An online bachelor’s degree in data analytics allows students to enhance their skills by exposing them to challenges faced in different industries when working with an extensive amount and variety of datasets.
Data expertise is in high demand because decision-makers rely on data and evidence to make informed decisions. Examples that support this knowledge include the growth of precision and personalized healthcare that needs support from evidence-based medicines.
As technological innovation advances, it has become increasingly possible to store large amounts of data. Such vast data has provided advantages by increasing the sample size to remove bias.
In the past, any individual with a degree in distinct disciplines such as computer science, operations research, or statistics had the skill set needed to analyze the required data.
This has led to the rise of multidisciplinary undergraduate and master’s degrees in data analytics programs and opportunities.
Online data analytics programs are becoming increasingly more sophisticated. The “five V’s of data”—velocity, volume, value, variety, and integrity in recent times pose unique challenges.
Some universities offer a data analytics undergraduate degree as a standalone program, while others offer it as a major/minor program. Students enrolled in this program often complete their degrees in four to five years, depending on their enrollment status.
The format of the course also differs from university to university. Some universities offer this program in person; others provide it entirely online. A few others choose a hybrid model conducting in-person classes and online lectures, allowing flexibility to pace the course.
Most universities that enroll students for a bachelor’s in data analytics will need you to have proof of completing a high school education or a GED. Some universities will also consider your SAT/ACT score and an additional TOEFL exam for international students.
Tuition for a online data analytics degree will vary whether you consider a degree from a community college or a university. Some degrees may be cheaper than others depending on whether you are an in-state student, or an out-of-state student.
Data Analytics Degree Curriculum
There are many different ways to earn credentials in data analytics. The most popular options include data analytics bootcamps, data analytics certifications, and data analytics degree programs.
Universities have started offering data science and analytics degrees in four-year undergraduate programs. Due to the nascency of these programs and variability in the field, there is a considerable variation in the curriculum.
Some programs are oriented toward the business applications of analytics, while others dive deep into the technical aspects of data science.
Since each program is different, students are encouraged to contact the school offering these programs to understand better the course and the fit based on their interests. Coursework includes many projects to get hands-on experience to make students comfortable working with real-world data.
Even though programs vary, foundational courses remain the same and include concepts related to:
- Data Mining and Exploration
- Data mining generally refers to gathering relevant data from multiple structured and unstructured sources. Data exploration refers to extracting descriptive statistics from the mined data.
- Data Visualization
- Data visualization involves studying techniques to represent the outcomes from raw data in readable and visual formats easily understood by the stakeholders.
- Statistical Analysis
- Statistical analysis includes learning statistical methods to draw inferences from the given dataset. These range from essential topics like linear regression, classification, principal component analysis to more specialized topics such as neural networks, time series models, survival analysis, Markov chains, Bayesian statistics, graph models, and spatial processes.
- Data Engineering
- This coursework exposes students to technologies used in building infrastructures to handle large datasets that data scientists and analysts can easily consume.
- Machine Learning
- While statistical analysis teaches how to draw inferences from a population, machine learning is about understanding generalized predictive patterns in the dataset.
- Ethics and Privacy
- Coursework in ethics and privacy helps students realize the principles behind using technology with data to maintain individual privacy. This is especially true when working with involving identity data, patient data, or personal finance data.
