Data Science Bachelor’s Degree: Complete Guide
Learn how to earn a data science bachelor's degree, online options, admission requirements, career paths, salaries, and why a degree in data science is worth it.
Thinking about a career in tech where math, coding, and problem-solving come together? A data science bachelor’s degree could be your ticket to one of the fastest-growing and highest-paying careers in the U.S.
Introduction
Did you know that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 34% job growth for data scientists between 2024 and 2034? That’s much faster than the average for most careers. Today, industries increasingly rely on data to make smarter decisions. This has caused a high demand for professionals with a degree in data science.
Whether you are a high school student exploring majors or someone seeking for a career change, a bachelor’s in data science is the perfect choice. It offers the perfect mix of computer science, statistics, and business knowledge.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about online data science degree options to program requirements, costs, career opportunities, and more.
What is an Online Data Science Degree?
An online data science degree (or data science online degree) lets you earn your degree from anywhere, while you can also balance work or personal commitments. These programs are designed to cover the same curriculum as you will see in traditional on-campus options, including:
- Programming languages like Python, R, and SQL
- Data visualization and analytics
- Machine learning and AI basics
- Database management
- Business applications of data science
The core learning modes include short video lectures, live sessions, discussion boards, and hands-on projects using real datasets. Many programs add capstones and internships, which can be completed locally or remotely.
A major advantage of pursuing a data science bachelor degree online is flexibility and affordability, making a BS in data science accessible to more students.
Affordable Bachelor’s in Data Science Programs
Earning a Bachelor of Data Science doesn’t have to break the bank. Many universities provide affordable bachelor’s degrees in data science programs with in-state tuition or reduced online costs.
Here are some of the examples listed that you can consider:
| Rank | College/University Name | Location State | Type | Fee (In State) | Fee (Out-of-State) | Grad Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Maryland Global Campus | Maryland | Online | $8,136 | $12,336 | 30% |
| 2 | University of Houston–Downtown | Texas | OnCampus | $7,708 | $17,548 | 34% |
| 3 | Indiana University | Indiana | Online | $8,424 | $22,811 | 45% |
| 4 | Southern New Hampshire University | New Hampshire | Online | $17,200 | – | 45% |
| 5 | Kennesaw State University | Georgia | OnCampus | $5,808 | $17,736 | 48% |
| 6 | University of Central Missouri | Missouri | Online & OnCampus | $10,050 | $18,600 | 49% |
| 7 | National University | California | Online | $13,284 | – | 50% |
| 8 | University of the Incarnate Word | Texas | OnCampus | $37,090 | – | 52% |
| 9 | Florida Polytechnic University | Florida | OnCampus | $4,940 | $21,005 | 53% |
| 10 | University of Toledo | Ohio | OnCampus | $12,744 | $22,104 | 56% |
| 11 | Eastern University | Pennsylvania | OnCampus | $38,400 | – | 56% |
| 12 | Mississippi State University | Mississippi | OnCampus | $10,202 | $27,637 | 63% |
| 13 | University of Phoenix | Texas | Online | $9,552 | – | N/A |
Tip: Always compare tuition, financial aid, and credit transfer policies before deciding.
