What kind of jobs does a data science degree prepare you for?
At a glance
- A Bachelor of Science in Data Science and a Master of Science in Data Science can help provide an educational foundation to pursue jobs in the technology field.Ìý
- A few jobs that can be pursued with a data science degree are data scientist, information systems manager and business intelligence analyst.
- Basic programming, database management and cloud computing are just a few IT skills data science graduates can apply in their work.Ìý
- °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ offers Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Master of Science in Data Science degree programs for individuals interested in this IT career path.
Data science is a broad field in the technology industry that focuses on the design and creation of data modeling techniques and processes to help organizations collect and organize data to inform business decisions. The field has a number of specialties, including data mining, data engineering and machine learning.ÌýWhile jobs in this field are available in a number of industries, they typically require the knowledge and experience provided by a relevantÌýtechnology degree,Ìýsuch as data science or computer science.
Let’s explore nine jobs broken down by degree level and the helpful skills you can learn.Ìý
Earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree.
6 jobs you can pursue with a Bachelor of Science in Data Science
´¡ÌýBachelor of Science in Data ScienceÌý(BSDS) is a degree program that can help prepare graduates for a technology career. Graduates can expect to learn how to analyze and process data and how to transform raw data into meaningful information to help guide strategic decision-making. Here are some roles that are particularly common in the data science field.Ìý
1. Information systems manager
What they do:Ìý´¡²ÔÌýÌýis a professional who manages and leads information technology (IT) teams.ÌýThey may manage a variety of activities such as workflow processes, troubleshooting, digital infrastructure maintenance and implementation of updates. This role may be found in any organization that employs an in-house IT team.Ìý
Salary:ÌýAs of May 2021,ÌýÌýwas between $95,220 and $208,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Job outlook:ÌýThe field of computer and information systems managers has a projected from 2021 to 2031. That’s an estimated 48,500 openings each year.
Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of °®ÎÛ´«Ã½. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.
2. Data analyst
What they do:ÌýA data analyst is a type ofÌýÌýwho focuses on data analysis processes. Typically, a data analyst uses existing tools to compile and organize data and then analyze that data for patterns and other points of interest. This analysis is then passed on for review and implementation.Ìý
Salary:ÌýAs of May 2021, of $59,430 up to more than $167,040, according to BLS.
Job outlook: Employment in this field is projected to from 2021 to 2031. That’s an estimated 13,500 openings for data scientists each year.
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3. Business intelligence analyst
What they do:Ìý´¡Ìý, otherwise known as an operations research analyst, is a type of data analyst who specializes in projecting relevant business trends.ÌýThese trends could include anything from marketing developments to financial projections to consumer preferences. Professionals in this field both compile reports about their findings and interpret the reports for other professionals.Ìý
Salary: As of May 2021,ÌýsÌýearned an annual salary between $48,690 and $160,850, according to BLS.
Job outlook: Employment for operations research analysts is from 2021 to 2031. That’s an estimated 10,300 openings each year.
4. Database architect
What they do:Ìý´¡ÌýÌýdevelops, manages and maintains models, policies and procedures related to organizational data management. These professionals often work alongside software designers and analysts to optimize the data architecture.
Salary: As of May 2021,Ìýdatabase architectsÌýearned an annual salary , according to BLS.
Job outlook:ÌýThe projected employment growth for database architects and administrators is from 2021 to 2031, according to BLS. That’s an estimated 11,500 openings per year.
5. Research scientist
What they do:ÌýÌýconduct field research and seek to reproduce phenomena under controlled conditions. This allows them to find patterns and produce relevant innovations. In the context of data science, these professionals may seek to achieve goals such as monitoring machine learning tools to determine how they operate in practice or utilizing data sets to more effectively test hypotheses.
Salary:ÌýAs of May 2021,ÌýsÌýearned an annual salary between $74,210 and $164,280, according to BLS.
Job outlook: Projected growth for computer and information research scientists is an from 2021 to 2031. That’s an estimated 3,300 openings each year.
