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
Broward College’s Associate of Science in Business Analytics provides basic skills necessary for business analyst positions that require functions in accounting, computer usage, data visualization, and database report creation. Broward provides a recommended course sequence of six terms for full-time students and ten terms for part-time students totaling 60 credit hours. Early courses include Computer and Internet Literacy, Principles of Accounting, Public Speaking, Macroeconomics, and Electronic Spreadsheets. Middle terms include courses such as General Education Humanities, Marketing, Business Analytics, Data Collection and Presentation, and Microeconomics. Final terms include Data Based Marketing, Money and Banking, and General Education Science.

Program Length: 60 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
2019-2020 Tuition: $118 per credit (Florida Resident), $373 per credit (Non-resident)
Course Offerings

Brigham Young University – Rexburg, Idaho
Data Science (Major: Associate-Level)
BYU – Idaho offers an associate level Data Science degree that provides students with a combination of applied statistics, core programming languages, and collaborative and communication skills to prepare them for beginning careers in data science. The program requires 17 credits of foundations courses to give students the basic knowledge they need. Then with 36 credits in core courses, students learn programming, database statistics, biostatistics, business intel and analytics, software design, web engineering, calculus, algebra, business fundamentals, advanced writing in professional contexts, visual media, and design project management. Finally, students may take seven credits in general electives from any eligible university credits.

Program Length: 17 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
2019-2020 Tuition: $175 per credit (LDS student), $351 per credit (Non-LDS student)
Course Offerings

Community College of Allegheny County – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Associate of Science: Data Analytics Technology
The Community College of Allegheny County’s Data Analytics Technology program prepares students for efficient transfer to a four-year institution for a bachelor’s degree. All while earning an associate’s degree! In this data analytics technology program, students will learn to identify patterns and relationships in massive sets of data. Through this detection, they will be able to resolve business questions and make data-driven decisions through effective communication and informed tactical strategies. Upon graduation, students will be able to obtain jobs as data analysts, data scientists, database administrators, and statistical assistants. An Associate of Science in Data Analytics Technology requires a minimum 61-62 credits to graduate. The Community College of Allegheny County provides a schedule of required courses divided over four semesters.

Program Length: 60-61 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
2019-2020 Tuition: $116 per credit (Allegheny County Resident), $232 per credit (Pennsylvania Resident), $348 per credit (Non-resident)
Course Offerings

Great Bay Community College – Rochester, New Hampshire
Analytics Associate Degree
Great Bay Community College offers an Analytics Associate Degree designed perfectly for students aiming to transfer to the University of New Hampshire, Manchester for a four-year degree in Analytics. If students only desire the Associate’s in Analytics Degree, they will be in a position to obtain a job as a junior data scientist upon graduation. With a total 65 credits, students work through four semesters of courses with option summer semesters if needed. Some courses include Object Oriented Programming, Pre-Calculus, Composition, Java Programming, Statistics for Engineers and Scientists, Database Design, Writing Technical Documents, Society and Technological Change, Data Analytics with R, Data Structures, Python, and an optional Analytics Capstone.

Program Length: 30 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
2019-2020 Tuition: $215 per credit (New Hampshire Resident), $323 per credit (New England Resident), $490 per credit (Non-resident)
Course Offerings

Nashua Community College – Nashua, New Hampshire
Associate in Science: Foundations in Data Analytics
The Foundations in Data Analytics program at Nashua Community College delivers a strong base for students interested in pursuing a bachelor degree in data analytics or a similar field. By combining mathematics with theoretical and applied software development, the courses of this program build the proper background skills for continued study in data science, math, computer science, computer information systems, statistics, or applied mathematics. Upon graduation, students will have fully developed many skills in completing mathematical processes as well as identifying, analyzing, and solving complicated data problems. Nashua’s predetermined course schedule requires a total of 61 credits.

Program Length: 61 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
2019-2020 Tuition: $215 per credit (New Hampshire Resident), $323 per credit (New England Resident), $490 per credit (Non-resident)
Course Offerings

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College – Green Bay, Wisconsin
Business Analyst Associate Degree
Through Northeast Wisconsin Technical College’s Business Analyst Associate Degree, students can become vital members of organizations as business analysts. They can clearly communicate business structure, policies, and operations to other members of the business. Learners use the latest technology to obtain and analyze business matters using effective practices. Graduates will be able to work as IT liaisons with experts in their given field. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College also offers opportunities for industry credentials such as CBAP, CCBA, and PMI-PBA. Students may also study abroad if enrolled in eligible programs.

Program Length: 68 credits
Delivery Method: Campus
2019-2020 Tuition: $12,571 per program
Course Offerings

Wake Technical Community College – Raleigh, North Carolina
Business Analytics Degree
Wake Technical Community College offers a diverse degree delivery system for its Business Analytics Degree. Students may take classes on campus, online, or as a hybrid. In the Business Analytics Degree program, students complete coursework in general theory of business analytics, best practices, data mining, data warehousing, predictive modeling, project and operations management, statistical analysis, and software packages. In addition to those classes, students build skill sets in business communication, critical thinking, and decision making. For students who follow a typical full-time schedule can expect to graduate with a completed degree in two years. Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Wake Tech also offer two core certificates : Business Intelligence Certificate (12 credits), followed by Business Analyst Certificate (15 credits).

Program Length: 64 credits
Delivery Method: Campus, Hybrid, or Online
2019-2020 Tuition: $199 per credit (Resident), $391 per credit (Non-resident)
Course Offerings