Best Bachelor’s in Data Analytics Programs
Could you advise corporate leaders using insights you unearth from data? A bachelor’s in data analytics can help. See our ranking of top schools.
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At BestColleges.com, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.
The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.
If you're interested in joining our Integrity Network, contact us at media@bestcolleges.com. Integrity Network members typically have a graduate or terminal degree and several years of relevant professional experience.
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Data is a precious commodity, but only if you can turn it into useful information. Companies create, gather, and store mountains of data. They need qualified professionals to transform it into actionable insights.
You might be that person, if you are willing to hone your math skills, love digging into problems, and have the personal aptitude to deliver the facts to decision-makers. A degree can get you started.
A bachelor’s degree prepares you to inspect data, turning it into credible business intelligence. This degree can help you launch a career as a data analyst, database administrator, research analyst, data engineer, or data scientist.
Discover more about a career in data analytics and which schools can help you get there.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Bachelor’s in Data Analytics Schools
Bentley University
Waltham, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$53,790
$53,790
58%
100%
$40,992
$40,992
92%
5,177
Private
Yes
$53,790
$53,790
Bentley University
Waltham, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$53,790
$53,790
58%
100%
$40,992
$40,992
92%
5,177
Private
Yes
Bryan College-Dayton
Dayton, TN4 yearCampus + Online
$16,900
$16,900
N/A
48%
$9,630
$9,630
64%
1,412
Private
Yes
$16,900
$16,900
Bryan College-Dayton
Dayton, TN4 yearCampus + Online
$16,900
$16,900
N/A
48%
$9,630
$9,630
64%
1,412
Private
Yes
CUNY New York City College of Technology
Brooklyn, NY4 yearCampus
$6,930
$14,880
79%
100%
N/A
N/A
62%
15,513
Public
Yes
$6,930
$14,880
CUNY New York City College of Technology
Brooklyn, NY4 yearCampus
$6,930
$14,880
79%
100%
N/A
N/A
62%
15,513
Public
Yes
Drake University
Des Moines, IA4 yearCampus + Online
$44,188
$44,188
68%
89%
$11,682
$11,682
86%
4,774
Private
Yes
$44,188
$44,188
Drake University
Des Moines, IA4 yearCampus + Online
$44,188
$44,188
68%
89%
$11,682
$11,682
86%
4,774
Private
Yes
Lynn University
Boca Raton, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$37,600
$37,600
79%
48%
$13,320
$13,320
73%
3,232
Private
Yes
$37,600
$37,600
Lynn University
Boca Raton, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$37,600
$37,600
79%
48%
$13,320
$13,320
73%
3,232
Private
Yes
What Can I Expect From a Bachelor’s in Data Analytics Program?
Data analytics is a career-oriented major that equips students with tools to turn raw data into useful information. Graduates should qualify for entry-level jobs in data analytics or business intelligence. This degree also prepares you for graduate-level work.
A bachelor’s in data analytics requires about 120 credits and takes four years to finish. The curriculum includes a mix of courses in general education, computer science, math, data, and electives. Some programs may also require an internship or a capstone.
You can accelerate your program if you have transfer credits, CLEP, DANTES, AP, or credits for life experience. Taking summer classes can also help speed up your time to graduation. By finishing early, you can save both time and money.
Which Courses Will I Need to Graduate?
Each college or university determines which courses to require for data analytics majors. Examples of common courses include:
- Data Analysis with R: Students learn to use the statistical language R to summarize and visualize data sets. Topics include acquiring and loading data sets, creating statistical data summaries, and creating data visualizations. At the end of the course, students should understand R’s variables, functions, data types, vectors, and pipes.
- Machine Learning: Enrollees learn how to build machine learning models, train neural networks, build recommender systems, and construct deep reinforcement learning models. The course covers features that best represent data, supervised and unsupervised learning algorithms, and methods for evaluating machine learning algorithms.
- Data Wrangling: This course covers how to source and shape data from multiple sources. Topics include solving problems using SQL, validating and cleaning data sets, assessing data sets to answer questions, and building simple testing frameworks.
- Data Structures and Algorithms: This foundational computer science course covers object oriented design as a design paradigm along with dynamic data structures such as lists, bags, queues, hash tables, trees, and stacks. Students learn to use algorithmic techniques and data structures to solve programming challenges.
- Data and Information Governance: Good data governance helps organizations achieve their goals more efficiently and effectively. This course introduces learners to the rules, policies, procedures, and ethics that govern how data gets managed across the lifecycle.
- Discrete Math – Logic: Building on the information students learned in applied algebra, probability, and statistics, this course introduces Boolean Algebra and Boolean functions.
How Do I Get Into a Bachelor’s in Data Analytics Program?
Each school sets its own admissions standards. At some schools, a high school diploma may qualify you for admission to a bachelor’s in data analytics. Others may have more exacting standards. In general, however, you need to meet the following requirements:
Application for Admission: Complete the school’s application or submit via CommonApp if you are applying to multiple schools that accept it. An application lets the school get a snapshot of who you are and what you bring to their program.- High School Diploma: To enter an undergraduate major, you need a high school diploma or its equivalent. Some schools require a college prep curriculum, but this expectation is not universal. Be sure you send proof of any AP courses, CLEP credits, or early college credits you have.
