What do you learn in a bachelor's in data analytics?

Are you interested in making a career out of solving problems with data? Learn why a role in data analytics could be your perfect match and how a bachelor's in the subject can help get you there.

What to expect from a data analytics bachelor's program

At its core, a bachelor's in data analytics program focuses on helping students learn to collect, analyze, interpret, and visualize data, turning it into insights that help business leaders make better decisions.

Ultimately, this degree program can help you build the foundational mathematical, statistical, and computational knowledge to meaningfully apply data to real-world problems.

A bachelor's in data analytics is designed to take four years (eight semesters) to complete. However, some programs will let you finish in three years if you already have some prerequisite knowledge.

At many institutions, you'll earn a total of 120 credits. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, during the 2021–2022 academic year, full-time students at public institutions paid an average of $15,200 per year, while learners at private schools paid $29,700.

What do you learn in a bachelor's in data analytics? Your program will likely consist of many mathematics, computer programming, data science, and technology courses. As part of your graduation requirements, you may also need to complete a capstone project.

Bachelor's in data analytics curriculum

Many bachelor's in data analytics programs require similar core courses. They include:

• Database systems: In this class, students discuss various ethical and security topics and learn the basics of the relational model of data (focusing more on logic than physical characteristics), including DBMS, SQL, query optimization, design theory, integrity, and concurrency control.
• Programming in Python: Students can learn the fundamental data structures, key algorithms, and their application in analytic methodologies, as well as how to create Python scripts, control flow, and implement code with packages, modules, and libraries.
• Data visualization: Students can understand the fundamental principles of effective storytelling with complex data, including color theory, human perception, and basic design principles that allow students to use advanced technology to communicate findings and support business decision-making.

For those wondering, “What do you learn in a bachelor's in data analytics program?" these courses can help you discover the basics of collecting and analyzing data to solve real business problems.

Specializations and concentrations

A few popular concentrations for students in data analytics programs include:

• Business management: Students learn how timely and accurate data analysis can increase an organization's competitive edge.
• Economics: Students learn how broader economic forces shape the business environment and how to use data to recognize and get ahead of trends.
• Statistics: Students can deepen their knowledge of statistical methods to help them better analyze and extract meaning from large datasets.

All of these concentrations can provide students with the knowledge they need to succeed in a real-world business environment.

Graduation requirements for a data analytics bachelor's degree

To graduate with a bachelor's in data analytics, you should keep in mind that your core courses may have grade requirements. For instance, a school may require you to earn a grade of “C" or better in major data science, math, and computer science classes.

Additionally, many data analytics majors must participate in a capstone project before they can graduate from the program. This may involve working on a real-world problem in a real or hypothetical business environment.