20 Best Data Science Bachelor’s Degree Programs 2020

By DSD Staff
May 2020

It’s no surprise that, once again, one of the top jobs for 2020 according to Glassdoor is data scientist. With a median base salary of $107,801 and high job satisfaction, the job of a data scientist remains a top choice. Data science is a broad field and data science professionals are responsible for capturing data, maintaining that data, processing it, analyzing it, and communicating their findings to key stakeholders (both technical and non-technical). Data scientists have the knowledge and training to organize and analyze huge amounts of data that otherwise would go unstudied or underutilized. Businesses are under immense pressure to make data driven decisions to preserve their bottom line. Data scientists are in demand in all sectors from business to government. Earning a data science bachelor’s degree can help you gain the skills and knowledge needed to join this exciting field!

We created this list of the best data science bachelor’s degree programs by reviewing College Navigator to find schools offering this innovative new major. We considered programs in analytics, data science, and business analytics in our list. We then developed a ranking system to determine the top 20 schools offering a data science bachelor’s degree.

Ranking is as follows:
Student/Faculty ratio:

• 15:1 or less- 5 points
• 16:1 to 20:1- 3 points
• Greater than 20:1- 1 point

Average Net Price:

• Less than $15,000- 5 points
• $15,000 to $20,000- 3 points
• Greater than $20,000- 1 point

Graduation Rate:

• Greater than 65%- 5 points
• 40% to 65%- 3 points
• Less than 40%- 1 point

Where there are ties, schools are ranked according to Average Net Price per College Navigator.

#20 -Concordia University – Irvine, California

Business Administration-Business Data Analytics

School Profile

Ratio: 16:1
Average Net Price: $28,588/year
Graduation Rate: 63%
Points: 7
The School of Business and Economics at Concordia University in Irvine features one of the best business data analytics programs in the country. Offered as an emphasis within the business administrator major, this data science program is one of the first in the country to focus on Big Data. Students study areas like:

• Optimization and Decision Analytics
• Big Data Analytical Tools
• Data Visualization

Students can complete a business data analytics internship to gain practical work experience. The program holds IACBE accreditation, an indicator of the effectiveness of their business program.

#19 -Webster University – Worchester, Massachusetts

Data Analytics (BS)

Website
Ratio: 12:1
Average Net Price: $22,727/year
Graduation Rate: 59%
Points: 9
The top data analytics bachelor of science program at Webster University is a flexible program offered both online and on-campus. Students will gain an understanding of concepts and methodologies used in the data analysis process. Required courses include:

• R Programming for Data Analytics
• Data Warehousing
• Data Mining

A variety of data science technologies are used to prepare students to work with complex datasets in the field after graduation.

#18 -Auburn University – Auburn, Alabama

Business Analytics Bachelor’s Degree Program

School Profile
Ratio: 19:1
Average Net Price: $23,205/year
Graduation Rate: 78%
Points: 9
If you want experience working with a variety of software environments, the business analytics bachelor degree program from Auburn University is worth a look. Students will gain valuable experience with SAS, Tableau, Python, SAP, R, and Watson. Courses include:

• Predictive Modeling
• Technical Aspects of Data Management
• Communicating Quantitative Results in Business

Hands-on learning opportunities are available through both traditional and mini-internships, corporate visits, and job shadowing. Worried about finding a job after graduation? Auburn boasts a 100% job placement rate for their business analytics program graduates.

#17 -Denison University – Granville, Ohio

Data Analytics Bachelor of Arts

School Profile
Ratio: 9:1
Average Net Price: $35,694/year
Graduation Rate: 85%
Points: 11
The innovative data science bachelor’s degree program at Denison University allows students to personalize their education by aligning with another academic field. Students will learn to:

• analyze quantitative and qualitative data
• ask questions
• evaluate claims
• make conclusions and communicate results and solutions

Courses include:

• Data Systems
• Applied Statistics
• Data Analytics

Interdisciplinary areas of study include psychology, biology, and environmental studies. Students will complete a capstone project in their chosen area. A summer internship is a highlight of the program.

#16 -University of San Francisco – San Francisco, California

Data Science Bachelor’s Degree Program

School Profile
Ratio: 13:1
Average Net Price: $34,475/year
Graduation Rate: 75%
Points: 11
The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of San Francisco features a top bachelor’s in data science for students who want to inspire change through innovation. Students will study the theory and practice in both the mathematical and computational analysis needed to solve complex problems. Courses include:

• Data Visualization
• Data Mining
• Mathematical Modeling

Students can participate in the Data Science Association for additional professional development and networking opportunities. Program graduates work in a variety of areas including:

• ecommerce
• social networking
• healthcare.

