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Data Analytics Degree Online Bachelor of Science (BS) Program

Raymond Gammon, who earned a data analytics degree in 2020, standing in his kitchen wearing a blue polo shirts.

Cost per credit $330

Total courses 40

Term length 8 weeks

Program Overview Why get a data analytics degree?

Using data to inform business decisions is critical to the success of organizations. As businesses become smarter, more efficient and savvier at predicting future opportunities and risks through data analysis, the need for professionals in this field continues to rise – and with it, so does the value of a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Data Analytics.

Southern New Hampshire University's data analytics degree online program will position you to capitalize on this critical business requirement, and by doing so, can help you become crucial to finding the solutions for organizational challenges.

Skills you'll learn:

  • Python, SQL, Tableau, SAS and R
  • Quantitative/qualitative data analytics methods
  • Analytical requirements
  • Data analytics standards and policies
  • Digital portfolio creation
  • Real-world problem solving
Raymond Gammon, who earned a degree in data analytics in 2020, sitting with his feet up in an indoor porch working on a laptop with an open notebook, smartphone and SNHU coffee mug next to him.

Courses & Curriculum Online data analytics degree classes that prepare you for your career

The curriculum for SNHU's undergraduate data analytics degree was created to address the onslaught of data that organizations face every day. Each course was designed to prepare you for a particular element of a successful data analytics career.

In addition to learning data navigation, validation and techniques, you’ll develop the soft skills necessary to be a vital decision-maker within an organization. And to ensure that you fully understand the hard and soft skills needed to become an effective data analyst, SNHU offers data students extensive support such as online tutoring.


Concentrations

Concentration Options

Project Management for STEM

Dive into the methodologies and tools necessary for managing projects effectively in terms of time, cost, quality, risk and resources with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Data Analytics with a concentration in Project Management for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) from Southern New Hampshire University.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, operation research analyst occupations are projected to grow 23% through 2032.1 A concentration in project management in STEM can help graduates gain the knowledge and skills they need to stand out, and ultimately break into an entry-level role.

The project management concentration explores crucial aspects for managing analytical projects and teams effectively through the unique lens of a data analytics degree program.

Students will also develop the skills of an experienced project manager by creating detailed project plans for real-life scenarios, focusing on project risk, project integration, quality and procurement. Business processes and goals and necessary techniques are emphasized using authentic scenarios to ensure that business results are achieved.

Courses may include:

  • Project Management
  • Resource Estimating and Scheduling
  • Critical Business Skills for Success

Apply for free in minutes

Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!

Upcoming term starts: January 06, 2025 | March 03, 2025

Next term starts:
Oct. 28, 2024

Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?

Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.

What to expect:

8-week terms

Learn around your schedule

24/7 online support

Online Classroom

What does an online course look like?

You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:

  • Schedule of weekly assignments
  • Discussion boards
  • Grades
  • Instructor announcements
How to Take an Online Class at SNHU
5 ways SNHU makes the admission process "easy-peasy" #shorts

Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free

No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.

All it takes is 3 simple steps

It's easy, fast and free.

Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)

After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.

Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu

Accreditations

SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.

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Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think

As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.

Online undergraduate tuition

Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 120-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$330
$990
$39,600
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$231
$693
$27,720

*before previously earned credits are applied

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.

**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.

Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

$9,900 $14,850 $19,800 $24,750 $29,700
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

If 30 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $29,700

If 45 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $24,750

If 60 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $19,800

If 75 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $14,850

If 90 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $9,900

How we estimate your tuition cost:

We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a bachelor's degree. Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 90 credits, requiring a minimum of 30 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator, and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.

Career Outlook What can I do with a data analytics degree?

A data analyst is good with numbers – but make no mistake, they're a lot more than a number cruncher. Analysts actually review data and determine how it can be used to solve problems, learn key insights about a business's customers and boost profits. Analysts also work to communicate this information with key stakeholders, including company leadership.

