Guide to Online Bachelor's in Data Analytics Degrees

Though data analytics dates back to the mid-1900s — when computers were in their infancy — its full potential is still being uncovered. Data analytics is everywhere, from recording and managing patient data in hospitals to handling financial data in banks.

With a bachelor's in this field, you can join the in-demand world of data analytics, a market whose value is projected to reach over $393 billion by 2032, according to data from Precedence Research. This degree can help you qualify for jobs like business analyst, database administrator, and market research analyst.

Explore this page to learn more about a data analytics degree and how it may align with your career goals.

What to Expect From an Online Bachelor's in Data Analytics

Data analytics bachelor's degrees teach students about collecting data and synthesizing this information into reports that highlight takeaways relevant for organizations' decision-making.

An online bachelor's in data analytics typically includes 120 credits and takes four years of full-time study. During the program, learners explore how data analytics functions across industries. They study data analytics techniques and emerging technologies. These programs often require a capstone project, where students apply their knowledge to real-life business scenarios.

Tuition for data analytics bachelor's degrees generally ranges between $300 and $600 per credit, but several factors influence cost, including school type and student state residency.

Although schools usually offer a data analytics degree as a bachelor of science (BS), some schools provide a bachelor of arts (BA) option. The BA incorporates theoretical approaches to data analytics, including ethical and societal influences on the field. Meanwhile, a BS in data analytics focuses mostly on practical applications of scientific and mathematical skills.

Admission Requirements

Many schools with bachelor's in data analytics programs require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some institutions stipulate a minimum GPA. Schools may ask for additional materials like an application essay, a resume, standardized test scores, and letters of recommendation.

In addition to filling out an online application and submitting official transcripts, applicants may also need to pay an application fee, which typically ranges between $30 and $100. Students can use Common App to submit their materials to multiple schools simultaneously.

Popular Courses

Bachelor's programs in data analytics focus their coursework on advanced math, computer science, and data collection and modeling. Although classes vary between schools, you can expect to find variations of the following courses in most data analytics bachelor's programs:

• Machine Learning: This course explores common algorithms used in machine learning. Students learn about data collection, organization, and storage processes.
• Data Analysis Techniques: Enrollees learn multiple techniques used in data analysis, including sentiment analysis and clustering. This course also teaches students how to determine which techniques are relevant in specific scenarios.
• Data Management: Data analytics programs typically cover beginning and advanced data management concepts, including creating data models, constructing databases, and designing data warehouses.
• Discrete Mathematics: This course introduces learners to mathematical concepts in computer science, such as number theory, sequencing, and logarithmic functions.
• Statistical Computing: Enrollees learn to blend computation with statistics through simulated experiments, estimation, and resampling.

Accreditation for Online Degrees

Institutional accreditation verifies whether schools meet specific standards for academic offerings, faculty credentials, and student outcomes. Attending an accredited school to earn your bachelor's in data analytics can help you more easily transfer credits to other schools. In addition, you must attend an accredited school to apply for federal financial aid.

Though optional, some schools also hold programmatic accreditation from agencies like ABET. ABET accreditation verifies that a program's courses adequately prepare students for data analytics careers. Some certification and licensure programs require candidates to hold a degree from an ABET-accredited program.

How Affordable is an Online Bachelor's in Data Analytics?

On average, tuition for a bachelor's in data analytics falls between $300 and $600 per credit. Therefore, the tuition for a typical 120-credit program can cost $36,000-$72,000 in total.

However, several factors can affect the cost of an online data analytics degree. For example, some public institutions charge higher rates for out-of-state students. Other schools offer in-state or discounted tuition for online learners.

In addition to student loans, prospective enrollees should explore schools' financial aid options, including scholarships and grants. Third-party organizations may also offer scholarships for STEM students, including the Society of Women Engineers scholarships and Labroots STEM scholarships.

Is an Online Bachelor's in Data Analytics Different From an On-Campus Program?

An online bachelor's in data analytics program is similar to an on-campus degree in terms of its completion time, curriculum, admission requirements, and accreditation. Because data analytics is such a technology-heavy field, it may be well-suited to the online format. However, there are a few differences between online and on-campus programs to consider:

• Delivery Format: Online data analytics programs can be asynchronous — with no scheduled meeting times — or synchronous, which requires students to meet at specific times for live teleconferencing sessions. Asynchronous classes can offer more flexibility, but they may be challenging for learners who prefer more structure and guidance.
• Scheduling: Scheduling is different for asynchronous online programs than in-person programs. Often, asynchronous classes offer more flexible deadlines, which allows learners to integrate coursework into their schedules.
• Cost: An online data analytics program's costs may be lower than its on-campus equivalent. Some schools offer reduced tuition rates for online learners, which make a program more affordable for distance learners. However, institutions may also charge a technology fee to online students, which can increase per-credit or per-semester costs.

Is an Online Bachelor's in Data Analytics Worth It?

Whether earning a bachelor's in data analytics is worth it depends on your career goals. Many roles in data science and data analytics require at least a bachelor's degree in the field, so pursuing these programs can help you qualify for these jobs.

Many data analysis careers offer higher-than-average salaries and faster-than-average growth projections, which means this degree can offer a positive return on investment.

Consider the following benefits of earning a bachelor's degree in data analytics:

• In-Demand Careers: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects faster-than-average growth for several occupations related to data analytics, signaling continued demand for workers with these skills. For example, the BLS projects data scientist jobs will grow 35% from 2022 to 2032. BLS data also projects financial analyst roles will grow 8% during the same period.
• Potential to Work in Various Industries: Because many sectors can benefit from data-driven insights, these professionals can find jobs in numerous industries, including automotive, finance, manufacturing, telecommunications, and marketing.
• Higher-than-Average Salaries: BLS data from 2022 shows that data scientists earn a median pay of $103,500, more than double the median wage for all workers. Related careers also earn higher-than-average salaries as of 2022, including financial analysts ($96,220) and operations research analysts ($85,720).
• Impactful Work: Data analysts play an important role in many industries that affect daily life. Data analysis helps organizations from businesses to governments make important decisions, create new products, and update processes to address populations' needs.
• Ever-Evolving Knowledge Base: Because new data is being generated all the time, data analysis careers are often dynamic, requiring workers to adapt to new technology and understand new societal trends.

The rigor of a bachelor's in data analytics can also prepare you for pursuing an advanced degree, such as a master in data analytics.

More Questions About Bachelor's in Data Analytics Programs

Can I study data analytics online?

Yes. Multiple schools offer an online bachelor's in data analytics to help learners with full-time jobs or family obligations complete their degree. Students who prefer self-paced studies should look for asynchronous courses, which do not include scheduled meeting times.

Are online data analytics courses worth it?

Online data analytics courses can be worth it for learners with busy schedules who need added flexibility. Asynchronous classes can let students integrate coursework into their other obligations while still receiving the same education as on-campus enrollees.

What jobs can I get with a bachelor's in data analytics?

A data analytics bachelor's degree can help qualify graduates for careers like data analyst, financial analyst, operations research analyst, or marketing analyst. These professionals work across diverse industries, including healthcare, education, and manufacturing.

Which organizations can I join as a data analytics student?

Professional organizations like the Data Science Association, the Digital Analytics Association, and SIGKDD can connect data analytics students to valuable career resources. Some schools also run STEM-focused organizations for their enrollees.

Are scholarships available for online bachelor's data analytics?

Yes. STEM-focused scholarships like the Society of Women Engineers scholarships and Labroots STEM scholarships can help defray the cost of a bachelor's in data analytics. Students should also review their school's financial aid options.