What Degree Do I Need to Become a Data Analyst?

Getting an in-demand job as a data analyst often starts with getting the right skills and qualifications. For many, this means earning a degree. Explore whether you need a degree to become a data analyst, which degree to get, and how a higher-level degree could help you advance your career.

Do I need a degree to become a data analyst?

Entry-level data analyst jobs typically require a bachelor’s degree. Although it’s possible to develop your data analysis skills—and potentially land a job—without a degree, earning one gives you a structured way to build skills and network with professionals in the field. You could also find more job opportunities with a degree than without one. 

Data analyst degrees: What should I major in?

Only some universities offer a bachelor’s degree in data analytics. So what should you major in if you want to pursue a career as a data analyst? Even if your university doesn’t have this specific degree, you have several other majors to choose from to develop your knowledge and learn relevant skills.

Possible majors for data analysts

From computer science to economics, you have a wealth of subjects to consider. The following offers a few degree options that typically teach common data analysis skills as part of the curriculum. If you’re looking toward a career as a data analyst, these majors could be a good fit.

• Data science: A data science degree is a strong option for aspiring data analysts, as it includes several vital skills, such as data visualisation, knowledge of databases and how to query them using SQL, and computer programming.

• Computer science: The emphasis on computer programming, operating systems, software engineering, algorithm development, and more in computer science programs makes them a good fit for aspiring data analysts. These skills are helpful for your responsibilities as a data analyst, preparing you to manage databases and write code.

• Mathematics or statistics: Earning a degree in either mathematics or statistics is a positive step towards a career as a data analyst. A mathematics degree will equip you with relevant knowledge, such as data structures and mathematics modelling, whilst statistics teaches you how to derive insights from data. 

• Economics: An economics degree offers a valuable option for a data analyst. Understanding how to analyse economic data and research papers will prove useful for your job as a data analyst, especially if you work in an industry where market knowledge is important.

No matter what you choose to get your degree in, be sure to take classes covering fundamental data analytics topics. Some of the critical areas in data analytics to focus on gaining knowledge and skills include programming, data analysis, statistics, data visualisation, and data modelling. If you already have an industry in mind, it can help to take some industry-specific coursework (healthcare or business, for example).

Is a master’s in data analytics worth it?

Although earning a master’s degree isn’t a requirement in order to qualify for data analyst positions, it has the potential to improve your career outlook, opening up opportunities for advancements and specialised positions that come along with expertise in areas such as machine learning. The average data analyst in India earns a median base salary of ₹6,00,000, but by advancing to senior data analyst, this number rises significantly to ₹12,00,000 [1, 2]. Additionally, during the process of earning a master’s degree, you can grow your network by meeting other like-minded learners. 

Examples of master’s degrees providing value for data analysts include data science, statistics, or an MBA in business analytics. Because a master’s degree is a significant investment, it may also be worth considering other methods of gaining knowledge and growing your skills such as through certifications. 

Begin your data analyst journey on Coursera

Becoming a data analyst is possible by earning one of several relevant degrees such as a bachelor’s in data science, computer science, mathematics, or economics. With a focus on acquiring the necessary skills, including data visualisation, computer programming, and database querying, you will find yourself ready to step into this role.

Take the next step toward a career in data analysis, no matter where you are in your learning journey.

• Build a foundation of job-ready skills with a Professional Certificate in data analytics from industry leaders like Google, Meta, or IBM.

• Request more information about earning your data analytics degree online.

• Try a popular data analytics course to see for yourself if it’s a good fit.