What is Data Science?

Data is a powerful tool in the professional world. Organizations across industries use data to gather valuable insights and inform business decisions every day. With so many companies reliant on data, the importance of data science is greater than ever. 

Data science is the study of extracting valuable insights from large sets of gathered data using tools, algorithms, and scientific processes. Data scientists are precious to businesses because they gather data, analyze it, and organize it in a straightforward, easy-to-understand way so organizations can leverage it to their advantage. They help organizations stay a step ahead in today’s technological and data-driven world.

By learning the right skills through a 100% online Data Science Certificate program, you can pursue data science and develop a lucrative career in a field that is in high demand.

Why is Data Science so Important?

In today’s world of technology and analytics, almost every industry uses data to some degree. Through becoming a data scientist, you’ll be able to help companies understand wide ranges of data from multiple sources and gain valuable insights so they can make strategic and informed business decisions.

Some of the industries that use data science include:

• Marketing
• Healthcare
• Defense and Security
• Natural Sciences
• Engineering
• Finance
• Insurance
• Political Policy

These are just some of the industries that use data to their advantage, but data science is valuable to a wide range of other fields and organizations. Some of the benefits of data science for any industry include:

• Data science can help businesses understand their customers better so they can improve customer interactions and tailor their marketing or product offerings. 
• Data helps organizations interpret patterns in their operations, which can highlight areas of success and areas for improvement.
• Organizations that use data can be more responsive to customer needs and desires, helping them stay ahead of their competition.
• Data-driven insights are reliable and can be used to inform new initiatives as well as measure their success.

With our Data Science Graduate Certificate, you’ll learn valuable skills that are crucial to organizations, like:

• Applying data science methodologies to data-driven problems
• Extracting knowledge from data to address real-world challenges
• Using data science tools like Python, SQL, and more
• Data mining – Analyzing large databases
• Machine learning

And you’ll learn all of this in a flexible format that meets you where you are in life. Our courses are asynchronous, which means you’ll have deadlines each week, but you can complete the coursework around your schedule.

Practices for Securing Data

With the rise of organizations embracing data in today’s world, the risk of data falling into the wrong hands has also grown. This concern makes data scientists, who are valued for their ability to protect sensitive data from being compromised, even more important.

With a firm understanding of the best practices for data management, you’ll  know how to use security measures and strategies to support organizations in the following scenarios:

• Remote Work – The rise of remote work increases the amount of valuable data being shared across networks. You can help implement measures like anonymization, access controls, and encryption to minimize threats.
• Phishing – Phishing accounts for nearly 22% of all data breaches. Fraud data scientists use scam prevention techniques to keep data safe from phishing attempts.
• Cloud Security – The cloud expands an organization’s capacity to store data through third-party services. By implementing secure servers and firewalls, you can help ensure this data stays safe.

More than ever, consumers expect their data to be managed safely and securely by the organizations they trust with it. Using the above strategies and following ethical data science practices, you can help organizations do just that.

Why Companies Rely on Data Scientists

Companies rely on data scientists for a wide range of reasons. With our graduate certificate in Data Science, you’ll start learning how to help companies gather, compartmentalize, and manage data. With the knowledge you’ll learn at UTSA, you can help collect insightful data, which is a coveted tool that organizations will use to highlight important trends and guide strategy.

Companies will also rely on you, as a data scientist, to represent information in a clear and straightforward way. This will help ensure that stakeholders across the organization can access and understand the data, recognize trends, and gather insights to make informed and strategic business decisions to successfully meet customer needs.

As a data scientist, you’ll also play a crucial role in protecting company data.  As you progress in your career, you’ll become knowledgeable in secure storage techniques and privacy measures, helping organizations stay in compliance with data management regulations and preserving brand trust.

What To Expect When Pursuing Data Science as a Career

In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the field is expected to grow a staggering 36% between 2021 and 2031, which is well above the average for all occupations. As a data scientist, you’ll be in high demand over the next decade, making it an excellent career path to pursue.

The field is rewarding financially as well. In May 2021, the median annual wage for a data scientist was $100,910, over double the median annual wage for all occupations.

Some potential jobs for you, once you gain data science skills, include:

• Analytics Manager
• Business Intelligence Analyst
• Clinical Data Manager
• Data Analyst
• Data Warehousing Specialist
• Database Administrator

Some of the top industries that employed data scientists in 2021 were:

• Scientific research and development services
• Computer systems design and related services
• Management of companies and enterprises
• Management, scientific, and technical consulting services
• Insurance carriers and related activities  

With the extensive demand for data science today, the field provides plenty of flexibility when choosing your desired path.

Obtain an Education in Data Science

Given the vast potential for success in available roles and the importance of data science in organizations, there’s no better time than now to pursue a career in data science. A Data Science Graduate Certificate from UTSA Online will give you the tools to succeed as a data scientist, whether you have a background in data science or another field.

What makes this even better is that our program is offered 100% online and gives you the flexibility and support you need to fit your current lifestyle. With courses offered by one of the best online programs in the country, you’ll be well on your way to a new career.

Are you interested in learning more about UTSA Online’s Data Science Program?

For more information about our graduate certificate in Data Science:

Contact the UTSA Online Graduate Enrollment team at 210-458-4400 or onlinegrad@utsa.edu. 

Request More Information About UTSA Online's Data Science Program