Data science

B.S.
Online
delivery
$409 Based on current tuition rates. No additional charge for nonresident students. Does not include course materials and associated fees and expenses.
per credit
4
start terms/year

The answers to today’s toughest questions are hidden in data. Uncovering those answers requires careful preparation, rigorous analysis and clear communication. In Oregon State University’s bachelor’s degree program in data science online, you’ll build the skills needed to understand data and guide informed, effective decisions. 

You’ll develop a strong foundation in computational tools and data science methodologies, along with an understanding of the ethical considerations involved in working with data systems and solutions. You can apply these skills immediately in fields like health care, business or agriculture, and build on your B.S. in Data Science through graduate studies in areas such as statistics, economics, bioinformatics or artificial intelligence.

Skills you’ll gain in OSU’s online data science degree program

As a student in Oregon State’s online data science degree program, you’ll gain the in-demand skills you need to stand out in the job market and level up your career. You’ll learn from expert Oregon State faculty who have practical industry experience.

  • Data analysis
  • Statistical modeling
  • Programming (Python and R)
  • Machine learning
  • Data visualization
  • Data ethics
  • Technical communication

Program details

Learn to analyze and interpret large datasets, build predictive models and explain your findings clearly and effectively. With options that connect data science to fields like economics and environmental science, the program will prepare you to use data in innovative ways to support issues you care about. 

The online data science program is offered by Oregon State’s College of Science.

Degree requirements

A minimum of 180 quarter credits — at least 60 of which must be upper-division credits — are required to graduate with your degree in data science, including:

Two professionals reviewing dashboards on dual monitors, collaborating to analyze data trends and insights

Additional program features

When you pursue your data science degree online, you’ll work with your academic advisor to choose from several program options that allow you to focus your studies in an area of particular interest to you.

All data science students are required to complete a writing-intensive, career-focused capstone course that includes résumé development, GitHub portfolio building and interview preparation. 

As a data science student, you’ll work with several different types of languages, including Python, R and Julia. With Data Science @ OSU, you can access 40+ coding languages in a cloud-based environment that runs inside your browser, with nothing to install.

Some degree requirements may be transferred from other institutions. Please note that a minimum of 45 credits of the last 75 credits in this degree program must be completed at Oregon State (online or on campus) to meet the academic residency requirement.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admittance to OSU for appropriate articulation. Additional information about transferring credits is available through OSU’s Transfer Credit Central.

As an undergraduate degree-seeking student, you can apply to earn an honors degree online in your academic major. Earning this prestigious degree gives you the opportunity to collaborate with faculty on research, complete a comprehensive thesis experience and engage in co-curricular activities.

You can gain highly specialized skills that are in demand by employers — and do it with less of a time and financial commitment — when you earn a certificate or microcredential online with Oregon State. Choose from a large collection of short-form offerings that can help you upskill quickly.

Careers

The knowledge you acquire in Oregon State’s online data science degree program will help you fill in-demand jobs in the global marketplace. You’ll graduate ready to showcase your abilities and provide insights in roles across industries where data informs decision-making. 

Job market outlook

Use the interactive tool on this page to discover employment trends, top occupations and salary details for professionals who have skills related to data science. Please be aware that completing a program related to the job market information shown here does not guarantee employment or a specific salary.