Bachelor's degrees in data analytics

A data analytics bachelor’s degree can help you kick-start your career in a competitive field. Learn more about this lucrative degree in our guide.

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Why pursue an online bachelor's in data analytics?

Join an exciting field

Take the first step toward becoming a standout data analyst in a relevant and competitive field.

Develop in-demand skills

Gain the foundational data collection, visualization, and reporting skills you need to succeed in a data analytics career.

Earn above-average pay

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), data scientists earn an above-average median annual salary.

Find the right online bachelor's in data analytics program for you

What jobs can you get with an online bachelor's in data analytics?

A bachelor's in elementary education degree can support your entry to multiple employment paths. With this degree, you can enter the workforce as a childcare worker, pursue your teaching license, or seek a non-licensed career path in training and development or educational consulting.

Bachelor's degrees in elementary education also pair well with undergraduate or graduate degrees in adjacent fields, such as library science, counseling, social work, and psychology. With schooling and certification or licensure in these areas, you can seek employment as a school librarian, school psychologist or counselor, or youth social worker.

Educators earn salaries that roughly align with average levels for the broader labor market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), working professionals with a bachelor's degree in education had a median annual salary of $59,940 in 2023.

However, pay rates vary based on your job title, your education level, and the number of years you've been working in the field. Your location can also have a strong impact on your earning power, with employers in areas with higher living costs typically offering higher salaries.

Here are some common roles you can pursue with a bachelor's in elementary education degree, with salary and job outlook data from the BLS:

Data Scientist

Data scientists gather, sort, and analyze various types of data. They may also create or test unique algorithms to assist in this process. Most importantly, data scientists use data visualization techniques, such as specialized software, to communicate insights to stakeholders. Some employers may prefer to hire candidates with a master's in data analytics.

Required skills: Data analysis, machine learning, data visualization, and business communication
BLS median annual salary (2023): $108,020
BLS projected annual job growth (2023–33): 36%, much faster than the 4% average for all occupations

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality assurance analysts work in several industries, but many specialize in software development. In this context, they check software for user interface and accessibility problems. They gather data from their experience and report results to developers for review. A quality assurance analysis may also include relevant research and proposed solutions.

Required skills: Data analysis, user interface/experience testing, critical thinking, and reporting
BLS median annual salary (2023): $101,800
BLS projected annual job growth (2023–33): 12%

Operations Research Analyst

Operations research analysts identify an organization's opportunities for improvement, gather relevant data for the project, and analyze the data using techniques such as data mining and forecasting. These professionals may be involved in decision-making processes across an organization.

Required skills: Data analysis, data mining, forecasting, and research methods
BLS median annual salary (2023): $83,640
BLS projected annual job growth (2023–33): 23%

Market Research Analyst

Market research analysts consider the consumer behaviors, trends, and market conditions that may influence a company's sales. They may monitor consumer and prospect preferences, determine marketing strategy effectiveness, collect data, and analyze findings using statistical software.

Required skills: Data analysis, marketing strategy, statistics, and forecasting
BLS median annual salary (2023): $74,680
BLS projected annual job growth (2023–33):8%

What can you learn in an online bachelor's in data analytics program?

While every data analytics bachelor's program differs, most cover core concepts such as real-world problem-solving, predictive modeling, and data visualization. Your curriculum may also include computer science foundations, statistics, and the latest data-processing technologies. Some programs allow you to specialize in topics such as actuarial science, business, programming, and finance.

Related bachelor's degrees in data analytics

Bachelor's in business: A bachelor's in business introduces you to the broad leadership and problem-solving skills necessary in many sales, accounting, and marketing jobs — including some fundamental data analytics coursework.
Bachelor's in data science: A bachelor's in data science equips you with various data skills, including data analytics, statistics, computer programming, and machine learning. While data analytics is often considered part of data science, a degree in data science generally involves more math than a degree in data analytics.
Bachelor's in computer science: A bachelor's in computer science covers several diverse aspects of modern computing. Coursework generally includes algorithms, artificial intelligence, privacy and security, operating systems, and computer programming.

Further education in data analytics

Master's in analytics: A master's in analytics can prepare you for more advanced roles, such as computer and information research scientists. This industry-specific degree can also help you stand out to employers and increase your earning potential.
MBA in data analytics: A master of business administration (MBA) in data analytics pairs advanced leadership skills with specialized courses to prepare you for many mid- to senior-level data professions. This type of program is ideal for those interested in business analytics.
Doctorate in data analytics: A doctorate is the highest level of education available in data analytics. This research-focused degree involves deep study and is ideal for those pursuing a top leadership role or academic career.

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Frequently asked questions

Do you need a bachelor's to be a data analyst?

Yes — most entry-level data analyst roles require a bachelor's degree in data analytics or a related field. Some employers may accept professional certificates, online courses, and commensurate work experience in lieu of a bachelor's degree.

Which bachelor's degree is best for data analytics?

A bachelor's degree in data analytics or a closely related field is best if you plan to become a data analyst. A bachelor's degree in data science, business analytics, or computer science may be suitable, depending on the industry you plan to work in.

Is data analytics a hard major?

While all high-quality bachelor's programs should be intellectually challenging, some may find aspects of data analytics — such as statistics, programming languages, and technical tools — tough to grasp. As with all specialized topics, these skills can be learned with enough time, practice, and dedication.

Is a data analyst job stressful?

While some may find tight deadlines, a heavy workload, and the pressure to deliver accurate results stressful, many data analysts find that the advantages of their job (higher-than-average salary, flexible work environments, and positive career outlook) outweigh the disadvantages. Remember that no two data analyst roles are exactly alike. Workload, pay, role expectations, and work environment depend heavily on your employer and industry.