Online Data Analytics Degree Programs
What is an online data analytics degree?
Data analysis is the process of gleaning insights from data to inform better business decisions—a skill that's important across nearly every industry. Earning your online data analytics degree could lead to a high-demand career in a variety of fields.
While a bachelor’s degree is the most common entry-level qualification for data analysts, some companies look for candidates with a master’s degree in data analytics or a related field. A 2017 study by IBM found that 6 percent of data analyst job descriptions required a master’s or doctoral degree. That number jumps to 11 percent for analytics managers and 39 percent for data scientists and advanced analysts.
If you’re looking to launch or advance your career in data analytics or move into data science, earning your data analytics degree could set you up for success.
Browse Degrees
Why get a data analytics degree?
There are more open roles for data analysts than people with the skills to perform those jobs, so data analytics professionals tend to be in high demand. Data analysts are in high demand. The World Economic Forum listed it as number two in growing jobs in the United States. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in data analytics fields are expected to grow by 25 percent between 2020 and 2030—much faster than average.
Earn your degree from a top university.
Earn your online data analytics degree from leading universities around the globe without having to relocate or commute. You can change your entire career trajectory from your couch, all at your own pace.
Build skills for a high-paying career.
According to the Robert Half Salary Guide, data analysts in the US make an average of $106,500, depending on skills and experience. That means the energy you invest now could pay off later with an in-demand, well-paying career.
Work in an industry that interests you.
Knowing how to gather, sort, and analyze data has become a crucial part of almost any industry. You’ll find data analysts in the criminal justice, fashion, food, technology, business, environment, and public sectors—among many others.
Types of data analytics degrees
Most entry-level data analyst jobs require a bachelor’s degree, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Earning one gives you a structured way to build skills and network with professionals in the field. You could also find more job opportunities with a degree than without one.
Not all universities offer a bachelor’s degree in data analytics. So what should you major in if you want to pursue a career as a data analyst? Even if your university doesn’t have this specific degree, it likely offers other majors with overlapping skills, such as data science, computer science, or statistics.
While a bachelor’s degree is the most common entry-level qualification, some companies look for candidates with a master’s degree in data analytics or a related field. A 2017 study by IBM found that 6 percent of data analyst job descriptions required a master’s or doctoral degree. That number jumps to 11 percent for analytics managers and 39 percent for data scientists and advanced analysts.
Explore more degrees by category
Frequently Asked Questions
For students that go through data analytics degree courses on Coursera that are accredited by our university partners, all of the content is created by university faculty members who are subject matter experts. Your degree will be conferred and accredited by the universities themselves.
Data analysts come from a range of educational backgrounds. Degrees in mathematics, statistics, and computer science tend to teach the math and analysis skills needed on the job. But a business degree can equip you with the ability to analyze business problems and communicate solutions effectively—also important skills.
Yes, though a degree in a relevant field will likely improve your chances. While many positions will list a bachelor’s degree as a job requirement, it is possible to get hired with the right set of skills and experience. If you don’t have a degree (or a degree in a related field), be sure to spend extra time developing your portfolio to validate your abilities.
Working as a data analyst empowers you to apply your analytical thinking skills to help solve business problems. It’s a highly sought-after role that’s typically well compensated. According to the Robert Half Salary Guide 2023, data analysts in the US make, on average, $110,250, depending on skills, location, and experience. Data scientists earn even more — $140,750, on average. Specializing in big data engineering and AI architecture can further increase earning potential. [2]
Which you choose is largely a matter of preference. If you’re mathematically minded and enjoy the technical aspects of coding and modeling, a data science degree could be a good fit. On the other hand, if you love working with numbers, communicating your insights, and influencing business decisions, consider a degree in data analytics. Whether you study data science or data analytics, you’ll be building skills for an in-demand, high-paying career.
