by our College Data Analytics TeamData Science was the 282nd most popular major in the 2020-2021 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 541 degrees in this year alone. This is a difference of 247 over the prior year, a growth of 45.7%.
Our 2023 Best Data Science Schools ranking analyzes 14 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for data science students. Explore this or one of our many other custom data science rankings further below.
New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. Once you obtain your degree, additional data science certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
There are many different data science degree levels. You can spend many years getting as high as a in data science to something that takes less time like a . Depending on the data science degree you choose, obtaining your diploma can take anwhere from 1 to 4+ years.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
As you might expect, salaries for data science graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Learn about other programs related to Data Science that might interest you.
BS in Computer Science - Data Analysis
Build structured databases, explore big data and learn how to clean data in Southern New Hampshire University's online bachelor's in computer science with a concentration in data analysis.
BS in Geosciences - Data Analytics in Science
Address contemporary environmental issues through managing and analyzing data with this specialized geosciences degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
One of 44 majors within the Multi / Interdisciplinary Studies area of study, Data Science has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Other Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies | 34,975 |
| Biological & Physical Science | 30,075 |
| Interdisciplinary Studies | 9,074 |
| International Studies | 7,368 |
| Nutrition Science | 5,330 |
