OVERVIEW
Effect Change and Make an Impact in any Industry with this Data Analytics Degree Program
Increase your earning potential and opportunities for advancement, and put yourself at the center of turning raw data into usable information. WGU's Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics is unlike any other analytics program, focused on helping students learn to take data and turn it into meaningful stories that help leaders make decisions. Skills that students will learn include:
- Data management
- Data wrangling
- Statistical analysis
- Visualization
- Leadership and management
- Model deployment & storytelling
This degree is fully online with certifications built into this degree program that do not add time or additional costs—but do add to your résumé as soon as you've earned them, even before you complete your degree!
Have questions? Attend our prospective student webinar to learn more about our programs.
In the industry, many data analytics degree programs are too heavily focused on technical learning, or too heavily focused on business processes. Our online data analytics degree program utilizes a ‘three-lever’ approach to data analytics, surgically incorporating programming, math, and business influence skills. This allows our program to strike the perfect balance to prepare our graduates to drive measurable value with data insights. Our unique approach to data analytics means that you will be equipped with the experience you need to make an impact with data and decision-making in any industry.
71% of students finish within
42 Months*
WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance as soon as you're ready. The result: You may finish faster.
*WGU Internal Data
Tuition per six-month term is
$3,735
Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps you control the ultimate cost of your degree. Finish faster, pay less!
On average students transfer
27 credits
Nothing is standing in your way. Find out how many courses you can waive. A transcript review will determine your transfer credits.
COURSES
Data Analytics Courses
Program consists of 42 courses
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.
This unique Bachelor of Science Data Analytics degree program perfectly balances three main skills to help students find success:
- Programming skills: Scripting, data management, data wrangling, Python, R, and machine learning, and systems thinking.
- Math skills: Statistical analysis, probability, discrete math, and data science techniques.
- Business influence skills: Leadership, communication, critical thinking, visualization, change management, design thinking, and storytelling.
The B.S. Data Analytics program is an all-online program. You’ll complete program requirements independently, with instruction and support from WGU faculty. You’ll be expected to complete at least 12 competency units for each 6-month term. Each course is typically three or four units. There’s no limit on the number of units you can complete each term, so the more courses you complete, the quicker you can finish your program. This program was designed, and is regularly updated, with input from key experts on our WGU Analytics Advisory Board—a group committed to ensuring that the courses at WGU are industry-relevant, timely, and impactful.
42 Courses
Program consists of 42 courses
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.
Capstone Project
Special requirements for this program
At the end of your program, you will complete a capstone project that represents the culmination of all your hard work—a research project applicable to the field of data analytics that aims to expand the body of knowledge in the profession.
“WGU was an awesome time. The counselor was very persistent in ensuring I was staying on track understood life circumstances come up. The instructors made sure I knew where to look for answers and assisted in knowing the information. The faculty was helpful in providing their specialized support."
—Edward Carter
Undergraduate Analytics Student
WGU vs. Traditional Universities
Compare the Difference
Traditional Universities
AVG. cost
For 3RD PARTY IT CERTIFICATIONS
$350*
Included with your tuition cost
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options
As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years
TRANSFER CREDITS
Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses
A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation
*The cost of valuable industry certification exams can range from $150 to $400 At WGU, we offer vouchers for certification exams, so the cost is included in your tuition price. Students may have to pay additional fees for membership to complete the certification requirements.
Traditional Universities
AVG. cost
For 3RD PARTY IT CERTIFICATIONS
$350*
AVG. cost
For 3RD PARTY IT CERTIFICATIONS
Included with your tuition cost
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
TUITION STRUCTURE
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
SUPPORT
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
EXAMS
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
SCHEDULE
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options
TIME TO FINISH
As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years
TRANSFER CREDITS
Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses
TRANSFER CREDITS
A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation
*The cost of valuable industry certification exams can range from $150 to $400 At WGU, we offer vouchers for certification exams, so the cost is included in your tuition price. Students may have to pay additional fees for membership to complete the certification requirements.
Why WGU?
Earning Potential
According to a 2022 Harris Poll, just two years after graduation, WGU grads report earning $22,200 more per year, and that amount increases to $29,200 four years after graduation.
On Your Schedule
No class times, no assignment deadlines. You are in charge of your learning and schedule. You can move through your courses as quickly as you master the material, meaning you can graduate faster.
Entirely Online
The data analytics bachelor's degree at WGU is 100% online, which means it works wherever you are. You can do your coursework at night after working at your full-time job, on weekends, while you're traveling the world or on vacation—it's entirely up to you.
Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™
One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.
CERTIFICATIONS
3rd Party Data Analytics Certifications Included
Industry-recognized certifications from organizations such as CompTIA, Udacity, and AWS are included in the degree program. Udacity Nanodegree holders enjoy ongoing support from Udacity that includes employment placement, résumé support, networking and LinkedIn guidance, and more.
The B.S. in Data Analytics will also spotlight student choice to balance business influence skills, expand occupation set and ensure strong market alignment. These optional industry certifications are in design thinking and change management.
