9 Best Online Data Science Degrees in Florida 2026

Florida has become a genuine hub for data-driven industries, from healthcare systems in Tampa to fintech firms in Miami, and the state's colleges have responded with a growing lineup of online data science programs. You can choose from associate, bachelor's, and master's options, each designed to fit around work and family commitments while building the statistical, programming, and analytical skills employers want.

This article walks through nine of the strongest online data science programs available to Florida residents right now. Keep reading to see how these schools compare, what you'll study along the way, and how to pick the program that lines up with your career goals.

What Is an Online Data Science Degree?

Data science, a field within data analytics, teaches you to collect, clean, analyze, and interpret large sets of information so organizations can make better decisions. Coursework typically blends statistics, computer programming, and database management with applied projects that mirror real workplace problems, and many programs let you specialize in areas like machine learning, business analytics, or health data. 

You'll find these degrees at the associate, bachelor's, and master's levels, with each tier building on a different starting point: an associate degree introduces core concepts and tools, a bachelor's degree adds depth in programming and modeling, and a master's degree sharpens advanced statistical and leadership skills for people already working in the field.

Concentrations vary widely depending on the school and degree level. Some programs lean toward business intelligence and decision-making, teaching you to translate data into strategy for a marketing or operations team, while others take a more technical route through machine learning, big data infrastructure, or health analytics. Common courses include data visualization, database systems, statistical modeling, data mining, and a capstone project where you apply everything you've learned to a real dataset or business problem.

Best Online Data Science Degree Programs

The programs below span associate through master's degrees at Florida schools with a track record of preparing graduates for analytics careers. Each entry covers the program's focus, format, and standout features so you can compare your options.

1. University of West Florida

University of West Florida's Data Science Master of Science (MS) gives you a choice of three tracks: analytics and modeling, analytics of business decisions, or healthcare analytics. Core coursework covers statistical modeling, regression analysis, and multivariate methods, while your track determines which applied electives you take toward the end of the program.

Faculty from math and statistics, computer science, and engineering all contribute to the curriculum, so you'll interact with instructors who approach data problems from different technical angles. Students who prefer a research-heavy path can complete a thesis, and the program's flexible course delivery lets you take the degree fully online or mix in face-to-face sessions if you're near the Pensacola campus.

2. Florida Atlantic University

At Florida Atlantic University, the Data Science and Analytics MS pulls together faculty from four different colleges, so your coursework touches on mathematics, engineering, business, and even political science applications of data. That interdisciplinary structure means you can tailor electives toward the industry you actually want to work in, whether that's finance, healthcare, or government analytics.

The 30-credit program offers both thesis and non-thesis tracks, giving you flexibility depending on whether you're aiming for further graduate study or a faster path into the workforce. Florida Atlantic runs a dedicated online delivery option for working students, and the curriculum covers everything from database systems to machine learning techniques used in professional analytics roles.

3. University of Miami

University of Miami's online Data Analytics and Program Evaluation MS focuses on turning data into decisions that improve organizational outcomes, with heavy emphasis on quantitative and computational research methods. You'll work with tools like R, Python, SAS, and SPSS throughout the program, building a toolkit that transfers across industries from healthcare to nonprofit management.

Two built-in certificates, one in data management and statistical analysis and another in advanced analytics, mean you leave with credentials beyond the degree itself. The program offers both an accelerated 12-month track and a standard 20-month track, so you can choose the pace that matches your work schedule and financial planning.

4. Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University's Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence MS covers data mining, predictive modeling, and machine learning alongside more traditional analytics coursework in database systems and data warehousing. The curriculum keeps pace with where the field is heading, folding AI applications into courses that used to focus purely on descriptive statistics.

Students can move through the program in accelerated eight-week terms, which shortens the overall timeline compared to traditional 16-week semesters. A dual admission pathway also lets qualifying undergraduates start the master's degree during their senior year, cutting a full year off the combined bachelor's-to-master's timeline for students who plan ahead.

5. Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University added its Data Science Bachelor of Science (BS) to a growing lineup of technology programs that already included computer science, cybersecurity, and robotics. The degree covers programming, statistics, and data analysis fundamentals, giving you a broad technical foundation before you specialize through electives.

Because the program sits within Saint Leo's larger computing school, you'll have access to faculty and coursework that connect data science to adjacent fields like AI and cybersecurity. The university built this degree entirely for online delivery, so the course sequence and support systems are designed around students juggling work and other obligations rather than retrofitted from an in-person format.

6. Full Sail University

Full Sail University, a for-profit institution based in Winter Park, offers a Business Intelligence MS that leans more toward strategic decision-making than deep technical programming. Coursework covers data warehousing, data mining, and visualization, with a strong emphasis on communicating findings to business stakeholders rather than just generating them.