- ACT/SAT Scores: While not every college requires the SAT or ACT, some do, and others give an edge to students who score well on these standardized tests.
- Essay: Your school of choice may require you to submit an essay about your statement of purpose or your life experiences. Admissions committees are looking at both what you say and how well you say it.
- References: You may need to submit a list of references or ask people to write letters of reference for you. For data analytics, select teachers or others who both know you well and have a STEM background.
- Application Fee: Not all schools charge an application fee, but if your institution does, they will not process your application until you send it.
How Much Will a Data Analytics Degree Cost?
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that in 2020–21, first-time, full-time undergraduate students paid an average net price of $14,700 at public institutions or $28,400 at private nonprofit institutions. Your costs could be much different than these figures, however, because many factors affect a school’s tuition.
For example, prestigious, historic colleges often charge more than schools with lesser known brands. Public schools usually provide more affordable tuition for in-state students, but some private schools offer surprisingly low tuition rates for qualifying students.
Remember that tuition is only one part of your overall costs. You’ll also need to budget for living expenses, which could be much higher in some cities than in others.
What Are My Options for Financing a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Analytics?
Most students receive some form of financial aid, such as:
- Pell Grants: These federal grants help support students who meet the income guidelines. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out if you qualify.
- Subsidized Student Loans: The U.S. government pays interest on your federally subsidized loans while you are in school and in other deferment periods. To apply, fill out the FAFSA.
- Unsubsidized Student Loans: Unlike subsidized student loans, these loans do accrue interest while you are in school. The lowest interest loans are usually accessible after you complete the FAFSA.
- Private Student Loans: Banks, credit unions, and online lenders offer private student loans to qualifying borrowers. These typically come with higher interest rates than federal loans.
- Scholarships: Private organizations, companies, and colleges themselves offer scholarships to students who compete successfully for them. You do not have to repay a scholarship.
- Work-study Programs: Both federal and school-sponsored work-study programs help students earn money and pay for school with convenient, on-campus jobs.
What Jobs Can I Get With a Bachelor’s in Data Analytics?
You can qualify for one of many positions with a bachelor’s in data analytics. Consider the following possible careers:
Database Administrator
Database administrators store and manage data so analysts can easily find what they need. Since databases often contain sensitive or classified information, administrators must maintain security protocols that keep data safe. These professionals need a good working knowledge of key programming languages. With experience, they may become data architects.
Data Analyst
Data analysts interpret datasets so that business leaders can make informed decisions. They identify business needs, determine appropriate data sets, and build data models. To do their jobs, data analysts also use tools such as statistical software programs. These professionals may work in finance, transportation, healthcare, communications, retail, or another industry.
Average Annual Salary: $67,293 (April 2024)
Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts help answer questions such as: Will consumers buy this product? If so, how much will they pay for it? What quantities are we likely to sell? These professionals work across many different industries, including wholesale, finance, insurance, information, and consulting. In addition to their degree, market research analysts may need certification with the Insights Association.
Operations Research Analysts
Operations research analysts help organizations solve problems and make decisions by employing logic and math. They use statistical and database software and techniques to forecast different scenarios and ultimately make recommendations.
These professionals can serve in business, logistics, healthcare, or another industry. Operations research analysts who work for the federal government may need to undergo a background check.
Data Scientist
Data scientists discover meaningful information in raw data. They may collect, store, clean, and structure data to make sure it is useful. Data scientists may also develop algorithms and models that support data analysis. Entry-level data science jobs often require a bachelor’s degree while more advanced positions call for a master’s degree in data analytics or a doctorate.
How Do I Choose the Right Data Analytics Program?
The right data analytics program offers the curriculum you need at a price you can afford on a timeline that suits your career. Ideally, though, the program does even more. Consider the following:
- Extracurriculars: Does the university offer applied analytics clubs or other extracurricular programs? Can you participate if you study online?
- Earning Potential: Schools keep data on how many graduates are employed in their field within six months of graduation and what they earn. Are you satisfied with what you see?
- Alumni Network: A robust alumni network signals both deep satisfaction with the program and a powerful point of connection to the industry.
- Admissions Requirements: Do you meet all the admissions requirements? If not, can you take leveling coursework, bump up your test scores, or apply to a related major?
- Future Educational Opportunities: Does your school offer a 4+1 bachelor’s-to-master’s program that can help you save time and money on your education?
- Accreditation: An institutionally accredited college or university can offer financial aid, transfer policies, and marketplace value that unaccredited schools cannot match.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor’s in Data Analytics Degrees
A bachelor’s degree can help you become a junior data analyst, data architect, or risk management analyst. If you want to progress beyond these entry-level jobs to become a data analyst, data scientist, or data engineer, you may need a master’s degree. To do original research or teach data analytics, you should consider pursuing a Ph.D.
Page reviewed October 6, 2023. The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges.com.
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