How To Become a Data Scientist
What Is a Data Scientist?
A data scientist is a professional that analyzes complex data sets. They use a number of statistical methods and programming skills to collect data, analyze it and communicate findings through data visualization. They collaborate with businesses and organizations to drive growth and solve problems through data-driven decision making.
Students who have a knack for numbers, a passion for technology and a desire to help organizations solve complex problems might consider pursuing a career in data science. This growing field has implications for various industries, from technology to national security. Explore this career guide to learn more about what data scientists do and the pathway for becoming a data scientist.
According to the BLS, data scientists are ranked 4th in occupations with the highest projected percent change of employment between 2024 – 2034.(See disclaimer 1)
What Does a Data Scientist Do?
The daily responsibilities of a data scientist depends largely on the type of organization they work for. These professionals must first thoroughly understand the objectives of their organization or department and then assess how data analytics can be used to achieve those goals.
The specific tasks of a data scientist may include the following:
Data Modeling
Data scientists design data modeling processes to extract insights from complex datasets.
Develop Algorithms
They develop algorithms and predictive models to forecast trends and identify patterns.
Processing Data
Data scientists process the data to “clean” it and extract the relevant data.
Data Analysis
They conduct data analysis using techniques like machine learning, statistical modeling and artificial intelligence.
Evaluate Results
They evaluate the data analysis results and present insights to organizational stakeholders.
What Experience and Education Does a Data Scientist Need?
The path to becoming a data scientist often starts with a solid background in mathematics, statistics and computer science, often developed through a bachelor’s or master’s degree. This formal education is essential for building the analytical, technical and problem-solving skills needed to enter the profession. Staying committed to lifelong learning, through earning a degree or certificate, can help you stay current in a field that is constantly growing and developing new technologies.
High School Diploma
College Degree
Internships
Professional Certifications
Best Degrees for a Data Scientist
There is no universal requirement regarding the exact type of degree a student should earn to become a data scientist. However, mathematics, computer science or business analytics degrees are generally preferred by employers.(See disclaimer 2) Students in data science degree programs will study how to use existing data science methodologies, techniques and algorithms.
A typical data science or computer science program covers topics such as:
Large scale information systems
Discrete mathematics & differential equations
Computer architecture
Developing algorithms
Machine Learning Operations (MLOps)
Application of data science techniques
GCU Recommends These Degree Programs for a Data Scientist
When working toward becoming a data scientist, choosing the right program is important. GCU’s programs offer hands-on experience, practical application and capstone projects that can help prepare you for a career in data science.
A bachelor’s degree can help you build a solid foundation in computer science and data analysis principles. You’ll explore how big data works, critically examine current algorithms and techniques and develop original methodologies.
A master’s degree program will take a deep dive into the critical topics that aspiring data scientists need to know, such as data mining, advanced statistics and machine learning operations.
Doctoral programs can allow you to test new methodologies and experiment with new data science technologies. These programs help familiarize you with the emerging developments in the field, teaching advanced skills and in-depth knowledge.
Explore Degrees
5 Matching Degrees
What Skills Does a Data Scientist Need?
Data scientists need a mix of soft and technical skills to be effective at solving problems and working with complex data sets.
These skills include:
Predictive modeling
Linear regression and multivariate analysis
Data mining algorithms
Theories, design and creation of software applications
Problem-solving
Critical thinking
Communication
Adaptability
Where Do Data Scientists Work?
Virtually every industry can benefit from the insights provided by data scientists. From retail and business to healthcare and banking, organizations rely on data to anticipate what customers need and want. This helps organizations to optimize their strategy and stay competitive. Data scientists can explore careers across many sectors and use their skills to make data-driven decisions.
Some key industries that hire data scientists include:
Business
Business professionals use data science to improve efficiency, forecast market behavior and optimize supply chains.
Healthcare
The healthcare industry looks for ways of making healthcare delivery more efficient, better for patients and less costly.
Transportation
Data scientists working for the transportation industry assess how to reduce traffic jams and improve the customer experience on public transportation.
Banking
The banking industry uses data science technology to personalize customer experiences and inform decision making.
Retail
Data analytics is integral to developing accurate insights about consumer trends.
Insurance
The insurance industry relies on data scientists to identify fraudulent activity, assess customer risk profiles and make decisions about policy pricing.
Median annual wage for data scientists as of May 2024(See disclaimer 3)
Estimated growth for data scientist jobs expected from 2024 to 2034(See disclaimer 4)
Advancement Opportunities for Aspiring Data Scientists
Data scientists who want to grow in their careers might be interested in becoming a senior data scientist, a director of data science or a computer and information systems manager. The degree requirements and experience needed for these roles may vary by employer.
Explore More on Data Science
Stay ahead of the curve with fresh insights and updates in data science.
Learn about the skills, education and experience needed for a career as a data analyst vs. a data scientist.
Today’s smart devices create huge amounts of data, known as big data. Learn more about the tools data scientists use to analyze it.
Big data is shaped by the 4 “V’s”. Learn more about how these are influencing the future of data science.
Explore the skills, tools and steps you need to start your journey toward a data science career.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, April 18). Fastest Growing Occupations. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved September 2025.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). Data Scientists. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved September 2025.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Data Scientists, retrieved September 2025.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Data Scientists, as of May 2024, retrieved September 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as financial managers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.