Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs 2025

Badge for BEST ONLINE MASTER'S IN DATA SCIENCE
By Dr. James Barham
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Updated:

Find top-ranked online master’s in data science and analytics degree programs in the US to prepare students to qualify for positions as management analysts, big data architects, and logisticians.

Key Takeaways

  • Data science is a rapidly growing professional field that can lead to a wide variety of high paying jobs including network architect, data analyst, and cybersecurity specialist.

  • The field of data science is also increasingly competitive. Earning a graduate degree in data science can improve your qualifications and eligibility for leadership opportunities and areas of specialization within the broader data science sector.

  • A growing number of highly reputable, fully accredited grad schools now offer both on-campus and online master’s degrees in data science.

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or last ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, Johns Hopkins University and the University of Southern California swapped ranking positions. The University of Missouri was not previously in the top ten, but moved up in 2025.

Featured Programs

Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs

  1. #1

    Johns Hopkins University

    Baltimore , MD
    #11 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #11 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #11 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #14 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    40K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1545/34

    Online Degrees

    MS in Data Analytics and Policy

    Online Data Science Degree at Johns Hopkins | Interview with James Spall

    The John Hopkins University MS in Data Analytics and Policy prepares graduates to work as analysts, project directors, and directors of research at government agencies, consulting firms, tech companies, and non-profit organizations.

    Students will develop their skills in classes such as Data Visualization, Programming and Data Management, Data Mining and Predictive Analytics, and Civic Technology and Smart Cities.

    The MS in Data Analytics and Policy is a 100% online class with start dates in fall, spring, or summer. The degree requires 12 courses and can generally be completed in 16-24 months.

    There are 5 required courses, including a Capstone course, and 7 elective courses. Students may pursue one of four optional concentrations in Statistical Analysis, Geospatial Analysis, Political Behavior and Policy Analysis, and Public Management. Tuition is $4,405 per course.

    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 16-24 months
    • Format: Online
    MS in Data Analytics and Policy and Certificate in Intelligence

    The John Hopkins MS in Data Analytics and Policy may be combined with a Certificate in Intelligence. This credential prepares graduates for careers in the U.S. Intelligence Community, as well as other parts of the government and private sector that work with the intelligence community or use intelligence.

    Graduates may also work with the national security community. This program can be completed with 15 courses. There are start dates in the fall, spring, or summer. Tuition is $4,405 per course.

    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MS in Data Science

    The John Hopkins MS in Data Science prepares graduates for careers in areas such as data pipeline and storage and statistical analysis. The GRE is not required for acceptance into the program and is designed with working professionals in mind.

    Required prerequisites include calculus, advanced math, and classes in Java/Python. Students may be admitted provisionally while deficits in these requirements are addressed and must earn at least a B- in these required courses.

    The MS in Data Science requires 10 classes (30 hours) and must be completed within 5 years. Seven of the courses are required. Tuition is $4,920 per graduate course, after Dean’s support is applied. Applications are accepted year-round.

    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online or Hybrid
    Post-Master’s Certificate in Data Science

    The John Hopkins Post-Master’s Certificate in Data Science can be completed in 5 courses. Applicants with a master’s degree in Data Science or related field (such as applied statistics) may apply.

    The course must be completed within three years. Courses must be selected from both the Applied and Computational Mathematics Program and the Computer Science Program. Students must earn at least a B- in their course work. Tuition is $4,920 per course, after Dean’s Support is applied.

    • Required Credits: 5 courses
    • Completion time: 12-24 months
    • Format: Online or Hybrid
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  2. #2

    University of Southern California

    Los Angeles , CA
    #9 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #14 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #14 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #17 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    Online Degrees

    MS in Applied Data Science

    The University of Southern California’s MS in Applied Data Science allows students with training in computer science, engineering, or other scientific disciplines, to pursue a career in data science. Students from other backgrounds who show aptitudes for math and science may also be admitted to this program.

