Fast Online Data Science Degrees 2025

Data science is a broad field used in many industries, including business, finance, healthcare, and more. Most employers prefer to hire data scientists with at least a bachelor's degree, which usually takes about four years to earn.

However, some of the best data science degrees offer accelerated pathways to earning a data science degree. Keep reading to discover top online data science programs.

7 Accelerated Online Data Science Programs

Accelerated bachelor's degree programs still require around 120 credits; however, colleges and universities use several options to allow students to complete their degrees in fewer than four years. These may include accepting transfer credits, offering credit for prior learning, scheduling summer courses, and offering short, intensive classes.

Learn more: What Is an Accelerated Degree Program?

Below, we've featured seven online data science programs that students can finish quickly.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public research university in Tempe, AZ. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in data science with seven specialization options, including:

• bioscience
• business analytics
• computer science
• social science

The terms for online programs at ASU are seven and a half weeks, allowing full-time students to take a more intense course load to finish faster. Students can also accelerate their program by taking online courses during summer terms or by bringing in up to 64 transfer credits.

2. Franklin University

At Franklin University, students can get a head start on their online Bachelor of Science in analytics with a concentration in applied data science as the school allows them to transfer up to 94 credit hours. This program covers topics like cybersecurity, data engineering, data visualization, and machine learning.

Franklin University is a private, nonprofit university in Columbus, OH. Students can choose between six-week and 12-week courses, and with multiple start dates, students can begin their program the moment they're ready.

3. Indiana University

Students at Indiana University can earn a Bachelor of Science in data science online. This degree includes core courses in cloud computing, data mining, data structures, and information systems.

This fast-paced program offers eight-week and 16-week courses with multiple start dates every year, and online students can transfer up to 90 college credits. Indiana University is a public research university in Bloomington, IN.

4. Maryville University

Maryville University is a private, nonprofit university in Town and Country, MO. It offers a data science bachelor's degree online with coursework that covers:

• big data
• predictive modeling
• programming languages, including Python, R, and SQL
• statistical analysis

Maryville not only accepts transfer credits but also offers credit for other types of prior learning, including military credits. The program also offers summer courses, as well as the opportunity to get a head start on an online data science master's program or a master's in business data analytics, business administration, or software development.

5. National University

At National University, students have the option to earn an online Bachelor of Science in data science. This program includes concentrations in bioinformatics, cybersecurity, and machine learning and artificial intelligence.

National University is a private, nonprofit university based in San Diego. It accelerates its programs through four-week, intense online courses and year-round enrollment. It also accepts transfer credits and offers college credit for other types of prior learning.

6. UMass Global

UMass Global is a private, nonprofit online university affiliated with the public University of Massachusetts system. It offers a Bachelor of Science in information technology with a specialization in data science that covers fundamentals like business intelligence, data analytics, machine learning, and programming languages.

This program is offered in UMass Global's self-paced MyPath format. For these programs, students take an initial assessment to determine their knowledge level, then complete the remaining coursework as quickly or slowly as they desire.

7. University of Maryland Global Campus

As the online campus of the public University of Maryland System, the University of Maryland Global Campus offers several online programs. This includes an online bachelor's degree in data science with coursework on:

• business intelligence
• cybersecurity
• data visualization
• machine learning and artificial intelligence

Courses are available in accelerated, eight-week terms year-round. UMGC offers multiple ''fast paths to credit,'' by accepting transfer credits and offering credit for military experience, professional certifications, and knowledge exams.

FAQs About Accelerated Online Data Science Degree Programs

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about accelerated online data science degree programs.

How Fast Can You Become a Data Scientist?

The speed at which you can become a data scientist depends on multiple factors, including:

• your previous experience in data science
• whether you earn a degree online or in person
• what level of degree you're pursuing
• whether you study full-time or part-time
• the specific program you choose
• your career goals within the data science field
• the job market

For example, if you already have an associate degree, you can earn a bachelor's degree in data science in about two years with a traditional schedule, whether you study on-campus or online, or less with an accelerated schedule.

Additionally, even if you go on to earn a Master of Science in data science, you may struggle a bit if there isn't a high demand for data scientists in your area. However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates that the job market for data scientists will grow 36% over the next decade.

What Is the Fastest Degree in Data Science?

The fastest degree to earn in data science is an associate degree as it requires no prior learning and usually takes about two years, compared to the four required by bachelor's degrees.

Master's degrees, including online programs, can take one to two years to complete. However, these require you to have already earned a bachelor's degree.

What Is the Difference Between Data Science and Data Analytics?

Data analytics is a subfield of data science. Data analysts focus on analyzing past data sets to inform current and future decisions. Data science, meanwhile, is a broader field that includes data analytics and also involves designing and constructing new processes for data modeling and prediction using prototypes, algorithms, and predictive models.

Both data science and data analytics career paths require strong decision-making skills and knowledge of data analysis, deep learning, machine learning, programming languages, and data visualization.

Start Your Online Data Science Degree Today

If you're ready to jump into a data science degree, check out the accredited data science programs featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools today for more information on admissions requirements, financial aid options, and how you can accelerate your program.