Exploring careers in data science 

While the tech sector may not be immune to downsizing, generally speaking it experiences strong and steady growth. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects faster than average growth in computer and technology occupations between 2022 and 2032, with approximately 377,500 openings each year.

One of the many fields experiencing this growth — especially due to the rapid expansion of machine learning and artificial intelligence — is data science. Data scientists play an extremely important role in harnessing the power of large amounts of information to help make companies profitable. But what is data science, and what career options exist for those who pursue degrees in it?

Let’s explore how bachelor’s and master’s programs in data science can lead to rewarding job opportunities. 

BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2022-2032 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates.

Data science is a broad field in the technology industry that focuses on the design and creation of data modeling techniques and processes to help organizations collect and organize data to inform business decisions. The field has several specialties, including data mining, data engineering and machine learning. 

While jobs in the data science field are available in a number of industries, they typically require the knowledge and experience provided by a relevant technology degree, such as one in data science or computer science.

We spoke with Joseph Aranyosi, an associate dean in the College of Business and Information Technology at University of Phoenix, to discuss what’s typically needed to thrive in data science. “[Third-party] certification and proficiency in a variety of programming languages (e.g., Python, R, SQL), data visualization tools (e.g., PowerBI, Tableau), and statistical and analytical problem-solving techniques is a big plus,” Aranyosi says.*

*While some programs at UOPX may help prepare students for various third-party certifications, at this time UOPX does not equip individuals with certifications through their programs.

Data is everywhere. Practically every smart device can automatically collect and store information. Online systems, payment portals, and mobile and desktop applications capture data for many purposes. Companies collect text, audio, video and image data in such vast quantities that they need professionals to help comb through it and make it usable. That’s why data science matters.

Aranyosi elaborates: “Data on its own is not very useful. It needs to be cleaned, integrated, transformed and validated before it can be effectively used. Data exploration and modeling processes allow us to evaluate data to monitor performance and look for meaningful patterns. As the Internet of Things (IoT) expands and the volume of data continues to increase, data scientists will be needed to help us answer difficult questions about data usability, privacy and security, and meaningfulness, as well as questions about the ethical design and application of algorithms that make decisions and drive activities for us.”

A data science degree can lay the foundation for many roles. Consider the following career options for bachelor’s and master’s degrees:

What they do: An information systems (IS) manager is a professional who oversees and leads information technology (IT) teams. They may manage a variety of activities, such as workflow processes, troubleshooting, digital infrastructure maintenance and implementation of updates. This role may be found in any organization that employs an in-house IT team. 

Salary: As of May 2023, IS managers’ annual salary was between $101,590 and $214,050, with a median wage of $169,510, according to BLS.

Job outlook: The field of computer and information systems managers has a projected growth rate of 15% from 2022 to 2032. That’s an estimated 46,900 openings each year.

Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of University of Phoenix. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.

What they do: A data analyst is a type of data scientist who focuses on processes for collating and understanding information. Typically, a data analyst uses existing tools to compile and organize data before analyzing that data for patterns and other points of interest. This analysis is then passed on for review and implementation. 

Salary: As of May 2023, data scientists earned an annual salary between $61,070 and $184,090, with a median wage of $108,020, according to BLS.

Job outlook: Employment in this field is projected to grow by 35% from 2022 to 2032. That’s an estimated 17,700 openings for data scientists each year.

What they do: A business intelligence analyst, otherwise known as an operations research analyst, is a type of data analyst who specializes in projecting relevant business trends. These trends could include anything from marketing developments to financial projections to consumer preferences. Professionals in this field both compile reports about their findings and interpret the reports for other professionals. 

Salary: As of May 2023, operations research analysts earned an annual salary between $52,930 and $148,920, with a median wage of $83,640, according to BLS.

Job outlook: Employment for operations research analysts is projected to grow by 23% from 2022 to 2032. That’s an estimated 9,800 openings each year.

What they do: A database architect develops, manages and maintains models, policies and procedures related to organizational data management. These professionals often work alongside software designers and analysts to optimize data architecture.

Salary: As of May 2023, database architects earned an annual salary between $76,000 and $194,960, with a median wage of $134,700, according to BLS.

Job outlook: The projected employment growth for database architects and administrators is an estimated 8% from 2022 to 2032, according to BLS. That’s an estimated 10,200 openings per year.

What they do: Research scientists conduct field research and seek to reproduce phenomena under controlled conditions. This allows them to find patterns and produce relevant innovations. In the context of data science, these professionals may seek to achieve goals such as monitoring machine learning tools to determine how they operate in practice or utilizing data sets to more effectively test hypotheses.

Salary: As of May 2023, computer and information research scientists earned an annual salary between $81,450 and $233,110, with a median wage of $145,080, according to BLS.