The accelerated format lets you finish in about 12 months, roughly half the time of a traditional master's degree, since new course sections start monthly instead of waiting for a semester calendar. Working professionals with several years of relevant experience can also test out of certain courses, which can shave additional time off the path to graduation.

7. Herzing University

Herzing University's Information Technology BS with a data analytics concentration builds foundational skills in programming, data management, statistics, and visualization tailored to entry-level analyst roles. The curriculum stays practical throughout, with an emphasis on tools and workflows you'd actually encounter on the job rather than purely theoretical modeling.

Florida students can take classes through Herzing's Tampa or Winter Park locations or complete the degree entirely online through the university's Everywhere Classroom format. Credits from this bachelor's degree also apply toward Herzing's graduate business analytics programs, so the school gives you a clear path forward if you decide to pursue a master's later.

8. Keiser University

Keiser University's Business Analytics Bachelor of Arts teaches students to identify patterns in large datasets and translate those findings into business decisions, blending technical training with a strong business context. Coursework covers programming languages, database systems, and the analytical reasoning skills employers expect from entry-level data professionals.

The 121-credit program runs on an accelerated schedule that most students complete in roughly 40 months, though transfer credit can shorten that timeline considerably. Keiser built its online division around working adults, so classes run on a one-class-at-a-time model that limits how much you juggle at once.

9. St. Petersburg College

St. Petersburg College's Data Science Associate of Science (AS) is a fully online associate degree built for students who want to start a career in analytics without committing to a four-year program first. You'll learn to locate, clean, and model data using real-world tools, plus complete a graded practicum that gives you hands-on experience before graduation.

This degree also functions as a launching pad into further study, since it transfers directly into the college's Technology Development and Management bachelor's degree. For Florida residents who want an affordable, low-barrier entry point into data science, with no minimum admission requirements for the program, this associate degree is one of the more accessible options on this list.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university. We combine that outcomes data with a close look at each school's course catalog, faculty makeup, and program structure to make sure the schools on this list actually deliver on what they promise.

• Accreditation: Every school on this list holds regional accreditation, which is the standard employers and other universities look for when evaluating a degree.
• Online availability: Programs made this list because they offer genuine online or primarily online coursework, not a handful of digital electives bolted onto an in-person degree.
• Career alignment: Curriculum and outcomes data both point toward real job placement in analytics, data science, and business intelligence roles after graduation.
• Student outcomes: Graduation rates and post-graduate earnings data from College Scorecard help confirm that a program's promises hold up in practice.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

What Will You Learn in a Data Science Degree Program?

Most data science programs open with foundational coursework in statistics and programming, teaching you languages like Python, R, or SQL alongside core concepts in probability and data structures. From there, you'll typically move into database management, where you learn to organize and query large datasets, followed by courses in data visualization that teach you to turn raw numbers into charts and dashboards a non-technical audience can understand.

Higher-level courses push further into machine learning, predictive modeling, and big data infrastructure, depending on your program's focus and degree level. Many programs also weave in ethics and data privacy coursework, since data scientists increasingly need to navigate questions about bias, security, and responsible AI use. A capstone project or practicum usually caps off the degree, giving you a portfolio piece that demonstrates your skills to future employers.

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Data Science Degree Online?

Program length depends heavily on degree level and your enrollment pace. An online associate degree in data science typically takes about two years of full-time study, while a bachelor's degree runs closer to four years for students starting from scratch, though transfer credit can shorten that timeline significantly.

Master's degrees vary the most in this field, ranging from accelerated 12-month formats at schools that run monthly course starts to more traditional 20- to 24-month timelines at universities using standard semester calendars. Part-time students naturally take longer at any level, and some programs let you speed things up further through credit-by-examination options for students with relevant work experience.

How Much Does an Online Data Science Degree Cost?

Costs vary widely across degree level and institution type, but online data science programs in Florida generally range from around $10,000 for an associate degree at a public college to $40,000 or more for a full bachelor's or master's degree at a private university. Public universities tend to offer the lowest per-credit rates, especially for Florida residents, while private and for-profit institutions typically charge more but sometimes offset that with accelerated timelines that reduce the total number of terms you pay for.

Beyond tuition, budget for technology fees, textbooks, and any software subscriptions your program requires for data analysis tools. Many schools also charge distance-learning or online course fees that function differently from traditional per-credit tuition, so it's worth reviewing a program's full cost breakdown rather than relying on the advertised tuition rate alone.

Financial Aid for Online Data Science Degrees

Most students combine several types of financial aid to cover the cost of a data science degree, and starting with the FAFSA opens the door to federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. The options below can help you build a fuller financial aid picture beyond federal aid alone.

