According to the World Economic Forum, by 2025 we will produce 463 exabytes of data each day. That is the equivalent to 212,765,957 DVDs! In a world where information fuels innovation, choosing the ideal data science program can unlock boundless opportunities. Get ready to dive into a world of data-driven wonders as we reveal the top 10 bachelor’s degree programs in data science. Each of these programs offer a unique blend of cutting-edge education. Whether you’re excited about deciphering complex algorithms or uncovering the untapped potential within vast datasets, these programs can help you reach your goals. Earning the best bachelor’s degree for data science equips you with the skills and knowledge to take your career to the next level. Get ready to turn your passion into profession, and let’s explore the extraordinary possibilities together!
This ranking was created in December 2023 and the data was accurate at time of publication.
What are the Best Data Science Degree Programs?
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Per Credit Hour Tuition and Average Net Tuition Disclaimer: The tuition amounts given are estimates and subject to change.
Western Washington University
Our choice for the best data science program is offered by Western Washington University. The Bachelor of Science in Data Science is an interdisciplinary program that draws from fields like mathematics and information science. Students can choose from elective course offerings that include:
- Social Network Analysis
- Bioinformatics
- Applied Time Series Analysis
Students can also conduct research, working alongside experienced faculty. Directed independent study opportunities are also available. All students will showcase their knowledge and skills by completing a data science related senior project.
Western Washington University is located in the picturesque Pacific Northwest. They offer over 250 student-run clubs and organizations. There are more than 200 academic programs and 99% of courses are taught by faculty and not graduate students. WWU has almost 15,000 students, with undergraduates making up a significant majority. Approximately 93% of applicants are admitted into the school, making this school one of the most accessible in our ranking. UWW is also affordable with a net price of $21,105/year. Graduates who borrowed leave school with about $18,500 in federal loans.
University of Wisconsin Madison
Data science is one of the fastest growing career sectors in Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin-Madison has stepped up to meet the demand. The Department of Statistics at UW offers both a bachelors degree and certificate in data science. Students will learn how to use computational tools and statistical thinking to solve data-rich problems.
In addition to the required curriculum, students complete electives from four key categories including:
- Machine Learning
- Advanced Computing
- Statistical Modeling
- Linear Algebra
The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers some of the most innovate elective courses we’ve seen for this major. Some of these include:
- Interactive Cartography and Geovisualization
- Introduction to Geocomputing
- Medical Image Analysis
UW data science majors can participate in several different student organizations including:
- dotData-the Data Science Club
- Data and Analytics Club
- Data Science for Sustainable Development
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is the oldest and largest public university in the state. During the 22/23 school year, UW-M awarded 8,094 bachelor’s degrees. With 13 schools and colleges and over 25,000 faculty and staff, UW-M is an impressive institution. Approximately 49% of applicants are admitted into the school, making it a moderately selective school to get accepted into. UW-M is very affordable with a net price of $13,376/year. Graduates who borrowed leave school with about $20,484 in federal loans.
William & Mary
William & Mary offers a unique Bachelor of Science in Data Science with three program tracks. Students can choose from:
- Data Applications
- Algorithms
- Spatial Data Analytics
Courses for the Data Applications track provide in-depth study of analytical and data visualization tools. The Algorithms track focuses on teaching students how to develop new software or algorithms to manage large datasets. Finally, the Data Analytics track focuses on using analytical and visualization tools to manage data with spatial dependencies.
Students complete a capstone experience, working closely with a faculty member on a substantial research project.
William & Mary is one of just eight “Public Ivy” institutions, offering a world class education. They are the second-oldest university in the country. Almost all students attend full-time and most courses are taken in-person. W&M has a small student population of just under 10,000 students. Approximately 33% of applicants are admitted into the school. W&M comes with a higher price tag than many of the schools in our ranking having a net price of $25,688/year but graduates who borrow leave school with about $18,500 in federal loans.