#15 -Simmons University – Boston, Massachusetts

Data Science and Analytics (BS)

Program Website
Ratio: 8:1
Average Net Price: $29,601/year
Graduation Rate: 80%
Points: 11
Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Analytics at Simmons University has an impressive list of over 14 concentration areas to choose from for a highly individualized experience. Concentration options are available in areas like:

• Business—Healthcare Management
• Biology—Bioinformatics
• Political Science/International Relations

Hands-on learning is a key component of this top data science program. Students can begin participating in innovative research opportunities as early as their freshman year. Internship opportunities are available for students who want to gain professional field experience and enhance their resume.

#14 -Trinity University – San Antonio, Texas

Bachelor of Science degree in Business Analytics and Technology

School Profile
Ratio: 9:1
Average Net Price: $29,335/year
Graduation Rate: 76%
Points: 11
Trinity University offers a business analytics and technology programs for students who want to use data to help companies operate efficiently and effectively. Courses are taught by gifted professors in small learning environments. Most courses average a 9:1 student to faculty ratio! Courses include:

• Spreadsheet Based Modeling and Data Analysis
• Business Analytics
• Data Science

Students can complete an internship experience and work closely with faculty on research efforts. Graduates are well prepared for a variety of data science roles and their hands-on experience prepares them for success in the workplace.

#13 -Smith College – Northampton, Massachusetts

Statistical & Data Sciences (SDS) Program

School Profile
Ratio: 9:1
Average Net Price: $28,123/year
Graduation Rate: 89%
Points: 11
The Statistical and Data Sciences Program at Smith College promotes a “learning by doing” philosophy. Time spent in the classroom equates time spent working with hands-on with data. The curriculum includes required courses and domain courses that allow students to explore data science in the context of a more specific area. Domain courses include:

• Population Health: Data & Analysis
• Seminar: Economics of Migration
• Research Seminar in Clinical Psychology

All students complete a data science capstone course that provides real-world exposure to data analysis challenges.

#12 -Bethel University – Saint Paul, Minnesota

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mathematics and Data Science

Program Website
Ratio: 12:1
Average Net Price: $27,085/year
Graduation Rate: 77%
Points: 11
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mathematics and Data Science from Bethel University is taught from a Christian worldview. Unique experiences include:

• Paid and unpaid internship opportunities
• Working with faculty on original research
• Participation in regional, national, or international competitions

The R.E.A.L. Experience supports students in gaining relevant hands-on experience highly desirable by leading employers.
Graduates are well prepared to work in a variety of fields including:

• engineering
• data analytics
• healthcare.

#11 -Luther College – Decorah, Iowa

Computer Science-Data Science Major

School Profile
Ratio: 11:1
Average Net Price: $24,688/year
Graduation Rate: 79%
Points: 11
The exciting data science program at Luther College gives students the knowledge and skills needed to analyze Big Data. Data science major requirements include:

• Data Analysis and Visualization
• Applied Machine Learning
• Database Design and Querying

To gain background knowledge in areas that typically overlap with analytics, students complete subject matter courses in areas like business management or economics. A capstone research project serves as the culminating experience.

#10 -Valparaiso University – Valparaiso, Indiana

B.S. in Data Science

School Profile
Ratio: 11:1
Average Net Price: $23,916/year
Graduation Rate: 71%
Points: 11
Valparaiso University offers a high-quality data science bachelor degree to help meet the demand for highly training professionals in this area. Students will gain knowledge and skills in areas like:

• machine learning
• statistical modeling
• data mining

For students planning to pursue a graduate degree, Valparaiso offers a unique 4+1 option that leaders to a master’s in analytics and modeling. Required courses include:

• Econometrics
• Time Series Analysis
• Database Management Systems

Graduates are prepared for exciting roles as computer programmers, business intelligence analysts, and computer systems engineers.

#9 -University of Evansville – Evansville, Indiana

Statistics and Data Science

School Profile
Ratio: 11:1
Average Net Price: $23,038/year
Graduation Rate: 74%
Points: 11
The University of Evansville features a budget-friendly bachelor of science in statistics and data science. This innovative program incorporates the rigorous tradition of mathematics with the latest technologies and techniques in data science. Courses include:

• Machine Learning
• Techniques for Large Data Sets
• Statistical Modeling

Students stay engaged with peers and faculty through project-driven courses that provide exposure to the latest data science software like:

• R
• Python
• BigQuery.

#8 -St. Mary’s University – San Antonio, Texas

Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Data Analytics

School Profile
Ratio: 11:1
Average Net Price: $18,113/year
Graduation Rate: 56%
Points: 11
The Greehey School of Business at St. Mary’s University offers a 150 credit hour bachelor of business administration in accounting and data analytics. Students complete the 120 credit hour accounting major and 30 credit hours in data analytics and information system courses. Course highlights include:

• Business Intelligence
• Database Management
• Enterprise Resource Planning

This top data science program meets the needs of students who want to take the Certified Public Accountant exam right after graduation. Graduates have secured internships and job opportunities with top companies like:

• Liberty Mutual
• Rackspace
• NuStar Energy L.P.