Earning certifications on the path to your degree gives you the knowledge, skills, and credentials that will immediately boost your résumé—even before you complete your degree program—without adding additional cost or time.
Additionally, this program includes two WGU certificates, Data Analyst Practitioner and Data Engineering Practitioner. These WGU certificates are embedded within your coursework and can be added to your résumé before you even finish your degree program.
- Data+
- Project+
- WGU Data Analyst Nanodegree from Udacity
- Cloud Practitioner
Optional Certification:
- MSI Change Management
- Data Analyst Practitioner
- Data Engineering Practitioner
“Analytics is the creative use of data and statistical modeling to tell a compelling story that not only drives strategic action, but also results in business value”
-Joe Dery, Dean of Data Analytics, Computer Science, and Software Engineering | WGU
COST & TIME
An Affordable Online Data Analytics Degree
By charging per six-month term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.
A College Degree Within Reach
There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:
The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.
*WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).
Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits.
Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
A Different Way to Learn: Degree Programs Designed to Fit Your Life—and All the Demands on Your Time
Professional responsibilities. Family obligations. Personal commitments. At WGU, we understand schedules are tight and often unpredictable for adult students. That’s why we offer a flexible, personalized approach to how education should be. No rigid class schedules. Just a solid, career-focused teaching program that meshes with your current lifestyle. You'll be challenged. You'll work hard. But if you commit yourself and put in the hours needed, WGU makes it possible for you to earn a highly respected degree as a busy working adult.
"WGU was a blessing for me. I had been going to school for 4 years already when I switched to WGU. Instead of having to go to school part time and only complete a few courses a year, I was able to complete my work at my own pace. I transferred in 45 credits to WGU, and in a year completed about 70 more. I don't know if I ever would have finished my degree without WGU. On top of all that, the faculty were amazing, my mentor was always looking out for me, and I learned a ton.”
—Jessica
Undergraduate Analytics
CAREER OUTLOOK
Use this Online Data Analytics Degree to Turn Data into Meaningful Metrics
The world of data analytics is transforming—nearly every transaction, whether it's social, commercial, medical, or academic, requires expert management and in-depth analysis of data. Analytics is becoming an umbrella discipline, impacting every industry in a variety of ways. Organizations need experts who can manage the tremendous amount of data they gather. WGU's online data analytics degree is designed to be a springboard, preparing you to move into a wide variety of analytics career paths.
Earning a degree and top industry certifications in data analytics will give you the necessary skills and training to tell stories with raw data, drive decisions, and impact your organization. When you’ve completed your data analytics degree online, you’ll find that your skills and certifications as a data analyst are in high demand. Your degree from WGU will provide you with all the tools necessary for a successful career.
Return on Your Investment
On average, WGU graduates see an increase in income post-graduation
Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source: 2022 Harris Poll Survey of 1,542 WGU graduates.
Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.
23%
The number of positions for operations and data analysts is set to grow by a staggering 23% from 2021 to 2031.
—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
A Data Analytics Degree Program Designed to Help You Excel
Some of the job titles a graduate of this data analytics bachelor’s degree program are qualified for include:
- Data Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Data Visualization Specialist
- Business Analyst
- AI Trainer
- Tableau Report Developer
- QA Analyst
- Python Programmer
- Analytics Manager
- Automation Architect
- Database Administrator
- Statistician
WGU Grads Hold Positions With Top Employers
ADMISSIONS
Data Analytics Admissions Requirements
To be considered for enrollment into this program, you must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent AND demonstrate program readiness through one of the following:
- Option 1: Submit transcripts documenting completion of college-level coursework with a minimum of 2.5 GPA or higher.
- Option 2: Possess a bachelors or associate degree (A.A, A.S. or A.A.S. acceptable) from an accredited post-secondary institution.
- Option 3: Demonstrate at least two years of IT work experience through resume review.
- Option 4: Submit official record of completion of a transferable IT certification, some of which may provide transfer credit into various programs.
- Option 5: Submit high school transcripts with a minimum GPA of 2.75 and a B grade or higher in a S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) course. *Only advanced mathematics courses will satisfy this requirement
- Option 6: Submit transcripts documenting completion of previous IT coursework. IT coursework must be 300 level or higher.
NOTE: You do not need to take the ACT or SAT to be admitted to this program. Learn why we don't require these tests.
Get Your Enrollment Checklist
Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.
Get Your Questions Answered
Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.
Transfer Credits
FAQs about Data Analytics
- General IT Program Questions
- Data Analytics Questions
- Data Analytics Advisory Board
Data Analytics Advisory Board Members
• Boaz Hillebrand, Senior Analytics Manager, People Insights – Expedia Group
• John Smits, VP of Worldwide Revenue Operations – Juniper Networks
• Ken Yu Zhang, PhD, Executive Director of Research Technology Data Science – Morgan Stanley
• Mandy Plante, Senior Director of Global Analytics – eBay
• Mohican Laine, VP of Data & Analytics – Daz 3D
• Nolan Hill, SVP of HR Analytics & Data Governance – Bank of America
• Stephen Gatchell, Director of Data Advisory – BigID
Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?