for internships and hands-on experience? Can students arrange their own internships in exchange for course credit?
University Career Services: Investigate the school's career services, including resources like resume workshops, job fairs, and career counseling.
Future Education Opportunities: For students interested in pursuing graduate-level education, does the school offer master's or doctoral degrees in the field? Can students enroll in an accelerated bachelor's-to-master's program to finish two degrees more quickly?
Accreditation: Make sure all schools on your list hold institutional accreditation, which verifies that the college or university meets standards of academic excellence. Some data analytics programs may also hold programmatic accreditation from organizations like ABET. This type of accreditation is optional and affirms that a specific department's courses prepare students for careers in the field.
Should You Get Your Bachelor's Online?
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic pushed schools to increase their online offerings, distance learning was a growing market. According to the NCES, in the fall of 2021, 59% of students enrolled in at least some distance education coursework.
Online classes — especially asynchronous courses with no set meeting times — can help learners with busy schedules integrate classes alongside their work and family obligations. However, distance education is often less structured than in-person coursework. Enrollees who thrive in these environments are typically technologically savvy, self-disciplined, and skilled at managing their time.
Top Bachelor's in Data Analytics Degrees
Applicants to bachelor's in data analytics programs need to consider multiple factors when choosing schools. The below list of the top five 2023 data analytics degrees rankings highlights prospective programs. Readers can click the link below to learn more about how we rank schools.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Questions About Studying Data Analytics as an Undergrad
How valuable is a bachelor's in data analytics degree?
September 2023 Payscale data reveals that professionals with a bachelor's degree in data analytics earn an average salary of $71,000 — higher than the national average wage for all occupations ($61,900 in 2022, according to the BLS). Thus, earning this degree can offer a positive return on investment.
Does data analytics involve a lot of math?
Yes, data analytics is a math-heavy field. Degrees in data analytics typically require courses in statistics, linear algebra, calculus, and discrete mathematics.
Is data analytics a difficult major?
Like any major, data analytics poses challenges. Students with proficiency in mathematics and technology may thrive in these programs.
Is data analytics a high-paying career?
According to data from Payscale and the BLS, many data analytics careers — including data analyst, operations research analyst, and business intelligence analyst — offer average wages that exceed the average salary for all workers ($61,900 in 2022, according to the BLS).
