Data Science and Data Analytics Associate Programs

There is a common misconception that data science and data analytics programs do not exist at the associate level. As the data science field continues to rapidly expand, we are finding educational opportunities being offered to students earlier and earlier. Not long ago it was hard to find a school offering a bachelor in data science, yet now there are over 40 schools offering a major and another 25 schools offering a data science minor. We have found one true data science program along with six data analytics programs being offered at the associate level. Given the recent trend with bachelor and master’s programs, we expect to see the associate offerings expand as well.

When considering an associate degree it is important to keep in mind that most STEM related careers will require a bachelor degree and sometimes a master’s degree. If a nearby school does not offer a data science or data analytics associate program, there are plenty of suitable alternatives. Consider studying information systems, computer science, math, or statistics. Students can leverage these two-year programs to help build a strong foundation in areas critical for data science. This will help for a smooth transition into a bachelor’s program in data science or data analytics.

While researching your options it is important to make sure you will be able to transfer your credits if you decide to pursue a bachelor degree at a later date. A high school counselor, the admissions or counseling office, and a transfer advisor are all resources you can leverage when planning your education. A little up front research can go a long way to saving time, money, and hassle in the future.

Admissions Requirements

The admissions requirements for associate degree programs will vary from school to school. However, there are several common requirements that can be found when applying to different programs.

The most common requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent. This will be required for admission to any associate degree program
Some programs have a minimum age requirement
There is often a minimum high school grade point average (GPA)
Letters of recommendation
Standard test scores (typically the SAT or ACT)
A Statement of goals

Additionally, you may find specific pre-requisites in order to enroll in a specific major. This could include the completion of general education courses in math or English.

Sample classes

Students can expect to take a wide variety of courses. Here are some of the most popular classes currently being offered:

Introduction to Analytics
Introduction to Programming
Introduction to Databases
Data Structures for Analytics
Applied Predictive Modeling
Analytical Methods
Probability and Statistics
Data Visualization
Database Design and Development

School Listings

Due to the limited options at the associate level we have included both data science and data analytics programs in the below list. A quick summary is provided for each school as well as a link to the specific program page. We are continuously updating, so don’t hesitate to email chris@discoverdatascience.org if you find a program that should be added.

Broward College – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Associate of Science in Business Analytics

Program Length: 60 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
Tuition: $118 per credit (Florida resident), $373 (Non-resident)
Course Offerings

BYU-Idaho – Rexburg, Idaho
Data Science (Major: Associate-Level)

Program Length: 17 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
Tuition: $167 per credit (LDS), $334 per credit (Non-LDS)
Course Offerings

Community College of Allegheny County – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Associate of Science: Data Analytics Technology

Program Length: 60-61 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
Tuition: $110 per credit (Allegheny County resident), $220 per credit (Pennsylvania resident), $330 (Non-resident)
Course Offerings

Great Bay Community College – Rochester, New Hampshire
Analytics Associate Degree

Program Length: 30 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
Tuition: $210 per credit (New Hampshire resident), $315 per credit (New England resident), $478 (Non-resident)
Course Offerings

Nashua Community College – Nashua, New Hampshire
Associate in Science: Foundations in Data Analytics

Program Length: 61 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
Tuition: $210 per credit (New Hampshire resident), $315 per credit (New England resident), $478 (Non-resident)
Course Offerings

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College – Green Bay, Wisconsin
Business Analyst Associate Degree

Program Length: 68 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
Tuition: $10,200 per program
Course Offerings

Wake Tech – Raleigh, North Carolina
Business Analytics Degree

Program Length: 34 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
Tuition: $76 per credit (North Carolina resident), $268 (Non-resident)
Course Offerings