In the face of a data-driven world, the demand for skilled professionals capable of gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data has surged across industries.
The increasing demand for data-savvy professionals has prompted the development of associate degree programs that provide a solid foundation in data analytics principles and skills in a more accessible and efficient format compared to traditional four-year degrees.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 35 percent job growth rate for data scientists from 2022 to 2032. Additionally, various types of data analysts, including management analysts, market research analysts, and operations research analysts, are expected to experience job growth ranging from 10 percent to 23 percent during the same period.
Data Analytics vs Data Science
It should be noted that, while the terms data science and data analytics are often used almost interchangeably, there is one notable difference between the two fields. Data analysts tend to gather information and use that data to solve problems and draw conclusions without using algorithms and modeling, which data scientists utilize more.
Thus, the work of data analysts is more contextual, while data science leans more toward predictive and statistical means by which to evaluate data. While both results are the same, the standards by which the two professions arrive at their conclusion differ.
Since so few associate degree programs exist for either subject area, for the sake of this article, we will examine programs offered in both data analytics and data science.
Associate degree programs in data analytics and data science do exist. Though they are less common than more advanced degree programs, earning a two-year degree in these subject areas is possible.
Learn more about analytics degrees
For the most part, at least a bachelor’s degree in data analytics, data science, business data analytics, computer science, or statistics is required to begin working in this field.
In some cases, companies might even require a master’s degree for those starting in the data science field. To that end, many schools offer four-year undergraduate and graduate degree programs in these areas.
Best Associate in Data Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
Gateway Technical College
Kenosha, Wisconsin
Program: IT - Data Analytics Specialist associate degree
Credits: 61
Cost per credit: $152 in state | $227 out-of-state
Delivery Method: Campus
Total Tuition: $9,272 in state | $13,847 out of state
Learn more: Program detailsColorado Christian University
Lakewood, Colorado
Program: Online Associate Degree in Data Analytics
Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $494
Delivery Method: Online
Total Tuition: $29,640
Learn more: Program detailsNashua Community College
Nashua, New Hampshire
Program: Data Analytics Associates Degree
Credits: 61
Cost per credit: $215 in state | $490 out-of-state
Delivery Method: Campus
Total Tuition: $13,115 in state | $29,890 out of state
Learn more: Program detailsNorthwestern Connecticut Community College
Winsted, Connecticut
Program: Associates In Data Science
Credits: 67
Cost per credit: $139 in state | $418 out-of-state
Delivery Method: Campus
Total Tuition: $9,313 in state | $28,006 out of state
Learn more: Program detailsBroward College
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Program: Associate of Science in Business Analytics
Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $118 in state | $373 out-of-state
Delivery Method: Campus
Total Tuition: $7,080 in state | $22,380 out of state
Learn more: Program detailsHocking College
Nelsonville, Ohio
Program: Associate of Science in Data Analytics
Credits: 61
Cost per credit: $177 in state | $327 out-of-state
Delivery Method: Campus
Total Tuition: $10,797 in state | $19,947 out of state
Learn more: Program detailsGreat Bay Community College
Rochester, New Hampshire
Program: Analytics Associate Degree
Credits: 65-66
Cost per credit: $215 in state | $490 out-of-state
Delivery Method: Campus
Total Tuition: $6,450 in state | $14,700 out of state
Learn more: Program detailsBrigham Young University - Idaho
Rexburg, Idaho
Program: Data Science (Major: Associate-Level)
Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $151
Delivery Method: Campus
Total Tuition: $9,060
Learn more: Program detailsAmerican Public University System | American Military University
Charles Town, West Virginia
Program: Online Associate of Science in Data Science (AS)
Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $250
Delivery Method: Online
Total Tuition: $15,000
Learn more: Program detailsSinclair Community College
Dayton, Ohio
Program: Associate of Applied Science in Data Analytics
Credits: 63
Cost per credit: $183 in state | $339 out-of-state
Delivery Method: Campus
Total Tuition: $11,529 in state | $21,357 out of state
Learn more: Program details
These rankings were compiled from data accessed in December 2023 from Integrated Post-Secondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Navigator (both services National Center for Education Statistics). Tuition data was pulled from individual university websites and is current as of December 2023. If available, we also use additional criteria such as accreditation or designations by outside organizations or agencies.
Data Science Associate Degree Consideration
So, why pursue such an associate degree if many companies require at least a bachelor’s degree, even for entry-level positions in data science or analysis?
