Application deadline
Credits and costs
100% Online
Complete your Penn State course work at your own pace and 100% online.
Gain Analytical Skills and Communication Proficiencies Needed to Succeed as a Data Analyst
- Understand how to apply problem-solving, critical thinking, and evaluation to answer questions using data and assist in decision-making.
- Learn to leverage statistics, mathematics, information science, critical thinking, and programming skills to retrieve, synthesize, and assess data.
- Develop the interdisciplinary skills needed to create data visualizations, detect patterns in data, and draw data-supported conclusions.
- Learn to communicate data findings to different audiences in the most understandable manner and appropriate format.
- Complete your learning using real-world data in a two-semester capstone experience.
Learn to Drive Organizational Decisions Using Four Data Analysis Models
- Descriptive analytics — what happened
- Diagnostic analytics — why it happened, including external factors
- Predictive analytics — what will happen next
- Prescriptive analytics — what should happen
A Trusted Leader in Online Education
Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. This program is brought to you in partnership by Penn State World Campus; the Penn State Behrend Black School of Business; and the Penn State Behrend Schools of Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Science. You will learn from the same well-regarded faculty who teach on campus.
This program’s convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.
Courses
Data-based decision-making is core to the success of businesses across all sectors. Skilled professionals who can collect and analyze data, as well as communicate their findings and anticipate future performance, are in-demand, with continued growth of “big data” and the data analytics field expected for the foreseeable future. Prepare for a rewarding career as data analyst by studying:
- programming
- calculus
- statistics
- information science
- data analysis
- communication
- project management
Prescribed Courses (59 credits)
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all prescribed courses.
Additional Courses (16–17 credits)
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all additional courses.
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Supporting Courses and Related Areas (18–22 credits)
Select one special interest concentration from the program approved list of concentrations.
Select six credits from any major field or course, except STAT 100, MATH 200, MATH 201, any ENGL course below ENGL 15, any KINES (GHW) courses, and any MATH course below MATH 83.
Petitions for exceptions are available through the applicable program chair. The Supporting Course Requirements encourages students to develop a distinctive competency in a related field such as finance, geographic information systems, or another program-approved area that will differentiate them upon graduation. This section also gives the students flexibility to explore course work outside of their discipline. Students are strongly encouraged to discuss their options with their academic adviser.
General Education Requirements
Some General Education requirements may be satisfied by courses required for the major. Students should work with an adviser to select courses.
- Arts (GA): 6 credits
- Humanities (GH): 6 credits
- Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN): 9 credits
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 6 credits
- Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits
A student must receive a grade of C or better in GWS courses. - Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
A student must receive a grade of C or better in GQ courses. - Integrative Studies: 6 credits
This requirement only applies to students starting in summer 2018 or later. Learn more about the Integrative Studies options and consult your academic adviser when choosing courses to fulfill these requirements. Integrative Studies credits may be completed within the thirty Knowledge Domain credits and must be completed with either Inter-domain or Linked courses, not a combination of both.
Course Availability
If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.
Costs and Financial Aid
Undergraduate Tuition
Undergraduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register and the number of total credits you have accrued at or transferred to Penn State.
Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | If you have 59 or fewer credits | If you have 60 or more credits |
|---|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $626 per credit | $671 per credit |
| 12–19 | $7,602 per semester | $8,206 per semester |
Undergraduate students taking more than 19 credits will be charged the flat tuition rate plus the regular per credit hour rate for each credit above 19.
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | If you have 59 or fewer credits | If you have 60 or more credits |
|---|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $632 per credit | $678 per credit |
| 12–19 | $7,678 per semester | $8,288 per semester |
Undergraduate students taking more than 19 credits will be charged the flat tuition rate plus the regular per credit hour rate for each credit above 19.
Financial Aid and Military Benefits
Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.
How to Apply
Deadlines and Important Dates
Your degree application, including receipt of all transcripts, must be received by the following deadlines to be considered complete.
New students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA by March 1. Please visit the Office of Student Aid website for more information about applying for financial aid and recommended deadlines.
Admissions Help
Thank you for your interest in applying to this program. Contact an admissions counselor to discuss your educational goals, financial aid options, and application deadlines.
Admission Requirements
To apply for this program, you must be a high school graduate or have completed your GED.
Entrance-to-Major Requirements
Entry to the data analytics major requires the successful completion of 4 entry-to-major courses:
- CMPSC 121
- DA 101
- MATH 110 or MATH 140
- PSYCH 200 or STAT 200
Each course requires a C or better grade for successful completion.
What You Need
Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:
High school transcripts or GED transcript — First-year applicants are required to submit Self-Reported Academic Records (SRAR). Official high school transcripts will only be required at the time a student accepts an offer of admission to Penn State.
Official college or university transcripts, if you attended another institution, and/or official military transcripts (if applicable). All college or university transcripts are required regardless of the length of time that has passed, the grades earned, or the accreditation of the institutions attended. Acceptance of transfer credit toward your degree is subject to final approval by the academic department. For detailed information, see the Transfer Students page.
Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Please send your transcripts by mail or electronically through Parchment, eScrip-Safe, or the National Student Clearinghouse directly to Penn State from the college/university where course work was attempted.
Submit official documents by mail to:
Undergraduate Admissions Office
The Pennsylvania State University
201 Shields Building
University Park, PA 16802
English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Language Proficiency section on the Undergraduate Admissions International Requirements page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.
Start Your Application
Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.
If this is your first time applying to Penn State, you'll need to complete the following steps:
- Review the application instructions before beginning.
- Complete the online application and submit all official documents.
- Pay the application fee.
Checking Your Status
You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form and choosing "MyPennState — Check Application Status." Your decision letter (confirming your acceptance or denial) will be mailed four to six weeks after receipt of all application materials. An admissions counselor will contact you if additional information is required.
Technical Requirements
Review the technical requirements for this degree program.
Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.
Start or Advance Your Career
Start or Advance Your Career
You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.
Contact Us
Have questions or want more information? We’re happy to talk.
World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
[email protected]