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The Best Online Data Science Associate Programs of 2021

Data science is becoming a competitive field. Nowadays, data scientists can work in diverse industries and earn some of the highest salaries. If you want to become a data scientist, you should start by getting higher education from one of these colleges with data science degrees.

An Associate Degree in Data Science or Data Analytics is an excellent way for students to build an early foundation. It helps them determine if they would like to pursue a career as a data scientist, data analyst, or business analyst. Read below to learn more about the best online data science associate degrees of 2021.

Top 10 Online Data Science Associate Degrees of 2021 at a Glance

This list contains some of the options you have when looking for an online Associate Degree in Data Science and the related cost. Most of these programs take two full years and 60 credit hours to complete. Students who complete these programs can either begin entry-level jobs or continue their education and receive a four-year degree.

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Most of these programs are offered both online and in-person. This varies from school to school. Some of the schools listed in this guide only offer in-person associate degrees in regular conditions. However, those programs are now held online due to COVID-19.

School and Degree Price Notes
American Military University
Associate of Science in Data Science
$285 per credit hour All Students
Brigham Young University
Associate of Applied Science in Data Science
$180 per credit
$359 per credit
Member
Non-Member
Community College of Allegheny County
Associate of Science Data Analytics Technology
$118 per credit
$354 per credit
In-state
Out-of-state
Nashua Community College
Associate of Science in Data Analytics
$215 per credit
$490 per credit
In-state
Out-of-state
Northcentral Technical College
Business Analyst Associate Degree
$139 per credit
$208 per credit
In-state
Out-of-state
North Hennepin Community College
Associate of Science in Data Science
$181 per credit All Students
Northwestern Connecticut Community College
Associate of Science in Data Science
$166 per credit
$498 per credit
In-state
Out-of-state
South Dakota State University
Associate of Science in Data Science
$355 per credit All Students
Southern New Hampshire University
Associate of Science in Data Analytics
$320 per credit All Students
Wake Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Business Analytics
$76 per credit
$268 per credit
In-state
Out-of-state

Benefits of an Online Data Science Associate Degree

An online data science associate degree is an excellent choice to start your data science career. An associate degree typically takes two years. Upon completion, you can transfer to a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science if you want to expand your knowledge. Online degrees usually offer the same benefits as an in-person degree.

Some of the benefits that you can get when enrolling in an associate degree online are listed below.

  • Online courses offer interactive learning options. Students can communicate with professors quickly in real-time or by chatting online during office hours.
  • Online education allows for flexible methods and self-paced courses. These courses allow students to balance their education with work.
  • Pursuing a degree online reduces the student’s transportation costs because they don’t have to travel to a physical campus.

What Are the Requirements for an Online Data Science Associate Degree?

The requirements for an online data science associate degree vary depending on the school. However, the most common requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent to be admitted to the program.

Some programs have a minimum age requirement, a minimum high school grade point average (GPA), and standardized test scores, typically the SAT or ACT. They may also require letters of recommendation and a statement of goals. You should check the requirements of your preferred program before applying.

Choosing an Online Data Science Associate Degree Program

When choosing an online data science associate degree program, you should consider some advantages of the program. Prospective online students should closely examine the school’s program format, cost, and curriculum before choosing a school.

Program Format

Online programs may be synchronous or asynchronous. Synchronous means that classes follow a regular schedule. Asynchronous means students complete requirements on their own schedule. It would be best to evaluate which structure is the right one for you to take, depending on your availability and other responsibilities.

Cost

The cost can vary a lot depending on the institution. It also can vary if you are a resident of the state or not. Other financial considerations are tuition, financial aid, and scholarship options.

Curriculum

It may also be helpful to research a program’s curriculum, requirements, and course options. You can check options for majors in the area you are interested in, specializations, electives, and other opportunities.

Best Online Data Science Associate Degrees in 2021

Best Online Data Science Associate Degrees in 2021

When considering enrolling in an online data science associate degree program, you may want to review the following list. This list is meant to help you evaluate the degree programs that will fit your needs.

Below are options from universities and community colleges, along with what you will be learning in each program. We also list requirements and more information to help you earn your data science degree.

American Military University | Associate of Science in Data Science

The American Military University is accredited by the American Public University System. The university offers a data science associate degree, which will teach you to interpret data for decision-making.

In this online program, you will learn various ways to conduct data analysis and report it thoroughly. This associate degree program feeds directly into AMU’s Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science.

Brigham Young University | Associate of Applied Science in Data Science

Brigham Young University (BYU) is a faith-based school that offers a data science associate degree program. Students in this program will develop a solid foundation in applied statistics, programming languages, and data analysis. They will also demonstrate team-based collaborative skills necessary for careers in data science.

