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Part of Western Governors University
CAREER GUIDE Bachelor of Science, Data Management/Data Analytics
Start on your path today.
Career guide: data science experts.
Jump to: Career Opportunities Work Environment Salary Stats Go to: B.S. Data Management/Data Analytics
What's the big deal about big data? There aren't enough big-time analysts to determine what data is important to solve organizational issues, grow sales, formulate strategies, or make smart business decisions. Research analysts. Data managers. Data analysts. Career paths for IT professionals with advanced skills are wide open, and savvy individuals are zeroing in on the opportunities throughout business, healthcare, logistics, and many other fields.
Because today's work environments are complex, traditional statistics methods just don't cut it when it comes to making sense out of massive amounts of information. It takes the specialized knowledge of a data science expert to acquire meaningful data, wrangle it, and then break it down into usable information for everyone in the decision-making process.
If you want to catch the eye of top recruiters, think about polishing your résumé with a degree and industry-recognized certification credentials from top trade organizations like CompTIA, Oracle, and CIW. They'll give you an edge in a competitive job market and prepare you for a career analyzing information and developing practical solutions to complex problems.
Job listing growth 2016–2026.
Career opportunities.
Data scientists. Business analysts. Operations managers. Some of the most in-demand and fastest-growing occupations across all industries are data-driven IT professionals who have the sharply developed analytical skillsets to help create value for an organization. To tap into and take advantage of this trend, opportunity-focused professionals are advancing their knowledge and skills to keep up with the pace of the big-data world we live in. What industry interests you? Finance and insurance? Healthcare? Manufacturing? With the right education, training, and credentials, chances are you'll find yourself in demand for an important role and a rewarding career!
Positions in the field.
- Data scientist
- Data engineer
- Operations analyst
- Systems analyst
- Database administrator
- Data mining analyst
- IT project manager
"I chose WGU because of its ease, price, and the possibility of gaining IT certifications along with my degree. Now that I've graduated, I have four years of IT experience, a bachelor's degree, and five IT certifications that help show that my skills are valuable. That's a really good jump start for a career. After I graduated from WGU I quickly got a much better job and nearly doubled my salary." Eric Gardner
B.S. Information Technology
Job market forecast.
In a word, the market for skilled IT professionals who can manage the flow of data, translate it into meaningful insights, and convert information into better business decisions is dynamic. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of operations research analysts to grow 27% from 2016 to 2026. The agency also predicts an increasing demand for analysts in the field of analytics in order to improve business planning and decision-making.
Job growth 2016–2026.
Online. Nonprofit. Surprisingly affordable.
Discover why WGU is an ideal university to pursue your unique career goals.
Work environment.
Your career in data science can go in just about any direction you want it to. No matter what industry you choose to pursue, you'll work in a technology-rich environment helping your organization translate information into smart business decisions. Chances are, you'll work in collaboration with others who could include everyone from product managers and database administrators to IT project managers and administrative personnel, so soft skills like creativity, communication, and teamwork will also come into play on a daily basis.
Professional organizations.
There are many organizations that can help you prepare for a future in data management and data analytics. Check out these links to learn more about growing opportunities and the education and training required to take advantage of them.
Job search resources.
The search is on for IT professionals with proven skills to acquire, prepare, analyze, and present data that supports decision-making. With the right education, training, and industry-recognized certifications, you can take advantage of open positions across the country and around the world. Start making some connections!
Salary stats.
Data management and data analytics are trending hot in today's IT job market, and things aren't expected to cool down for the foreseeable future. To make the most out of the increasing demand for highly skilled data scientists, you'll need to know how to use advanced mathematical and analytical methods to help organizations solve problems. Once you have the industry certifications to document your expertise in the field, recruiters will notice, and companies from coast to coast will likely be interested in what you can bring to the table. It's a fertile field where you can truly make the numbers work in your favor.
Average salary of jobs with related titles.
Summary.
Data management and data analytics are trending hot in today's IT job market, and things aren't expected to cool down for the foreseeable future. To make the most out of the increasing demand for highly skilled data scientists, you'll need to know how to use advanced mathematical and analytical methods to help organizations solve problems. Once you have the industry certifications to document your expertise in the field, recruiters will notice, and companies from coast to coast will likely be interested in what you can bring to the table. It's a fertile field where you can truly make the numbers work in your favor.
Your career’s next step: Earn a degree.
Ready to jump-start your career in Data management/data analtyics? The next step could be earning your B.S. Data Management/Data Analytics. Accredited, competency-based WGU offers this degree online for at a surprisingly affordable flat-rate tuition. Flexible enough for a working adult’s schedule with the option to accelerate, your degree may be closer than you think!