Pursuing a data science associate degree is a good way to start a career in the burgeoning data science field. An associate degree can prepare students to transfer to a data science bachelor's program or find entry-level jobs.
In addition to the ranking of the top associate degrees in data science, this page explores the benefits of a data science degree, what to expect from a typical program, and career options for graduates.
Top Associate Degrees in Data Science
The following rankings use our proprietary methodology to offer insight into the best associate degrees in data science.
Why Get a Data Science Associate Degree?
The field of data science emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, drawing from computer science, mathematics, and statistics. Data science careers grew more common starting in the 2010s: In 2012, Harvard Business Review deemed data science the "sexiest job of the 21st century." Ten years later, in 2022, the publication noted that demand is still very high for data science professionals.
Data science analyzes big data with mathematical models, algorithms, and other tools to answer questions and solve problems. Data scientists identify patterns, generate insights, and create visualizations based on the data they work with.
Most data scientist jobs require more than just a data science associate degree. Data scientists typically need a bachelor's degree or master's degree in data science or a related field. However, an associate degree can be a good way to begin your data science education.
Some junior-level data science jobs may accept candidates with just an associate degree, especially if you are working toward a bachelor's degree while employed. Prospective data science professionals who hold a bachelor's in another field may want to consider a data science bootcamp to get intensive training that prepares them for tech careers.
Benefits of pursuing data science associate degrees include:
Learn New Skills Completing an associate degree in data science can help students gain tech skills in areas like data analysis, algorithms, and data management.
High Earning PotentialAccording to Payscale, the average salary for data scientists is $97,610 as of October 2022. Typically, this salary increases with experience: Data scientists with 10-19 years on the job earn an average annual salary of $123,350 as of October 2022.
Job Stability High demand for data science professionals can make it easier to find jobs in this field. The BLS projects 21% job growth (much faster than average) between 2021 and 2031 for computer and information research scientists, a grouping of occupations that includes data scientists.
What To Expect From Two-Year Data Science Programs
Data science programs focus on the theories, practice, and tools of data science. They help students learn to use data to tell stories, answer questions, and gain insights. The top associate degrees in data science prepare students to transfer to four-year programs or apply to entry-level tech jobs.
A typical data science associate degree takes two full-time years to complete and requires about 60 semester credits. Many associate degree credits can transfer to a four-year college or university, counting for as many as two years of coursework required for a bachelor's degree. Make sure to ask your program about credit transfer before you start.
Data science students take general education classes and courses focused on data science fundamentals. Some schools require a data science internship or capstone experience.
Admissions Process
Associate programs in data science typically require applicants to hold a high school diploma or GED certificate. Applying often requires submitting an online application, application fee, and high school transcripts.
Some programs may require a minimum GPA or standardized test scores. Previous data science experience is not usually necessary.
Popular Data Science Associate Courses
Available data science classes vary by program. Below, we describe three common data science classes at the associate level.
Introduction to Data Science This course surveys fundamental data science topics. Students learn the basics of managing, organizing, and analyzing data. They get experience with the major tools, practices, and theories of data science.
Data Visualization and Communication Learners explore techniques for data visualization. Topics include quantitative summary, using data to make effective arguments, and data storytelling.
Introduction to Programming This class develops beginner skills in computer programming languages. Enrollees learn about running and editing code.
How Much Do Associate Degrees in Data Science Cost?
The cost of a data science associate degree varies by school. Factors that affect price include school type (public or private) and program format (online, in-person, or hybrid). Attending an institution where you can pay in-state tuition typically costs less than one where you must pay the out-of-state rate.
For students considering a bachelor's degree, completing an associate degree at a community college and transferring to a bachelor's program can save you money. Tuition usually costs less at a community college than at a four-year school.
Besides tuition, students may incur other costs during their education. This can include the price of textbooks, technology, and application fees. You may also want to factor in the cost of housing, travel, and other basic living necessities.
Data science associate programs offer various types of financial aid to help students pay for their degree. Consider options like scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study.
Data Science Careers
Most data science careers require advanced education, so the top associate degrees in data science are often designed to help enrollees transfer to a bachelor's program. Further education typically qualifies degree-holders for more job opportunities and higher salaries. However, graduates can pursue some entry-level careers in tech with just an associate degree.
A data science associate degree can qualify students for roles like junior data analyst or data technician. Education requirements vary by employer and position. Organizations may be more likely to hire you for one of these roles if you commit to earning a data science or related bachelor's degree upon hiring. Below, we describe some potential career paths.
Junior Data Analyst
A data analyst uses tools and techniques to analyze data. Their insights help organizations make data-driven decisions. They need good communication, analytical, and computer skills. Data analysts with multiple degrees can sometimes advance to roles like data scientist or analytics manager.
