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The fastest-growing industry, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), is the professional, scientific, and technical services sector. This industry is projected to grow at a rate of 10.5% between 2023 and 2033, more than double the growth rate that the BLS has projected for all occupations in the U.S. during the time period. Much of this growth is due to the need to keep up with advanced technologies, and those with a data science degree may be in a prime position to lead organizations into the future.

What can you do with a data science degree? Data science degrees can open the door to numerous possibilities. Many of these careers are not only high paying but also some of the fastest-growing careers in the U.S. right now.

While all of the careers listed in this article require a bachelor’s degree, many employers prefer a master’s degree in data science and data analytics. Current professionals may decide to continue to further their education and increase their expertise by earning an Executive Master of Science (MS) in Data Science and Analytics, a degree that prepares them for leadership roles in data science. 

5 Careers You Can Do with a Data Science Degree

Data science degrees teach skills such as data mining, data modeling, and natural language processing (NLP). These skills are crucial for many professional, scientific, and technical service careers.

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer systems analysts, often called systems architects, work on an organization’s computer systems and develop ways to enhance their efficiency. They consult with managers and executives to determine how the computer system fits in with the organization as a whole, research technologies to assess system compatibility, and design and oversee the installation of the new system. 

Salary and Job Outlook

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for a computer systems analyst was about $103,790 as of 2024. This career is also experiencing high growth, as it’s expected to grow at a rate of 11% between 2023 and 2033.

Database Administrator

Database administrators work with system users to ensure that they can easily access the database and find the necessary information. Often referred to as DBAs, they build and organize databases, test them to ensure that they’re operating correctly and securely, and oversee user permissions.

Salary and Job Outlook

This high-paying career offers a median annual salary of about $104,620, according to 2024 data from the BLS. It’s also expected to grow at a rate of 9% between 2023 and 2033, outpacing the national average.

Data Scientist

As the name suggests, data scientists rely on data science for their day-to-day duties. The main goal of a data scientist is to pull helpful insights from datasets. They use skills such as data cleaning, data modeling, and machine learning (ML) to build and test algorithms and glean insights from the data. Then, they use this information to present data visualizations to stakeholders and make recommendations for improvement.

Salary and Job Outlook

This career is experiencing high growth. According to the BLS, the number of positions for data scientists is expected to grow at a rate of 36% between 2023 and 2033, far outpacing the national average. It’s also a high-paying career, with a median annual salary of about $112,590, according to 2024 data from the BLS.

Machine Learning Scientist

ML scientists play a key role in research and development. They study new ML models and algorithms and work with different organizations to implement these techniques. This position is vital today as ML is advancing quickly, and ML scientists ensure that the organizations they work with are at the forefront of these advancements.

Salary and Job Outlook

An ML scientist is a type of computer and information research scientist. According to the BLS, these types of scientists had a median annual salary of about $140,910 as of 2024. This role is also expected to grow at a rate of 26% between 2023 and 2033, far exceeding the national average.

Statistician

Statisticians collect and analyze data from different groups. They set the parameters for their samples, develop surveys and other testing methods, and then identify trends in the data collected. They also test the validity of the data and find the margin of error. Then, they present their findings to key stakeholders.

Salary and Job Outlook

According to the BLS, statisticians receive a median annual salary of about $103,300 as of 2024. This position is expected to grow at a rate of 12% between 2023 and 2033, outpacing the national average.

Prepare for Your New Career in Data Science With NEC

This list is just an overview of what you can do with a data science degree. With an online MS in Data Science and Analytics from New PÕ¾ÊÓƵ College, students learn the skills they need to excel in these careers, including cleaning and transforming data, designing databases for large datasets, and unearthing and communicating insights from data. 

While the online program can provide flexibility for students to work at their own pace, NEC also offers the MS in Data Science and Analytics program in person, allowing students to take advantage of on-campus activities, such as clubs, internships, and professor-led trips. Earn a degree that unlocks a whole new world of opportunities with NEC.

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