#7 -University of California Berkeley – Berkeley, California

L&S Data Science Major

Program Website
Ratio: 20:1
Average Net Price: $17,862/year
Graduation Rate: 91%
Points: 11
The top data science degree program from the University of California Berkeley was designed in partnership with faculty from across the University. Through this collaboration, students gain deep technical knowledge and learn to apply it to their chosen field. Upper division courses include:

• Probability and Random Processes
• Introduction to the Internet: Architecture and Protocols
• Modern Statistical Prediction & Machine Learning

Study abroad opportunities are available for data science majors. There is also a data science honors program.

#6 -University of Iowa – Iowa City, Iowa

Bachelor’s in Data Science

School Profile
Ratio: 16:1
Average Net Price: $15,817/year
Graduation Rate: 73%
Points: 11
The top-value bachelor of science in data science from the University of Iowa prepares students to successfully prepare, analyze, and communicate findings of complex data sets. The program focuses on technical foundations that help students create and implement new analysis and visualization tools. Advanced courses include:

• Database Systems
• Data Visualization and Data Technologies
• Statistical Learning

All students complete two capstone courses in data science. The first is a creative component and the second is a practicum. Students planning to pursue a graduate degree may be interested in the 4+1 combined BS/MS in business analytics.

#5 -Arkansas Tech University – Russellville, Arkansas

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a degree in Business Data Analytics

School Profile
Ratio: 18:1
Average Net Price: $11,674/year
Graduation Rate: 41%
Points: 11
The Department of Management and Marketing at Arkansas Tech University features an affordable Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Business Data Analytics that prepares students to work with small and large datasets. The hands-on curriculum allows students to begin making valuable contributions to their organizations from their first day on the job. Courses include:

• Business Intelligence
• Business Policy
• Marketing Research and Analysis

Graduates are able to identify data trends to help their organizations detect opportunities and threats to their bottom lines.

#4 -Northern Kentucky University – Highland Heights, Kentucky

B.S. in Data Science

School Profile
Ratio: 19:1
Average Net Price: $9,753/year
Graduation Rate: 42%
Points: 11
One of the most affordable bachelor of science in data science degree programs to make our ranking is offered by Northern Kentucky University. Students will learn to help businesses and organizations effectively manage their data. Flexible course offerings allow students to attend during the daytime or at night. Many classes are offered in a hybrid or online format. Data science courses include:

• Data Wrangling
• Data Mining
• Big Data

Both full and part-time degree plans are available. Hands-on learning opportunities include:

• internships
• co-op opportunities
• virtual co-op programs.

#3 -University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, Michigan

Undergraduate Program in Data Science

School Profile
Ratio: 11:1
Average Net Price: $16,856/year
Graduation Rate: 92%
Points: 13
The data science major at the University of Michigan is a rigorous program covering both the theoretical properties and the practical use of data science methods to find data driven solutions. Courses include:

• Data Structures and Algorithms
• Programming and Elementary Data Structures
• Applied Regression Analysis

All students complete a capstone experience that includes either an independent study, an additional data science course, or an internship.

#2 -Arizona State University – Tempe, Arizona

Online Bachelor of Science in Business Data Analytics

School Profile
Ratio: 19:1
Average Net Price: $13,731/year
Graduation Rate: 69%
Points: 13
Arizona State University features an affordable online bachelor of science in business data analytics with multiple start dates throughout the year. Courses cover areas like:

• Business Data Warehouses and Dimensional Modeling
• Business Data Mining
• Enterprise Analytics

Courses are taught by prestigious faculty that include a Nobel laureate and members of the National Academy of Sciences. Graduates serve in a variety of roles including:

• Business Intelligence Analyst
• Computer Network Administrator
• Computer Network Analyst.

#1 -Brigham Young University – Provo, Utah

BS in Statistics: Data Science

School Profile

Ratio: 20:1
Average Net Price: $13,120/year
Graduation Rate: 86%
Points: 13
Our top choice for a bachelor’s in data science is offered by Brigham Young University. The program is affordable and the university as a whole boasts an exceptionally high graduation rate. Course offerings include:

• Quality Control and Industrial Statistics
• Analysis of Variance
• Applied Time Series and Forecasting

Students develop a flexible, multi-faceted approach to data analysis that prepares them to work with real world big data problems. Certification opportunities are available for students seeking the SAS Certified Base Programmer and SAS Certified Advanced Programmer certificate.

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