Studying to Become a Data Analyst

Recently we explored what data analytics is, and we also explained what data analysts do. Here we’ll discuss how to get into data analytics.

If you’re interested in securing a position in the analytics industry, then you’ve come to the right place, because this post will help you figure out exactly what you need to do to achieve that goal.

We’ll explain whether or not you really need a degree in the field, what type of degree would best meet your specific career goals and objectives, what you can do with a bachelor’s vs. a master’s degree, and why you should consider pursuing an online Master’s Degree in Data Analytics.

If you’re interested in statistics, efficiencies, and optimization, and you want to help organizations improve their performance, then you should certainly think about launching a career in either business analytics or data analytics.

After you’ve learned about how to get a job as a professional data analyst, we encourage you to fill out our information request form to receive details about our 100% online Bachelor's Degree in Business Analytics, or our Master’s Degree in Business Analytics. If you’re ready to get started, submit your application today.

Is Data Analytics a Good Career?

Yes, data analytics is an excellent field that you should think about pursuing a career in, as demand for business analytics and data analytics has exploded in recent years.

Fortunately, that demand is also expected to continue growing rapidly over the next decade, as the BLS projects that growth in several analytics roles will grow much faster than the 4% average rate of growth for all occupations between 2019 and 2029.

In fact, the BLS predicts that analytics roles will see much more consideration growth, including:

BLS explains that the rising demand is being driven by two primary influences, the increased data needs of companies across the economy. and the need for more workers to analyze the ever-increasing volume of data being generated by modern business practices.

As a result of all this growth, chances of establishing a long-term career in the industry are relatively good for those individuals who choose to earn the academic credentials needed to secure an entry-level position in the field.

To maximize your chances of landing a job in analytics, we suggest getting your degree in the space, and pursuing either CSU Global’s online Bachelor’s Degree in Business Analytics or our online Master’s Degree in Data Analytics.

By completing an accredited analytics degree program, you’ll develop the critical skills and foundational knowledge needed to provide effective service as a professional data analyst, and you’ll earn the academic credentials needed to impress any potential hiring managers considering you for employment.

What Do Data Analysts Actually Do?

Data analysts are responsible for monitoring an organization’s key performance metrics, interpreting performance data, and developing effective strategies used to improve organizational performance.

Typical data analytics duties include tasks like:

  • Using cutting-edge analytical tools like SAS, Tableau, Rapidminer, SQL, and ETL.
  • Developing business strategies, convincing organizations to adopt them, then analyzing their results after they’ve been implemented.
  • Presenting data-driven conclusions to inform expert opinions via verbal, visual, and written explanations. 
  • Designing and directing organizational initiatives based on performance data, rather than assumptions.

Because these tasks are so critical to organizational performance, anyone looking to get into data analytics is almost certainly going to need to get a degree in the field before they’ll be considered for a related role.

Do I Need a Degree to Get a Job as a Data Analyst?

While you may be able to secure a role in analytics without a degree, that is not the typical path to getting into this particular field.

This is especially important if you want to work at a large corporation or traditional organization, who is much more likely to require that you hold a four-year degree if you want to be considered for employment. 

But beyond making it easier to find a role in the industry, there is another huge benefit to completing a degree in analytics—getting your degree is one of the best ways to ensure that you’re prepared to provide effective leadership in this challenging role.

Earning a degree in analytics will increase the chances that you’re capable of bringing value to an organization from day one, as you’ll have established the foundational knowledge, skills, and abilities required to succeed as a professional data analyst.

When it comes to choosing a school for studying data analytics, you’ll have two excellent degree program options available from CSU Global. We offer regionally accredited, widely respected analytics programs at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels.

Which Data Analytics Degree Should I Get?

You should choose the degree that best meets your professional needs and your long-term career goals.

Accordingly, you’ll need to determine if either a bachelor’s or master’s degree is right for you, and you can do that by reviewing your existing education credentials, your current knowledge, skills, and prior experience in the field, as well as your professional development goals.

If you’re new to the field of analytics and are just looking to get your foot in the door, then you will probably want to enroll in our Bachelor’s Degree program in Management Information Systems and Business Analytics.

