What Can I Do With a Data Science Degree? 10 Career Options

A data science degree is a great option for students interested in becoming data scientists, quantitative analysts, statisticians, and data architects.

A data science degree prepares students for jobs in the data science field. Bachelor's degree programs teach concepts like data modeling, machine learning, predictive modeling, and artificial intelligence. Students can learn how to transform raw data into actionable insights with some of the easiest data science degree programs. They also discover the steps for making data-driven business decisions.

If you're interested in a data science career, your degree will get you on the right track. You'll be ready to use programming languages (e.g., Python and SQL), create algorithms, and use data visualization software. Learning key data science skills in a degree program can open doors to careers as data scientists, quantitative analysts, statisticians, and data architects.

Below, we'll examine industries with the highest demand for data science graduates. We'll also review the top career opportunities for students who have completed data science programs.

What Industries Have the Highest Demand for Data Science Graduates?

Data science graduates are needed across most industries. Their expertise is necessary when important information must be extracted from key data. They also help businesses decide which data are useful for projects and make recommendations to stakeholders.

Some industries with the greatest demand for data science experts include:

Healthcare: Scientists analyze data from appointments scheduled, insurance, claims, and billing to reduce costs and improve patient care.
Aerospace: Experts develop models to predict weather for airlines and use IOT sensors to predict maintenance needs.
Financial services: In this industry, data scientists help assess risks, improve customer service, and more with natural language processing (NLP), algorithms, and data analysis.
Energy: Data scientists and data engineers use data analysis to predict maintenance, pinpoint the best drilling sites, and improve operations safety.
Transportation: Airports can use predictive modeling for traffic congestion, traveler numbers, and more when determining gate activity and mechanic needs.
Insurance: Data science professionals help actuaries with data analysis by developing models to detect fraud, answer client questions, and process simple claims.

Other industries seeking data science graduates include gaming, manufacturing, entertainment, sports, and oil.

10 Jobs You Can Pursue With a Data Science Degree

Securing a data science job often starts with earning a bachelor's degree in data science or a related field, though an online master's degree in data science can prepare candidates for higher-level roles. Career paths for data science graduates seeking entry-level or advanced roles include the following.

1. Data Scientist

A data scientist specializes in data analytics, collection, and visualization. They determine data that is most useful for projects and help stakeholders with decision-making in business.

Data scientists develop models and algorithms to support programs for machine learning. They use data visualization software to present their findings to technical and non-technical audiences.

Degree requirements: A bachelor's degree in data science, computer science, statistics, or a related field is required; a master's degree is often preferred for some roles.

2. Data Analyst

Data analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help companies determine ways to grow business. Their business analytics knowledge and data insights can help organizations strengthen their operations and improve overall performance.

Analysts need strong analytical, numerical, and technical skills to excel in this role. They should have problem-solving skills and a strong understanding of software and scripting languages.

Degree requirements: A bachelor's degree in data science, mathematics, economics, or a related field is necessary. Certifications in data analysis tools can be beneficial for this role.

3. Machine Learning Engineer

A machine learning engineer develops software that supports machine learning applications. Similar to software engineers, machine learning engineers work with programming languages and code algorithms; however, they use their skill set to search for and sort results in datasets. They also review code from data scientists to see if it's scalable or maintainable.

Degree requirements: A bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, or engineering is needed; a master's degree or specialization in machine learning is often required.

4. Business Intelligence Analyst

A business intelligence analyst, or BI analyst, evaluates patterns after parsing big data to help improve business decision-making. They gather and store datasets, measure business metrics, and create performance reports.

BI analysts must be well-versed in data mining and data reporting and analysis. They should also have a quality understanding of machine learning, data visualization, and predictive analytics.

Degree requirements: A bachelor's degree in business administration, data science, or information systems is typically required. Experience with BI tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) is important.

5. Data Engineer

Data engineers work with data scientists to ensure data is delivered to the right people via the information pipelines they constructed. They might create a script that pulls data about user activity or work on a larger project.

Engineers must be proficient in the ETL (extract, transform, load) process. Depending on their specialty, they could be a generalist or focus pipelines or databases.

Degree requirements: A bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, and data science is required for this role. Knowledge of database management and data pipeline design is essential.

6. Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative analysts design, develop, and implement algorithms and models to solve financial problems and help make business decisions; they also use advanced quantitative methods to evaluate risk. These analysts have finance, computer science, statistics, and economics knowledge. Accounting firms, financial software companies, and insurance companies commonly use their expertise.

Degree requirements: A master's degree or PhD in finance, mathematics, statistics, or data science is necessary. Strong background in quantitative methods and programming is required.

7. Statistician

Statisticians analyze data to determine which is needed to answer questions. They solve problems using mathematical theories and techniques. Other duties include developing models to analyze data, designing surveys to collect data, and creating visualizations to help with business decision-making.

Degree requirements: A bachelor's degree in statistics, mathematics, or data science is needed; a master's degree in statistics or biostatistics is often preferred.

8. Data Architect

Data architects (or database administrators) organize or create systems to store and secure data and ensure data are available to authorized users. They design new databases, prevent data loss through backup and restore efforts, and update database permissions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for data architects is projected to grow 9% from 2023 to 2033 — much faster than average for all occupations.

Degree requirements: A bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, or data science is required. Experience with database architecture and big data technologies is crucial.

9. Chief Data Officer (CDO)

A chief data officer (CDO) plays a key role in data-driven decision-making for businesses or government agencies. CDOs manage data at each stage of their lifecycle.

They establish procedures and controls to ensure data accuracy, access, and protection. CDOs also work with organization officials to ensure data needs are met.

Degree Requirements: A master's degree in data science, business administration, or a related field is necessary. Extensive experience in data management and leadership roles is also needed.

10. Healthcare Data Scientist

Healthcare data scientists are in high demand due to the volume of data collected in healthcare annually. They deliver insights from real-world data to help organizations make informed decisions.

Healthcare data scientists help with billing, ensure physicians stay up-to-date with each patient's health, and strengthen patient health self-tracking. Their top skills include natural language processing, data mining, machine learning, and programming.

Degree Requirements: A bachelor's degree in data science, biostatistics, or health informatics is needed; a master's degree or specialized certification in healthcare data science is often required.

Earn Your Data Science Degree Today

Begin your exciting journey toward a fulfilling career in data science by discovering the degree programs offered by various colleges on Learn.org. Contact one of these schools today to learn how their programs can help you achieve your career goals.