Columbia University in the City of New York
The Department of Computer Science at Columbia University offers a bachelor’s degree program in data science through a partnership with the Statistics Department. Students will work closely with their advisor to create a program plan that aligns with their professional goals. This high degree of flexibility makes Columbia stand out for students looking for a customized degree that will boost their resume.
Elective data science course offerings include:
- Applied Data Science
- Introduction to Databases
- Applied Machine Learning
Students can also benefit from hands-on learning opportunities. All students have access to cutting edge lab facilities. These facilities allow for research in areas like data mining and knowledge discovery. Labs are staffed by full-time professionals who are eager to share their knowledge and experience.
Columbia is a comprehensive university with three undergraduate schools located in New York City. They have more than a hundred research centers and institutes. Columbia admits just 4% of applicants each year, making it the most selective school in our ranking. With a net price of $22,058/year, Columbia is fairly affordable. Graduates who borrow owe an average of $21,500 in student loans.
University of Vermont
The data science bachelor’s degree from The University of Vermont prepares students for a career in Big Data Science and Analytics. This unique interdisciplinary educational experience draws on courses from the disciplines of:
- Statistics
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
Students can choose from unique electives to tailor their degree to meet their professional goals. These elective course offerings include:
- Cybersecurity Defense
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Algorithm Design and Analysis
Students benefit from a variety of professional development opportunities including internships and research experience.
The University of Vermont is a four-year public university with over 14,000 students. UVM has over 100 bachelor’s degree programs. Courses are taught by expert faculty. In fact, 86% of full-time faculty have a PhD or the highest degree in their field. About 60% of applicants are admitted into the school, making it fairly accessible to students. The UVM is also affordable with a net price of $21,849/year. Graduates who borrowed leave school with about $20,951 in federal loans.
University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis
You can the next step toward your data science career with a Bachelor of Science in Data Science. Students will work alongside expert faculty in state-of-the-art labs and in the field. Course offerings include:
- Machine Learning Methods for Data Science (Python/R)
- Applied Data Science (Python/R/SAS)
- Programming Fundamentals (Python)
Graduates are prepared for a variety of roles including data scientist and machine learning engineer.
The University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St Louis is the 10th largest college of pharmacy in the US. The University is home to just over 700 students. According to a 2022 study from the Georgetown University Center on Education, UHSP ranked first in the nation for return on investment for a bachelor’s degree. Approximately 92% of applicants are admitted into the school. UHSP is the most expensive school in our ranking with a net price of $31,831/year but graduates who borrowed only incurred about $17,000 in federal loans.
Smith College
Smith College offers an innovative Statistical and Data Sciences (SDS) program that emphasizes learning while doing. Students spend a significant amount of time completing student-driven projects that support their specific interests. Course offerings include:
- Introduction to Probability and Statistics
- Visual Analytics
- Data Journalism
The SDS program hosts regular talks and lectures along with intermittent events like the Western Mass Statistics and Data Science Meetup. Students interested in earning a Master of Science in Statistics from the University of Massachusetts Amherst can apply to the Fifth Year MS in Statistics Program and complete their master’s in just one additional year of study.
Smith College is a private, liberal arts women’s college. They pride themselves in offering an in-person, residential college experience. Smith has a low student to faculty ratio and just under 3,000 students. With an acceptance rate of just 23%, Smith is one of the most selective schools in our ranking. While Smith is relatively expensive with a net price of $30,790/year, graduates who borrowed took on about $17,550 in federal loans.
University of Wisconsin Platteville
The Department of Mathematics at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville offers an interdisciplinary data science major. Students have the opportunity to conduct research and complete an internship to gain valuable hands-on experience. Course offerings include:
- Database Design and Implementation
- Statistical Methods with Applications
- Applied Regression
Students will gain the skills needed to land their dream job after graduation. They will gain experience in data cleaning and data visualization while developing their skills in R and Python. Since this is an interdisciplinary program, graduates are prepared to work in a variety of fields including computer science and healthcare.
