WHAT IS AN ONLINE DATA ANALYTICS DEGREE?
Online data analytics degree programs helps teach individuals how to leverage data. This helps inform business decisions critical to the success of the organization. Course plans often ready students to make forecasts, find trends, and detect patterns. They also aim to develop students who are problem solvers and critical thinkers.
With the boom of the internet, more data is being gathered than ever before. Tech innovations are changing how we conduct business. As such, more businesses see the fruits of using data driven strategies to make decisions. Marketers use analytics to decide the success or failure of a campaign. In finance, portfolio and risk analysis are common uses of analytics.
With an online data analytics degree, you could make an impact on the way an company operates and profits. You can apply your skills in many areas such as finance, sports, health and more. In fact, the need for data experts is growing much faster than most jobs. With a forecast of a 23% increase in jobs through 2033, now is a perfect time to pursue a data analytics online degree.
TYPES OF ONLINE DATA ANALYTICS DEGREE PROGRAMS
Bachelor of Science in Business Admin – Data Analytics
This goal of this program is to help you become familiar with data analytics. Then, you will communicate your data findings with your client or company.
Course Examples
- Data Mining
- Advanced Business Analytics
- Business Stats
Master of Business Analytics
Gain the skills needed to make sense of company owned data. Use these skills to guide decisions. Also, learn how to present complex data.
Course Examples
- Big Data
- Digital Marketing Analytics
- Decision Models
PhD in Data Science
Learn how to organize, research and use data to solve real world problems. Gain skills in data visualization and reporting along with being able to manage data.
Course Examples
- PhD in Data Science
- Research Design
- Machine Learning
ONLINE DATA ANALYTICS DEGREE PROGRAMS
Many online data analytics degree programs have technology and computer based courses. In these courses, students explore ways to mine, analyze and interpret data. They may also take courses in systems design. These discuss how to best format the data and then maintain it in a database.
Most data science programs also cover basic or advanced methods in statistical analysis. Such tools may be useful in any subject. Students may learn how to perform simulations and predictive modeling.
Yet, other programs offer data analytics courses within a business context. These programs help students develop leadership skills. In these programs you’ll find core topics that center around marketing and finance.
What’s applied business analytics? Unlike a business degree, students who what to study this might be more interested in business intelligence. In this type of program, you would focus on key data sets to learn how to answer certain business questions. You may gain a deeper grasp of needs for a business model. Thus, besides learning the best ways on how to collect data, you may also learn how to tell a story with data. This type of skill may be of value in today’s data driven business world.
Are you keen to put your data skills to use in a specific field? You may want to look at programs that show you how to use tools in that area. Below are a few such areas of focus and what studying them might add to a program.
Some programs ask students to complete a capstone or thesis. From others, expect lots of research.
EXAMPLES OF NICHE ONLINE DATA ANALYTICS DEGREES
Bachelor of Science in Analytics
This online degree combines parts of business, information technology (IT) and math. Some subject matter include using data mining, simulation and optimization. You will use tools like SQL focusing on scripting, data manipulation and analysis. You will develop the soft skills needed to be a decision maker. And, you will gain skills such as being able to communicate a story with your data and problem solving.
MS in Health Analytics
This program combines the knowledge of the complex health sector with data science.
Masters in Sports Analytics and Management
Managers in the sports field often need to understand analytics and new technologies. Some programs may focus on how to use new media channels such as social media to grow outreach. While others may focus on being able to assess a player or team performance. Students may come away with a sense of how to use data in operational decisions.
MS in Data Science – Computational Biology
This type of program views data analytics through the lens of biology. Students may use data science skills to track the spread of disease.
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Southern New Hampshire University
- Take advantage of some of the nation’s most affordable tuition rates, while earning a degree from a private, nonprofit, NEASC accredited university
- Qualified students with 2.5 GPA and up may receive up to $20K in grants & scholarships
- Multiple term start dates throughout the year. 24/7 online classroom access.
Popular Programs
Business Administration, Psychology, Information Technology, Human Services…
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University of Arizona Global Campus
- 99% of University of Arizona Global Campus students study online
- University of Arizona Global Campus offers affordable tuition, so college is accessible to many students.
- he University of Arizona Global Campus (formerly Ashford University) is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Available Programs
Accounting and Finance, Information Technology, Political Science…
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Western Governors University
- Award-winning programs created to help you succeed.
- A quality education doesn’t have to be expensive. Earn an accredited degree for less.
- Programs start monthly – Apply free this week!
Sponsored Schools
WHAT DO DATA SCIENCE DEGREE COURSES LOOK LIKE?
As you can see, there are many kinds of online data science degree programs. This means your classes will depend as much on your program’s level as it will on your program’s focus.
We’ll take a look at a few courses below that break down some of the complex terms. See which types of courses appeal to your goals and interests.
Some common courses include:
Business Intelligence: These courses may help you analyze business performance data. Students may learn to use findings to support business planning and decision making.
Visualizing Data: This type of course explores methods to explain data stories to clients. It may include learning Excel, Powerpoint and other software.
Data Science: A course in data science deals with questions like what is data? It often includes topics like statistics and probability. It may also explore modern issues like data privacy.
Data Mining: In this type of course often explores the ethical use of data. It may have a practical side. Students learn to apply the data analysis process to collected data sets.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO EARN AN ONLINE DEGREE IN DATA ANALYTICS?

HOW MUCH WILL AN ONLINE DATA ANALYTICS DEGREE COST?
According to recent data, the 2022 average cost of an in state 4 year public college was $6,045. Costs for a private 4 year school are much higher, around $54,980. Tuition does go up, and sometimes even down. Make sure to check the most recent costs with each school.
TOP SCHOOLS WITH ONLINE DATA ANALYSIS DEGREE PROGRAMS
Colleges around the country offer Data Analytics degree programs. Some of these programs go by different names but may cover similar topics and skill areas. For example, look for programs like Data Science, Business Analytics, and Decision Analytics. Below, we’ve listed the top 25 schools with Data Analytics programs. We put these schools in order by the number of students who graduated with a degree or certificate in Data Analytics for the 2023/24 school year as per data compiled by the NCES. We’ve also included related programs to check out at these schools.
NEXT STEPS AFTER EARNING A DATA SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAM ONLINE
Data analytics certifications are voluntary certs. These are often show peers and employers that you have expertise. They may also serve to:
- Help you master specific in demand skills
- Build credibility
- Keep you current with trends
- Refresh a resume so that it can stand out
It may be something to think about, so we’ve outlined a few cert. Earn these certs through the AICPA. Successful students receive a digital badge to share with their online professional network.
- Data Analysis Basics Certificate
- Application of Data Analysis Essentials Certificate
- Data Analytics Modeling Certificate
- Forecasting and Predictive Analytics Certificate
- Visualization Certificate
CAREERS IN DATA ANALYTICS
There are ways to meld interests in math and business with data analytics skills. Below is a brief list of some career paths along with recent salary and employment outlook. What would you like to do with a degree in data analytics?