Should You Go for a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Analytics?
Data Analytics is a statistic-driven field of work that has become essential for most businesses today. Companies around the globe have invested around $307 billion invested. It’s clear, they require mathematical minds to run their systems, preferably with data analytics degree programs.
So, it’s established that it’s an excellent career to choose. But which big data analytics degree programs are right for you? We’ll answer this question and more, so let’s get started and see whether you should go for a data analytics bachelor’s degree or not.
What is Data Analytics?
Data Analytics is the field of examining and transforming raw data into useful information. As the title suggests, it involves thorough analysis and discerning of data to draw conclusions and support decision-making based on statistics.
The process involves a few key pillars, including:
- Examining the data;
- Cleaning and clearing critical information;
- Transforming and interpreting numbers;
- And uncover vital information to deduce results.
The ability to draw conclusions from numbers is developed through skilled training in data collection, cleaning, transformation, and analysis. Then, there are additional elements like data visualization and interpretation as well.
This allows the data analyst to identify patterns and trends and lead decision-making. That’s why it’s one of the leading job titles in industries like healthcare, finance, marketing, and sports.
What’s the Difference Between Data Analytics and Data Science?
Data analysis focuses on interpreting data and examining numbers to excerpt usable information. Whereas Data Science focuses on various advanced data techniques, including data analytics, machine learning, predictive modeling, and even artificial intelligence.
Here are some key differences between the two:
| Feature | Data Analytics | Data Science |
| Definition | A subset of data science, focusing on interpreting data. | A broad field focusing on extracting insights, using machine learning, and employing statistical analysis. |
| Scope | Data summarization, interpretation, and visualization. | Data mining, predictive analysis, modeling, and ML/NLP. |
| Goal | Analyzing existing data to draw conclusions and answer questions. | Creating predictive models based on numbers. Crunching information to ensure strategic decision-making. |
| Methods | Data cleaning, aggregation, and reporting. | Advanced statistical methods, as well as AI use, such as machine learning, AI programming, etc. |
| Tools | Excel, SQL, Tableau, and basic statistical tools. | Python, R, TensorFlow, Hadoop, and various machine learning libraries. |
| Educational Background | Bachelor’s degree and practical training. | Master’s degree, practical data experience, as well as certifications in quantitative fields. |
| Career Opportunities | Data Analyst, Business Analyst, Reporting Analyst. | Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, Data Engineer. |
Which Degree Program is Best for Data Analytics?
If you’re good at quantitative skills and computers, you can pursue a career in data analytics. However, the designated Bachelor’s or Master’s in Data Analytics are the best programs for a career in this field. There are various titles you can pursue, such as:
- Bachelor’s in Data Analytics, Computer Science, or Applied Mathematics or Statistics
- Master’s in Data Analytics, Business Analytics, or Applied Data Science
If you’re fresh off high school, you can follow the earlier three degrees that pique your interest and pursue a career in data analytics. If you’re a graduate, then the latter three master’s options will help you earn a career in either data analytics or data science.
What Do You Do With a Data Analytics Degree?
There are various jobs you can go for after earning a data analytics degree. You can work in marketing as well as general business strategy. These titles will require the basics of data analysis but also need additional skills for their particular focuses.
So, you can earn a high data science bachelor’s degree salary once you graduate. Some of the job titles you can pursue include the following, and what they can do:
| Job Title | What They Do |
| Data Analyst | Collecting, processing, and analyzing data to make informed decisions. |
| Business Analyst | Identifying business needs based on data. Recommending common solutions to common business solutions. |
| Market Research Analyst | Researching marketing trends, patterns, and history to make data-driven decisions. |
| Database Administrator | Maintaining databases, ensuring data integrity, security, and availability. |
| Operations Research Analyst | Research analysts focus on trends, and statistics to solve complex organizational problems. |
| Financial Analyst | Evaluating financial data and coming up with strategies to save & secure finances, while making informed financial decisions. |
| Business Data Analyst | Interpreting data and coming up with tactics to refine business strategies. |
| Product Data Analyst | Analyzing product performances, including online media, websites, etc. |
| Data Quality Analyst | Checking the quality of procured data and fixing any blemishes to make it usable. |
| Data Reporting Analyst | Analyzing existing data to report regarding the usability of the data. Also, contribute insights and metrics with various departments. |
The careers in these positions will depend on the type of degree you earn. However, most data analysis bachelors will find work as data/business analysts or marketing experts.
