What kind of jobs can you land with an online bachelor’s in data science?
These days, companies in all kinds of industries depend on data science to guide their decisions. Data science combines statistics, computer science, and applied math. With this degree, you’ll be ready for careers in business, finance, biomedicine, and technology.
As a data scientist, your day-to-day tasks might involve analyzing large datasets, fine-tuning algorithms for better results, or designing data visualizations. You could also use your findings to suggest business strategies.
To succeed in data science, you’ll need both technical skills—like programming and statistical modeling—and soft skills, such as communication and teamwork.
Salary expectations and career outlook for data science professionals
Careers in data science tend to pay well, and job growth is faster than average. Many bachelor’s programs let you focus on high-demand, lucrative fields like finance, healthcare, or business analytics. With this degree, you’ll qualify for entry-level roles in the industry.
Here are a few jobs you could pursue, along with salary figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
Salary and career outlook for data science professionals
| Job | BLS Median Annual Salary (2023) | BLS Projected Job Growth (2023-33) |
|---|---|---|
| Data Scientist | $108,020 | +36% |
| Financial Analyst | $99,890 | +9% |
| Management Analyst | $99,410 | +11% |
What will you study in an online bachelor’s in data science program?
An online data science degree helps sharpen your math and analytical skills. You’ll dive into subjects like applied statistics and data analytics while mastering statistical modeling and probability forecasting.
Common undergrad data science courses include:
- Probability theory
- Applied statistics
- Computer programming
- Machine learning
- Business analytics
Along with core data science classes, you’ll take general education courses and may pick a minor or electives. Some programs also offer specializations in areas like business analytics, computer science, behavioral science, finance, or biomedicine.
Most bachelor’s degrees require at least 120 credits. If you’re a full-time student, you can finish in about four years—or sooner if you transfer eligible credits.
Related bachelor’s degrees in data science
- Bachelor’s in Business Administration: These programs focus on finance, marketing, and management, building analytical and decision-making skills. Many include hands-on internships.
- Bachelor’s in Data Analytics: This major develops analytical, computational, and applied statistics skills—often overlapping with data science coursework.
- Bachelor’s in Computer Science: Students take programming, data science, and machine learning classes to strengthen both theoretical and practical computing knowledge.
Further education in data science
After earning a bachelor’s in data science, you could pursue advanced degrees in various fields.
Besides a master’s in data science, this degree prepares you for graduate programs in computer science, artificial intelligence, or data analytics. You could also specialize in business data analytics with an MBA or a master’s in data analytics.