15 Best Data Science Undergraduate Programs
Data science is a popular and growing field that more and more students are choosing to study and pursue. Professionals in this field, such as data scientists, are expected to see a 35% employment growth between 2022 and 2032 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). One of the best ways to join this field is by completing a data science undergraduate program. This article will show you some of the best data science undergraduate programs as well as information on what a data science career might entail.
What is a Data Science Program?
A data science program teaches students all about data science, including how it works, what its purpose is, and why it’s so important in our world today. Data is everywhere and is used in all areas.
Data science helps individuals learn what happened, why it happened, what can happen, and what the results are. Data is more than just a few facts or tidbits of information. In order to fully understand data and data science, students learn the important stages of data science:
- Capture
- Maintain
- Process
- Analyze
- Communicate
Data science programs are educational training programs that typically result in a degree with a bachelor’s degree being the most common. The BLS reports that data scientists must have at least a bachelor’s degree.
The degree can be in mathematics, computer science, statistics, engineering, data science, or a related field. Data science students should have a strong background in math and statistics. Data science is used in many industries, so students may need to have some experience in various fields depending on their career goals.
Data science undergraduate programs can be found at many colleges and universities. Many colleges also offer these programs online. Online programs have become very popular in recent years.
Who Needs an Online Bachelor’s in Data Science?
As exciting as the prospect of earning a bachelor’s in data science might be, attending college can be difficult for many students for many reasons. Finances might be an issue. If the school a student wishes to attend is far away, that can be an issue as well. Perhaps the student has a family to support and must keep working.
There are a multitude of reasons why a student might find it almost impossible to attend college full-time on campus. Online programs can be the perfect solution. Online data science programs are ideal for many students.
- Students who want to attend a college that’s located far away
- Students who must continue to work while earning the degree
- Students who want to study at their own pace
- Students who want a flexible schedule
- Students who want to save money on tuition and college fees
- Students who need more time earning the degree
15 Best Data Science Undergraduate Programs
Finding the best data science undergraduate programs may seem like a daunting task. To make it a little easier, we’ve put together a list of what we consider the best data science undergraduate programs, all of which are online programs. You can check out our methodology for ranking, as well as our editorial standards here.
1. Lakeland University
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Systems Data Analytics
This program teaches students not just about computer programming but also data management. It’s a popular program because its classes are very flexible and convenient for online students. They can sign in and do assignments as little as once a week. It’s an affordable program that offers multiple start dates. Students can transfer for up to 90 credits. This program also offers students the option of online and/or on-campus courses.
2. Southern New Hampshire University
Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics
The 120-credit undergraduate program at SNHU is an online program that allows students to transfer up to 90 credits. Despite being an online program, this program teaches students how to solve real-world problems using state-of-the-art analytical tools. It offers a concentration in project management. Students learn about data analytics, computer programming, and computer science. Students can finish this program in less than the traditional four years.
3. Full Sail University
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Concentration in Data Structure & System Design
The BS in Computer Science program at FSU offers a focus on data structure and system design. Students learn about computer science, computer programming, and data science. This is an affordable program that can be completed in 80 weeks. Many courses are offered both online and on campus. This is a great program because it prepares students for entry-level positions in this field.
4. Grand Canyon University
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Concentration in Big Data Analytics
Grand Canyon University offers a BS in Computer Science with a focus on big data analytics through its College of Science, Engineering, and Technology. This 128-credit program offers courses both online and on campus. Students can transfer up to 90 credits. This is a good program because it offers a well-rounded education in all areas of computer science, data science, and computer programming.
5. Western Governors University
Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics
Western Governors University’s data analytics undergraduate program prepares students for entry-level jobs in this field and the field of computer science. Up to 27 credits can be transferred into the program. Students like affordable tuition and flexible schedules. A large majority of the students can finish this program in less than 42 months. The program consists of 42 courses.
6. Lynn University
Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics
The undergraduate program in data analytics at Lynn University is a 100% online program that can typically be completed in four years. Due to its online format, students can finish the program in less time. Students can choose from three start dates per year. Course topics include business analytics, data programming, advanced business techniques, and data mining. The curriculum offers courses that prepare students to focus on real-world issues and problems.
7. University of Maryland Global Campus
Bachelor of Science in Data Science
The data science bachelor’s degree program at UM Global is a very good program that’s offered 100% online. The curriculum includes courses that not only teach students about data science but also help them to be aware of current and future issues in the computing world. Students must complete 120 credits that include general education and major-related courses. They can also transfer up to 90 credits.