    Graduates of the USC MS in Applied Data Science will be able to solve problems by combining skills in data management and data analytics. Students will learn how to use big-data infrastructures, machine learning, data mining, and data visualization.

    Students in the Master of Science in Applied Data Science are expected to complete their degree within 5 years. Online students typically take 3 years to complete the program.

    A minimum of 32 units with a 3.0 cumulative GPA is required to graduate. Once students have completed their core requirements, there is an extensive choice of electives, including topics such as security and privacy, geospatial information management, and probability and statistics for data science.

    DSCI 560, a professional practicum/capstone, allows students to work with an external stakeholder to answer an organizational problem. There is a thesis and non-thesis option for the program and the GRE is not required for admittance. Estimated tuition for four semesters is $64,698.

    • Required Credits: 32
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Computer Science

    Concentrations

    • Data Science

    The University of Southern California MS in Computer Science trains students in design, programming, and application of computer systems. Students can earn a general MS degree or specialize in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Game Development, Computer Security, Computer Networks, Software Engineering, Intelligent Robotics, Multimedia and Creative Technologies, or High-Performance Computing and Simulation.

    The general degree requires 28 units with a minimum 3.0 GPA on all coursework applied to the MS degree. There is no cumulative examination required for the degree.

    The data science degree must be completed within five years. Online students typically take 3 years to earn their MS degree. A thesis track is possible with this degree, but rarely taken due to the availability of advisers.

    32 units are required to graduate in the thesis option. The GRE is not required for admission to the program. Estimated tuition for four semesters (28-unit option) is $67,007.

    • Required Credits: 32
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
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  3. #3

    Boston University

    Boston , MA
    #19 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1425/32

    Online Degrees

    MS in Applied Data Analytics

    The Boston University MS in Applied Data Analytics prepares graduates for careers such as data scientist, data analyst, economist, business intelligence analyst, systems analyst, analytics manager, or financial analyst. The program requires 32 credits and may be completed in 8-16 months.

    The GRE/GMAT are not required. Courses begin in fall, spring, and summer. Online courses have two start dates per term. There are 6 core courses (24 credits): Foundations of Analytics and Data Visualization, Foundations of Machine Learning, Analysis of Algorithms, Data Science with Python, Web Mining and Graph Analytics, and Data Mining. Graduate level courses cost $955 per credit hour.

    Students in the MS in Applied Data Analytics program will work with both faculty and industry leaders in areas such as data analytics, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and software development. Faculty have IT contacts and the alumni community can provide professional connections.

    • Required Credits: 32
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
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  4. #4

    Syracuse University

    Syracuse , NY
    #2 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #4 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #5 Best Colleges in New York 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in New York 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1345/30

    Online Degrees

    MS in Applied Data Science

    The Syracuse University MS in Applied Data Science prepares graduates to draw from the fields of information science and management. Students may specialize their degree by focusing on Data and Business Analytics, Language Analytics, or Data Pipelines and Platforms. Students may also earn a Certificate of Advanced Study in Information Security Management or Enterprise Technology Management without taking extra classes.

    The MS Degree has four start dates, and the GRE is not required. The degree requires 34 units and can be completed in a year. The online program combines live weekly classes, multimedia coursework, and group learning exercises. The cost per credit hour is $1,734.

    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
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  6. #5

    University of Massachusetts Amherst

    Amherst , MA
    #1 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2024 #6 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2025 #6 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1370/31

    Online Degrees

    MS in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science

    The University of Massachusetts Amherst MS in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science trains students for careers as analysts and consultants in public policy, market research, public relations, corporate communications, population studies, and survey research.

    The program requires completion of 4 core courses, 3 technical electives, and 3 additional technical or substantive electives (such as psychology, global studies, media, or economics). There are start dates in fall, spring, and summer. Tuition and fees for courses only is $18,957. The cost with optional career advising is $22,557. The GRE is not required.