Job outlook: Projected growth for computer and information research scientists is a projected  23% from 2022 to 2032. That’s an estimated 3,400 openings each year.

What they do: An application development director manages and leads a variety of activities related to creating software solutions for user needs. This includes tasks such as managing workflows, facilitating processes and acting as a point of contact between the development team, management and clients. These professionals often provide technical assistance throughout the application development, integration and maintenance life cycle.

Salary: Application development directors are also categorized as computer and information systems managers. As of May 2023, computer and information systems managers earned an annual salary between $101,590 and $239,200, with a median wage of $169,510, according to BLS.

Job outlook: The projected growth rate for computer and information systems managers is 15% from 2022 to 2032. That’s an estimated 46,900 openings each year.

What they do: A computing services manager performs various tasks related to the management of a computer services team. A computer services team may provide and manage a wide range of services, such as troubleshooting, data processing and electronic messaging. A computing services director makes decisions, facilitates workflow and coordinates teams.

Salary: As of May 2023, computing services managers earned an annual salary between $101,590 and $239,200, with a median wage of $169,510, according to BLS.

Job outlook: As noted, the projected employment growth rate for computing services managers is 15% from 2022 to 2032, according to BLS. That’s an estimated 46,900 openings each year.

What they do: Data processing managers direct teams that manage and process data and act as a point of contact between teams and clients. They may conduct tasks related to hiring and onboarding. It is also important for these professionals to have substantial skills and knowledge related to cybersecurity, as data processing and storage are tasks that typically require security standards and governance. 

Salary: Data processing managers are also categorized as computer and information systems managers. As of May 2023, computer and information systems managers earned an annual salary between $101,590 and $239,200, with a median wage of $169,510, according to BLS.

Job outlook: As noted, the projected employment growth rate for this field is 15% from 2022 to 2032, according to BLS.

What they do: Often, an IS director manages all computer-based processes within an organization or a branch. This professional may sometimes be referred to as an IT director. This position coordinates and supervises IT teams and serves as a point of contact between teams, managers and clients. They set major goals related to the management of IS and implement strategies to ensure goals are met. 

Salary: As of May 2023, computer and information systems managers earned an annual salary between $101,590 and $239,200, with a median wage of $169,510, according to BLS.

Job outlook: As noted, the projected growth rate for job openings for computer and information systems managers is 15% from 2022 to 2032.

What they do: IT directors typically oversee an organization’s entire information technology department, including direct supervision of employees. They determine business requirements and use cases for the company’s software and hardware.

Salary: As of May 2023, IT managers and directors earned an annual salary between $101,590 and $239,200, with a median wage of $169,510, according to BLS.

Job outlook: As noted, the projected growth rate for job openings for computer and information systems managers is 15% from 2022 to 2032.

What they do: Management information systems (MIS) directors sometimes share responsibilities with other types of IT directors, although their work may typically more involve managing data governance policies and procedures.

Salary: As with other IT-centric management roles listed above, MIS directors earned an annual salary between $101,590 and $239,200, with a median wage of $169,510, as of May 2023.

Job outlook: Similar to the other IT management roles, the projected job growth rate for this field from 2022 to 2032 is 15%.

What they do: Technical services managers often perform many of the same duties as IT managers or MIS directors. They oversee the development, implementation and maintenance of the company’s technology systems, including software and hardware. They may also supervise technical teams to ensure strategies align with organizational goals.

Salary: As a part of the information technology field, technical services managers often have similar salaries to those roles. IT management professionals earned an annual salary between $101,590 and $239,200, with a median wage of $169,510, as of May 2023.

Job outlook: The job outlook for these roles is also similar, with projected growth of 15% between 2022 and 2032.

If you’re interested in learning fundamental skills in data science, University of Phoenix offers several IT degree options.

An online bachelor’s degree in data science provides a solid foundation for a career in IT. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in data science but are seeking to learn even more about the subject, you may want to consider a master’s degree.

Here is more about these two data science programs at UOPX:

Bachelor of Science in Data Science — Gain fundamental skills and knowledge for analyzing, manipulating and processing data sets using statistical software. Learn ETL (extract, transform, load) processes for integrating data sets for business intelligence. Focus on data mining and modeling, data programming languages, statistical analysis, and data visualization and storytelling. Discover techniques to transform structured and unstructured data sets into meaningful information to identify data patterns and trends and drive strategic decision-making.

Master of Science in Data Science — In this program, you will learn how to analyze, design and manage data sets and models used to optimize functionality and scalability and improve business system performance. Learn database design, data processing and warehousing, data queries and interpretation, business intelligence and statistical methods, as well as how to apply data science strategically to improve business decision-making.

Request more information or apply to our online bachelor’s or master’s programs in data science today.