Analyzing the World with a Career in Data Science

Concordia University, Nebraska’s new data science undergraduate program provides students with comprehensive preparation for a career based on precise analysis of sets of data by combining computer science with statistics and domain-specific knowledge. Data science is an interdisciplinary field that can propel students into one of many rewarding careers requiring their skill set. If you’re interested in the data science undergraduate program but aren’t sure where it might lead you, these are some of the top careers for students with this degree.  

Data Scientist 

Data scientists are experts at working with data sets, both large and small. They use various technological tools, as well as their own expertise, to evaluate and gather meaning from collections of data. Because data is something that shows up in nearly every career field, these scientists can find work not only in the computer science industry, but even in fields like insurance, scientific research or corporate management.  

Data scientists typically earn over $100,000 annually, with those working in scientific research and development earning the highest average pay of $126,000. Job growth for data scientists is also much faster than the average for all occupations, at 36% growth projected in the next decade.  

Machine Learning Engineer 

Machine learning is a relatively new application of data science as a practice – these professionals are heavily involved in the creation and development of artificial intelligence (AI) products. Using their knowledge of computer science, statistics and mathematics, they focus on creating algorithms that are capable of “learning” by making predictions. Since this field is emerging, it is still growing; predictions show that its value as a field will increase by billions of dollars over the next few decades.  

Machine learning engineers at entry-level may earn nearly $130,000 annually; with several years of experience, their salaries will increase. Average job growth isn’t well-established for machine learning careers, but job numbers are expected to increase in the future.  

Data Architect 

Data(base) architects work to create and organize systems that store and secure data. They most often find employment with corporations that work with very large sets of data or are required to work with large, secure databases. To be successful, they must be knowledgeable in database infrastructure, coding, database operations and cybersecurity.  

The median wage for database architects is about $134,000 annually, making them some of the highest-paid employees in data science. In addition, job growth over the next decade is expected to be about 9%, which is faster than average for all occupations.  

Data Engineer 

Data engineers are different from data scientists – instead of working to analyze data and evaluate its meaning, they are focused on making sure the data ends up where it needs to be. In other words, they provide the organizational basis for data scientists’ analysis. They work to monitor data that are stored in particular databases and ensure that information presented by the data is accessible.  

Data engineers have a median salary of just over $100,000 for all experience levels. Different sources yield different opinions, but salaries are generally similar to those of data scientists. Job growth is also similar – faster than the average for other careers.  

Statistician  

For students who are especially interested in the mathematics of data science, becoming a statistician is also a viable career option. Statisticians are useful in a wide range of industries, from pharmaceuticals to agriculture. They are also experts in evaluating large sets of data and must be adept at working with computer-based programs as well as mathematical models to find patterns in these data sets.  

The median salary for statisticians is around $105,000 annually, with some variability depending on the industry in which one works. Job growth is, as with many other data science-related careers, much faster than average, at 11% projected through 2033.  

The data science program at Concordia Nebraska is the university’s newest undergraduate offering. Students in the data science major study an interdisciplinary curriculum that blends computer science, statistics, and domain-specific knowledge. Learn more about applying to the data science program here.