The University of Wisconsin Platteville is a four-year public university in southwest Wisconsin. They have about 6,450 students with most of those being undergrads. Approximately 85% of applicants are admitted into the school, making it relatively easy to be accepted. UW-Platteville is fairly affordable with a net price of $15,595/year but graduates who have borrowed leave school with about $21,977 in federal loans.
University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida features a Bachelor of Science in Data Science focusing on the use of Big Data. The program emphasizes physical and computational sciences, allowing students to explore multiple disciplines in the field. Students can choose courses that align with their professional interests including algorithm design and statistics.
New students are accepted three times each year and there are no special admission requirements to the program. Program graduates are prepared for immediate entry into the workforce. Students who plan to continue their studies may pursue the MS in Data Analytics or a PhD program in a related area.
The University of Central Florida is a four-year public institution in Orlando, Florida. UCF is the largest university in Florida with almost 70,000 students. Just over 40% of applicants are admitted each year. Their net price of $13,108 makes UCF one of the most affordable schools in our ranking. Graduates who did take out loans borrowed about 18,190.
Florida Polytechnic University
Florida Polytechnic University offers an interdisciplinary bachelor’s in data science. The program focuses on real-world applications in a variety of different industries including:
- healthcare
- transportation
- finance
The program is rigorous, and courses are taught by expert faculty. Students will gain experience using tools like:
- Python
- SQL Databases
- Tableau
Florida Polytechnic offers four different concentrations so students can focus their studies. These concentration areas include:
- Advanced Topics
- Big Data Analytics
- Intelligent Mobility and Autonomous Systems
- Quantitative Economics and Econometrics
Students must complete an internship to complete their degree.
Florida Polytechnic University is Florida’s only all-STEM public university. They offer over 31 programs of study and have about 1,600 students. Approximately 56% of applicants are admitted into the school, making it a fairly selective school. Florida Polytechnic has a net price of $12,373. Graduates who borrowed leave school with about $14,250 in federal loans.
Frequently Asked Questions
A degree in data science is an educational pathway that equips students with the skills and knowledge they need to work with the vast and complex world of data. Data scientists extract meaningful insights from large sets of information. In today’s digital age, we generate a large amount of data through our:
• online activities
• transactions
• interactions
The demand for data scientists has surged across industries as organizations recognize the transformative power of data-driven decision-making. Graduates with a degree in data science find themselves well-positioned for a variety of roles, from data analysts to machine learning engineers. Data scientists are making important contributions to fields as diverse as healthcare, finance, and marketing.
A data science degree provides students with a comprehensive understanding of how to collect, process, analyze, and interpret this data to derive valuable insights. Students learn a variety of tools and techniques, ranging from programming languages like Python and R to statistical methods and machine learning algorithms.
The curriculum of a data science degree typically covers a broad spectrum of topics, including:
• data manipulation
• data visualization
• predictive modeling
• database management
What is unique about data science is that it is a multidisciplinary field. Data science combines elements of:
• computer science
• mathematics
• domain-specific expertise
Data scientists act as storytellers, translating raw data into actionable insights that drive informed decision-making for businesses and societal challenges.
A career in data science is a great choice for analytical thinkers with a passion for solving problems. One of the primary draws is the high demand for skilled data scientists across diverse industries. Virtually every sector, from healthcare to finance, from e-commerce to entertainment, needs professionals who can decipher the intricate patterns within vast datasets. This translates into a robust job market and competitive salaries for those entering the field.
Data science is inherently future-proof. As technology evolves, the demand for people who can uncover valuable insights from growing amounts of data will increase. This makes data science an attractive career choice for those seeking long-term stability and growth. The field is dynamic, with continuous opportunities for learning. Data scientists continually explore new tools and techniques to keep their skills current in a changing environment. This constant intellectual stimulation not only keeps the work engaging but also allows professionals to make an impact on:
• business strategies
• scientific discoveries
• societal advancements
Data science offers a diverse range of career paths, allowing individuals to specialize in areas such as:
• machine learning
• artificial intelligence
• data engineering
This adaptability enables professionals to tailor their career trajectories to align with their passions.
