If you were thinking of a good major to get in for the next few years, data science should definitely be near the top of your list. That is if you have a genuine love for the field and the type of skill set needed to succeed.
Computer science is one of the fastest-growing fields in the country and the world and it's not likely to slow down anytime soon. The future and much of the present are governed by science, and those who know how to mine it, compile it, and analyze it will always find a job. Let's take a look at why now could be the best time to pursue a data science degree.
Very High Demand
The first reason why getting a data science degree is a good idea is the incredibly high demand for data scientists. The bureau of labor statistics estimates that the demand for Computer and Information Research Scientists is set to increase by a whopping 22% leading into 2030. This is about three times the national average for all occupations. These professionals tend to be paid very well too, with a median income of around $126,800 per year.
And that's only one of the positions that you can get with a data science degree. You could work as an applications, data, or enterprise architect, or work as a business intelligence developer. Or you could work on software engineering projects. These are all fields that are expected to see some impressive growth over the next few years and offer great pay.
It's Easier than Ever
Getting a degree in data science is easier than ever, largely because of online degrees. Data science and online learning are a match made in heaven, and online programs are just as good as traditional ones - even better in certain aspects.
Online data science degrees are great for people who are completely new to the field as well as people in a STEM field who'd like to transition to data science. However, they are also great for computer or data science professionals who want to advance their careers. While experience and hard work can help advance careers, you could choose to take that additional step by taking a master's degree.
If you want to boost your knowledge and enhance your skill set, you should look to get an online data science master's degree from a school like Worcester Polytechnic Institute, for instance. No matter what your unique career goals may be, working with an educational institute could help you reach them. Choose what you want out of it to personalize the experience and make it work for you.
Great Mobility
Another great thing about working in data science is how mobile you'll be. An increasing number of data scientists are working from home nowadays, not only because of the global shift to remote work but because it saves costs for companies. Data scientists can also work as consultants and find work all over the globe, and they can work from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.
Data science is also a field that allows you to work completely independently. As we mentioned, you could work as a consultant, set your own hours, and work with the clients you want. You could also start an IT management service, or build a customer intelligence analytics firm.
Data science is a perfect degree for aspiring eCommerce entrepreneurs too. Very few people in that field really know how to use data or understand its importance. Someone with a data science degree will be able to use the power of data to their advantage and create more efficient marketing campaigns, more efficient websites, and work on continuous improvement.
Data science is a great degree to have no matter what business field you're in. Understanding how to collect data and interpret it could help you make your processes much more efficient, which will increase productivity while reducing overhead costs.
You'll also be better at managing and allocating resources. You'll be able to build predictive models and be much better at forecasting. It will also be much easier to attract investors and convince financiers when you know how to present data in clear actionable terms.
These are all compelling reasons why you should consider going for a data science degree in 2022. Data science is one of the most vibrant fields to be in right now with so many opportunities at all levels, so give it a closer look if you haven't already.
