What Is the Best Degree for a Data Analyst Career?

Perhaps you want to become a data analyst, but you’re not sure what degree will lead you there. Or maybe you already have your heart set on a specific degree—and you’re wondering how it will translate to your dream career.

If you want to become a data analyst, you luckily have options! Depending on your specific interests, strengths, and career goals, you can leverage many different degrees into a successful career.

Key Takeaways

• Many degrees can lead to a data analyst career—the most common choices are within analytics, computer science, and information technology.
• Earning a non-STEM degree can still translate to a data analytics career when supplemented with additional training, certifications, or work experience.
• You can build upon your undergraduate education and expand your analytics skill set through graduate certificates or by pursuing a master’s degree in the field.

Do You Need a Specific Degree to Become a Data Analyst? 

The short answer is—no. You don’t need a specific degree to become a data analyst. Many individuals hold themselves back from applying for data analyst jobs if they don’t have a degree in the field, assuming they’re under-qualified. However, companies are becoming increasingly open to hiring individuals with varied educational backgrounds.

If you have a degree in analytics, computer science, information science, or another related STEM field, then a career in data analytics is within your reach. For some roles, your degree is also less important than being able to demonstrate experience or other training in the field.

Most Common Degrees for Data Analysts 

While you don’t need a specific degree to become a data analyst, some degrees are especially common in the field. This is primarily due to the skills and competencies learned in these degree programs:

• Data Analytics
• Data Science
• Computer Science
• Statistics
• Applied Mathematics

Data Analytics

Though it may seem obvious, a degree in data analytics is a clear favorite among those in the field. Data analytics coursework covers the material you’ll need for any entry-level role, including data modeling, statistical analysis, and programming languages.

Data Science

Another popular option, a degree in data science covers a broader scope than data analytics. Topics such as data engineering, machine learning, and artificial intelligence all come up in these degree programs. A degree in data science is particularly ideal if you excel at data-driven problem-solving and communication.

Computer Science

A computer science degree equips you with a strong understanding of computational theory and software engineering—both of which can be utilized as a data analyst. It also provides a strong foundation in mathematics data structures. Depending on the program, you may also learn programming languages that will benefit your career.

Statistics

At the heart of a data analyst’s role is collecting, maintaining, modeling, and presenting data. Therefore, a degree in statistics pairs well with the field and typically provides a foundation in programming languages, such as Python. Through statistics coursework, you’ll build the necessary skills to identify data trends and then visualize your data.

Applied Mathematics

While not directly tied to data analytics, a degree in applied mathematics is greatly beneficial to individuals in the field. For one thing, being comfortable with mathematics—particularly algebra and statistics—is essential to data analytics. Applied mathematics coursework also typically incorporates opportunities for problem-solving and learning programming languages.

Other Degrees That Can Lead to a Data Analyst Career

While some degrees are more common in the data analysis field, you aren’t out of luck if you come from a different background. In fact, a different degree can even help you stand out, such as:

• Economics
• Business Administration
• Information Technology or Information Systems
• Engineering
• Marketing

Economics

Majoring in economics can be an excellent pathway to becoming a data analyst. These programs bolster your understanding of quantitative data analysis. When you combine this foundation with proficiency in programming languages, you can become a capable data analyst in a variety of industries.

Business Administration

Especially if you’re able to pair the degree with a data analytics concentration or focus, this can be a strong choice. Although you may need to seek out additional analytics training or certificates, as a business administration graduate, you’ll possess business acumen and management skills that can help you climb the ranks.

Information Technology or Information Systems

If you have an IT degree, you may be a strong fit for numerous data analytics roles. Proficiency with programming languages and data sets are core aspects of IT/IS that lend themselves naturally to the field. If you’re on this path, exploring coursework that emphasizes data analytics can give you an additional leg-up.

Engineering

By providing a foundational education in science and mathematics, engineering is a solid option for future data analysts. Coursework in statistics, algebra, calculus, and introductory programming all play into the work of data analysts. A career as a data analyst in the engineering field is worth checking out if you have this background.

