4 Best Online Data Science Degrees in Georgia

Few fields are more interdisciplinary than data science, a field that combines aspects of data analysis, computer science, information technology, and statistics. As the field becomes increasingly popular, more colleges are offering data science majors on campus and online.

Students living in Georgia can find online data science degree programs close to home or across the country. Keep reading to learn more about the best online data science degree programs in Georgia.

Best Online Data Science Degree Programs in Georgia

Only a handful of colleges and universities in Georgia offer online degrees in data science or the closely related field of data analytics. Below, we've featured some of the best data science degrees.

Note that all programs listed below are regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Some schools also offer online master's data science programs.

1. Georgia Institute of Technology

The Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research university in Atlanta. It offers an online Master of Science in analytics that includes coursework on:

• business analytics
• data mining
• data visualization
• machine learning and artificial intelligence

The program concludes with a capstone practicum that allows students to apply what they've learned to a real-world project. Georgia Tech does not offer online bachelor's degrees but does offer an on-campus minor in computational data analytics.

2. Georgia Southern University

At Georgia Southern University, students can earn a Bachelor of Information Technology with a specialization in data science. This program covers fundamental information technology topics along with courses on data analysis, data mining, and data visualization.

The public research university is based in Statesboro, GA. It also offers an online Master of Science in computer science with a specialization in data and knowledge systems.

3. Herzing University

Although Herzing University is based in Wisconsin, it has campuses across the states, including one in Atlanta. The private university also offers online programs, including a Bachelor of Science in information technology with a specialization in data analytics.

This data analytics program includes courses that cover topics like information systems, data visualization, and programming languages like Python and SQL. It concludes with a capstone project.

4. Mercer University

Mercer University is a private research university in Macon, GA. It offers an online master's program in applied data intelligence and machine learning with a specialization in data science that includes coursework on:

• algorithms
• big data
• cloud computing
• data science and analytics for healthcare

The program trains students to extract actionable knowledge from data with artificial intelligence techniques and data science tools to solve real-world problems. It concludes with a capstone in data intelligence and machine learning.

Other Online Data Science Degrees

While Georgia only has a few online data science degrees, many colleges and universities across the U.S. accept online learners from all states. We've highlighted a few other online data science degree programs below.

1. Bellevue University

The online Bachelor of Science in data science program at Bellevue University prepares students with the tools, methodologies, and systems needed to solve complex problems in almost any field. Bellevue University is a private, nonprofit university in Bellevue, NE.

This program includes courses on various topics, such as algorithms, big data, data mining, and artificial intelligence. Bellevue also offers an online master's degree in data science.

2. George Mason University

At George Mason University, students can earn a Bachelor of Applied Science in data analytics online. It includes courses on data analysis, data mining, and machine learning.

Additionally, the university offers an online graduate program in data analytics engineering, which focuses primarily on data engineering aspects. GMU is a public research university located in Fairfax, VA.

3. UMass Global

UMass Global is a private, online college based in California. It's affiliated with the public University of Massachusetts System and it offers an online, self-paced Bachelor of Science in information technology with a specialization in data science that includes courses on:

• cybersecurity
• data analysis
• database management
• software engineering

The program concludes with a data analytics capstone project. UMass Global also offers an online Master of Business Administration and a graduate certificate in business intelligence and data analytics.

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?

Many students find that earning a data science degree online is worth it. Online programs offer students a flexible way to learn the fundamentals of data science. Many also offer electives so students can tailor their degree programs to their career goals.

With an online data science degree, you may be able to pursue careers such as:

• data scientist
• data analyst
• business analyst
• healthcare analyst
• data engineer
• database administrator

Some of these careers may require a master's degree, but many will allow you to start in entry-level roles with just a bachelor's degree.

How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree in Data Science Cost?

Several things can affect the cost of your online bachelor's degree in data science. These factors include:

• whether you're attending a public or private school
• if you're an in-state student
• whether you study full-time or part-time
• how many credit hours you need to complete

In general, online programs cost about the same, although sometimes a little less, than on-campus degrees. According to the Education Data Initiative, one year at a public in-state university averages $9,750, while a private, nonprofit institution averages about $38,421.

How Hard Is It To Learn Data Science?

Although everyone has a different definition of ''hard,'' you can count on data science to be one of the more complex fields to learn. It requires various technical skills, along with an understanding of algorithms, artificial intelligence, data structures, and programming languages.

Data science is also a field heavily based on mathematics. Students usually need to take courses in linear algebra, calculus, and statistics � and probability prerequisites for the data science major.

Find an Online Bachelor's Degree in Data Science Today

Ready to start your career in data science? Check out the accredited online bachelor's degree programs in data science featured on Learn.org. Contact individual colleges today for more information on admissions, enrollment, and online learning.