For one, you might prepare for bachelor’s level studies by completing an associate’s degree program in one of these areas. You could also earn credits toward a bachelor’s degree program; some programs allow for applying credits earned in a two-year program to a bachelor’s degree program in the same area.
An associate’s degree could be a more cost-effective approach to earning a degree in data analytics or science. For instance, you might find a company that accepts a two-year degree for an entry-level position, allowing you to gain entry into a company that might offer tuition reimbursem*nt.
You can then take advantage of that benefit to pursue a bachelor’s and even a master’s degree to help you advance your data analysis or data science career.
The curriculum of a two-year degree program, awarding an Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science degree in either data analytics or data science, contains mainly introductory and fundamental courses in statistics, data analysis or analytics, programming, data visualization, and big data.
Some programs have hands-on labs and opportunities to apply concepts and methods studied in the coursework. This hands-on experience could prove invaluable for preparing you for entry-level positions.
Hands-on learning could occur in courses using specific programs or applications. For instance, you might use the MySQL database management system when taking a database foundations course providing studies in the Structured Query Language (SQL) programming language or Tableau or Geographic Information System (GIS) software in a data visualization course.
Some courses could be project-based, with students applying software and other tools to create tables or models. Case studies could also be a part of associate’s degree studies, allowing students to understand how data analysis, modeling, and other methods can provide solutions in real-life environments.
Learn more about internships
As the curriculum of an associate degree program in data analytics or science covers fundamental topics, hands-on learning with specific software and applications is an important way for students to gain knowledge and skills in these areas; however, internships or field experiences do not tend to be offered at this level. These opportunities are more commonly found in four-year and even more so in master’s degree programs.
Online Associate Degree in Data Analytics and Data Science
Most are in-person programs of the handful of associate degree programs in either data analytics or data science. Given the nature of labs and hands-on opportunities, there appear to be no such associate degree programs that are offered 100% online; some might offer a hybrid study option wherein courses are offered online and in person.
In some cases, a school might provide general education or general studies courses online, while the major course of study will mainly be in an on-campus format.
Hybrid programs might offer the flexibility you need if you are, for example, working full-time and cannot put an entire semester or year of in-person classes into your schedule. In some cases, an online course could allow you to log in at various times to access studies.
Some specific courses you could expect to find in the curriculum of an Associate of Science in Data Analytics include:
- Data Analytics
- Predictive Analytics
- Database Foundations
- Introductory Statistics
- Big Data and Visualization
In an AS in data science program, you are more likely to take courses addressing database programming, programming languages, statistics and probability, and computing fundamentals that discuss algorithms, data structures, and software design.
Associate Degrees in Analytics School Listings
American Public University System | American Military University
Charles Town, West Virginia
Program: Online Associate of Science in Data Science (AS)
Cost per credit: 250
Credits: 60
Delivery Method: Online
Learn more: Program detailsBismark State College
Bismark, South Dakota
Program: Associate in Applied Science: Data Analytics Technician
Cost per credit: $174 in state | $260 out-of-state
Credits: 62
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsBrigham Young University - Idaho
Rexburg, Idaho
Program: Data Science (Major: Associate-Level)
Cost per credit: 151
Credits: 17
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsProgram: Associate of Science in Business Analytics
Cost per credit: $118 in state | $373 out-of-state
Credits: 60
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsBunker Hill Community College
Boston, Massachusetts
Program: Associate in Science, Data Analytics Option
Cost per credit: $220 in state | $426 out-of-state
Credits: 66
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsCoastline Community College
Fountain Valley, California
Program: Associate of Science in Data Science
Cost per credit: $39 in state | $267 out-of-state
Credits: 60
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsColorado Christian University
Lakewood, Colorado
Program: Online Associate Degree in Data Analytics
Cost per credit: 494
Credits: 60
Delivery Method: Online
Learn more: Program detailsGateway Technical College
Kenosha, Wisconsin
Program: IT - Data Analytics Specialist associate degree
Cost per credit: $152 in state | $227 out-of-state
Credits: 61
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsGreat Bay Community College
Rochester, New Hampshire
Program: Analytics Associate Degree
Cost per credit: $215 in state | $490 out-of-state
Credits: 30
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsHocking College
Nelsonville, Ohio
Program: Associate of Science in Data Analytics
Cost per credit: $177 in state | $327 out-of-state
Credits: 61
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsNashua Community College
Nashua, New Hampshire
Program: Data analytics associates degree
Cost per credit: $215 in state | $490 out-of-state
Credits: 61
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsNortheast Wisconsin Technical College