However, if you already have some experience with analytics, if you’ve already completed a bachelor’s degree program in any subject, or if your goal is to achieve a leadership-level role in the industry, then you are likely better suited for our Master’s Degree program in Data Analytics.

If you’re still struggling with choosing between a bachelor’s or master’s degree, consider contacting an Enrollment Counselor by calling 1-800-462-7845, or by emailing enroll [at] csuglobal.edu.

Whichever program you do decide to enroll in, you’ll be well on your way to developing the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to establish a successful career in analytics.

What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Analytics?

Completing a Bachelor's Degree in Business Analytics will prepare you to work as an entry-level analytics professional, and your bachelor’s degree will qualify you to pursue excellent industry roles, including:

This is just a short list of common jobs you may be able to land with a bachelor’s degree in business analytics, as your credentials are likely to qualify you for a series of other interesting positions.

If, however, you want to pursue a leadership role in analytics, or you want to serve in a more senior capacity, then you should consider pursuing a master’s degree instead.

What Can I Do With a Master’s Degree in Data Analytics?

Getting your Master’s Degree in Data Analytics is an excellent way to prepare for leadership, managerial and senior-level roles in the industry, including positions like:

As a graduate from CSU Global’s Master’s program in Data Analytics, you’ll be prepared to assume leadership responsibilities like managing an entire team of analysts and directing an organization’s strategic initiatives.

If your long-term goal is to develop a lifelong career in analytics, and especially if you want to pursue a role in management or even at the executive level, then you may be a better fit for our M.S. Program in Data Analytics.

Is a Degree in Data Analytics Really Worth It?

Yes, getting your master's degree in data analytics is a valuable investment in yourself. It’s one of the best ways to develop the skills, abilities, and foundational knowledge needed to succeed in this challenging yet rewarding field.

While it may take hard work and dedication to complete a bachelor’s or master’s program, it’s also likely to increase the chances that you’ll be able to achieve long-term career success.

Completing a degree program in analytics will help prepare you to bring value to any organization from day one, and being able to add the academic credentials to your resume is also likely to make you more attractive to potential hiring managers.

Can I Get My Degree in Data Analytics Online?

Yes, you can get a well-respected and regionally-accredited online Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Analytics from CSU Global. 

Our accelerated online degree programs offer more flexibility and freedom than a traditional in-person program, as these programs were designed entirely for online students.

Choosing to pursue your degree with us online will make it far easiest for you to juggle your new educational pursuits with existing work and family responsibilities, as our programs providing the following benefits:

  • No requirements to attend at set times or locations.
  • Access to monthly class starts.
  • Accelerated, eight-week courses.

If you’re looking for convenience in your degree program, there is no better option than choosing to study with CSU Global.

What Makes CSU Global the Best School for Studying Analytics?

Both CSU Global’s Bachelor’s Degree program in Business Analytics and Master’s Degree program in Data Analytics are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

These programs were designed to provide students with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to succeed as professional analysts, as they feature a curriculum designed specifically for the workplace, and they’re taught by educators who have relevant and recent industry experience.

Our analytics programs also rank exceptionally well, with each of them having earned a top 5 ranking, including:

  • A #1 ranking for Best Online Bachelor’s in Management Information Systems Programs from Best Colleges for our bachelor’s-level program.
  • A #3 ranking for Best Online Master’s Degree in Data Analytics by Best Masters Programs for our master’s-level program.

Furthermore, CSU Global itself has also recently received several distinguished rankings, including:

  • A #1 ranking for Best Online Colleges & Schools in Colorado from Best Accredited Colleges.
  • A #1 ranking for Best Online Colleges in Colorado from Best Colleges.
  • A #10 ranking for Best Online Colleges for ROI from OnlineU.

We also offer our students the chance to pursue one of four optional, industry-leading SAS academic badges, which are stackable credentials that can help demonstrate your analytics expertise and prove your value to potential employers.

Finally, CSU Global offers competitive tuition rates and a Tuition Guarantee to ensure your rate won’t increase as you're getting a degree in the desired field.

To get additional details about our fully accredited, 100% online degrees in analytics, please give us a call at 800-462-7845, or fill out our Information Request Form. Ready to get started today? Apply now!