How To Prepare for a Data Science Degree

Quick Highlights:

• A bachelor’s degree in data science is typically required for entry-level positions, while a master’s degree may be necessary for top positions and can significantly increase salary potential.
• Prospective data science students should focus on advanced mathematics, computer programming, and completing data science projects to prepare for their degree programs.
• Data scientists enjoy high salaries, with entry-level positions offering around $122,954 annually, and the field is projected to grow by 35% from 2022 to 2032.
• Data science offers exciting opportunities in various industries, the ability to work remotely, and the potential to contribute to significant projects like cancer research and environmental sustainability.

Which degree is best for data science? The answer to this question depends on where you want to work and what kind of career you want. A data science bachelor’s degree is often required for entry-level positions, but you may be able to find low-level jobs that only require a certification. For the top positions, you may be required to have a data science master’s degree. 

While you may not need an advanced degree to get a job in the industry, your data science salary will typically increase if you have more experience and education in the field. To prepare for your degree program, you can start by taking a data science course. Completing data science projects, learning advanced mathematics, and taking computer programming can also help you prepare for a data science degree. 

Related:

• Five High-Paying Jobs You Can Get with a Master’s in Data Science
• Best Online Master’s in Data Science
• Top Bachelors Programs for Data Science
• Best Computer Science Masters Programs

The Advantages of Getting a Data Science Degree

People want a data science bachelor’s degree or master’s degree for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, students pursue this academic field because they love data science and computers. Other individuals are drawn to the data science salary and on-the-job perks. 

Data Science Salary 

One reason why people want a degree in this field is to enjoy the data science salary. In fact, an entry-level data scientist earns a median wage of $122,954 per year, according to Glassdoor. While different companies and roles have varying salaries, you can generally expect to earn at least a six-figure salary.

Job Growth 

Unlike many careers, data science is a growing industry. Between 2022 and 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects this field to grow by an impressive 35%. This means that about 228,200 people will be employed as data scientists by 2032.

Exciting Opportunities 

Data science is at the forefront of modern technology. When you sign up for a data science course, you can take part in research on machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and deep learning. The demand for data scientists is only going to increase, so there will always be something new to learn or do. 

Work Flexibility 

If you need extra flexibility, you should get a data science master’s degree or bachelor’s degree. Because data science projects are completed on a computer, you can often find employers that will let you work remotely. In addition, you may be able to have flexibility in setting your own schedule.

Being a Part of Something That Matters 

Data science can potentially play a role in every industry that exists today. It is used in cancer research, trucking, and customer behavior analysis. For example, eco-friendly individuals can sign up for a dual-degree program that teaches them how to use data science to help the environment. 

Which Degree Is Best for Data Science? 

If you want to become a data scientist, you can always start by getting a data science bachelor’s degree or master’s degree. Many colleges offer data science programs, and this type of degree field will include all of the coursework you need to succeed in this industry. If you can’t pursue a data science master’s degree or bachelor’s degree at your university, the following degree programs are good alternatives. 

• Data analytics 
• Computer science 
• Statistics 
• Business 
• Information technology 
• Applied mathematics 
• Physics 
• Biostatistics 
• Finance or economics 
• Electrical, mechanical, or industrial engineering 
• Computer information systems

What Do I Need to Be Accepted Into a Data Science Bachelor’s Degree? 

If you want to get accepted into a data science bachelor’s degree program, there are a few things you can do to prepare. Ideally, you should begin preparing as soon as you start high school. With the right high school courses, test scores, extracurricular activities, and data science projects for your resume, you won’t have any issues getting into a top-ranking data science program.

Computer Science, Math, and Data Science Courses

If you haven’t taken high-level mathematics, you may be required to take pre-college math courses before you can officially enroll in a data science bachelor’s degree. When a college admissions officer looks at your high school transcript, they want to see that you have taken the right type of courses. Science, math, and computer-based classes will help you prepare for a bachelor’s degree in this field. 