Best Online Bachelor’s in Data Analytics Programs for 2024
- Program: BS in Data Analytics
Credits: 48
Cost per credit: $1,438
Delivery Method: Hybrid
Total Tuition: $69,024
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Analytics (BS)
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $460
Delivery Method: Campus & online
Total Tuition: $55,200
Learn more: Program details - Program: Online Bachelor's in Healthcare Data Analytics Degree
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $495
Delivery Method: Online
Total Tuition: $59,400
Learn more: Program details - Program: Information Systems & Data Analytics (BS)
Credits: 4-29
Cost per credit: $634
Delivery Method: Online
Total Tuition: $76,080
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Analytics Bachelor's Degree
Credits: 180
Cost per credit: $286
Delivery Method: Online
Total Tuition: $51,480
Learn more: Program details - Program: B.B.A. in Business Data Analytics
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $774 or $420 Online
Delivery Method: Campus & online
Total Tuition: $92,880 Campus | $50,400 out of state
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Functional Data Analytics
Credits: 122
Cost per credit: $683
Delivery Method: Online
Total Tuition: $83,326
DASCA Designation: Yes
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $321 in state | $768 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus & online
Total Tuition: $38,520 in state | $92,160 out of state
DASCA Designation: Yes
Learn more: Program details - Program: BAAS Concentration in Data Analytics and Psychological Sciences
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $2,424
Delivery Method: Online
Total Tuition: $290,880
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor’s Degree in Data Analytics
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $1,373 or $375 (Online option)
Delivery Method: Campus & online
Total Tuition: $164,760 Campus | $45,000 Online
Learn more: Program details - Program: Applied Data Analytics Bachelor’s Degree
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $1,841
Delivery Method: Campus & online
Total Tuition: $220,920
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Business Administration Major in Data Analytics
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $340 in state | $680 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus & online
Total Tuition: $40,800 in state | $81,600 out of state
Learn more: Program details - Program: Analytics & Data Science Concentration
Credits: 128
Cost per credit: $684 in state | $2,091 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus & online
Total Tuition: $87,552 in state | $267,648 out of state
DASCA Designation: Yes
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $330
Delivery Method: Online
Total Tuition: $39,600
Learn more: Program details - Program: Business Data Analytics, BS
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $566 in state | $1576 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus & online
Total Tuition: $67,920 in state | $189,120 out of state
DASCA Designation: Yes
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Data Analytics
Credits: 120
Cost per credit: $471 in state | $867 out of state
Delivery Method: Campus & online
Total Tuition: $56,520 in state | $104,040 out of state
Learn more: Program details
These rankings were compiled from data accessed in December 2023 from Integrated Post-Secondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Navigator (both services National Center for Education Statistics). Tuition data was pulled from individual university websites and is current as of December 2023. If available, we also use additional criteria such as accreditation or designations by outside organizations or agencies.
Data Analytics Degree Considerations
The majority of universities have started offering undergraduate programs in data analytics on campus.
For individuals looking to pursue a degree in data science but have constraints related to location and other responsibilities, there are online programs to offer flexibility. Continuing with the degree may still differ for in-state students compared to out-of-state students.
- Institution
- Opting for a degree from a well-recognized institution would be helpful for future job searches. Information about the program’s quality is readily available due to the institution’s recognition. Students are advised to reach the universities to learn more details or ask current students and alumni about the curriculum structure, class quality, and career outcomes.
- Job Placement
- Any institution that does not have job placement opportunities should be considered cautiously. It is always good to talk to current students and reach out to the institution’s alumni before enrolling in a program.
- Curriculum Structure
- Not all data science programs are the same. Some programs may be focused on specialized areas such as health care, while others on business analytics. Some programs may include many capstone projects, while others may have more online classes and require you to collaborate with other enrolled students for group assignments.
- Some programs take into account your life experiences in constructing your curriculum. This shortens the time to get a degree and reduces the cost. It would be great to think about what kind of portfolio you would like to create for your future employment.
Popular Data Analyst Career Paths
The jobs mentioned here cover the major career areas that individuals with data science and analytics pursue. The salaries provided here are a national average, and the numbers will differ based on company sector, location, and work experience.
- Data Scientist
- According to Salary.com, the base salary for a Data Scientist is $144,080 per year, which typically falls between the range of $129,780 and $158,440. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has provided a more detailed report on employment and wage statistics for data scientists.
- Data Analyst
- Salary.com says the average base salary is $84,297 per year which typically ranges between $75,449 and $94,306.
- Data Architect
- The average base salary is $164,596 per year. Top-paying locations are the San Francisco Bay Area, Washington DC Baltimore Area, New York City Metropolitan Area, Greater Boston, and Greater Seattle Area.
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- The average salary for a business intelligence analyst in the United States is at$90,666 per year which typically falls between $81,206 and $102,560 according to salary.com.
- Data Visualization Developer
- The average salary for the role of Developer in the United States is $119,735 per year, typically ranging from $102,827 to $132,447, according to Salary.com.
- Data Solutions Architect
- The average salary for the role of Solutions Architect in the United States is $129,344 per year. This salary is based on the individually reported data submitted by users from Salary.com. The top-paying locations for this title include Hawaii, Texas, Arizona, Kansas, and South Dakota.
- Data Engineer
- The base salary for a Data Engineer is $116,310 per year (typically falls between $100,514 and $133,601) in the United States based on Salary.com.
- Machine Learning Engineer
- The average salary for a Machine Learning Engineer in the United States is $124,353 per year (typically falls between $111,497 and $138,578) and this salary is based on Salary.com.
