What Are the Math Requirements for Data Analysis?

A data analyst collects and interprets data to provide insights into businesses and customers, helping to make informed decisions that improve an organization's efficiency.

What are the math requirements for data analysis and other skills needed to succeed in this in-demand field?

The math requirements for a data analyst vary, but they typically include probability and statistics, calculus, and linear algebra.

Keep reading to learn more about the details behind data analyst math requirements and featured college programs where you can earn an online bachelor's degree to advance your career.

Math Requirements for a Data Analyst Degree

Data analysis relies heavily on math to drive data-driven decision-making, and the math requirements for a data analyst degree differ depending on the actual program being delivered and which institution offers it.

Here, we explore the most common mathematics students can expect to engage in when enrolling in a data analyst degree program.

Basic Arithmetic

Data analysis depends on fundamental arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication, which are crucial for students to have a firm grasp of.

Statistics and Probability

Statistics and Probability is one of the most essential areas a data analyst must be familiar with, including concepts such as probability and normal distributions, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis.

Aspiring data analysts also take coursework that covers descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, and correlation.

Calculus

Calculus teaches the necessary mathematical skills to analyze and assess change and also build mathematical models.

To succeed as data analysts, individuals must develop skills in calculus techniques and frameworks to enhance their problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.

Linear Algebra

Linear algebra is a type of math that focuses on studying linear equations and their properties, which helps to manipulate data sets and understand the relationships between variables.

This branch of mathematics includes concepts such as matrices, vectors, eigenvalues, and eigenvectors.

Other Requirements To Become a Data Analyst

In addition to knowing and understanding certain mathematics, students interested in becoming data analysts must also possess talent and abilities in additional areas as well.

General education courses and other courses for a data analyst degree cover skills like:

• Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Problem-Solving
• Programming
• Presentation
• Project Management
• Information Science
• Ethics
• Management
• Leadership

The necessary data analyst math requirements and other coursework for graduation fluctuate according to the program, and students are advised to check with their school of choice regarding specifics.

Featured Colleges That Offer Data Analyst Degrees

Employment in data analytics is growing and is currently a sought-after field, and earning a bachelor's degree provides individuals with the necessary skills they can immediately apply to their careers.

The following is a list of featured accredited colleges for aspiring data analysts to explore to obtain the proper education for progressing in the industry.

These programs are delivered through the flexibility and convenience of online learning to help busy adult learners get a college degree while also working full-time or managing other commitments.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University provides an online Bachelor of Science degree in data analytics with a concentration in project management for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).

Its curriculum prepares students specifically for data analyst careers and covers mathematics coursework, including single-variable calculus and applied statistics for STEM.

Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University has a Bachelor of Science degree in functional data analytics accessible through online learning.

The coursework covers topics like techniques in calculus, prescriptive analytics, and calculus with analytic geometry and offers specializations in program evaluation or financial analytics.

Western Governors University

Western Governors University offers an online bachelor's degree in data analytics, teaching students to turn raw data into meaningful information that leads to effective decision-making.

This program covers courses in discrete math, statistical analysis, and data science techniques and includes built-in professional certifications for data analyst practitioners and data engineering practitioners.

Ball State University

At Ball State University, students can earn an online Bachelor of Science degree in data analytics that US News and World Reports ranks as one of the best online bachelor's programs.

Its math requirements include courses in probability, elementary probability and statistics, and mathematical statistics, and offers concentrations in environmental systems, social and behavioral, or media analytics.

Purdue Global

Purdue Global has an online Bachelor of Science degree in data analytics with core coursework covering discrete mathematics, algebra, and statistical data analysis.

This program offers nine concentrations in areas like software development, cloud computing, and information security and assurance and prepares students for several industry certifications.

Learn to Become a Data Analyst Today

What are the math requirements for data analysis?

Discover the mathematics skills and essential knowledge needed to become a data analyst today and succeed in this in-demand and evolving field.