Because organizations want all the data that can help them make the right decisions, it's no wonder that these jobs are both in demand and typically well paid.

Occupations

Upon completion of the data analytics degree online bachelor's program, you can explore a wide range of career options across public, private and nonprofit sectors, including:

Gather data, and use it to create insightful reports that tell a story. Data analysts work in all industries, making it easier for you to find a career you're passionate about.

Identify problems and solutions for your organization. Evaluate and review processes, and present recommendations to key stakeholders and leaders.

Discover inefficiencies in processes within your company, and implement strategies to improve business. Use simulations or predictive modeling to review information.

Often a consulting role, management analysts may interview personnel and conduct observations to make recommendations. They'll also follow up to ensure changes are productive.

30%

The projected job growth for statisticians and mathematicians through 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1

$104,860

The median annual salary in 2023 for statisticians and mathematicians, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1

Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

What SNHU students are saying

Chelsey Blowe '23
Chelsey Blowe '23

My instructor called me personally to let me know that I'm on track. It was the encouragement I needed to push through and complete my project. That support reassured me that I made the right choice attending SNHU.

Chelsey Blowe '23

Frequently Asked Questions

The BS in Data Analytics is an online degree program from SNHU – a private, nonprofit, accredited university. It's specifically designed for students looking to break into a data analysis role.

According to Susan McKenzie, senior associate dean of STEM programs at Southern New Hampshire University, data analysts play an important role in today's workforce.

"Ultimately, the work of a data analyst provides insights to the organization that can transform how the business moves forward and grows successfully," she said.

Read more about what data analytics is.

Depending on your desired career track, a data analyst degree could help you build both the technical and soft skills employers want to see.

For Paulitia Sheldon, a data analytics instructor at Southern New Hampshire University, a degree is important – not just for the credential, but as a way to establish a lifelong habit of exploration and learning.

"One thing I tell students is that these programs give you a terrific foundation of knowledge you need to succeed," Sheldon said. "However, as with most things, to differentiate, you have to commit to yourself that you will keep learning. There is so much information and places online you can practice and grow your skills. I think that is how you continue to separate from others. Find what you love and do it well."

Chelsey Blowe with the text Chelsey BloweFor Chelsey Blowe '23, a degree in data analytics presented an opportunity to open up her future.

"I was drawn to the BS in Data Analytics at SNHU because I see data as the way of the future," Blowe said. "Companies are relying on data now more than ever to find innovative ways to help consumers. I want to be a part of that innovation."

Earning a degree hasn't always been easy for Blowe, a working mom who's struggled with school in the past. But with a supportive faculty and flexible class times, she discovered new ways to start unlocking her full potential.

"My proudest accomplishment so far is being on the dean’s list and then being invited to be a part of the honor society at SNHU. School was a struggle for me when I was growing up, and being recognized for my grades while working and being a mom is such a rewarding feeling."

"With the increase in the amount of data available and advanced technical skills, obtaining a university degree specifically in data analytics provides the ability to master the necessary skills for the current marketplace," said Susan McKenzie, senior associate dean of STEM programs at Southern New Hampshire University.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reaffirms this, reporting that the typical entry-level education for operations research analysts and market research analysts is a bachelor's degree.1 For mathematicians and statisticians, typical entry-level education is a master's.1

Successful data analysts must possess strong mathematical and statistical skills, as well as:

  • Analysis skills to gather, view and analyze information
  • Numerical skills to measure and statistically analyze data
  • Technical skills including software and scripting languages to organize and present data
  • Communication skills to relay findings and possible solutions to company stakeholders and leadership
  • Critical thinking skills to identify and interpret trends or opportunities for improvement within data

As a data analyst, you can use data to make an impact in nearly any industry. For example, you might use data and statistics to help recruit talented up-and-comers for a professional soccer team. On the other hand, you might work for a large financial institution, helping to manage and assess consumer databases.