Earning a bachelor’s degree in data science opens up a world of exciting career possibilities. A data science degree can make you a sought-after professional in today’s data-driven world. Here’s a snapshot of the cool jobs you could land with your data science degree:
Data Analyst: A data analyst works to uncover hidden patterns and trends in data. As a data analyst, you’ll help companies make smart decisions by turning data into understandable insights.
Business Intelligence Analyst: As a Business Intelligence Analyst, you’ll transform raw data into valuable information, guiding organizations to make savvy choices for success.
Data Engineer: Data engineers design and maintain the systems that handle massive amounts of data. As a data engineer, you’ll ensure information flows smoothly, like a digital architect.
Machine Learning Engineer: As a machine learning engineer, you’ll teach computers to learn from data, helping them make predictions and decisions.
Operations Analyst: Operations analysts use data to optimize processes. They ensure businesses run like well-oiled machines.
Marketing Analyst: Marketing analysts use data to understand consumer behavior and tailor marketing strategies.
Security Analyst: Security analysts protect valuable data, ensuring that information stays safe and sound.
Data Science Project Manager: Combine leadership with data expertise. Project managers in data science oversee teams and ensure that projects are on track to success.
Data Science Consultant: As a consultant, you’ll advise different organizations on how to use data effectively, contributing your expertise to various projects.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median pay for a data scientist with a bachelors degree is $103,500/year. Of course, with additional education and experience, that salary has the potential to be much higher. Some of the top paying fields for this role include:
• Scientific research and development services: $118,620/year
• Management of companies and enterprises: $106,510/year
• Computer systems design and related services: $106,180/year
Other factors that can influence salary include your geographic location and the type of organization you work at.
In a data science bachelor’s degree program, you can expect to take a wide variety of courses that teach you how to transform data into meaningful insights. The curriculum is structured across various categories, each contributing to your understanding of this dynamic field:
Foundational Courses: Introduction to Statistics: Grasp fundamental statistical concepts essential for data analysis.
Mathematics Basics: Develop a solid mathematical foundation applicable to data science.
Programming Proficiency: Python and R Programming: Acquire proficiency in coding languages used in data manipulation and analysis.
Visualizing Insights: Data Visualization: Learn to create compelling visuals that convey complex data findings in an easily understandable manner.
Database Management: Database Systems: Gain skills in organizing and retrieving data efficiently, ensuring you are able to handle large datasets.
Machine Learning: Machine Learning Fundamentals: Understand the workings of algorithms that enable computers to learn and make predictions based on patterns.
Ethics and Privacy: Data Ethics and Privacy: Explore the ethical considerations surrounding data handling and privacy.
Real-World Application: Capstone Projects: Apply your skills to real-world challenges, solving complex problems for companies or contributing to groundbreaking research.
Collaboration and Communication: Team Projects: Expect to engage in collaborative projects with your peers. This will help enhance your teamwork and communication skills.
Several factors play a role in determining the cost of a bachelor’s degree. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average tuition and fees for a year at a public university stand at $9,700. For private nonprofit schools, the costs are notably higher, averaging around $38,800 per year.
However, there are effective strategies to make your education more affordable. Balancing part-time work with your studies can help minimize living expenses and reduce reliance on loans. Exploring accelerated degree programs is another option. This allows you to complete your degree in a shorter timeframe. Merit-based scholarships and grants offer a great way to finance your education, as these awards typically don’t require repayment. It’s crucial to thoroughly research and explore these options to safeguard your long-term financial well-being. Remember, with the right approach, pursuing a bachelor’s degree can be both financially feasible and personally rewarding.
Related:
- Best Bachelor’s in Information Technology
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- Best Bachelor’s in Software Engineering