The 10 Best Online Data Science Associate Programs of 2021

Every aspiring data scientist should start by earning an online Associate Degree in Data Science. After completing your associate degree, you can study for a bachelor’s degree or start an entry-level job in the data science industry. It can also be a great first step to gaining other data-related roles, including database administrator and data analyst.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts the job growth for computer and information research scientists will be 15 percent by 2029. This job growth is over three times faster than the average profession. So, if you want more job opportunities, job security, and a competitive salary, try one of the best online data science associate programs below.

To succeed in this industry, you need to get one of the best online associate data science degrees. These degrees will give you the necessary technical, problem-solving, and communication skills to thrive as a data scientist.

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The table below lists the best universities and colleges with data science degrees. The information has been taken from each school’s respective website.

An online associate degree will give you the education you need to pursue a new career in data science. With an online program, you don’t have to relocate or pay hefty fees as on-campus students do. If you’re an aspiring data scientist who loves working independently, online programs will suit you.

Below are the big advantages of taking a data science program as an online student.

The prerequisites you need to study for an online data science associate degree are a high school diploma or equivalent. Most online colleges have an open enrollment, meaning students need a high school diploma only. However, some require a GPA of at least 2.0.

Universities have stricter entry requirements. Universities typically require a higher GPA than community college programs. Some colleges and universities also request ACT or SAT scores, letters of recommendation, and an application essay.

Below, we’ve rounded up the top online Associate Degrees in Data Science for 2021. We’ve described the benefits of each degree program and what each course covers. Consider all your options before choosing the best one for you.

Studying at the American Public University, students don’t have to pay an application fee or fees for textbooks and ebooks. The course will cover functional coding methods. For example, you’ll learn Python as well as descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analysis.

The Associate of Science in Data Science program runs between eight and 16 weeks. Students must complete 60 credits, and they can transfer up to 45 credits from previous programs. You only need a high school diploma and strong mathematics skills to enroll in this program.

Online students at Northcentral Technical College must complete 61 credit hours to complete their associate degree. Students will learn the basics of programming, database design, economics, data reporting, and statistics. For students who want to specialize in the data analytics side of data science, this program is ideal.

You will have the opportunity to transfer to a handful of four-year institutions like Lakeland University. If you’re struggling with financing your degree, you can opt for grants, federal loans, scholarships, or loans from this university.

Students should consider the Business Analyst Associate Degree if they are interested in the business intelligence side of data science. You will learn SQL, software development, lean logistics, and technical reporting. Completing this program takes as little as eight weeks.

With the credits you earn from this program, you can transfer to Lakeland University or UW Green Bay. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College also offers career services, disability services, study abroad programs, mental health counseling, and academic coaching. You can also access federal loans, scholarships, and payment plans to fund your studies.

Over four semesters and 67 credits, online students will learn about statistics, programming, machine learning, and calculus. Once completing the Associate in Science Degree in Data Science, you will have powerful skills in communication, problem-solving, and math. Students will also have opportunities to develop teamwork and research skills.

North Western Connecticut Community College allows students opportunities to transfer to Central Connecticut State University. Online students can also access career services, counseling, tutoring, and multiple financial aid solutions.

For the Associate of Science in Computer Science, students can complete this full-time for four semesters or part-time for nine semesters. Modules include discrete math, database systems, calculus, statistics, and computer architecture. There are over 10 different scholarships available as well as federal loans.

Completing this degree allows you to transfer to four-year institutes in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). To enhance your learning experience, this college offers career services, tutoring, academic advising, and disability services.

Saint Paul College offers the Associate of Science Degree in Data Science to teach students mathematics, statistics, computer science, and information theory. You will know how to interpret, collect and store big data and how to apply a data-driven, analytical approach to common data science problems.

Students who complete this degree have the opportunity to complete a four-year degree at Metropolitan State University. This college has valuable student services too, like tutoring, career serviced, and counseling. Plus, students can fund their students through grants, federal loans, emergency funds, and scholarships.

This online program requires 60 credits. Your program will cover how to use R programming, SAS programming, algebra, probability, and computer science. Students enrolled in the program can transfer to a bachelor’s degree at this university.

There are few online student services available, like disability services and career development. You can also apply for scholarships, federal loans, grants, and work-study programs.

At Southern New Hampshire University, students learn a range of analytical and technical skills required for a career in data science. You’ll develop expertise in big data, data mining, data collecting, emerging technologies, data policy, and data validation.

After completing the associate degree, you can study for a data science bachelor’s degree at this university. Online students can transfer up to 45 credits toward their associate degree too. There are also educational events for online students like the Teradata University Data Challenge.

This Associate of Science in Data Science covers big data analysis, predictive data, data visualization, programming, data mining, and data modeling. There are 63 credits to complete and 11 core courses. Once completing this course, you can transfer to the college’s Bachelor’s in Technology Development and Management program.

St. Petersburg College has many resources for online learners specifically. Many of these resources include virtual learning commons, tutoring, advising, and research consultations. To help you pay for college, you can access scholarships, grants, and federal loans.

The Applied Science in Business Analytics degree offers online or hybrid learning. The course covers data mining, data warehousing, operations management, predictive modeling, and project management. You will also learn soft skills like problem-solving, communication, and decision-making.

For students who need financial help, you can access federal loans, scholarships, and set up payment plans. Wake Technical Community College also offers accelerated eight-week semester schedules.

When picking the best online data science associate degree program, you need to evaluate the curriculum content, the networking opportunities the school provides, and the available online resources.

Most of this information you can quickly find on the school’s website. However, if you’re uncertain, speak to the school before applying.

When researching online data science associate degrees, you need to check the curriculum content. The content should cover topics aligned with your career ambitions. Also, look for programs that support your technical learning with modules that will help develop your general education or soft skills such as teamwork and communication.

Data science students can highly benefit from colleges and universities with strong networks. Many have partnerships with other nationally or regionally accredited schools, as well as organizations that employ graduates. A school with a large network can help you either get a job or transfer to a bachelor’s degree.

If you want to study online, the school you choose should have sufficient online resources. Some colleges and universities have tons of student resources for on-campus students but are lacking in online support. Check the school’s website and ask the instructors about the available online resources.

With an online data science associate degree, you can get a job as a data analyst, database administrator, and more. Choose a career based on both the job outlook and your passion for that field. Below are the top careers you can pursue with an online data science associate degree.

With an Associate Degree in Data Science, you can earn up to $87,024 per year. You can increase your earning potential by gaining experience or taking further study. For more senior roles with higher salaries, consider pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science.

Yes, a data science associate degree is worth it in 2021. There is a notably high job growth for this profession, which means career opportunities and job security. Students will also gain the vital tech expertise to progress into different roles in this industry.

The best online associate degrees in data science are more affordable, flexible, and convenient than in-person programs. Plus, online programs offer the same credibility and opportunities as in-person learning. So, what are you waiting for?