    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 1-2 year
    • Format: Online
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  7. #6

    University of Missouri

    Columbia , MO
    #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2025 #2 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2025 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/26

    Online Degrees

    MS in Data Science and Analytics

    The University of Missouri MS in Data Science and Analytics is a multi-disciplinary program with emphasis areas in Geospatial Data, BioHealth Analytics, High-Performance Computing, Human-Centered Science Design, and Data Journalism/Strategic Communication.

    It is designed with working professionals in mind. The degree requires 34 credits and 1 week a year on campus. The program may be completed in 2 years and starts in the Fall semester. Work experience is considered in the application process, along with academic achievement.

    A minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of course study is normally required, but a lower GPA may be considered if balanced with industry experience. Knowledge of programming languages is preferred, but deficits can be addressed before the start of classes. The GRE is not required. On-line students pay in-state tuition, and the cost of the program is approximately $14,035.

    • Required Credits: 34
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Hybrid
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  8. #7

    Arizona State University

    Tempe , AZ
    #3 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #3 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #12 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #23 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    85K

    Online Degrees

    MS in Computer Science

    The Arizona State University MS in Computer Science is designed for students who have undergraduate degrees in computing or similar fields of study. It emphasizes both theory and practical application.

    Students may specialize in the areas of cybersecurity or big data systems. Students will engage with topics of study such as the design and analysis of computers, how to improve software reliability, AI, big data, blockchain, cybersecurity, and software engineering.

    Completion of the degree requires one foundations course, one systems course, one applications course and seven electives. The majority of faculty in the Schools of Engineering have been honored with the highest awards in their fields.

    Applicants to the program must have knowledge of programming languages, a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of a four-year degree, two semesters of calculus, and a course in Discrete Math.

    The cost of the program is $15,000. Each class lasts 7.5 weeks.

    Concentrations

    • Big Data Systems
    • Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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  15. #13

    Texas Tech University

    Lubbock , TX
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Texas 2025 #7 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024 #7 Best Colleges in Texas 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/25

    Online Degrees

    MS in Data Science
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
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  18. #15

    University of North Texas

    Denton , TX
    #8 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges in Texas 2025 #9 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    49K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1120/23

    Online Degrees

    MS in Advanced Data Analytics
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
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  19. #16

    Stevens Institute of Technology

    Hoboken , NJ
    #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #3 Best Colleges in New Jersey 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    46%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1445/32

    Online Degrees

    MS in Data Science

    The Stevens Institute of Technology MS in Data Science prepares students to collect, explore, analyze, and model data. Graduates may pursue careers in financial technology, business intelligence and analytics, academia, database management, or in government positions requiring data analysis.

    Degree concentrations include Fundamentals of Data Science, Data Acquisition and Management, Data Security, and Business Applications. The faculty has one of the top algorithmic and geometric group theory teams in the world.

    The MS Degree requires 5 core courses and 5 electives. Applicants should have a strong background in math and/or computer science. Prerequisites include calculus, linear algebra, probability theory and programming languages.

    A 3.0 GPA is required for application, and the GRE/GMAT is required for full time students. Full-time tuition is $19,704 per semester.

    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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  20. #17

    Rochester Institute of Technology

    Rochester , NY
    #1 Best Online Associate's in General Science 2025 #1 Best Online Master’s in Executive MBA #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in New York 2025 #2 Best Online MBA Programs in New York 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $55K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1360/31

    Online Degrees

    MS in Data Science

    The Rochester Institute of Technology MS in Data Science is designed for working professionals studying part-time. The program trains data scientists in software engineering skills, and provides classes in data analytics, data science, software and programming, and experimental design.

    Students will learn concepts and skills in machine learning, programming language skills, data mining, regression analysis, text mining, and predictive analytics.

    The MS degree requires 30 credits, with six core courses including a Capstone course. The program has Fall and Spring start dates. Applicants should have a cumulative 3.0 GPA or related professional experience.