8. Colorado Christian University
Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics
The online bachelor’s in data analytics at CCU is aimed at students with a strong background in math and statistics and strong critical thinking skills. This 100% online program requires completing 120 credits, 36 of which must be major courses. Students benefit from small class sizes and 24/7 access to instructors. Many students enjoy the fact that this is a Christian college.
9. Liberty University
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with focus on Data Science
Liberty University offers a bachelor’s degree in computer science with an emphasis on data science. This 100% online program requires completing 120 credits. The program can be completed in four years or less. Students can transfer in up to 75 of the required courses. This program prepares students to tackle real-world problems in the data science and computer industries. The tuition is favorable as well.
10. Indiana University
Bachelor of Science in Data Science
The Bachelor of Science in Data Science program at Indiana University is an online program that’s offered in an accelerated format so students can finish it sooner. Data science students will be required to gather, analyze, and manage data to demonstrate what they’ve learned in the program. Up to 64 credits can be transferred into the program. Graduates of this program are prepared to join the workforce immediately. Students find this program affordable and one that offers a well-rounded curriculum.
11. Washington State University
Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics
The undergraduate program in data analytics at WSU is aimed at students with a knack for numbers and statistics as well as a love of data. This 100% online program includes a multidisciplinary curriculum that prepares students for many different careers. The program, which can be completed in less than four years, requires students to complete 120 credits. This program provides students with extensive hands-on training experiences.
12. Bellevue University
Bachelor of Science in Data Science
The 100% online bachelor’s degree in management information includes a concentration in data analytics. Students gain experience in statistics, computer science, business analytics, and gathering and analyzing data. Students must complete general education, major, and elective courses for a total of 127 credits. This is a very convenient and flexible program with reasonable tuition rates.
13. Northwest Missouri State University
Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems with a Concentration in Data Analytics
The 100% online bachelor’s degree in management information includes a concentration in data analytics. Students gain experience in statistics, computer science, business analytics, and gathering and analyzing data. Students must complete 120 credits, which must include general education, major, and elective courses. This is a very convenient program that allows students to transfer in 90 credits.
14. University of North Dakota
Bachelor of Science in Data Science
The University of North Dakota offers a bachelor’s degree in data science that can be completed online or on campus. Students must complete 124 credit hours, and most students can complete this program in four to five years. This program provides students with a strong foundation in computing, programming, and data science. Students learn through many hands-on training courses.
15. Purdue Global
Bachelor of Science in Analytics
The bachelor’s degree in analytics offered through Purdue Global is a 100% online program with three different start dates. This is a very flexible program for online students. Upon graduating, students are prepared to seek immediate employment in this field. Students benefit from free online tutoring, student-teacher interaction, and many student services.
Data Science Undergraduate Admissions Requirements
The admission requirements for a data science program can vary depending on both the school and the program itself. It’s also important to realize that the program requirements and the school requirements are different, so make sure you research both requirements. Online programs often have fewer admission requirements than on-campus programs, but they still have admission requirements.
Students should submit an online application along with any application fee the program might require. Other requirements might include:
- Official transcript of any schools attended
- Resume
- Letters of recommendation
- Some experience in this field
- Knowledge of math, statistics, calculus, programming, data, and algorithms
Salary and Job Prospects for BS in Data Science Degree Graduates
There are many reasons why an individual might choose to earn a Bachelor of Science in Data Science. Job prospects and salary potential are at the top of the list. Data science is a rewarding and very much in-demand field. Below are just a few of the many jobs possible with a degree in data science as well as the estimated job growth based on a 2022 report by the bureau.
- Data Scientists – $103,500 – 35% job growth
- Computer and Information Research Scientists – $136,620 – 23% job growth
- Mathematicians and Statisticians – $99,960 – 30% job growth
- Computer Network Architects – $126,900 – 4% job growth
- Computer Hardware Engineers – $132,360 – 5% job growth
- Operations Research Analysts – $85,720 – 23% job growth
Getting Started
Getting started in a career in data science may seem complex and time-consuming, but it’s also worth the time and commitment. Students in a data science program are required to have a certain amount of experience in this field. They should also have knowledge of different subjects as mentioned above. Applicants to this program can benefit from learning what courses they may need to take.
Researching schools and programs is the first step toward this career. Does the school offer the program online? Is the school accredited? Accreditation is very important. Does the program offer areas of concentration that match your career goals? All these factors are important when you’re getting started in the field. Once you’ve found the school and program you want to use, you’re on your way towards this exciting career.