• Federal financial aid: Completing the FAFSA determines your eligibility for Pell Grants, Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, and federal work-study positions.
• Institutional scholarships: Many Florida schools offer merit- or need-based scholarships specifically for students in STEM or technology programs.
• Employer tuition assistance: If you're already working in a data-adjacent role, ask your employer about tuition reimbursement programs, since many companies invest in employees pursuing analytics credentials.
• Graduate assistantships: Master's students at research universities can sometimes offset tuition through teaching or research assistantship positions tied to their department.
• Military and veteran benefits: GI Bill benefits and other military education programs can cover a significant portion of tuition at many of the schools on this list.
• State financial aid: Florida residents should check state-specific grant and scholarship programs, which often carry eligibility requirements separate from federal aid.

How To Choose the Right Data Science Degree

Picking the right program means weighing a handful of practical factors alongside your career goals. Here's what matters most when comparing your options.

Program Format and Schedule

Some online data science programs run on accelerated schedules with monthly course starts, while others follow a traditional semester calendar with more built-in flexibility around pacing. Think honestly about how much time you can dedicate each week, since an accelerated format that works well for a full-time student might feel overwhelming if you're also working a demanding job.

Curriculum and Concentrations

Programs differ in how technical or business-focused their coursework leans, so look closely at the required courses and available electives before enrolling. A program heavy on programming and machine learning suits students aiming for technical data scientist roles, while a business intelligence or analytics-focused curriculum fits students who want to bridge data work with strategic decision-making.

Accreditation and Institutional Reputation

Regional accreditation should be a baseline requirement for any program you consider, since it affects everything from financial aid eligibility to how easily your credits transfer. Beyond accreditation, look at how long a school has offered its data science program and whether faculty bring relevant industry or research experience to the coursework.

Cost and Financial Aid

Total program cost varies enormously across degree levels and institution types, so compare full program costs rather than just per-credit rates, since accelerated programs can sometimes cost less overall despite higher per-credit pricing. Factor in whether you qualify for employer tuition assistance, military benefits, or institutional scholarships before ruling out a program based on sticker price alone.

Career Services and Outcomes

Look for programs that publish clear outcomes data, including graduate employment rates and the types of roles alumni move into after finishing the degree. Strong career services, from resume support to employer connections, can make a meaningful difference in how quickly you land a data-focused role after graduation.

Career Outlook With an Online Data Science Degree

A data science degree can prepare you for several related careers, but data scientist itself remains one of the field's most direct outcomes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, data scientists earn a median annual wage of $120,230, and employment in the field is projected to grow 35% through 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. 

That growth reflects rising demand across healthcare, finance, retail, and technology companies that increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making, and the Bureau projects thousands of new data scientist openings each year as the field continues to expand.

FAQs About the Best Online Data Science Degree Programs

These are some of the questions prospective students ask most often about pursuing a data science degree online. Use them to fill in gaps before you commit to a specific program.

Is a Data Science Degree Worth It?

For most students, yes, given the field's strong salary potential and projected job growth over the coming decade. The degree's value depends partly on the specific program and your career goals, so it helps to research alumni outcomes and talk to people already working in the field before enrolling.

Can I Earn a Data Science Degree Without a Strong Math Background?

Many programs, especially business-focused ones like business intelligence or business analytics degrees, don't require advanced math beyond basic statistics. More technical data science programs typically expect comfort with algebra and introductory statistics at minimum, and some schools offer prerequisite or bridge coursework for students who need to build that foundation first.

What Jobs Can I Get with a Data Science Degree?

Graduates commonly move into roles like data analyst, business intelligence analyst, data scientist, or machine learning engineer, depending on their degree level and specialization. Healthcare, finance, retail, and technology companies all hire heavily for these positions, and many graduates find that their skills transfer easily across industries.

Do I Need a Certification in Addition to My Degree?

A degree alone qualifies you for most entry-level and mid-level data roles, but certifications in specific tools like SQL, Tableau, or particular programming languages can strengthen your resume. Some employers, particularly in specialized industries, value certifications as proof of hands-on skill with the exact tools their teams use day to day.

How Is Data Science Different from Computer Science?

Data science focuses specifically on extracting insights from data through statistics, visualization, and modeling, while computer science covers a broader range of topics like software development, algorithms, and systems design. There's meaningful overlap between the two fields, and many data scientists come from computer science backgrounds, but data science programs place heavier emphasis on statistical reasoning and applied analytics than traditional computer science degrees do.

Discover Online Data Science Degrees

Florida's online data science programs give you flexible ways to build in-demand analytics skills, whether you're starting with an associate degree or advancing your career with a master's. Browse programs through Learn.org and connect directly with schools to get personalized information on admissions, curriculum, and enrollment timelines.