The advances in today’s technology are causing a boom in the IT workforce. As more tech-related jobs are becoming a necessity, many people are looking to shift their skills and expertise into technical skill sets. Data science is a relatively newer field that has progressively become a growing necessity for successful businesses. While there is no traditional educational path of earning a degree and joining the workforce, students will find many options to enter this growing field. Find out if a data science online degree program is right for you.
Data Science Education Options
Today, there are several options for students to receive the education they need in order to gain the essential skills for the data science field. While there are traditional degree programs, other options like certification programs and online boot camps are also available.
Certification Programs- Many universities offer certification of completion programs through data science courses. Students have the option to complete these courses both online and on campus. While this is a great alternative for those who are entering the field of data science, only a basic overview of knowledge and skills will be available.
Data Science Boot Camps- Data Science boot camps are essentially created to be a crash course in the basic knowledge and skills required to enter the field. Boot camps are completed online through various third-party educators. While boot camps can be completed in less than a year, there are no financial aid options available.
Benefits of a Data Science Online Degree Program
Most businesses looking to hire a data scientist are looking for people who are not only knowledgeable in the field but can prove their skill sets in real-world circumstances. While boot camps and certification programs can be completed in less time, a master’s degree program will provide real-world projects for students to receive hands-on experience. Other educational options will cover basic skills in mathematics, statistics, computer science, and information science. However, a master’s degree program will dive deeper into those concepts and apply real-world skills like:
- Data mining
- Cluster analysis
- Machine learning
- Use of databases
- Data visualization
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are also available to students attending online degree programs. The out of pocket expenses for courses and supplies students need to complete boot camps and certification programs may create unnecessary hardships.
What Online Data Science Degree Programs are Available?
There are several well-known colleges that offer online data science degree programs. Likewise, there are smaller institutions that offer degree programs, as well. Students can earn a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree through these programs, depending on what each college provides for their students. When looking for a degree program that is right for you, look for factors that suit your personal circumstances like:
- Tuition cost and funding (financial aid or scholarships)
- Prerequisite requirements
- Availability of hands-on, project-based learning
Coursera has partnerships with top-ranking colleges that allow you to attend classes online at a lower cost. The site also has a valuable list of top colleges where you can earn a data science degree online. While there are many online degree options, research the institutions that fit your personal goals and ambitions.
Boot camps and certification courses in data science may be great alternatives when entering into the data science work field. However, if you want to accelerate your career and earn a higher salary, a degree program will be more beneficial to you in the future. The knowledge, skill sets, and hands-on experience you will receive from a degree program will strengthen your resume. Therefore, you will easily be able to enter one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.