What Degree Do You Need to Become a Data Scientist?

There is no license or single required degree for data scientists. Employers set their own expectations, and job postings range from a bachelor's degree in a quantitative field to a PhD. The most reliable general picture comes from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which tracks the occupation in its Occupational Outlook Handbook. This guide summarizes what BLS reports, then compares the bachelor's, master's and doctoral routes through data science degrees.

What the Bureau of Labor Statistics says

In the "How to Become One" section of its Data Scientists profile, BLS states that data scientists "typically need at least a bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or a related field," and that "some employers require or prefer" a master's or doctoral degree. It lists common fields of degree as mathematics, statistics, computer science, business and engineering. Its quick facts give the typical entry-level education as a bachelor's degree, with no related work experience or on-the-job training listed as typical.

BLS also points to the coursework that matters: "extensive study in mathematics and statistics," plus computer science, data-oriented programming languages, and statistical and database software. Some employers want industry knowledge too; BLS's example is finance experience or coursework for data scientists at asset management companies.

Pay and outlook, with their periods

BLS reports:

• Median annual wage: $120,230 for data scientists in May 2025. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $67,240 and the highest 10 percent more than $199,130.
• Employment: 275,600 jobs in 2025.
• Projected growth: 35 percent from 2025 to 2035, which BLS calls "much faster than the average for all occupations," with about 24,800 openings projected each year on average.

These are national figures for everyone in the occupation, whatever their degree or school. They are not program outcomes, and individual results vary. No degree guarantees a data science job or a particular salary.

Related occupations set different bars

Neighboring BLS occupations expect more education. For statisticians, BLS says they "typically need a master's degree, but some entry-level positions may accept candidates with a bachelor's degree." For computer and information research scientists, the typical entry-level education is a master's degree, and BLS notes that "some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a Ph.D." If your interests lean toward statistical methods or research, the path you choose may need to go beyond a bachelor's.

Path 1: A bachelor's degree

A bachelor's degree is the entry point BLS describes. You can earn it in data science itself or in a related field such as statistics, computer science or mathematics.

A bachelor's in data science is a full undergraduate degree with general education courses alongside the major. The University of Maryland Global Campus, for example, says its BS in Data Science "requires a total of 120 credits," with 39 required major credits and 41 general education credits.

Things to check when comparing bachelor's programs:

• Degree title. A BS in Data Science is different from a related degree with a data science concentration, and from a data analytics or business analytics degree. All can lead to similar jobs, but the coursework differs.
• Math depth. Look for calculus, linear algebra, probability and statistics, given BLS's emphasis on mathematics.
• Entry route. Some programs are open to first-year students; others are degree-completion programs for transfer students only.

Path 2: A master's degree

A master's degree is the most common way to move into data science after a bachelor's in another field, or to deepen skills for jobs that prefer graduate study.

Many programs accept any undergraduate major but set prerequisites. The University of Virginia's MS in Data Science welcomes "applicants from all undergraduate majors" and lists four prerequisites: Calculus II, Linear Algebra, Programming and Statistics, to be completed before you start. Its residential program runs "in just 11 months and over 33 credit hours."

Master's programs vary widely in length, format, prerequisites and cost. Some are one-year, full-time campus programs; others are part-time online programs taken over two years or more. Read our guide to master's in data science admission requirements and browse master's programs to compare them.

Path 3: A PhD

A PhD in data science is a research degree. It suits people who want to develop new methods, lead research or teach at the university level, rather than a faster route into an industry job.

It is a long commitment. UVA says its PhD in Data Science "typically requires five years of full-time study" for students without a related master's degree, with coursework in the first two years before a move into research. A master's is not always a prerequisite: UVA states that "a master's degree is not required and does not make an applicant more competitive," though prerequisite courses must be completed before enrolling.

Funding is a key question. Many PhD programs offer assistantships, but they are usually competitive and not guaranteed. Bowling Green State University, for example, says assistantships for its data science doctorate, "with scholarships and stipend," are "granted on a competitive basis." Read each program's own funding statement and see our funded PhD listings and PhD programs.

Choosing your path

Whichever path you choose, the BLS picture is consistent: strong math, statistics and programming skills matter, and some employers ask for more than a bachelor's degree. Check each program's official pages for its current curriculum, requirements and costs, and see how we verify our listings.