    Applicants should also have prior study or experience in computer programming or take free on-line foundations courses. The cost per credit hour is $1,237.

    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
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  21. #18

    Portland State University

    Portland , OR
    #3 Best Research Universities in Oregon 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Oregon 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges in Oregon 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Oregon 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    28K

    Online Degrees

    MS in Applied Data Science

    The Portland State University MS in Applied Data Science for Business provides graduates with a knowledge base in cloud services, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

    Students will engage with courses in business strategy, data visualization, security and ethics. Specializations include Business Blockchain, Business Intelligence & Analytics, HR Analytics, or Health & Clinical Informatics. Graduates pursue careers as Senior Analysts, Analytics Managers, IT Managers, Risk Managers, Digital Marketing and Social Media Managers, and in areas such as Financial Technology, Auditing and Accounting.

    The MS Degree consists of 45 credits and may be completed by full-time students in a year. The program starts in the Fall term. The Core Curriculum consists of 22-24 credits.

    There is no application fee. Applicants should have a B or better in Statistics or be prepared to do preparation before the start of the program. The program will cost approximately $31,521 for full-time students who are Oregon residents, and $37,866 for non-residents.

    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion time: 1 year
    • Format: Online
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  27. #23

    University of Massachusetts Lowell

    Lowell , MA
    #3 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2024 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Massachusetts 2025 #2 Best Online Associate Degree Programs That Can Be Completed in 1 Year
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    22K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1259/28

    Online Degrees

    MS in Business Analytics

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Managerial Decision Making
    • Big Data Analytics
    • Marketing Analytics
    • Finance Analytics
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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Career Outlook for Students with Data Science Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Data Science

Degree Level: Master's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $17,332
  • Avg. Expenses*: $17,847
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 7 years
  • Job Growth: 17.59%
  • Number of Jobs: 2,941,500
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Computer and Information Systems Managers17.42%$169,510
Natural Sciences Managers7.49%$157,740
Computer and Information Research Scientists25.68%$145,080
Database Architects10.75%$134,700
Software Developers17.94%$132,270

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Computer and Information Systems Managers$169,510
Natural Sciences Managers$157,740
Computer and Information Research Scientists$145,080
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

The online master’s in data science program is a convenient and accessible way to earn an extremely valuable advanced degree. Graduates with an online master’s in data science are among the best paid working professionals, enjoying excellent career opportunities in areas like computer science, big data analysis, business intelligence and much more.

What is the online master’s in data science?

The online master’s in data science is a great option for working data science professionals. The online master’s in data allows you to balance current work responsibilities with highly current data science courses.

Earning the online master’s degree without disrupting your day to day work is a great way to advance to a leadership role in the data science field. And the online master’s is a great way to gain specialized data science skills in areas like data mining, business analytics management, and data engineering. In other words, getting an online data science master’s degree could significantly improve your salary potential.

Read on to find out how these online data science programs can help you take the next step in your career...

10 Best Data Science Online Master's Programs in 2025

  1. Johns Hopkins University
    +1
  2. University of Southern California
    –1
  3. Boston University
    +1
  4. Syracuse University
    +1
  5. University of Massachusetts Amherst
    –2
  6. University of Missouri
    +4
  7. Arizona State University
    –1
  8. Yeshiva University
    +7
  9. University of Oklahoma
    +3
  10. Southern Methodist University
    +9

Online Data Science Master’s Degrees

Why get a master’s in data science and analytics?

A master’s degree in data science and analytics provides an opportunity for advanced study in big data, artificial intelligence, business analytics, and more. Data scientists are in high demand in numerous fields including finance, cybersecurity, computer science, and more.

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How long does it take to get a master’s in data science and analytics?

Students can complete the 30- to 45-credit data science program either online or on campus. Whether students study on campus or online, graduate data science programs take about two years to complete. It may also be possible to complete the online master’s in data science at an accelerated pace.

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What are the requirements for getting a master’s in data science and analytics?

