Associate Degree Programs in Data Analytics and Data Science

In the face of a data-driven world, the demand for skilled professionals capable of gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data has surged across industries.

The increasing demand for data-savvy professionals has prompted the development of associate degree programs that provide a solid foundation in data analytics principles and skills in a more accessible and efficient format compared to traditional four-year degrees.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 35 percent job growth rate for data scientists from 2022 to 2032. Additionally, various types of data analysts, including management analysts, market research analysts, and operations research analysts, are expected to experience job growth ranging from 10 percent to 23 percent during the same period.

Data Analytics vs Data Science

It should be noted that, while the terms data science and data analytics are often used almost interchangeably, there is one notable difference between the two fields. Data analysts tend to gather information and use that data to solve problems and draw conclusions without using algorithms and modeling, which data scientists utilize more.

Thus, the work of data analysts is more contextual, while data science leans more toward predictive and statistical means by which to evaluate data. While both results are the same, the standards by which the two professions arrive at their conclusion differ. 

Since so few associate degree programs exist for either subject area, for the sake of this article, we will examine programs offered in both data analytics and data science. Associate degree programs in data analytics and data science do exist. Though they are less common than more advanced degree programs, earning a two-year degree in these subject areas is possible. 

For the most part, at least a bachelor’s degree in data analytics, data science, business data analytics, computer science, or statistics is required to begin working in this field. In some cases, companies might even require a master’s degree for those starting in the data science field. To that end, many schools offer four-year undergraduate and graduate degree programs in these areas.

Data Science Associate Degree Consideration

So, why pursue such an associate degree if many companies require at least a bachelor’s degree, even for entry-level positions in data science or analysis?

For one, you might prepare for bachelor’s level studies by completing an associate’s degree program in one of these areas. You could also earn credits toward a bachelor’s degree program; some programs allow for applying credits earned in a two-year program to a bachelor’s degree program in the same area.

An associate’s degree could be a more cost-effective approach to earning a degree in data analytics or science. For instance, you might find a company that accepts a two-year degree for an entry-level position, allowing you to gain entry into a company that might offer tuition reimbursement.

You can then take advantage of that benefit to pursue a bachelor’s and even a master’s degree to help you advance your data analysis or data science career.

The curriculum of a two-year degree program, awarding an Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science degree in either data analytics or data science, contains mainly introductory and fundamental courses in statistics, data analysis or analytics, programming, data visualization, and big data.

Some programs have hands-on labs and opportunities to apply concepts and methods studied in the coursework. This hands-on experience could prove invaluable for preparing you for entry-level positions.

Hands-on learning could occur in courses using specific programs or applications. For instance, you might use the MySQL database management system when taking a database foundations course providing studies in the Structured Query Language (SQL) programming language or Tableau or Geographic Information System (GIS) software in a data visualization course.

Some courses could be project-based, with students applying software and other tools to create tables or models. Case studies could also be a part of associate’s degree studies, allowing students to understand how data analysis, modeling, and other methods can provide solutions in real-life environments.

As the curriculum of an associate degree program in data analytics or science covers fundamental topics, hands-on learning with specific software and applications is an important way for students to gain knowledge and skills in these areas; however, internships or field experiences do not tend to be offered at this level. These opportunities are more commonly found in four-year and even more so in master’s degree programs.

Online Associate Degree in Data Analytics and Data Science

Most are in-person programs of the handful of associate degree programs in either data analytics or data science. Given the nature of labs and hands-on opportunities, there appear to be no such associate degree programs that are offered 100% online; some might offer a hybrid study option wherein courses are offered online and in person.

In some cases, a school might provide general education or general studies courses online, while the major course of study will mainly be in an on-campus format.

Hybrid programs might offer the flexibility you need if you are, for example, working full-time and cannot put an entire semester or year of in-person classes into your schedule. In some cases, an online course could allow you to log in at various times to access studies.

Some specific courses you could expect to find in the curriculum of an Associate of Science in Data Analytics include:

• Data Analytics
• Predictive Analytics
• Database Foundations
• Introductory Statistics
• Big Data and Visualization

In an AS in data science program, you are more likely to take courses addressing database programming, programming languages, statistics and probability, and computing fundamentals that discuss algorithms, data structures, and software design.

Tuition for an Associate Degree in Data Analytics and Data Science

As expected, the tuition for a two-year degree program in either data analytics or data science varies from institution to institution. Fees, state residency, and other factors play a role in determining how much a program will cost.

Below are tuition costs at some post-secondary institutions offering an associate degree in data analytics or data science. One important variable in the price is whether the student will pay in-state or out-of-state tuition. The difference can add tens of thousands of dollars throughout a program.

Another thing to remember is that most associate degrees in data analytics or data science are charged by the credit hour. Since the standard credit-hour requirement is 60 hours, the easiest way to figure out tuition rates is to find the credit-hour cost and multiply by 60 (unless the program has different hours requirements).

Credit-hour costs can range from $46 a credit hour for in-state (at Coastline College, for example) up to $860 per credit hour for out-of-state at Northwestern Connecticut Community College.

Fees such as technical fees, student activity fees, and campus access fees typically apply and vary between schools. Note that some of the tuition figures listed above include fees, while others do not.

Most colleges and universities offer financial aid through grants, federal loans, and work-study options. Tuition payment plans or installment plans could also be an option at some institutions.

Academic scholarships are also offered at many of these schools; providing your academic status qualifies you for such an award, scholarships can help offset tuition costs.

Employment with an Associate Degree in Data Analytics and Data Science

While even entry-level job titles in data science or analytics can require a bachelor’s degree or higher, some companies will accept an associate’s degree for a junior position.

For example, some employers seeking a junior data analyst will accept candidates who hold at least a two-year degree; however, due to the nature of a data scientist’s job, which is more deeply involved in statistics and advanced modeling and predictive analysis, at least a four-year and often a graduate degree is typically required to begin.

In contrast, entry-level data analysts might find it easier to obtain employment with an associate degree. According to Salary.com, the average salary for a junior data analyst is between $84,657 to $104,405. The BLS reports that the job growth rate for data analysts is 35 percent between 2022 and 2032.

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