6. Data scientist
What they do:ÌýData scientists collect andÌýanalyze dataÌýabout a variety of topics and use the analyses to inform an organization’s strategy and decisions.ÌýData scientists may also contribute to the development of new technology and methods to collect and analyze data.Ìý
Salary:ÌýAs of May 2021, data scientists annually, according to BLS.
Job outlook: Employment in this field is from 2021 to 2031. That’s an estimated 13,500 openings each year.
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4 jobs you can pursue with a Master of Science in Data Science
For more advanced roles in data science, such as the ones outlined below, you may need to earn aÌýMaster of Science in Data ScienceÌý(MSDS).
1. Application development director
What they do:ÌýAn application development director manages and leads a variety of activities related to creating software solutions for user needs. This includes tasks such as managing workflows, facilitating processes and acting as a point of contact between the development team, management and clients. These professionals often provide technical assistance throughout the application development, integration and maintenance life cycle.
Salary:ÌýApplication development directors are also categorized as computer and information systems managers. As of May 2021, computer and information systems managers , according to BLS.
Job outlook:ÌýThe projected growth rate from 2021 to 2031. That’s an estimated 48,500 openings each year.
2. Computing services manager
What they do:ÌýA computing services director performs various tasks related to the management of a computer services team. A computer services team may provide and manage a wide range of services, such as troubleshooting, data processing and electronic messaging. A computing services director makes decisions, facilitates workflow and coordinates teams.
Salary:ÌýAs of May 2021, computing services directors earned an annual salary , according to BLS.
Job outlook:ÌýThe projected employment is 16% from 2021 to 2031, according to BLS. That’s an estimated 48,500 openings each year.
3. Data processing manager
What they do:ÌýData processing managers direct teams that manage and process data, and they act as a point of contact between teams and clients.ÌýThey may also conduct tasks related to hiring and onboarding. It is also important for these professionals to have substantial skills and knowledge related to cybersecurity, as data processing and storage are tasks that typically require security standards and governance.Ìý
Salary: Data processing managers are also categorized as computer and information systems managers. As of May 2021, computer and information systems managers earned , according to BLS.
Job outlook: The projected employment growth rate for this field is from 2021 to 2031, according to BLS.
4. Information systems supervisor, manager or director
What they do:ÌýOften, an IS director manages all computer-based processes within an organization or a branch. This professional may sometimes be referred to as an IT director. This position coordinates and supervises IT teams and serves as a point of contact between teams, managers and clients. They set major goals related to the management of IS and implement strategies to ensure goals are met.Ìý
Salary:ÌýAs of May 2021, computer and information systems managers , according to BLS.
Job outlook:ÌýAs noted, the projected growth rate from 2021 to 2031.
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What skills do you need for a data science job?
To qualify for any of the jobs mentioned above, you will need to develop basic data science skills in addition to skills specific to your desired role. These essential skills may include:
- Basic programming
- Statistics
- Database management
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Data visualization
- Mathematics
- Machine learning
- Cloud computing
- Predictive modeling
Many of these skills are also highly transferable to other IT careers, such as IT support specialists and application developers. As such, preparing for a career in data science is not only valuable due to the job outlook for that specific field, but it can also provide value for potential career shifts.
Data science degrees at °®ÎÛ´«Ã½
If you’re interested in learning fundamental and basic skills in data science, °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ offers online bachelor’s and master’s degrees in data science.
Bachelor of Science in Data Science — Gain fundamental skills and knowledge for analyzing, manipulating and processing data sets using statistical software. Learn ETL (extract, transform, load) processes for integrating data sets for business intelligence. Focus on data mining and modeling, data programming languages, statistical analysis, and data visualization and storytelling. Discover techniques to transform structured and unstructured data sets into meaningful information to identify data patterns and trends and drive strategic decision-making.
Master of Science in Data Science — In this program, you will learn how to analyze, design and manage data sets and models used to optimize functionality and scalability and improve business system performance. Learn database design, data processing and warehousing, data queries and interpretation, business intelligence, and statistical methods as well as how to apply data science strategically to improve business decision-making.
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