Data Science Certificate plus A.A. Degree Option
Review the academic map for recommended course selections and sequencing for a Data
Science focus. (PDF, 
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The study of Data Science combines tools and techniques for acquiring information and preparing it for analysis that can help you uncover cause and effect, predict outcomes, and to communicate insights to different audiences. The field requires people with creativity, curiosity, training in scientific methods, and journalism/storytelling, in addition to math and statistics.
Program Advising
Academic advising helps students reach their educational and career goals. Meet with your academic advisor regularly to discuss your academic plans and make sure you are on track to graduate and/or transfer. The program advising guide outlines the degree requirements and is meant to supplement the advising process.
Transfer Opportunities
Data science is now transforming industries in areas such as health care, energy, and transportation. If you are pursuing a degree in liberal arts, business, finance, science, health sciences, social sciences, or education, data science skills will give you an edge over other candidates competing in today’s challenging job market. In addition to pursuing a data science degree at a 4 year institution, an emphasis in data science can contribute to or enhance the pursuit of other majors. See all our General Studies articulations.
Career Options
For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. See links below chart for further guidance and/or connect with a Program Advisor to discuss career goals.
The Capitol area provides great opportunities for employment at the federal, state, and local levels of government, industry, private, and not for profit sectors. Nationally, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, data scientists and mathematical scientists are reported in the top 15 fastest-growing occupations, which predicts the number of jobs will increase by about 28% through 2026, which is about 11.5 million new jobs in the field. Data skills double the job prospects for liberal arts graduates and add a $12,000 premium, on average, to starting salaries, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education. Students with a General Studies degree will be able to successfully apply these skills in a wide range of careers.
- MC Student Employment Services: Speak with the Student Employment Specialist for help with resume writing, interviewing, setting up a College Central Network (CCN)new window account and other job search topics.
- Career Coach: Explore Career Coach to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests! Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area.
Related Programs and Courses
General Studies Degree
Students who major in general studies explore personal, professional, and academic areas of interest within a flexible framework supporting transfer.
Workforce Development and Continuing Education
MC offers a wide variety of noncredit classes. These courses are designed to help you upgrade your skills, pursue career training, or learn something new.