Volunteer Work and Extracurricular Activities 

In one survey of college admissions leaders, researchers found that 58% of participants agreed that volunteer work had a positive impact on whether an applicant was admitted to their college or not. By volunteering, you show your passion and commitment to your community. In addition, volunteer work and extracurricular activities demonstrate that you are a well-rounded candidate. 

Excellent Grades

Taking a data science course is challenging for many people. Because of this, colleges look for applicants who have a history of successfully completing their courses. To prepare for a data science degree, you should focus on boosting your GPA. Ideally, you should get a 3.0 GPA or higher.

Test Scores 

While some schools no longer require test scores, a high score can help you get into a data science program. Depending on the university, you may be required to take the SAT or ACT. To make sure you get a top score on these tests, you should consider enrolling in a test preparation course. 

Letters of Recommendation 

Before you enroll in a data science program, you will need to get several letters of recommendation. Normally, schools request two or three letters of recommendation from academic and professional sources. You can prepare for this requirement by forming close relationships with one or two of your teachers. 

What Are the Requirements for a Data Science Master’s Degree? 

Many people complete a data science master’s degree after they finish a bachelor’s degree in the subject. Because these courses tend to build on each other, it is important to finish your prerequisites before you start a master’s degree program. If you didn’t major in data science, you will need to make sure that you have completed the appropriate coursework. Often, schools will still accept students for a data science master’s degree as long as they studied similar subjects during their bachelor’s degree, like mathematics or computer programming. 

Other than getting a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field, you will also need to take the right tests. Many schools require GRE scores. Depending on the school, you may need to write a personal essay as well. 

Like bachelor’s degree programs, master’s degrees typically require personal recommendations from professors or professional sources. Often, the school will send a direct link to the professor’s email address. Then, the individual is expected to fill out the recommendation form and return it to the college’s admissions department. 

The most important thing you can do to prepare for a master’s degree program is to take courses in data science. You can also gain direct experience through internships and projects. As you complete assignments and tasks in your classes, you can save these data science projects for your resume and college application. 

Skills Needed to Excel in a Data Science Degree 

Even if you aren’t naturally good at computer science or mathematics, you can still excel in a data science degree. Before you enroll in a data science course, you should brush up on some of the following skills and abilities. 

• Computer programming: To prepare for a data science degree, you should study computer programming languages, like Python, R, SQL, and SAS. 
• Statistical analysis and modeling: Being a data scientist means you will also work as a statistician. This means you need to be able to model big data to predict future events and behaviors. Regressions, probability distributions, and Bayesian statistics are just a few of the topics you should learn.
• Advanced math: If you want to pursue a degree in data science, you will need to be talented at applied mathematics. This means you should take some time to brush up on boolean logic, calculus, linear algebra, and trigonometry. 
• Soft skills: As a data scientist, you must be able to communicate with stakeholders and work as a part of a team. This means you must be talented at soft skills, like communication and ethics. Business acumen can also help you understand how data can impact strategic decision-making at your organization.
• Big data analytics: Data engineers must understand the software tools that are used to analyze big data. In addition, they must be familiar with the statistical models and cloud computing solutions necessary for analyzing large databases.

How Much Do Data Scientists Earn? 

The average data scientist earns an average salary of $123,696 per year, according to Indeed. While entry-level data scientists generally earn less money, their salary will increase over time. After three to five years of work experience, the typical data science salary is $142,537.

Find Out More About a Degree in Data Science 

Which degree is best for data science? Ideally, you should start by finding a solid data science bachelor’s degree or master’s degree. If you can’t find a program focusing on data science, you can still prepare for this career field by majoring in mathematics, computer science, physics, machine learning, or programming. 

To prepare yourself for a data science degree, start by taking a data science course. You should also spend as much time as possible studying programming and mathematics. With the right hard and soft skills, you can prepare yourself for a rewarding career in data science.