HUMANITIES Specialization

Data Analytics

Data Analytics graduates pursue 8 occupations, with top roles paying $166,570/yr or more. The career cards below break down wages, daily tasks, and 10-year job growth projections for each.

About Data Analytics

This page covers Data Analytics as a course of study: what it costs, where it is taught, and what graduates go on to earn. It sits inside the wider field of Interdisciplinary Studies and how it pays overall, which is the better comparison if you are still choosing between subjects.

Data Analytics is a focused area of study within Interdisciplinary Studies. You will not have trouble finding it: 292 colleges offer this program, from community colleges to research universities. About 7,294 students complete it each year, most walking away with a master's. The focus is on writing, analysis, and communication that transfer across industries.


Colleges Offering
292
Graduates / Year
7,294
Avg Net Price / yr
$19,325

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 7,294 students who complete Data Analytics programs each year, the majority (67%) earn a master's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

Master's 67%
Bachelor's 22%
Post-Bacc Cert. 9%

What Can You Do With a Data Analytics Degree?

This degree does not lock you into one job. Data Analytics graduates show up in 8 different occupations, and Financial Manager pays the most at $166,570/yr median. Expand any card below to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

The best-paid of these is what a Financial Manager earns and how fast the role is growing, though entry requirements vary across the list.

↗ +9.7% Zone 4: Considerable preparation
$166,570
$125K $220K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 65,600 openings/yr 842K employed nationally
Reading Comprehension Complex Problem Solving Critical Thinking Judgment and Decision Making Reading Comprehension
Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

  • Establish and maintain relationships with individual or business customers or provide assistance with problems these customers may encounter.
  • Oversee the flow of cash or financial instruments.
  • Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of workers in branches, offices, or departments of establishments, such as branch banks, brokerage firms, risk and insurance departments, or credit departments.
↗ +34.6% Zone 4: Considerable preparation
$120,230
$86K $159K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 24,800 openings/yr 262K employed nationally
Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Reading Comprehension Active Listening Speaking
Day-to-day responsibilities

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

  • Generate standard or custom reports summarizing business, financial, or economic data for review by executives, managers, clients, and other stakeholders.
  • Maintain or update business intelligence tools, databases, dashboards, systems, or methods.
  • Manage timely flow of business intelligence information to users.
↗ +11.0% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$105,650
$82K $141K 25th–75th pct.
Master's degree 1,900 openings/yr 29K employed nationally
Mathematics Mathematics Complex Problem Solving Judgment and Decision Making Reading Comprehension
Day-to-day responsibilities

Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.

  • Analyze and interpret statistical data to identify significant differences in relationships among sources of information.
  • Evaluate the statistical methods and procedures used to obtain data to ensure validity, applicability, efficiency, and accuracy.
  • Report results of statistical analyses, including information in the form of graphs, charts, and tables.
↗ +7.2% Zone 4: Considerable preparation
$102,740
$79K $133K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 24,700 openings/yr 362K employed nationally
Day-to-day responsibilities

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

↗ +10.1% Zone 4: Considerable preparation
$101,860
$78K $133K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 94,100 openings/yr 898K employed nationally
Critical Thinking Active Listening Reading Comprehension Judgment and Decision Making Complex Problem Solving
Day-to-day responsibilities

Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.

  • Gather and organize information on problems or procedures.
  • Confer with personnel concerned to ensure successful functioning of newly implemented systems or procedures.
  • Analyze data gathered and develop solutions or alternative methods of proceeding.
↘ -7.3% Zone 4: Considerable preparation
$100,390
$76K $131K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 4,400 openings/yr 92K employed nationally
Programming Active Listening Critical Thinking Complex Problem Solving Quality Control Analysis
Day-to-day responsibilities

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

  • Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
  • Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.
  • Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.
↗ +5.9% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$99,080
$64K $142K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 7,600 openings/yr 82K employed nationally
Speaking Instructing Reading Comprehension Active Listening Writing
Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

  • Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as financial accounting, principles of marketing, and operations management.
  • Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
  • Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
↗ +7.0% Zone 4: Considerable preparation
$78,760
$58K $108K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 82,000 openings/yr 900K employed nationally
Reading Comprehension Writing Critical Thinking Complex Problem Solving Active Listening
Day-to-day responsibilities

Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets.

