How to become a data scientist

Explore the education pathways, technical skills, salary data, and job outlook that can help you plan a path toward a data science career.

Browse online data science programs and courses

Key takeaways

  • Data scientists typically need at least a bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or a related field.
  • Build skills in Python, SQL, data analysis, statistics, and machine learning through online learning on edX and hands-on practice.
  • Data scientists earned a median annual wage of $120,230 in May 2025, and the BLS projects 35% employment growth from 2025-35.
Two data scientists working on a presentation, sharing statistics on a laptop while discussing strategies.

What does a data scientist do?

Data scientists use analytical tools and techniques to find useful insights in data. They combine mathematics, statistics, programming, and data analysis to identify patterns, build models, and help organizations make informed decisions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), data scientists earned a median annual salary of $120,230 as of May 2025.

Common data scientist responsibilities:

  • Collecting, organizing, and analyzing data relevant to a project
  • Creating, testing, and updating algorithms and models
  • Using data visualizations to communicate findings
  • Making recommendations based on data analysis

What do you need to become a data scientist?

Data scientists typically need at least a bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or a related field. They also use technical skills in areas such as programming, data analysis, data visualization, and machine learning. Some employers require or prefer applicants to have a master's or doctoral degree.

Skills

Programming and query languages (especially Python, SQL, and R), data management and querying, math, statistics and probability, machine learning and modeling, data visualization

Education

Data scientists typically need at least a bachelor's degree in a quantitative or technical field to enter the occupation.

Experience

An internship or other hands-on technical experience is preferred

Certifications/licenses

Certification requirements vary by role and employer. Professional certifications can demonstrate proficiency in specific tools or technologies.

How to become a data scientist

A common path to becoming a data scientist includes earning a relevant degree, developing programming and analytical skills, learning machine learning techniques, and gaining experience applying those skills to data projects. Requirements can vary by employer and role.

Step 1: Earn a relevant degree

Data scientists typically need at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, statistics, mathematics, or a related quantitative or technical field. Some employers require or prefer applicants to have a master's degree or doctoral degree.



Programs that can help you prepare for data science

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Introduction to Data Science with Python
Harvard University
Course
Journey into Data Science with Python
CodeSignal
Course
Data Science: R Basics
Harvard University
Course
Data Science: Building Machine Learning Models
Harvard University
Course
Python Basics for Data Science
IBM
Course
Data Science: Visualization
Harvard University
Course
Data Science: Inference and Modeling
Harvard University
Course
Data Science: Probability
Harvard University
Course

Data scientist salary and job outlook

+35%
Job growth (2025-35), Source: BLS
24,800
Projected openings per year, Source: BLS

Is becoming a data scientist right for you?

Data science may appeal to learners interested in mathematics, programming, and analytical problem-solving. Before pursuing the field, consider the education and technical skills required, the time and cost of training, and opportunities to gain hands-on experience.

Launch your career in data science

Explore data science programs on edX

Frequently asked questions about becoming a data scientist

What's the difference between a data scientist and a data engineer?

Data engineers design and maintain systems that collect, store, and move data, while data scientists analyze data to identify patterns, build models, and generate insights that can inform business decisions. In short, data engineers focus on data infrastructure, while data scientists focus on analyzing and interpreting the data.

How long does it take to become a data scientist?

The time it takes to become a data scientist depends on your education, existing technical skills, and the requirements of the roles you're pursuing. Data scientists typically need at least a bachelor's degree, but some employers require or prefer a master's or doctoral degree. If you already have relevant education or experience, you may need additional time to develop skills in programming, statistics, data analysis, or machine learning.

Is AI replacing data scientists?

AI is changing how data scientists work, but current employment projections do not indicate that the occupation is disappearing. The BLS projects employment of data scientists to grow 35% from 2025-35. It also notes that organizations integrating AI into their workflows will need data scientists to help apply these technologies, inform decisions, and develop products and services.

Is data science heavy in math?

Data science requires a strong foundation in math and statistics. Data scientists use mathematical reasoning alongside programming and analytical skills to identify patterns, build models, and interpret data. The BLS identifies mathematics as one of the top skills for data scientists.