Most master’s in data science programs require a capstone project or thesis research alongside classes like social network analytics, artificial intelligence, and risk simulation and queuing. Students may be required to visit campus to complete some portion of this data science project, even those completing online data science programs. This is one good reason to search for your online master’s degree in state.

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What can I do with a master’s in data science and analytics?

A master’s degree in data science and analytics can prepare you for a variety of well-paying careers in data science; computer science; computing and digital media; intelligence systems engineering and much more. Many data science professionals will pursue an online data science degree in order to balance work responsibilities and the completion of their master’s degree.

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What are the best paying data science jobs?

The data science master’s degree is a basic threshold for many of the top roles in the data science field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, students with a master’s in data science earned a median salary of $100,910 in 2021. The following are some of the top paying jobs for data science graduates:

  • Computer and Information Systems Managers–2021 Median Pay: $159,010
  • Computer and Information Research Scientists–2021 Median Pay: $131,490
  • Computer Network Architects–2021 Median Pay: $120,520
  • Information Systems Analysts–2021 Median Pay: $102,600
  • Database Administrators and Architects–2021 Median Pay: $98,860
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What’s the difference between data science vs data analytics?

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Data Analysts vs Data Scientists

The key difference between data scientist and data analyst job duties is how the data is manipulated.

Data scientists collect new data and look for meaning by using tools like algorithms and models to predict future events. By contrast, data analysts work with existing data to answer specific questions. The data they analyze is often already structured.

This is a simplistic overview of data analysts vs data scientists. Let’s do a deeper dive into the key differences between these two careers.

Data Scientist vs Analyst

A data scientist gathers new data for analysis. They clean and process vast amounts of raw data. This data is often unstructured, though data scientists might also work with structured data.

Additionally, data scientists often perform data modeling. For example, a data scientist could develop algorithms or predictive models for examining large amounts of information.

Data science applies to all manner of businesses and industries. Financial institutions, universities, and government agencies all employ data scientists, to name but a few examples.

On the other hand, a data analyst often works with data that has already been cleaned and organized. They then examine that data for useful information.

For example, suppose you’re a data analyst that works for a manufacturing company. You might analyze data sets on production times and look for patterns that can translate into actionable steps for reducing those production times.

Additionally, a data science vs analyst comparison should note that data analysts are usually responsible for disseminating information to those without data science expertise.

To do so, data analysts offer summaries of what the data says and provide insights into its meaning. Data analysts communicate these findings by using data visualization tools. These tools - like graphs and charts - help stakeholders understand the importance of what the data reveals.

From Data Analyst to Data Scientist

Data analysts and data scientists usually work independently of one another. But, in some cases, data scientists and analysts might be part of the same team.

In this case, a data scientist might spearhead the processes of collecting, cleaning, and organizing data. From there, a data analyst might take over to provide insights into the information contained in the data and report on their findings.

Data Analyst to Data Scientist Toward the Same Goal

Our discussion of data analyst vs data science should highlight that these professionals work to achieve the same basic goal - answer critical questions based on data. This just happens in different ways.

Data scientists deal with the unknown. They make predictions based on the data they collect. Meanwhile, data analysts seek to find answers to specific, tangible questions based on data from events that have already occurred.

The meaning derived from data can be immensely useful to organizations. Organizations can use meaningful data to adapt to changing conditions. It can also be used to improve the customer experience. There are more applications, of course. In any case, data scientists and data analysts are critical for extracting as much meaning from data as possible.

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Learn more about what you can do with a master’s in computer science.

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Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier is actually getting there. Taking the commute out of the equation means getting to class should be a lot more manageable. But that’s where it ends. In general, your online courses will incorporate the very same materials, concepts, and testing methods as would a traditional classroom.

And in many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning or working with remote learning technology for the first time, online college may even be a little more challenging for you. For a few insights on how to manage this new experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will require some adjustment.

While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing which can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you make the adjustment to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to the get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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