Data Science Degrees
What is an online data science degree?
Find opportunities for a diverse field of careers in engineering, statistics, and business with a degree in data science. Working as a data scientist can be intellectually challenging, analytically satisfying, and put you at the forefront of new advances in technology. Data scientists have become more common and in demand, as big data continues to be increasingly important to the way organizations make decisions.
In a data science degree program, you’ll learn how to collect and manage data responsibly and ultimately use it to make informed decisions. This degree program is an interdisciplinary field of study that incorporates computer science, statistics, mathematics, business, and social sciences. During your study, you may work in teams or independently to analyze data and solve complex problems.
Demand for skilled data scientists is growing — the World Economic Forum Future of Jobs 2020 report listed this career as number one in terms of increasing demand. And hiring data professionals is a top priority across a range of industries, including technology, financial services, health care, information technology, and energy.
According to the Robert Half Salary Guide, data scientists in the US make an average of $135,000 depending on skills and experience. That means the energy you invest now in a degree could pay off later with an in-demand, well-paying career.
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Why get an online data science degree?
Careers as data scientists consistently rank among the top jobs in America. Glassdoor ranks data scientists as the third best job in America in their 2022 50 Best Jobs in America report. The job ranks high on best jobs lists because data scientists tend to command high salaries while experiencing high levels of job satisfaction. If you are thinking about becoming a data scientist, you could be setting yourself up for a satisfying career.
Earn your degree from a top university.
Earn your online data science degree from leading universities around the globe without having to relocate or commute. You can change your entire career trajectory from your couch, all at your own pace.
Build in-demand skills.
Develop technical skills that employers are hiring for, including statistical analysis, machine learning, data visualization, and popular programming languages like Python, R, and SQL.
Join a fast-growing field.
The future is bright for aspiring data science professionals. In 2020, IBM predicted there would be 2.7 million open jobs across data science and related careers and 39 percent growth in employer demand for data scientists and data engineers.
Make the world a better place.
Data scientists have been behind high-impact projects around the globe ranging from more efficient contact tracing of COVID-19 to improved placing of refugees in neighborhoods where they’re most likely to find jobs.
What do data science students have to say?
Current students and graduates from top universities on Coursera share their experiences earning an online data science degree.
“When we have to propose systems at work, my new statistics knowledge helps me calculate the parameters myself and make them more exact, and this allows me to do my work better.”
— Karim “Maki” Villano
Master of Data Science
“Applying my knowledge to something meaningful based on real-life scenarios is important to me. It helps me maintain a level of curiosity that drives my passion to learn and apply this knowledge to healthcare problems.”
— Stacey Beck
Master of Applied Data Science
“The course facilitator really helped explain the material and make sure I wasn’t just passing the class but understanding the concepts. The information you learn is important to your future projects, courses, and jobs.”
— Mattison Hineline
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Types of data science degrees
For many, a bachelor’s degree in data science or a related field can help you gain leverage as an applicant. From these programs, you’ll learn how to analyze data, and use numbers, systems, and tools to solve problems.
As of 2020, 94 percent of data scientists hold a master's or PhD, according to a survey from Burtch Works Executive Recruiting. If you want to be a competitive candidate in this field, then earning a master’s degree in data science could be an advantage. In a data science master’s degree program, you'll dive deeper into your understanding of statistics, machine learning, algorithms, modeling, and forecasting, and potentially conduct your own research on a topic you care about.
Depending on the school and online degree program, you may take coursework in the following:
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Frequently asked questions
A bachelor's degree in data science is an undergraduate program that combines concepts from computer science, statistics, data science, and more. You may either find specific bachelor’s degrees in this major or choose the subject as a concentration when earning your bachelor’s degree in computer science.
Studying data science is an opportunity to develop an array of skills, including programming, data visualization, critical thinking, and communication, all of which can lead to in-demand careers across industries.
A master's degree in data science is a newer graduate program that integrates fundamentals from computer science, probability and statistics, machine learning, and data visualization, among other subjects. In a data science master’s program, you’ll build key skills in areas such as machine learning, data mining and data visualization, and cloud computing, alongside critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. Learn more about whether a master’s in data science is worth it and the types of roles you can pursue with the degree.
On Coursera, you’ll find online data science degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate level. To figure out which one might be best for you, it helps to first understand why you want to earn a degree and what you hope to get out of your education.
Beyond your larger goals, consider what you’ll learn and how you’ll learn it, as those factors can be important when it comes to determining the best program for you. Take time to review the various business degree options on Coursera, paying particular attention to the “Academics” and “Student experience” sections for more information.