Data science is an interdisciplinary area between statistics, mathematics and computer science. This degree prepares you to be a critical analyst and user of data in a variety of areas such as business, research and government.
This program also focuses on the ethical production and use of data. Utilizing cutting-edge trends in data, you’ll gain a strong mathematics background to understand how it works. You’ll learn from esteemed faculty who are performing their own research in the areas of probability, statistics, scientific computing, applied math and more.
Designed to support your career goals, you can choose a focus area and complete six courses tailored to relevant topics. Available tracks include:
- Behavioral science: This track positions you for data science careers centered on human behaviors and attitudes, cognitive science, human development and medicine. It also prepares you for graduate training in quantitative psychology, human development, education and biostatistics.
- Bioscience: In this track, you’ll learn how to apply computational skills to life sciences research.
- Business analytics: This track teaches you how to be an effective data scientist within a business environment.
- Computer science: In this track, you’ll build enhanced programming and data skills, with a focus on information assurance.
- Mathematics: This track provides a broad set of data science skills. In addition to providing you a solid background in statistics and computational and applied math required for solving engineering problems, this track also trains you for practical solutions regarding databases, agricultural and environmental data, and more.
- Social science: This track provides you with the knowledge and skills to understand and analyze how macro-scale patterns of organization and social structures emerge from individual behavior and decentralized decision-making.
- Spatial science: This track offers you a unique angle for analyzing the world with geospatial big data that’s being generated in real-time today.
What data science skills will I learn?
You’ll develop data-related skills beneficial to solving practical issues in a variety of fields. You’ll learn how modern science and technology use sophisticated mathematical, statistical and computational tools to extract patterns from large, complex and often unordered data sets. You’ll also become proficient in:
- Machine learning and data mining.
- Personalizing medical treatments based on a tumor’s unique genetic profile.
- Technologies with applications as diverse as detecting fraudulent online credit card transactions.
- Understanding the dynamic of social movements.
Additionally, you’ll expand your teamwork, critical thinking, programming, research and coding skills.
Data science: An in-demand, high-paying career
There’s a high need for those who can think critically and provide analysis of the world around them through large data sets. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for data scientists was $108,020 in 2023. And employment of data scientists is projected to grow 36% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Earning an online data science degree and becoming a proficient user and producer of data prepares you to be a strong candidate for these roles. From predicting consumer behavior to extracting information from medical images and more, you’ll graduate ready for a career that inspires global change.
In addition, this bachelor’s degree can be completed as part of an Accelerated Master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This opportunity saves you time and money while giving you advanced knowledge in your field. Applicable master's degrees include:
Combine your passions for mathematics, computer science and data analysis with an online Bachelor of Science in data science. In this program, you’ll acquire skills that’ll prepare you for solving practical issues in high-demand, lucrative roles.
Courses in this program center around programming, data analytics and modeling. There’s also a strong focus on mathematics, consisting of linear algebra, statistical inference and classification, data mining, machine learning and associated computer methods.
From Foundation and President's Professors to Fulbright and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members. Highlights include:
- American Association of the Advancement of Science Fellows.
- Association for Women in Mathematics Fellows.
- Foundation Professors.
- Fulbright American Scholars.
- Goldwater Scholars.
- National Science Foundation Graduate Fellows.
- President's Professors.
In the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, faculty and scholars adapt to new challenges and make impactful research contributions while educating the global citizens and leaders of tomorrow. Students hail from around the world and from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds. This diversity in experience and perspectives leads to impactful conversations and research. Of 890+ students, 33% are female, 26% are Pell Grant eligible and 22% are the first in their families to attend a university.
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No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”