The majority of employers in the field of data science will require at least a bachelor's degree in data science or a related field.
It is preferable to hold a graduate degree in data science as this will qualify applicants for more senior positions and help them to stand out in the job market.
Most data scientist positions will require applicants to have a master's degree in data science or a closely related field such as computer science or machine learning.
What is a Data Scientist?
A data scientist is someone who pulls information, meaning, and narratives from a set of data. There are many different roles that data scientists play within organizations, including solving complex problems and coming up with data-driven solutions.
Data scientists must think analytically and know how to communicate their findings to create change within a business, government, for-profit, or nonprofit organization.
Some of the most common skills of a data scientist include:
- creating algorithms from data sets
- use various machine learning technologies
- look for trends in data to communicate with organizations
- statistical analysis
- creating data visualizations
Degree Required for Data Scientists
There are a few different pathways for earning a degree to become a data scientist.
Earning a bachelor's degree in data science, computer science, AI, or a related field can help you enter the field of data science as a data engineer or a data analyst.
A graduate degree in machine learning, AI, computer science, data science, or statistics is typically needed to become a data scientist.
There are also graduate certifications and boot camps that can help you develop specializations in specific areas of data science.
Steps to Starting a Career in Data Science
To start a career in data science, the first step is to earn a bachelor's degree in data science or a closely related field. After graduating from an undergraduate program, you can then earn hands-on job experience or continue your studies at the graduate level.
It is important to learn programming languages such as Python, R, Java, or C++ to succeed in the data science industry. These are usually covered in a bachelor's or master's level course and can also be learned through online certifications and training.
Completing an internship in a data science position can help you develop your skills and show employers that you have valuable experience in the field.
Educational Requirements for Bachelor's Degrees in Data Science
A bachelor's degree in data science typically does not require any previous experience, as the entry–level classes will support students in learning the skills necessary to succeed in the program.
Most universities will require students to submit an SAT/ACT score to apply for data science bachelor's degrees. It is beneficial to have some experience in statistics, though not always necessary.
Educational Requirements for Master's Degrees in Data Science
To gain acceptance into a master's degree program in data science, applicants will typically need a bachelor's degree in data science or a closely related field from an accredited university.
Most schools will require a minimum GPA and GRE score, but this will vary depending on the university and the program.
FAQS About Becoming a Data Scientist
Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about becoming a data scientist.
How much does a data scientist make?
The average yearly salary range for data scientists in the United States is $128,248 to $156,569. This will vary depending on their level of experience, education, specialist skills, and location.
What is the best degree for a data scientist?
The best degree for getting a job as a data scientist will be a master's degree in data science or computer science from an accredited institution.
These programs will ensure graduates have all the skills necessary to work as a data scientist.
What jobs are most in demand for data scientists?
Some of the most in-demand jobs for data science degree holders include:
- data scientist
- data engineer
- data analyst
- machine learning engineer
- data architect
- business intelligence engineer
Is Data Science a Good Career Choice?
Yes, data science is a very stable and rapidly growing industry. There is great demand for qualified data scientists and jobs are well-paid, making it an excellent career choice for those who are up for the challenge.
Earn a Degree in Data Science to Get Started Today
Earning at least a bachelor's degree in data science is required for working as a data scientist, though most companies will require a master's degree in data science or a related field. Find a program that fits your requirements and teaches you the skills you need today.