Required Education: Bachelor's degree
Job Outlook (2021-31): N/A
Average Annual Salary:$63,510 as of October 2022
Junior Business Intelligence Analyst
Business intelligence analysts study and organize business data to help companies make strategic business decisions. They need skills in data processing, web analytics, and market analysis. They can advance to roles like business intelligence manager or data engineer.
Required Education: Bachelor's degree
Job Outlook (2021-31): N/A
Average Annual Salary:$71,530 as of October 2022
Data Technician
A data technician collects and analyzes information. Typical duties include scanning files, organizing information, comparing records, and verifying data. With advanced education, they can move into roles like data analyst, data scientist, or information technology manager.
Required Education: High school diploma
Job Outlook (2021-31): N/A
Average Annual Salary:$45,180 as of October 2022
Computer Programmer
Computer programmers write code that allows computer programs and applications to function properly. They need proficiency with languages like Java, C++, SQL, and PHP. Frequent tasks include editing code, writing code, and troubleshooting problems. Programmers can advance to roles like computer and information systems manager or computer network architect.
Required Education: Bachelor's degree
Job Outlook (2021-31):-10%
Median Annual Salary:$93,000 as of 2021
Choosing the Right Data Science Associate Degree
To find the best associate degree in data science, think about which programs will help you achieve your educational and career goals. Consider the following:
Program Transferability: Does the school have a transfer agreement with a four-year institution? For students planning to pursue a bachelor's degree after completing an associate degree, transfer agreements can facilitate carrying credits over more easily.
Cost/Financial Aid: How much will you pay for this degree? What kinds of financial aid does the school provide enrollees?
Accreditation: Check that all prospective schools are institutionally accredited. Accreditation makes it easier to get financial aid, transfer credits, and apply to other degree programs.
Should You Get Your Associate Degree in Data Science Online?
Learners can attend some of the best associate degrees in data science online. Students and employers alike increasingly recognize that online degrees can provide education equal in quality to in-person learning.
As a computer science/tech major, data science degrees are particularly suited to the online learning experience because students complete much of their work digitally with software tools.
Distance education programs can offer convenience and flexibility, especially for students who work as they earn their degree. Online degrees also allow learners to enroll in programs in other cities or states without requiring relocation.
Should You Go to a Degree Program or Bootcamp?
It can be hard to decide between a data science associate degree, bachelor's degree, or data science bootcamp. Each program requires different commitments. Consult the table below to see some of the differences between these options.
| Comparison Point | Data Science Associate Degrees | Data Science Bootcamps | Data Science Bachelor's Degrees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Focus | Data science theory and skills, data analysis, programming, data structures | Machine learning, data science theory and skills, software engineering, programming | Machine learning, data science theory and skills, programming, statistics |
| Main Program Goal | Prepare students to apply for entry-level jobs or transfer to a bachelor's program | Prepare students for entry-level tech and data science jobs | Prepare students to apply for professional careers in data science |
| Typical Program Length | 2 full-time years | 4-6 part-time or full-time months | 4 full-time years |
| Admission Requirements | A high school diploma or GED certificate | A high school diploma or GED certificate; occasionally, coding or other tech experience | A high school diploma or GED certificate, a minimum GPA, SAT/ACT scores |
| Types of Classes | Introduction to data science, introduction to programming, data visualization | N/A | Predictive modeling, mathematical statistics, applied data science methods, linear regression |
Other Educational Paths
Besides an associate degree in data science, students may pursue other educational paths. Advanced credentials can offer more career opportunities and increased earning potential. Data scientists almost always need a bachelor's degree, and many employers even prefer or require a master's degree for these roles.
Explore other data science education paths:
Questions About Data Science Associate Degrees
Is it worth getting a data science associate degree?
Getting a data science associate degree is a good first step in your data science career. It can prepare you to transfer to a bachelor's program in data science or apply for entry-level tech jobs.
Can you get a data science job with an associate degree?
Most data science jobs require at least a bachelor's degree. However, some employers may hire someone with just an associate degree if they have relevant experience or commit to earning a bachelor's degree while employed.
What is the difference between data science and data analytics?
Data analytics is part of data science. Data science is a larger field of study that uses mathematical models and advanced techniques with data. Data analytics helps organizations make decisions through analysis of relevant data.
What are the advantages of earning an associate degree?
Earning an associate degree usually takes less time and money than completing a bachelor's degree. Associate degree students usually pay lower tuition than enrollees in four-year institutions, so learners planning to complete a bachelor's program can save on educational costs by completing associate degree coursework at a community college before transferring.
