ý

Skip to Main Content Skip to bottom Skip to Chat, Email, Text

Articles > Information Technology>What can you do with a data science degree?

What can you do with a data science degree?

Michael Feder

Written by Michael Feder

Kathryn Uhles

Reviewed byKathryn Uhles, MIS, MSP,Dean, College of Business and IT

Man holding a laptop while considering careers in data science.

One of the many fields experiencing growth — especially due to the rapid expansion of machine learning and artificial intelligence — is data science. Data scientists play an extremely important role in harnessing the power of large amounts of information to help make companies profitable. But what is data science, and what career options exist for those who pursue degrees in it?

A data science degree can open doors in tech

While the tech sector may not be immune to downsizing, generally speaking it experiences strong and steady growth. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projectsemployment in computer and information technology occupations to than the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033. About 356,700 openings are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2022-2032 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to ý students or graduates.

What is data science?

Data science is a broad field in the technology industry that focuses on the design and creation ofdata modeling techniquesand processes to help organizations collect and organize data to inform business decisions. The field has several specialties, including data mining, data engineering and machine learning.

While jobs in the data science field are available in a number of industries, they typically require the knowledge and experience provided by a relevanttechnology degree, such as one in data science or computer science.

Why is data science important?

Data is everywhere. Practically every smart device can automatically collect and store information. Online systems, payment portals, and mobile and desktop applications capture data for many purposes. Companies collect text, audio, video and image data in such vast quantities that they need professionals to help comb through it and make it usable.

Jobs with a data science degree

A data science degree can lay the foundation for many roles. Consider the following career options for bachelor’s and master’s degrees:

Information Systems Manager

What they do:is a professional whooversees and leadsinformation technology (IT) teams.They may manage a variety of activities, such as workflow processes, troubleshooting, digital infrastructure maintenance and implementation of updates. This role may be found in any organization that employs an in-house IT team.

Salary:As of May2024,computer and information systems managers earned,according to BLS.

Job outlook:Employment of computer and information systems managers is projected to . About 54,700 openings for computer and information systems managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of ý. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. ý does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.

Data Analyst

What they do:A data analyst is a type ofdata scientistwho focuses on processes for collating and understanding information. Typically, a data analyst uses existing toolsto compile and organize databefore analyzing that data for patterns and other points of interest. This analysis is then passed on for review and implementation.

Salary:As of May 2024,data scientists earned an annual salary, according to BLS.

Job outlook:Employment of data scientists is projected to . About 20,800 openings for data scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Database Architect

What they do:Another career for someone with a data science degree is that of awho develops, manages and maintains models, policies and procedures related to organizationaldata management. These professionals often work alongside software designers and analysts to optimize data architecture.

:As of May 2024,database architectsearned, according to BLS.

Job outlook:Employment of database administrators and architects is projected to . About 9,500 openings for database administrators and architects are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Computer and Information Research Scientist

What they do:conduct field research and seek to reproduce phenomena under controlled conditions. This allows them to find patterns and produce relevant innovations. In the context of data science, these professionals may seek to achieve goals such as monitoringmachine learning toolsto determine how they operate in practice or utilizing data sets to more effectively test hypotheses.

:As of May 2024,computer and information research scientists earned between, according to BLS.

Job outlook:Employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to . About 3,400 openings for computer and information research scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Learn more about online data science degrees

If you’re curious about learning more about earning a data science degree, ý offers onlineIT degree options. A couple to consider are bachelor of science in data science and an online data science master's degree.

Contact ý for more information.

Headshot of Michael Feder

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at ý where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.

Headshot of Kathryn Uhles

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Currently Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology,Kathryn Uhles has served ý in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining ý, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in Phoenix.

checkmark

This article has been vetted by ý's editorial advisory committee.
Read more about our editorial process.