Marketing (with Analytics Focus)

Marketing majors combine their creativity and business expertise to develop quality marketing campaigns. Since data analytics and marketing often go hand-in-hand, marketing majors may find success in data analyst roles. You can prepare yourself for this path by taking advantage of analytics coursework or concentrations within a marketing major.

How to Choose the Right Degree for You 

Choosing a degree program is a highly personal decision; after all, the same degree won’t be the perfect fit for every student! When deciding on a major, here are four considerations to keep in mind:

1. Match your degree to your strengths and interests. Everyone has different skills and passions. Your degree program of choice should allow you to explore the topics that matter most to you.
2. Consider your industry and career goals. If you hope to become a data analyst in a specific industry or company, it’s crucial to weigh that factor when looking at programs.
3. Look at program offerings. Even degrees offered at universities across the country will vary between institutions. You’ll want to review a degree’s coursework and requirements to know exactly what you’ll get out of it.
4. Check for technical skill development. In a field like data analytics, your technical skills are just important as skills such your knowledge of data and statistics. Make sure your major provides opportunities to learn statistics analysis and programming languages—or devise a plan to learn these skills outside of your degree.

Do You Need a Master’s Degree for a Data Analyst Career? 

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree to secure most entry-level positions in data analytics. However, if you envision yourself climbing your company’s ladder or taking on advanced projects, a master’s degree can get you there.

For individuals who didn’t complete an undergraduate data analytics program, a master’s degree can help you fill in educational gaps or make a career jump. Completing a master’s program ensures you’re confident in data visualization, statistical modeling, optimization, and simulation—through both your coursework and real-world projects.

Certifications and Short Courses to Boost Your Resume

Not ready to pursue a master’s degree but still want to break into data analytics? That’s okay. Through certification programs and short courses, you have abundant opportunities to level up professionally. Companies like Google and Microsoft offer online data analytics courses that will get you up to speed.

If you do see a master’s degree in your future, then an online graduate certificate is an excellent option. These programs typically require only twelve credit hours, making them an efficient way to strengthen your analytics abilities while managing your current career. Another major advantage of these programs is that the credits often can be applied to a master’s degree.

At the University of Cincinnati, we offer the following online graduate certificates that are perfect for future data analysts:

• Data Analytics 
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Business 
• Information Technology

Want to See How UC Can Help Your Data Analysis Career? Contact Us Today for Personalized Support 

A career as a data analyst is within your reach! With a master’s degree, you can get there even faster. UC’s online Master of Science in Business Analytics is designed with your career progression in mind. Best of all, its flexible, part-time format allows you to advance in the data analytics field without leaving the workforce.

Interested in taking the next step in your education? Then it’s time to contact your Enrollment Services Advisor. These members of UC’s online staff can offer timely, personalized support as you begin your journey. We’re here every step of the way!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What degree is best for becoming a data analyst?

Many degrees can be useful in pursuing a career as a data analyst. A degree in data science and analytics, computer science, information science, or another STEM field is most common.

What skills do I need to be a data analyst?

The main skills needed to be a data analyst involve data collection, statistical analysis, and data modeling. Other crucial skills include competency in a programming language, as well as problem-solving and creativity.

Do employers prefer a bachelor’s or a master’s degree for data analysts?

For many entry-level roles, a bachelor’s degree in data analysis is sufficient to get in the door. If you’re interested in moving into managerial or research roles, a master’s degree becomes beneficial for your journey.

How much does a data analyst make?

In 2025, the average salary for a data analyst was $84,639. Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 2025 median annual salary of $112,590 for data scientists (a mid-to-senior level role in data analytics).

Can a business degree lead to a data analyst career?

Absolutely! Business degrees, particularly those that focus on business analytics, can lead to this career. Graduates of business programs can often combine their data skills with strong business decisions and problem-solving skills.