Data analysis and data science are not the same thing. Here’s a general way to think about it:
- Data analysts examine big data sets to identify trends and create visualizations to help businesses make decisions. They build reports using the tools and materials provided to them using predetermined models. The scope is very focused.
- Data scientists concern themselves with the tools, materials, and models provided for analysts. It’s up to the data scientists to design and construct new processes to unearth new pathways to organizational insights. The scope is very broad.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, earning jobs in the field of data science often requires a master’s degree in computer science or something similar.
Discover the steps you need to take to become a data analyst
* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.