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B.S. vs M.S. in Data Analytics
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Ready To Get a Data Analytics Degree?
If you're eager to dive into a data analytics career, the next step is figuring out how to make it happen. Earning a degree can open doors to better opportunities, increased earning potential, and faster career growth. But which is better for you: a bachelor's or master's degree?
This guide breaks down WGU's data analytics degrees, helping you choose the right fit based on your experience and interests.
Technology
Data Analytics – B.S.
Lean into data, and walk away with a cutting-edge online degree:...
Lean into data, and walk away with a cutting-edge online degree:
- Time: 62% of graduates finish within 36 months.
- Tuition and fees: $3,835 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 39 total courses in this program.
Certifications in this program at no additional cost include:
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA Data+
- CompTIA Project+
- Udacity Nanodegree—a unique, highly recognized credential designed to prepare you for a career in data science
- MSI Change Management (Optional Certification)
- Certiprof Design Thinking Professional Certificate (Optional Certification)
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Data management
- Data wrangling
- Statistical analysis
- Visualization
- Leadership and management
- Model deployment & storytelling
Technology
Data Analytics – M.S.
Lead businesses with strong analysis skills:...
Lead businesses with strong analysis skills:
- Time: 61% of graduates finish within 20 months.
- Tuition: $4,520 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program.
This program consists of three specialization areas which allow you to gain specific experience and skills that will benefit your future career. You can choose from data science, data engineering, and decision process engineering specializations to enhance your degree.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Data Modeling
- Big Data
- Business Intelligence
- Data Quality
- SQL
- Python
Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics
Who Should Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Analytics?
If you're looking to start a career in analytics, this program is designed to be a springboard, preparing you to move into a wide variety of data analytics career paths. It can be a good fit for those who are detail-oriented, analytical and have a knack for numbers. Having a strong grasp of math, statistics, and critical thinking will be incredibly valuable in this program.
This program can be a great fit for someone who is currently working in IT and wants to advance their career, or for someone who wants to transition into the IT space from a different industry.
What are the Courses in the B.S. Data Analytics Program?
- Introduction to Analytics
- Data Management – Foundations
- Data Management – Applications
- Advanced Data Management
- Introduction to Programming in Python
- Data Analytics – Applications
- Big Data Foundations
- Data Structures and Algorithms I
- Introduction to Data Science
- Data Wrangling
- Data Analysis with R
- Machine Learning
- Data Visualization
- Machine Learning DevOps
- Introduction to Systems Thinking
- Data Analytics Capstone
What Certifications Will I Earn in this Program?
In this program you can enhance your résumé with industry-recognized certifications from CompTIA, Udacity, and AWS, alongside two exclusive WGU certificates: Data Analyst Practitioner and Data Engineering Practitioner.
These certifications, earned as part of your degree, instantly enhance your credentials and skillset, all without extra cost or time.
- Udacity Data Analyst Nanodegree
- CompTIA Data+
- CompTIA Project+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- MSI Change Management (Optional)
- Certiprof Design Thinking Professional (Optional)
What Career Opportunities are Available with a B.S. in Data Analytics?
A bachelor’s degree in data analytics paves the way for the following career paths:
- Data Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Data Visualization Specialist
- Business Analyst
- Tableau Report Developer
- Market Research Analyst
- Operation Research Analyst
- Automation Architect
- Database Administrator
- Statistician
"I chose WGU because of its ease, price, and the possibility of gaining IT certifications along with my degree. Now that I've graduated, I have four years of IT experience, a bachelor's degree, and six IT certifications that help show that my skills are valuable. That's a really good jumpstart for a career. After I graduated from WGU I quickly got a much better job and nearly doubled my salary."
Eric Gardner
B.S. Data Analytics
Master of Science in Data Analytics
Who Should Pursue a Master’s Degree in Data Analytics?
This program is a good fit for people who are passionate about dissecting data, uncovering insights, and driving meaningful change. If you already have a bachelor’s degree and want to take your career to the next level, consider the master's degree in data analytics from WGU. If you are looking to advance your analytics career, or if you’re hoping to make a transition into a tech field, a master’s degree in data analytics can be a great fit for you.
What Certifications Will I Earn in This Program?
In our M.S. Data Analytics program, you won’t just earn a degree—you'll also pick up key industry certifications. Alongside your degree, you'll earn WGU certificates in data preparation, data analytics fundamentals and advanced data modeling. These certificates boost your résumé right from the start, giving you the skills and credentials you need for success at no extra cost.
What Courses are in the M.S. Data Analytics?
Some of the courses you’ll take as a part of this program include:
- Data Acquisition
- Data Cleaning
- Exploratory Data Analysis
- Data Mining I
- Advanced Data Acquisition
- Advanced data Analytics
What Career Opportunities Are Available with an M.S. in Data Analytics?
When you earn a master’s degree in data analytics, you’ll be prepared for leadership opportunities in positions such as:
- Data Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Director of Analytics
- Chief Data Officer
- Data Engineer
- Business Intelligence Manager
- Data Architect
What Are the Differences Between a B.S. in Data Analytics and an M.S. in Data Analytics?
Data analytics is a highly specialized field, and the key to success for either degree path is to make sure you’re ready. Our B.S. program is the starting line, ideal for beginners dipping their toes into data analytics and seeking to build foundational skills. Meanwhile, the M.S. is tailored for individuals with bachelor’s degree and a stronger background in data analytics. It's an excellent fit for those looking to advance their careers, specialize in specific areas of data analytics, or even transition into the field from related backgrounds.
Another key difference? The experience required. While a high school diploma gets you into the bachelor's program, the master's requires a related bachelor's degree and some prior experience or coursework in data analytics. Both programs can help prepare you for an exciting future in analytics.
To pick the right fit for your career goals, do your research. Explore WGU's data analytics degrees today and find your path forward!
Why WGU?
Be Career Ready
Designed with input from healthcare leaders, our accredited programs give you the skills and credentials today’s employers need. That’s why 97% of employers said they’d hire another WGU grad.1
1: 2023 Harris Poll of 300 employers of WGU grads.
Get and Keep the Job You Want to Have
85% of WGU graduates are employed in their degree fields—and 87% are employed full-time.2
2: 2023 Harris Poll of 1,655 WGU grads.
Save Money
With flat-rate tuition that is 47% lower than the national average3 and generous need-based scholarships, our degrees are an excellent investment that you can afford.
3: National rates reported by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System in 2022. WGU average rate does not include rates for WGU Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Prelicensure program.
Work as You Need While Going to School
At WGU, you can complete courses, take tests, and graduate on your schedule. In fact, many of our healthcare students work full-time while earning their life-changing bachelor’s or master’s degrees.
COST & TIME
An Affordable IT Degree
By charging per term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.
Prepared for Success on the Job
*From a 2023 Harris Poll of 300 employers of WGU graduates.
100% of employers said that WGU graduates were prepared for their jobs.*
97% of employers said that they would hire another WGU grad.*
98% of employers said WGU graduates met or exceeded expectations.*
