Data Analytics Degree Online Bachelor of Science Program

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 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 25% through 2029.¹ 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
• Operations Management
• Leveraging Data Analysis for Organizational Results

Flexible

With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.

Affordable

Take advantage of some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation, plus financial aid for those who qualify. We also make it easy to transfer to SNHU by accepting up to 90 credits from your previous institution.

Respected

Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 100,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.

Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:

• “Most Innovative” regional university honors from U.S. News & World Report each year since 2015
• A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
• Recognition as a 2017 Digital Learning Innovator by the Online Learning Consortium

Network

At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 200,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.

96.5% of students would recommend SNHU.² Discover why SNHU may be right for you.

Part of our mission to expand access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials.

Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms.

Simply contact an admission counselor, who can help you explore financial options, answer all your questions and walk you through the application process. Start by:

• Completing a free undergraduate application
• Providing previous institutions attended – so we can retrieve transcripts for you at no cost

Test scores are not required as part of your application.

Notes: 

• Laptop or desktop?  Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility. 

• Note:  Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10. 

• Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government. 

• Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers. 

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

According to Susan McKenzie, 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 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."

For Chelsey Blowe, 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 most memorable learning experience at SNHU was my data policy class," she said. "I tend to overthink my assignments and I was struggling to complete my project. But 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."

This support became a catalyst to keep going. And before she knew it, she was being recognized for her hard work.

"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."

These milestones are just the beginning. Today, Blowe has her sights set on making a bigger impact with her current employer.

"This degree has opened doors by allowing me to be invited to initiatives that use data analytics to enhance our customer experience," she said.  

"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, associate dean of STEM programs at Southern New Hampshire University.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reaffirms this, reporting that 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 a major impact in a variety of industries. 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 (868,400) and operations research analysts (131,300) through 2029.¹

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, 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 a number of 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 $93,290 in 2020.¹ In that same time frame, the median annual salary was $86,200 for operations research analysts and $98,860 for database administrators.¹

With promising salary prospects, as well as faster-than-average projected job growth, data analysts appear 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 process. At the end of the day, their bottom line is to actively make their business better.

With increased demand for those who can source, interpret and tell stories through data, both data analysts and business analysts are finding opportunities in a number of different industries.

According to a 2019 survey from the International Institute of Business Analytics, the top industries for business analysts were information technology; finance and insurance; business, professional services and consulting; government and the public sector; and healthcare and social services.³

¹ Bureau 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 May 11, 2021)
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/operations-research-analysts.htm (viewed May 11, 2021)
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/market-research-analysts.htm (viewed May 11, 2021)

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

² According to survey responses from over 9,200 SNHU online students conducted in the fall of 2019.

³ International Institute of Business Analytics, 2019 Global BA Salary Survey Infographic, on the internet, at https://www.iiba.org/globalassets/professional-development/career-centre/global-ba-salary-survey/files/2019/specialist-survey-infographic.pdf (viewed May 11, 2021)