4 Best Online Data Science Degrees in Pennsylvania

Data science is an emerging field that combines elements of computer science, information science, business, and statistics. With uses in many different sectors, many students may want to pursue a degree in this high-demand field � and they can do so on-campus or online.

If you're a Pennsylvania student who wants to earn an online data science degree, you have a few options. Keep reading to learn more about the best online data science degree programs for students in Pennsylvania.

Best Online Data Science Degree Programs in Pennsylvania

While there are a few colleges and universities in Pennsylvania with online data science degree programs, these are all online master's degrees, not bachelor's degrees. However, we've highlighted a few below for those interested in pursuing a graduate program. Continue reading to discover some of the best online data science master's programs.

1. PennState World Campus

PennState World Campus is the online campus of the public Pennsylvania State University System. It offers an online Master of Science in spatial data science that trains students to leverage vast amounts of geospatial data to identify patterns, develop insights, and solve location-based problems.

The program incorporates core data science topics like data mining, predictive analysis, and data visualization, but still focuses on geographic information systems overall. Students can conclude the program with either a capstone project or a research thesis.

While the university does not offer an online bachelor's degree in data science specifically, it does offer an online Bachelor of Science in functional data analytics.

2. PennWest Global

Students at PennWest Global can complete the data science master's online program in 33 credit hours. The program includes core coursework that covers:

• big data analytics
• data management
• data mining
• Python programming

Students conclude the program with a data science and analytics capstone. PennWest Global is the online campus of the public Pennsylvania Western University System.

3. Thomas Jefferson University

Named for the founding father, Thomas Jefferson University is a private research university in Philadelphia. It offers an online health data science master's degree program that teaches students how to use statistical inference, algorithmic development, and technology so they can understand insights about healthcare data.

The program offers a management specialization, which focuses on topics like business analytics, data visualization, and epidemiology. The other option is the research specialization, which includes advanced courses in data analysis and science as well as courses in healthcare analytics. Both specializations conclude with a capstone project.

4. University of Pittsburgh

Through the University of Pittsburgh's School of Computing and Information, graduate students can earn an online Master of Data Science. It includes core courses in topics like predictive modeling and data visualization, as well as electives in areas, such as deep learning and a capstone project.

The University of Pittsburgh is a public research university in Pittsburgh. While it does not offer an online undergraduate degree in data science, it does offer the major on-campus.

Other Online Data Science Degrees

Although Pennsylvania has only online master's degrees in data science, students in the state have the freedom to pursue online bachelor's degrees in data science from colleges and universities anywhere in the country. We've highlighted a few of these options below.

1. Davenport University

Davenport University is a private university based in Michigan with a global online campus. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in data science and analytics that includes courses on:

• artificial intelligence
• business intelligence
• linear algebra
• programming languages

Students are required to complete a capstone project and an internship. The university also offers an online MS in data analytics program, as well as online Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees covering data mining, predictive analytics, and data visualization.

2. National University

Students can also earn a Bachelor of Science in data science from National University, a private nonprofit university based across the country in California. This program offers three concentrations: bioinformatics, cybersecurity, and machine learning and artificial intelligence.

The university also offers a Master of Science in data science online with concentrations in artificial intelligence and optimization, business science and analytics, database science and analytics, and health science and analytics. All specializations require a capstone project.

3. University of Maine at Augusta

Northeast of Pennsylvania is the University of Maine at Augusta. This public college offers an online Bachelor of Science in data science that covers topics like:

• algorithms and data structures
• computer science
• informatics
• data visualization

Two concentrations are available in this program, one in business analytics and the other in social sciences. An online graduate certificate in data visualization and representation is also available.

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?

For many students, earning an online data science degree is worth it. To start, data science degrees cover core topics in data analysis, data mining, and data visualization. They also help students develop soft skills in critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving.

Online options are great for students who have busy lives, as they tend to be flexible, whether you study full-time or part-time. Earning an online data science degree allows you to learn all the foundations of data science on a schedule that works for you.

What Can You Do With an Online Bachelor's Degree in Data Science?

There are several things you can do with an online bachelor's degree in data science. Some common data science careers include:

• data scientist
• data analyst
• software engineer
• cybersecurity expert
• information technology analyst

Some career paths may require you to complete a graduate program in the field or continue professional studies to advance.

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

How Much Does an Online Data Science Degree Cost?

The cost of an online data science degree can vary depending on several factors, including:

• whether you're earning an undergraduate or graduate degree
• if your university is public or private
• if you're an in-state or out-of-state student
• whether you study full-time or part-time
• what financial aid you receive

According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of a bachelor's degree at a public, in-state university is $9,750 per year and $38,421 per year at a private non-profit. Online degrees are usually about the same, if not a little less, than in-person degrees.

Explore Online Data Science Degrees Today

Get started on a data science career by exploring the online data science degree programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools today for more information on data science programs and enrollment.