7 Best Online Data Science Degrees in Texas

Data science is an interdisciplinary field that includes aspects of computer science, information technology, data analysis, business analytics, and statistics. Some colleges and universities offer degrees in data science online.

Students in Texas can find several of the best online data science programs close to home. Keep reading to discover some of the best online data science programs the Lone Star State has to offer.

Best Online Data Science Programs in Texas

There are a few colleges and universities in Texas that offer online data science programs. We've highlighted some of these top programs below, including online data science master's programs. All schools listed are regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

1. Rice University

Rice University is a private research university in Houston. Students here can pursue online Master of Data Science degree that includes coursework on topics like:

• algorithms
• big data
• cybersecurity
• data visualization

Students in the program choose between two specializations: machine learning and business analytics. They are also required to complete real-world work experience and conclude the online master's degree program with a capstone project.

2. Southern Methodist University

Students at Southern Methodist University have the option to earn a Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) on campus or online. Southern Methodist University is a private, nonprofit research university in University Park, TX.

This program offers concentrations in machine learning and business analytics. Both programs cover the foundations of working with data sets with courses on data structures, data analysis, and data visualization.

3. Texas A&M University

At Texas A&M University, students can complete a graduate program in statistical data science. This program covers core concepts such as computer science, data mining, and data analytics.

Students can work on a group project in their last semester. Texas A&M is a public research university located in College Station, TX.

4. Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University is a public research university in Lubbock, TX. It includes an online Master of Science in data science that covers fundamental topics like:

• business analytics
• big data analysis
• programming languages like Python and R
• machine learning

This program is offered through the university's Rawls College of Business. In addition to the online program, an in-person data science master's program is also available.

5. Texas Woman's University

Despite the name, Texas Woman's University is a co-ed, public university. It is located in Denton, TX and offers an online Bachelor of Science in data science and informatics. This program includes core courses on information systems, healthcare informatics, artificial intelligence, and data mining.

The university also offers an online graduate degree in data science and informatics. It builds on the undergraduate program with courses in data warehousing and computer programming.

6. University of Houston-Victoria

At the University of Houston-Victoria, students can earn an online Bachelor of Science in computer information systems with a concentration in data science. It includes coursework in information technology, data engineering, Python programming, and data visualization.

The university is a public university in Victoria, TX. Here, students can also pursue an online Master of Science in data science which includes courses in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

7. University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin is a public research university in Austin, TX. It offers an online master's degree in data science that includes coursework on:

• algorithms and data structures
• data visualization
• machine learning
• optimization

This online program is offered jointly by UT Austin's Department of Statistics and Data Sciences and the Department of Computer Science. The university does not offer online undergraduate degrees.

FAQs About Online Data Science Degree Programs

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

Is an Online Data Science Degree Worth It?

While everyone has a different definition or perspective of ''worth it,'' many students find that earning an online data science degree is worthwhile. These degrees not only prepare you with the foundations of data science, but they help you hone soft skills in critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving.

A degree in data science can lead you to many career paths, including jobs like:

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

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

What Is the Best Degree for a Data Scientist?

Most students who want to become data scientists should start by earning a bachelor's degree in data science. Bachelor's degree programs usually require 120 credit hours and take about four years to complete.

However, as data science majors aren't the most common, other majors you could pursue include:

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

Some students opt to continue on to graduate school to earn a master's or doctoral degree. Master's degree programs usually require between 30 and 40 credit hours and take one to two years to complete; doctoral degrees take several years.

To apply to these programs, you may need to submit GMAT test scores or GRE scores, and may also need to submit a personal essay and letters of recommendation. Many schools also require a minimum undergraduate GPA and that you've taken specific prerequisite courses.

How Much Does an Online Data Science Program Cost?

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

• level of degree you're earning
• attendance at a public school versus a private one
• whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student
• full-time versus part-time enrollment status
• number of credit hours you need
• financial aid you receive

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

Find a Data Science Online Bachelor's Degree Today

If you're ready to start working with data sets, explore the accredited online bachelor's degrees in data science on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools today to learn more about their program offerings.