Best Bachelor’s in Data Science Programs
When you look for the best bachelor’s in data science programs, try to consider curriculum quality, faculty expertise, and career placement support. Some of the top picks that you can include are:
| Rank | College/University Name | Location State | Type | Fee (In State) | Fee (Out-of-State) | Grad Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Virginia | Virginia | OnCampus | $21,803 | $59,512 | 95% |
| 2 | Stanford University | California | OnCampus | $65,910 | – | 93% |
| 3 | University of Wisconsin–Madison | Wisconsin | OnCampus | $11,603 | $42,103 | 89% |
| 4 | University of Georgia | Georgia | OnCampus | $11,450 | $31,688 | 87% |
| 5 | Rutgers University–New Brunswick | New Jersey | OnCampus | $17,929 | $37,441 | 85% |
| 6 | University of Central Florida | Florida | OnCampus | $6,368 | $22,467 | 75% |
| 7 | Illinois Institute of Technology | Illinois | OnCampus | $52,386 | – | 72% |
| 8 | The University of Texas at Dallas | Texas | OnCampus | $14,644 | $40,144 | 71% |
| 9 | University of San Francisco | California | OnCampus | $60,492 | – | 71% |
| 10 | University of Minnesota | Minnesota | OnCampus | $14,610 | $20,130 | 64% |
| 11 | University of Michigan–Flint | Michigan | Online & OnCampus | $14,704 | $28,320 | 45% |
| 12 | Old Dominion University | Virginia | Online & OnCampus | $12,750 | $33,780 | 44% |
Choosing the right bachelor’s in data science depends on your goals, whether you want to work in research, corporate analytics, or tech startups.
Admission Requirements
Admission into a bachelor’s in data science usually includes:
Typical first-year requirements such as:
- 🔶 High school diploma or GED
- 🔶 Minimum GPA is often 2.5-3.0 on a scale of 4(varies for different universities)
- 🔶 SAT/ACT scores (sometimes optional for online programs)
- 🔶 Math readiness (algebra, calculus)
- 🔶 Statement of purpose or personal essay.
- For transfer applicants:
- 🔶 College transcripts, minimum GPA thresholds (varies, but typically 2.5 – 3.0), and course equivalency evaluations
- International applicants:
- 🔶 English proficiency tests (e.g., TOEFL/IELTS) and evaluated transcripts.
- Online-specific readiness:
- 🔶 Reliable laptop, stable internet, and comfort with learning platforms and collaboration tools.
Some universities also allow students to transfer credits from community colleges. This makes a degree in data science faster and more affordable.
Benefits of a Data Science Online Degree
Wondering why you should choose an online data science degree? Here are some key benefits to address your doubt:
- Flexibility: Study from anywhere, choose asynchronous or evening classes, and balance work/family commitments while progressing toward a degree in data science.
- Cost and time efficiency: Save on housing and transport, transfer credits, and accelerate terms to finish your degree faster.
- Career-aligned learning: Apply skills at internships or current jobs immediately, and graduate with a relevant project portfolio.
- Accessibility: No need to relocate to a different city. With a data science online degree, you can attend top universities from your place of comfort.
- Affordability: Online programs often cost significantly less than on-campus degrees, making them more budget-friendly.
- Networking opportunities: Many universities offer online career fairs and mentorships that strengthen your professional connections.
These advantages make a data science bachelor’s degree online a smart choice for students seeking balance.
Duration of BS in Data Science
When you pursue a Bachelor’s in Data Science, several factors affect how long it takes to complete the degree. These include whether you’re full-time or part-time, how many credits you transfer, whether the program is accelerated, and program/course load. Here’s a breakdown with current data from U.S. universities and online programs:
Typical Full-Time Program Length & Credit Requirements
- Most BS in Data Science programs in the U.S. require about 120 credit hours to graduate, which generally takes four years of full-time study for first-time students.
- Some universities also offer accelerated or dual-degree options, allowing students to finish in less than four years or pair their data science degree with another major like computer science.
Part-Time, Flexible, or Online Options
- If you attend part-time, taking fewer courses per semester (e.g., working, other commitments), it may take over 6 years to complete the same ~120 credits.
- Online programs often offer more flexibility with more start dates, shorter terms, or self-paced modules, that can reduce or extend duration depending on student pace.
Accelerated Programs
- Some universities offer accelerated bachelor’s degree programs that let students complete the 120 credits in 2-3 years.
- They need to take heavier course loads, join continuous terms (summer/winter sessions), or have many credits already.
Is a BS Degree in Data Science Worth It?
Yes, absolutely! A bachelor’s in data science can open doors to lucrative and in-demand careers.
- Average salary for data scientists: $112,590 per year, as per BLS data.