Data Analytics Degree Outlook
There are many ways to enter a career in data science. However, a bachelor’s in data science or analytics provides a jumpstart to your career in this field, making you equipped with all the necessary skills.
After graduation, data science students can find work in various sectors, including healthcare, education, government, technical services, and research and development. Students take different career paths and gain upward mobility with further experience.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of data professionals is projected to grow 23 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
With the given statistics, it looks like data-related jobs are here to stay, making a bachelor’s in data science a good decision to pursue if you have a knack for solving data challenges.
Bachelor’s Degrees in Analytics
- Program: BS in Data Analytics
Cost per credit: 2551
Credits: 60
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Business (BSB), Computing & Data Analytics
Cost per credit: 1022
Credits: 128
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Business Data Analytics, BS
Cost per credit: $566 in state | $1576 out of state
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus & online
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Data Analytics
Cost per credit: $323 in state | $576 out of state
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: B.A. in Data Analytics
Cost per credit: 2023
Credits: 45
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Analytics Major
Cost per credit: 2070
Credits: 54
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Analytics Major
Cost per credit: 1037
Credits: 32
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with Data Analytics & Machine Learning
Cost per credit: $336 in state | $1118 out of state
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Applied Science in Data Management and Analysis, Data Analytics Concentration
Cost per credit: $124 in state | $318 out of state
Credits: 180-181
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: BBA in Business Systems and Analytics
Cost per credit: 1291
Credits: 128
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Science & Data Analytics Major
Cost per credit: 1209
Credits: 2023-11-12 00:00:00
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Health Information Technology/Data Analytics Concentration
Cost per credit: 818
Credits: 128
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Analytics Major
Cost per credit: 1305
Credits: 37
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Arts in Statistics and Data Analytics
Cost per credit: 1445
Credits: 51-53
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Business Administration - Data Analytics Option, B.S.
Cost per credit: 1665
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: BS in Data Science and Analytics
Cost per credit: 2728
Credits: 94
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Applied Data Science Analytics Degree
Cost per credit: 1760
Credits: 152
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
Cost per credit: 2266
Credits: 100
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Analytics Major
Cost per credit: 1778
Credits: 46
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Analytics Major
Cost per credit: 1747
Credits: 39
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Mathematics and Data Analytics Major
Cost per credit: 1591
Credits: 39
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a major in Data Analytics
Cost per credit: 1374
Credits: 50
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Analytics
Cost per credit: 637
Credits: 124
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Science and Analytics, DSE concentration
Cost per credit: $203 in state | $722 out of state
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Analytics & Data Science Concentration
Cost per credit: $684 in state | $2,091 out of state
Credits: 128
Delivery Method: Campus & online
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor's in Computer Science: Big Data Analytics Degree Emphasis
Cost per credit: 688
Credits: 128
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: BS in Analytics
Cost per credit: 1122
Credits: 48
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Analytics & Statistics (B.S.)
Cost per credit: 1293
Credits: 128
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) with major in Data Analytics
Cost per credit: 856
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: B.S. in Data Analytics
Cost per credit: 722
Credits: 122
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Business Data Analytic
Cost per credit: 1390
Credits: 121
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: BS Data Analytics and Business Intelligence
Cost per credit: 1315
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Information Systems and Data Analytics, BBA
Cost per credit: 1849
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor’s Degree in Data Analytics
Cost per credit: $1,373 or $375 (Online option)
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus & online
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Analytics Degree
Cost per credit: 1814
Credits: 58
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science General Accounting: Data Analytics
Cost per credit: 885
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics
Cost per credit: $130 in state | $536 out of state
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus & online
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Arts in Data Analytics
Cost per credit: $495 in state | $1,112 out of state
Credits: 36-38
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Analytics/Economics - BS
Cost per credit: $305 in state | $620 out of state
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Computer Science, B.S. – Big Data Management & Analytics Concentration
Cost per credit: 1399
Credits: 122-124
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Analytics Degree
Cost per credit: 1183
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Analytics Major
Cost per credit: 1436
Credits: 81
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Mathematics, Big Data Analytics (B.S.)
Cost per credit: $393 in state | $1,073 out of state
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Major in Business Administration – Data Analytics
Cost per credit: 1675
Credits: 58
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Analytics, Technologies and Applications (DATA) Major
Cost per credit: $416 in state | $1200 out of state
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Analytics B.S.
