6 Best Online Data Science Degrees in Illinois

Data science is a field that combines computer science, information technology, business analytics, and statistics to collect and analyze data and use that to create predictive models and solve real-world problems. It's an emerging field, but many colleges and universities offer degrees in data science on campus and online.

Illinois students can find a few data science degrees online within the state, though there are many other top data science programs throughout the country. Keep reading to discover some of the best online data science degree programs available.

Best Online Data Science Degree Programs in Illinois

There are a few colleges and universities in Illinois that offer online data science degree programs, although they are all online master's degree programs in data science. We've highlighted some of the best below.

1. DePaul University

DePaul University is a private Catholic research university in Chicago. It offers an online Master of Science in data science that offers three concentrations: computational methods, healthcare, and marketing. All three specializations include core coursework on:

• data analysis and regression
• Python programming
• database processing
• data visualization

Students have several options for a capstone project, including an internship and a thesis. Note that while DePaul does not have an online bachelor's degree program in data science, it does offer one on campus.

2. Elmhurst University

Elmhurst University also offers an online data science master's program. The university is a private nonprofit school located in Elmhurst, IL.

The flexible online program includes core courses in business intelligence, data mining, machine learning, and data structures. The university also offers an online graduate certificate in data science.

3. Illinois Institute of Technology

Students at the Illinois Institute of Technology can earn a Master of Applied Science in data science on campus or online. The program includes courses on artificial intelligence, deep learning, cloud computing, big data, and information systems.

Illinois Tech is a private research university based in Chicago. It does offer a Bachelor of Science in data science, but only in person.

4. Lewis University

Lewis University is a private Catholic university in Romeoville, IL. It offers an online Master of Science in Data Science that includes fundamental courses in:

• data analytics
• data mining
• data visualization
• machine learning

Additionally, Lewis University offers an online graduate certificate in data science and an on-campus Bachelor of Science in data science.

5. Northwestern University

One of the highest-ranked, non-Ivy private institutions in the nation is Northwestern University. This private research university is the oldest chartered university in Illinois and is located in Evanston. It offers an online master's in data science and an on-campus bachelor's in data science.

Its online master's program offers five specializations: analytics and modeling, analytics management, artificial intelligence, data engineering, and technology entrepreneurship. Students also have the option to focus on Python, R, or Go programming languages.

6. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

At the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign students can earn a Master of Computer Science in data science online. This program covers four key areas of data science: cloud computing, data mining, data visualization, and machine learning.

The program also includes advanced coursework in which students tackle real-world problems. UIUC is a public university located in the Urbana-Champaign metro area.

Other Online Data Science Degrees

The amazing thing about earning a degree online is the flexibility to earn a degree from a school in another state. While colleges and universities in Illinois may only offer online master's degrees in data science, others across the country offer bachelor's options. We've featured a few of these below.

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 multiple specializations, including biosciences, business analytics, computer science, and social science � all tracks conclude with a capstone project.

The university also offers two graduate programs in data science. The Master of Arts in social data science focuses on using data science to solve problems and create a more just society, while the Master of Science in biological data science emphasizes using statistical tools, mathematical models, and theoretical methods to understand biological systems.

2. Indiana University

At Indiana University, students can earn an online Bachelor of Science in data science. It is a public research university based in Bloomington, IN.

This degree includes core coursework on datasets, data mining, cloud computing, and data visualization. IU also offers a Bachelor of Arts in artificial intelligence, an undergraduate certificate in applied data science, and a data science master's degree and graduate certificate.

3. University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus allows students to earn an online bachelor's degree in data science. This program covers algorithms, cybersecurity, and data analysis, and it concludes with a capstone project.

UMGC is the online campus for the public University System of Maryland. While it doesn't offer a Master of Data Science online, it does offer master's degrees in data analytics and information technology that provide a specialization in database systems technology.

FAQs About Online Data Science Programs

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

Is an Online Data Science Degree Worth It?

Although everyone has a different definition of ''worth it,'' most students find it worthwhile to earn an online data science degree. These programs teach you the core fundamentals of data science while also helping refine your critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.

An online degree in data science gives you the flexibility to earn your degree around your busy life. It can lead to job opportunities like:

• data scientist
• data analyst
• data engineer
• cybersecurity analyst

Read more: What Can I Do With a Data Science Degree?

What is the Best Degree for a Data Scientist?

The best degree for a data scientist is a bachelor's degree in data science. However, since these are still somewhat hard to find, other good majors include:

• data analytics
• computer science
• information technology
• business analytics
• statistics

Many students choose to further develop their skills by continuing to graduate school. Admissions requirements for master's programs may include a certain GPA from your undergraduate program, GRE test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation.

How Much Does an Online Data Science Degree Program Cost?

The cost of an online data science degree program depends on several factors, including:

• the level of degree you're earning
• whether your school is public or private
• if you're an in-state or out-of-state student
• whether you're studying full-time or part-time
• how many credit hours you need
• what financial aid you qualify for

According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of a bachelor's degree is $9,750 per year at an in-state public school and $38,421 per year at a private, nonprofit school. Online programs tend to cost about the same, if not a little less, than on-campus programs.

Explore Online Data Science Degrees Today

Find the perfect online data science degree by exploring the accredited programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about online options, enrollment, and more.