- Projected job openings: 23,400 annually in the U.S.
- Industries hiring: Finance, healthcare, e-commerce, government, and tech.
Given the rising importance of AI and big data, earning a Bachelor’s in Data Science makes the graduates highly employable.
Career Opportunity for a Bachelor’s in Data Science
When you earn a bachelor’s in data science, you become qualified for a variety of roles.
Below are some of the common job options, what you typically do in each, and what you might expect to make.
| ROLE | JOB DESCRIPTION / WHAT YOU DO | AVERAGE SALARY RANGE |
|---|---|---|
| Data Analyst |
🔶 Collect, clean, and organize data from different sources. 🔶 Use tools (Excel, SQL, Python, R) to explore data and find patterns. 🔶 Create dashboards, charts, and reports; communicate insights to managers or stakeholders. 🔶 Sometimes forecast or perform basic statistical analysis to support business decisions. | 🔶 On average, data analysts earn about $84,559/yr in base pay. 🔶 Salary range: $51K – $138K annually. |
| Machine Learning Engineer |
🔶 Design, build, test, and deploy machine learning or predictive models. 🔶 Work with datasets to train, validate, and tune models (regression, classification, deep learning, etc.). 🔶 Integrate ML models into production systems. 🔶 Monitor, optimize, and scale models while addressing infrastructure challenges. | 🔶 Average base salary around $158,147/yr. 🔶 Total compensation (bonuses, stock, etc.) often exceeds $200K+. |
| Business Intelligence Analyst |
🔶 Merge and aggregate data from business units (sales, marketing, operations, etc.). 🔶 Design dashboards & visualizations using BI tools (Tableau, Power BI). 🔶 Transform raw data into insights for strategy, forecasting, and competitive analysis. 🔶 Communicate findings to non-technical stakeholders and guide decision-making. | 🔶 Average base salary about $88,000/yr. 🔶 Total compensation (bonuses, etc.) often approaches $95K+. |
| Data Engineer |
🔶 Build and maintain data architecture: pipelines, data warehouses, and data lakes. 🔶 Ensure reliable, clean, and efficient data flows. 🔶 Optimize storage, performance, and scalability. 🔶 Collaborate with ML teams to prepare data for modeling. 🔶 Use tools like SQL, Python, Java, Hadoop, Spark, and cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure). | 🔶 Average base salary around $131,000/yr. 🔶 Salary range: $125,750 – $179,500 depending on experience and seniority. |
| Quantitative Analyst (“Quant”) |
🔶 Use mathematics, statistics, and financial modeling to price securities, manage risk, and forecast trends. 🔶 Common in finance: investment banks, hedge funds, and insurance. 🔶 Code and validate models (Python, R, MATLAB, etc.). 🔶 Work with large and real-time datasets for high-stakes decision-making. | 🔶 Average base salary around $144,634/yr. 🔶 Typical range: $114K – $184K based on experience, employer, and location. |
Note: Salaries depend heavily on experience, location, company size, etc
FAQs
▶ Is data science heavy in math?
Yes, but manageable. A data science bachelor’s degree involves statistics, linear algebra, and calculus. However, many programs teach math in applied ways, which helps students connect concepts with real-world problems.
▶ How many years does it take to become a data scientist?
A typical bachelor’s in data science takes four years. If you pursue a master’s afterward, it may take an additional 1-2 years.
▶ Is a Bachelor of Data Science hard?
It can be challenging because it mixes coding, math, and business. However, with consistent practice, most students find it rewarding and achievable.
▶ What are the cons of data science?
Some challenges include:
- 🔶 Some entry-level jobs may require advanced degrees.
- 🔶 Rapidly evolving technology (requires continuous learning).
- 🔶 High competition for top roles.
▶ Has data science been replaced by AI?
No. AI is a part of data science. While automation may change certain tasks, data scientists are still needed to design, interpret, and apply AI systems effectively.