  • Prepare reports of findings, illustrating data graphically and translating complex findings into written text.
  • Collect and analyze data on customer demographics, preferences, needs, and buying habits to identify potential markets and factors affecting product demand.
  • Conduct research on consumer opinions and marketing strategies, collaborating with marketing professionals, statisticians, pollsters, and other professionals.

Top Colleges for Data Analytics

Not sure where to study Data Analytics? These 20 colleges graduate the most students in it each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

Ranked by score, that list starts with the cost and outcomes at The University of Texas at Dallas, and the rest follow the same measures.

# College Graduates Acceptance Net Price/yr Earnings 10yr
1 The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson, TX · Public 596 65.1% $18,267 $68,227
2 University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA · Nonprofit 447 5.4% $28,699 $111,371
3 University of North Texas Denton, TX · Public 378 72.2% $15,649 $57,010
4 Ohio University-Main Campus Athens, OH · Public 341 85% $21,637 $52,581
5 University of Chicago Chicago, IL · Nonprofit 251 4.5% $14,860 $91,885
6 Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NY · Nonprofit 231 4% $21,590 $102,491
7 Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses Angola, IN · Nonprofit 206 39.9% $15,788 $57,165
8 East Texas A&M University Commerce, TX · Public 201 92.2% $11,841 $50,296
9 Drexel University Philadelphia, PA · Nonprofit 198 79.4% $38,509 $84,648
10 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN · Public 195 79.8% $16,778 $69,020
11 CUNY Bernard M Baruch College New York, NY · Public 137 47.5% $3,033 $75,971
12 University of Houston Houston, TX · Public 132 73.9% $14,276 $62,377
13 University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst, MA · Public 129 59.7% $22,383 $71,631
14 Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Winona, MN · Nonprofit 119 92.8% $11,704 $58,170
15 Fordham University Bronx, NY · Nonprofit 102 59.3% $44,338 $85,569
16 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL · Public 96 42.4% $14,355 $81,054
17 George Mason University Fairfax, VA · Public 88 87.5% $17,915 $76,343
18 The University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio, TX · Public 84 86.8% $10,836 $57,131
19 DePaul University Chicago, IL · Nonprofit 81 75.9% $30,902 $68,751
20 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI · Public 79 15.6% $13,138 $83,648

Ranked by Data Analytics graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Data Analytics program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

Data Analytics Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Data Analytics shows 2 measurable strengths and 2 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS
  • Fast-growing field Related careers are projected to grow up to +34.6% over the next decade, with Data Scientist among the fastest-growing roles.
  • Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 305,100 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
  • Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
  • Declining roles in some areas 1 related career show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.

Data Analytics Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

What jobs can you get with a Data Analytics degree?
Financial Manager is one path, and it pays a median of $166,570 a year. It is not the only one: the Career Paths section below lists every occupation graduates actually go into, with wages and 10-year growth for each.
How long does a Data Analytics program take?
Four years for the bachelor's, plus one to two more if you continue on to a master's, which many Data Analytics students do. Some schools shorten that with an accelerated 5-year combined program.
How many colleges offer Data Analytics?
292 colleges and universities, so you are not short on options. That range runs from community colleges granting certificates and associate degrees to research universities with full doctoral tracks. Source: IPEDS.
What is the difference between Data Analytics and Interdisciplinary Studies?
Data Analytics is the narrower of the two: Interdisciplinary Studies covers the full discipline, while this program limits the curriculum to Data Analytics-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. Pick the specialization once you already know this is the direction you want; it gets you a more targeted credential, not a broader one.
What skills do employers look for in Data Analytics graduates?
Coursework alone will not get you hired. Employers hiring Data Analytics graduates consistently look for writing, critical analysis, and cross-cultural communication. Employers value the ability to synthesize complex information clearly, skills that transfer into communications, law, consulting, and content roles. Build those into your coursework and internships now, and the job search later gets easier.
What is the job outlook for Data Analytics graduates?
Outlook is strong overall: related occupations average +9.8% projected job growth over the next 10 years. Data Scientist is among the strongest-growth roles at +34.6%. That average hides real differences by role and location, so check the Career Paths section below for the projection on each specific occupation before you count on any single number.

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