The Associate of Applied Science in Data Science requires 17 credits of foundations courses and 36 credits in core courses. Students may take seven credits in general electives from any eligible credits. This is the only applied associate degree on this list, so it is a great choice for hands-on practice.

Community College of Allegheny County | Associate of Science Data Analytics Technology

The Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) is a public community college in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. The college offers this program with the option to transfer to four-year institutions to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science, which can lead to a Master’s Degree in Data Science.

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to identify, analyze, and interpret volumes of data collected from various sources. Students will use this data to learn how to recognize patterns and relationships to resolve business questions and make data-driven decisions through tactical strategies.

Nashua Community College | Associate of Science in Data Analytics

Nashua Community College (NCC) is a public community college in New Hampshire and part of the Community College System of New Hampshire. This college offers a data analytics program that teaches the basics of collecting, organizing, analyzing, and presenting data.

The program contains courses on mathematics, computer science, and data analytics to provide students with the ability to use large data sets, make data-driven decisions, and communicate patterns and relationships. You will learn everything you need to know about data analytics.

Northcentral Technical College | Business Analyst Associate Degree

Northcentral Technical College (NTC) is a public community college in Wausau, Wisconsin. It is a member of the Wisconsin Technical College System. This college offers a Business Analyst Associate Degree. During this program, you will learn the analytical and technical skills employers are seeking.

During the program, you will learn how to support business initiatives by collecting and analyzing data using best practices. By the end of the program, you will be ready to serve as a liaison between information technology and content experts. You can even take extra business analytics courses to learn more about the topic.

North Hennepin Community College | Associate of Science in Data Science

North Hennepin Community College is an accredited member of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. This college offers an Associate of Science in Data Science that teaches algorithms, data structures, programming languages, and statistical methods.

This top data science degree will give you the skills to procure, analyze, process, and store large amounts of data. You will learn to manage the data, analyze it, and present it in various forms. You will be able to get a job in data science as soon as you graduate.

Northwestern Connecticut Community College | Associate of Science in Data Science

Northwestern Connecticut Community College (NCCC) is a public community college in Winsted, Connecticut. It offers this data science program to prepare students for a bachelor’s. Students will learn mathematics, data literacy, and programming. They will also complete general education courses to transfer to a four-year program.

The Associate of Science in Data Science teaches students the key elements of data science, including data structures and data sources, programming languages, and statistical principles. They will also focus on computing and analytics, data management, machine learning tools, and data science applications.

South Dakota State University | Associate of Science in Data Science

South Dakota State University (SDSU) is a public land-grant research university in Brookings, South Dakota. It is the state’s largest university. This university offers a data science associate degree, in which students will learn how to solve challenging data science problems.

The Associate of Science in Data Science program can fit into a variety of bachelor’s degrees or enhance professional value in a variety of careers. This program also allows for progression to SDSU’s Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science, Master’s Degree in Data Science, and even the PhD program.

Southern New Hampshire University | Associate of Science in Data Analytics

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private university. It is one of the fastest-growing universities in the United States. SNHU’s data analytics associate degree program can help you understand the basics of data analytics.

Throughout the program, you will gain a solid understanding of the methods that exist to diagnose organizational problems, gather requirements, and collect data. These skills help determine how data analysis affects corporate decision-making.

Wake Technical Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Business Analytics

Wake Technical Community College (Wake Tech) is the largest public community college in North Carolina. This college offers a business analytics program on campus, online, and in hybrid learning formats.

You will learn general theory, best practices, statistical analysis, and software packaging in the Associate of Applied Science in Business Analytics. Students also gain related skills in business communication, critical thinking, and decision-making. If you follow a full-time academic schedule, you can expect to complete the program in two years.

What Can You Do With an Online Data Science Associate Degree?

Upon completing an associate degree program, you can enroll in a four-year degree to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science or Computer Science. However, you can start a career with only an associate degree. Depending on the path you choose, you can become a data scientist, data analyst, database administrator, or data manager.

How Much Can I Expect to Earn With an Online Data Science Associate Degree?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual salary of $126,830 for data scientists, which is higher than the median wage for all occupations. Getting an associate degree will help you qualify for entry-level positions at some companies.

72210
Min salary
126830
Average salary
194430
Top salary

Top Online Data Science Associate Degree Careers

Profession Average Salary
Data Manager $151,150
Data Scientist $126,830
Database Administrator $98,860
Management Analyst $87,660
Operations Research Analysts $86,200

Is an Online Data Science Associate Degree Worth It in 2021?

Yes, when you are looking to start your career in data science or a related field, an associate degree is worth it. Data scientists perform vital tasks that help companies achieve their goals. Aspiring data scientists may benefit from career longevity, demand, and high salaries. Pursue the best data science careers in 2021 and get an associate degree.

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