Massive amounts of data are becoming a reality for large and small businesses alike. For this reason, the need for data analysts appears to be on the rise. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts significant job growth for market research analysts (13%) and operations research analysts (23%) through 2032.1

Along with data analysts, many organizations are introducing information analyst teams, with data-focused roles such as database administrators, data scientists, data architects, database managers and data engineers.

While the terms data analyst and data scientist are often used interchangeably, the roles do differ significantly.

Put in simple terms:

  • Data analysts gather, analyze and present data
  • Data scientists develop statistical models and apply scientific methods to make predictions

Weather indicators are one good example. In this case, the data analyst will likely be responsible for gathering temperature, humidity or barometric pressure. On the other hand, the data scientist would likely be tasked to use that data to predict an incoming weather event, like a tropical storm.

"They're looking at the data to identify patterns and to decide scientifically what the result is," said Susan McKenzie, associate dean of STEM programs at Southern New Hampshire University. "The data analyst works on a subset of what the data scientist does."

Dr. Brian Letort with the text Dr. Brian LetortDr. Brian Letort, adjunct instructor of data analytics at SNHU, adds another key differentiator: “A data analyst is a storyteller. When you look at the data, you look for ways to present it visually to other stakeholders as a narrative, considering the visuals you might use to make the data accessible to them,” he said.

He breaks it down this way: “If you like programming and writing code and learning about machine learning and algorithms you’ll probably like data science better. If you like visualization, storytelling, people and business processes in addition to working with data, you’ll probably like data analytics better.”

Another important distinction between the two is that data scientists are often expected to have a minimum master's-level education. By contrast, many entry-level data analyst roles typically require a bachelor's – although graduates of a master's program may open doors to roles in leadership.

In many cases, entry-level education for a data scientist is a master's degree in data or a related field.

Fortunately, if you know you'd like to work your way up to a data science role, SNHU offers an online MS in Data Analytics. There are several benefits to starting and continuing your education at SNHU, including:

  • Some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation
  • A seamless admission process, with no GMAT or GRE scores required
  • The ability to earn a master's in as few as 15 months – saving you time and tuition
  • Multiple term starts per year

Not necessarily. IT jobs often require several skills that aren't always part of a data analyst's toolkit. Typical skills for IT professionals include:

  • Computer programming
  • UX and systems design
  • Systems security, evaluation and risk management
  • Web-oriented services
  • Computing as a service

It's important to note that the BS in Data Analytics program is laser-focused on data skills, including data collection, validation, analysis and visualization – none of which are mandatory for a typical IT job. If, however, you're specifically looking for a program that combines a foundation in information technology with data analysis concepts, check out our online IT degree with a concentration in data analytics.

Like any occupation, the salary of a data analyst will vary by industry, region, education and experience.

That said, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, reported that the median annual pay for mathematicians and statisticians was $104,860 in 2023.1 In that same time frame, the median annual salary was $83,640 for operations research analysts and $74,680 for market research analysts.1

With promising salary prospects and faster-than-average projected job growth, data analysts look to have a bright future.

While data analysts and business analysts share similar roles and responsibilities, there are key differences between the two.

While data analysts are hunter-gatherers of data tasked with telling stories via reports and data visualization software, they often don't take an active role in what happens next. In many cases, their insights are handed off to another team that can use the information to solve various business challenges.

A business analyst, on the other hand, uses data findings to push initiatives that can help make organizations run smoother. They are agents of change – whether it's providing support for a new product, measuring and improving the success of a marketing campaign, or identifying ways to optimize processes. At the end of the day, their bottom line is to actively make their business better.

With an increased demand for those who can source, interpret and tell stories through data, both data analysts and business analysts are finding opportunities in many different industries – including information technology, finance, business and consulting, public sector and healthcare.

Sources & Citations

1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:

  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/mathematicians-and-statisticians.htm (viewed April 22, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/operations-research-analysts.htm (viewed April 22, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/market-research-analysts.htm (viewed April 22, 2024)

Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.