Is a degree in data science worth it?
Data is arguably the most valuable resource companies and organizations can access. While that data can do wonders to help drive decisions, it's effectively worthless without someone to record, track, and assess it.
With a degree in data science, graduates can help businesses and organizations of all shapes and sizes make the most of their data by turning it from “too big to handle" into an easily digestible format to drive profitable and actionable decisions.
Discover what you'll learn in a bachelor's in data science program to help decide if it's the right choice for you.
What is a bachelor's degree in data science?
A bachelor's in data science is a four-year undergraduate program that teaches students the power of big data — and how to harness that power. Courses commonly revolve around math, statistics, and computer programming, with several opportunities to hone in on a specialized area of interest.
Some of the courses offered with a bachelor's degree in data science include:
Due to the heavy focus on mathematics, applicants interested in pursuing a degree in data science are advised to have either a basic background in mathematics or at least a strong willingness to learn these concepts.
With this degree, graduates can analyze data, architect data sets, and provide guidance on a myriad of topics, such as risk analysis, business decision-making, and marketing initiatives.
Benefits of a bachelor's degree in data science
Earning a bachelor's degree in data science has several great benefits, making it an attractive field to explore. Some of these benefits include:
- Earning this degree can provide a direct pathway into a career that is projected to grow by 36% from 2023 to 2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is significantly faster than the average of most other industries.
- You'll potentially be given the opportunity to work with high-up, key decision-makers within different companies, as data is what drives major initiatives.
- According to the BLS, data scientists earn a median annual salary of $108,020 as of May 2023, which is over two times the national average for other careers.
- A degree in data science positions you for higher education opportunities in fields such as mathematics, statistics, and computer science, as well as further research into data science.
How much money can you make with a bachelor's degree in data science?
Someone with a bachelor's degree in data science can fill several roles. Examples include data scientists, business intelligence analysts, data visualization developers, data processing systems analysts, pollsters, and statisticians.
For a reference of how much you can make with this degree, here are some annual median salaries according to 2023 BLS reports:
- Data scientists: $108,020
- Data processing systems analyst: $103,800
- Survey researchers: $60,960
- Statisticians: $104,110
- Computer and information research scientist: $145,080
An important caveat to mention is that the higher-paying roles within this field tend to look for some form of advanced degree in addition to a bachelor's in data science degree.