Cost per credit: 1070
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science Degree in Applied Statistics and Data Analytics
Cost per credit: 1412
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Analytics, BS
Cost per credit: 884
Credits: 47-48
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Analytics
Cost per credit: 981
Credits: 45
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Analytics Degree
Cost per credit: 1071
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Business Data Analytics
Cost per credit: 1111
Credits: 81
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Data Analytics
Cost per credit: $471 in state | $867 out of state
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus & online
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Analytics, BS
Cost per credit: $169 in state | $ 616 out of state
Credits: 122
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Analytics (B.S.)
Cost per credit: 1135
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Healthcare Administration – Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science - Data Analytics Concentration
Cost per credit: $215 in state | $629 out of state
Credits: 76
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Analytics, B.S.
Cost per credit: $295 in state | $721 out of state
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Accounting & Data Analytics Combined Bachelor’s & Master’s Program
Cost per credit: $295 in state | $708 out of state
Credits: 150
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics
Cost per credit: $883 in state | $1,933 out of state
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Applied Data Analytics Bachelor’s Degree
Cost per credit: 1841
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus & online
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Statistical Science and Data Analytics
Cost per credit: $634 in state | $1,154 out of state
Credits: 122
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Business Administration major in Management Information Systems and Data Analytics
Cost per credit: $617 in state | $1,592 out of state
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: BS in Data Analytics
Cost per credit: $429 in state | $1,279 out of state
Credits: 129
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: B.B.A. in Business Data Analytics
Cost per credit: $1,008 in state |$1,292 out of state
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Arts in Data Analytics
Cost per credit: $429 in state | $819 out of state
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics
Cost per credit: 971
Credits: 48
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics
Cost per credit: $408 in state | $816 out of state
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor's Degree in Data Analytics
Cost per credit: 1095
Credits: 123
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Applied Data Analytics (BS)
Cost per credit: $329 in state | $567 out of state
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics and Systems Engineering
Cost per credit: $334 in state | $899 out of state
Credits: 128
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Business Data Analytics Degree
Cost per credit: $681 in state | $1,625 out of state
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: GIScience and Environmental Data Analytics Major
Cost per credit: $585 in state | $1570 out of state
Credits: 124
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Computer Science - Data Analytics Degree
Cost per credit: 852
Credits: 124
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics
Cost per credit: $543 in state | $1,085 out of state
Credits: 124
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Analytics Degree
Cost per credit: $457 in state | $891 out of state
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Analytics Degree
Cost per credit: 1458
Credits: 78
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Analytics and Data Science Major: Analytics Option (B.S.)
Cost per credit: $645 in state | $1,470 out of state
Credits: 128
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Business Administration Major in Data Analytics
Cost per credit: $340 in state | $680 out of state
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus & online
Learn more: Program details - Program: Information Science B.S., with Data Science and Analytics Concentration
Cost per credit: $105 in state | $211 out of state
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Analytics Degree
Cost per credit: 296
Credits: 121-123
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Analytics - BS, BA
Cost per credit: $712 in state | $2,436 out of state
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: B.B.A. in Business Data Analytics
Cost per credit: $774 or $420 Online
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus & online
Learn more: Program details - Program: B.S. in Computational Modeling and Data Analytics
Cost per credit: $529 in state | $ 1,388 out of state
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: BBA in Data Analytics
Cost per credit: $338 in state | $731 out of state
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics
Cost per credit: $321 in state | $768 out of state
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus & online
Learn more: Program details - Program: Computational Statistics and Data Science (BS)
Cost per credit: $492 in state | $1,455 out of state
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Analytics (BS)
Cost per credit: 460
Credits: 120
Delivery Method: Campus & online
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Business Data Analytics
Cost per credit: $463 in state | $1,125 out of state
Credits: 66
Delivery Method: Campus & hybrid
Learn more: Program details
Frequently Asked Questions
A bachelor’s degree in data science and data analytics is an undergraduate program that combines elements of statistics, computer science, and mathematics to prepare students for careers in data analysis, data management, and information processing.
Typically, applicants should have a strong foundation in mathematics and computer science. High school courses in calculus, statistics, and programming are often recommended.
Graduates can pursue roles such as data analyst, data scientist, business intelligence analyst, and roles in big data technologies, among others.
Yes, many universities offer online programs, providing flexibility for students who cannot attend on-campus classes.
Many programs include capstone projects, internships, and collaborations with industry partners to provide practical, hands-on experience with real-world data.