Which Are the Best Online Data Analytics Degree Programs?
There are universities across the United States that offer a data science bachelor degree. Whether you’re looking to find an online statistics bachelor’s degree or an on-campus one, you can quickly look them up and find your nearest options.
The best ones are usually affordable, offer a robust curriculum, and are near you/in your state. So, let’s name some of the best degrees in each category.
Bachelor’s Degrees in Data Analytics
You need a complete 4-year program if you wish to earn the data science bachelor’s degree salary. There are quite a few universities, as mentioned above, that offer these degrees. Therefore, you need to pick the nearest and most affordable option for you.
However, here are some of the top institutions in the United States that offer data analytics degrees:
| University | Program | Average Cost | Acceptance Rate |
| Bentley University, Waltham | Data Analytics Major | $51,000 | 56% |
| University of California Berkeley | B.A in Data Science | $17,000 | 11% |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Statistics & Data Science | $61,000 | 11% |
| Stanford University | BS in Data Science | $58,000 | 4% |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics | $57,000 | 4% |
These are some of the best programs with high tuition costs and equally challenging acceptance rates. Now, that doesn’t mean you cannot find other affordable and easily accessible programs, such as the BS in Data Analytics or Data Science at the University of Michigan-Flint.
This degree will cost you around $11k in tuition, while the university has a generous 66% acceptance rate. So, to pursue a high data analytics degree salary, make sure you choose the right university for you.
Data Analytics Associate Degree Online
If you aren’t keen on spending thousands of dollars or spending 4-years in university, then an associate’s program might be more suitable for you. Besides, these associate programs are much more affordable, and they are offered by colleges with nearly 100% acceptance rates.
So, here are some of the best online business analytics programs:
| College | Program | Average Cost |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Online AS in Data Analytics | $19,000 |
| Colorado Christian University | Online AS in Data Analytics | $29,000 |
| Northcentral Technical College | Online Associate In Data Analytics | $11,000 |
| Gateway Technical College | AI Data Specialist | $10,000 |
| American Public University System | Online Associate of Science in Data Science (AS) | $15,000 |
Once again, a simple search on our website will lead you to a program nearest to you (in your state) and allow you to save a few thousand bucks more. Nevertheless, it all comes down to programs that serve your best interests and are aligned with your career goals.
Data Analytics Certifications
If you already have a bachelor’s or master’s degree, then a certification will add the right qualifications needed to pursue this career. So, here are some of the top certificates related to data analytics:
| Institution | Certificate Title | Cost |
| Harvard University | Data Analytics Graduate Certificate | $13,360 |
| University of Washington | Certificate in Data Science | $4,980 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Online Analytics Certificate | $7,000 |
Is a Data Analytics Degree Worth It?
Yes, it is definitely worth it. Considering the modern technology and the impact of data on any working field, it’s a viable bet to take. A career in data analysis practically ensures that you can work in any industry, such as sports, marketing, health, etc.
Besides, it’s an ever-growing industry, with a job outlook increase of 22% between 2020-2030. On top of that, the starting salary for data analysts is around $50,000, with experienced analysts earning around $100,000.
So, the degree is worth it as it ensures a career in a growing industry. Almost every business requires data analysis, and that’s why it’s a lucrative investment to make.
What Should You Do?
Data analysis has become a pillar for businesses today, and it’s only going to grow in the coming years. That’s why, you’ll find many universities and colleges offering degrees and specialization in data science and analysis.
While the choice of degree depends on your personal preference, you can pursue this career as long as you’re good with math and quantitative skills. Therefore, find a degree option that closely resembles your career goals.
Also, look for universities and colleges that offer hands-on experiences and internships in this field. This way, you’ll be vying for a long and fruitful career in data analysis.
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