Data Analytics Degree Overview

Computing and networked technologies have enabled businesses to compile expansive datasets related to their operations. Data analytics transforms raw data into valuable and actionable insights to drive business innovation across industries.

Employer demand for data analytics specialists has grown rapidly, and schools have created targeted educational programs to help meet that demand. You can study data analytics at all postsecondary levels in certificate and degree programs.

This program guide introduces postsecondary programs in data analytics. Use it to explore the field and identify an educational pathway to follow as you plan to enter this important and fast-growing field.

While computer-powered data analytics is a relatively new field, it evolved from business practices that developed over centuries. The field emerged from statistics, a math discipline focused on compiling, organizing, analyzing, and presenting quantitative information.

Statistics has historically driven empirical and scientific methods, accounting practices, banking and investing, logistical planning, and many other processes. As computer and networked technologies emerged in the second half of the 20th century, statisticians increasingly used them to increase the speed and scope of their work. These advances essentially marked the birth of modern data analytics.

Data analytics has since evolved into a distinct field defined by specific strategies and techniques for examining, organizing, and evaluating statistical and quantitative information. Professionals also use unique data visualization and presentation tools for communicating their findings to non-specialists.

You can learn these skills in certificate or degree programs in data analytics. Certificates offer a compact, focused learning experience, while degrees delve deeper to build more complete skill sets. Both paths can lead to career opportunities in data science, market research, operations management, and more.

Undergraduate programs develop foundational skills in data management, manipulation, and visualization. Coursework also explores the systems and technologies data analysts use in their work environments. Bachelor’s degree programs also build on foundational proficiencies to explore topics like:

At the graduate level, you can engage with increasingly advanced data analytics strategies, techniques, and technologies. Graduate coursework may include deeper, more detailed coverage of data-driven decision-making while expanding in scope to examine:

Bachelor’s and master’s degree programs also increasingly include courses in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and their data analytics applications.

Data analytics programs begin with undergraduate certificates and continue up to doctoral degrees. The focus and objectives can vary widely by program type and level. Explore profiles of each program option, and gain insights into why a student might choose each of the available pathways.

Undergraduate certificates are pre-degree programs that focus on foundational essentials. They usually feature about 5-6 classes. Some programs consist entirely of required courses, while others have 1-3 slots available for electives. You can typically complete an undergraduate certificate in 1-2 semesters.

Students usually pursue undergraduate certificates to:

If you earn a pre-degree certificate at an accredited institution, you can often transfer your credits into an associate or bachelor’s degree program.

Associate degree programs usually require around 60 semester credits. Full-time students can graduate in about two academic years.

While maintaining an introductory focus, associate programs offer greater depth than pre-degree certificates. Their expanded scope extends to the business applications of data analytics, along with industry-standard techniques and technologies.

Program objectives generally emphasize foundational but well-rounded skill sets. With an associate degree, you can pursue entry-level and junior roles in data analytics or continue your studies at the bachelor’s level. By earning an accredited associate degree, you can qualify for advanced standing in a bachelor’s program and earn a degree upgrade on a shorter timeline.

Bachelor’s programs in data analytics typically comprise 120 credits and lead to bachelor of science degrees. However, some schools offer them under the bachelor of business administration banner.

As a first-year, first-time college student, you can expect to spend four academic years earning your bachelor’s degree. If you enter as a transfer student with an undergraduate certificate or associate degree, you could reduce this timeline by 1-2 years.

If you want to pursue a data analytics career with growth and advancement potential, a bachelor’s degree is the minimum level of education you should pursue. Concentrations become available at the bachelor’s level, offering ways to diversify your learning and build a specialization.

Graduate certificates in data analytics may offer an ideal pathway if you already hold a bachelor’s degree. You do not necessarily need a degree in a related field, but schools may require undergraduate coursework in statistics, business technologies, information systems, or computer science for admission.

A graduate certificate can function as an extension of your bachelor’s degree — similar to an academic minor. Graduate certificates supplement related skills in fields like accounting, business, and technology, and can open doors to specialized career paths in fields related to your bachelor’s degree.

At the master’s level, data analytics programs become more specialized and tailored to the needs of professionals seeking advancement. In addition to a master of science (MS) focused exclusively on data analytics techniques and technologies, you can also earn a master of business administration (MBA) with an analytics concentration.

If you want to focus your learning and career development exclusively on data analytics, an MS degree might be a better match. MBA programs balance analytics coursework with classes in business management, building more versatile but less specialized skills.

In either case, most master’s programs cover about 30-36 credits and require two years of full-time study. However, some schools have more intensive credit requirements — these programs take longer to complete but develop more specialized skills.

While rare among working professionals, you can earn a doctoral degree in data analytics. These include theory-based, research-focused doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) programs, along with specialized doctor of business administration (DBA) credentials. DBA pathways usually have a more applied focus, catering to the emergent needs of business and industry.

Ph.D. and DBA programs both maintain a heavy focus on academic research and theoretical data analytics models. Credit requirements and completion timelines vary, but most doctoral programs require at least 3-4 years of study.

With a doctoral degree in data analytics, you can work in academia, research and development, or leadership positions in public or private organizations.

An undergraduate degree in data analytics might best serve your needs if you:

Conversely, you may want to pursue a graduate degree in data analytics after earning a bachelor’s in another area if you:

Finally, consider studying data analytics at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. If you want well-rounded, expert-level knowledge plus a strong specialization in a specific data analytics subtopic, this path could be right for you.