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Program: Business Analyst Associate Degree
Cost per credit: $164 in state | $237 out-of-state
Credits: 68
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsNorthwestern Connecticut Community College
Winsted, Connecticut
Program: Associates In Data Science
Cost per credit: $139 in state | $418 out-of-state
Credits: 67
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsSinclair Community College
Dayton, Ohio
Program: Associate of Applied Science in Data Analytics
Cost per credit: $183 in state | $339 out-of-state
Credits: 63
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsSouthern New Hampshire University
Hooksett, New Hampshire
Program: Online Data Analytics Associate degree
Cost per credit: 325
Credits: 60
Delivery Method: Online
Learn more: Program detailsState College of Florida - Manatee- Sarasota
Bradenton, Florida
Program: AS Degree in Business Analytics
Cost per credit: $112 in state | $442 out-of-state
Credits: 60
Delivery Method: Campus
Learn more: Program detailsWake Technical Community College
Raleigh, North Carolina
Program: Business Analytics Degree
Cost per credit: $76 in state | $268 out-of-state
Credits: 64
Delivery Method: Campus, hybrid, & online
Learn more: Program detailsWilmington University
New Castle, Delaware
Program: Online Associate of Science in Data Analytics
Cost per credit: 339
Credits: 60
Delivery Method: Online
Learn more: Program details
Tuition for an Associate Degree in Data Analytics and Data Science
As expected, the tuition for a two-year degree program in either data analytics or data science varies from institution to institution. Fees, state residency, and other factors play a role in determining how much a program will cost.
Below are tuition costs at some post-secondary institutions offering an associate degree in data analytics or data science. One important variable in the price is whether the student will pay in-state or out-of-state tuition. The difference can add tens of thousands of dollars throughout a program.
Another thing to remember is that most associate degrees in data analytics or data science are charged by the credit hour. Since the standard credit-hour requirement is 60 hours, the easiest way to figure out tuition rates is to find the credit-hour cost and multiply by 60 (unless the program has different hours requirements).
Credit-hour costs can range from $46 a credit hour for in-state (at Coastline College, for example) up to $860 per credit hour for out-of-state at Northwestern Connecticut Community College.
Fees such as technical fees, student activity fees, and campus access fees typically apply and vary between schools. Note that some of the tuition figures listed above include fees, while others do not.
Most colleges and universities offer financial aid through grants, federal loans, and work-study options. Tuition payment plans or installment plans could also be an option at some institutions.
Learn more about scholarships
Academic scholarships are also offered at many of these schools; providing your academic status qualifies you for such an award, scholarships can help offset tuition costs.
Employment with an Associate Degree in Data Analytics and Data Science
While even entry-level job titles in data science or analytics can require a bachelor’s degree or higher, some companies will accept an associate’s degree for a junior position.
For example, some employers seeking a junior data analyst will accept candidates who hold at least a two-year degree; however, due to the nature of a data scientist’s job, which is more deeply involved in statistics and advanced modeling and predictive analysis, at least a four-year and often a graduate degree is typically required to begin.
In contrast, entry-level data analysts might find it easier to obtain employment with an associate degree. According to Salary.com, the average salary for a junior data analyst is between $84,657to $104,405. The BLS reports that the job growth rate for data analysts is 35 percent between 2022 and 2032.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are degree options similar to an associate’s degree in data analytics or data science?
Some relevant associate’s degree programs might cover related subject materials and might be more common than data analytics/data science associate’s programs. Examples include an associate degree in computer science, an associate degree in information technology, an associate degree in computer information systems, an associate in arts with an emphasis in mathematics, and an associate in applied science in business analytics.
Will an associate’s degree in data analytics or data science prepare me to take professional certification exams?
In most cases, yes. However, professional experience combined with a degree is often required. For example, suppose you wish to pursue the Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) certification. In that case, you need to show seven years of experience in the field if you do not hold at least a bachelor’s degree. Some certifications, such as Microsoft Certified Data Analyst Associate, do not have academic requirements.
Is an associate’s degree program in data analytics or data science considered a STEM program?
Yes, AA or AAS in data analytics or science are typically classified as STEM programs.
What prerequisite courses might be required for admittance to an associate’s degree program in data analytics or data science?
There are no specific course requirements to be met before enrolling in an associate’s degree program in either data analytics or data science. A solid academic background in computer science, mathematics, and statistics would be beneficial.
Is financial assistance available to part-time students when enrolled in an associate’s degree program in data analytics or data science?
Some institutions will offer financial aid opportunities for part-time students. However, the amount of assistance may be adjusted for part-time attendance.
