# Data Science

> A program that focuses on the analysis of large scale data sources from the interdisciplinary perspectives of applied statistics, computer science, data storage, data representation, data modeling, mathematics, and statistics. Includes instruction in computer algorithms, computer programming, data management, data mining, information policy, information retrieval, mathematical modeling, quantitative analysis, statistics, trend spotting, and visual analytics.

- Edition: Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition
- Page: https://www.collegesref.com/programs/data-science
- CIP code: 30.70 (Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies)
- Colleges offering it: 194 at its most common degree level

## Outcomes by degree level (College Scorecard, 2025)

| Degree level | Colleges | Median earnings 1 yr | Median earnings 4 yrs | Median federal debt |
| --- | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: |
| Certificate | 43 | not reported | not reported | $5,500 |
| Associate's | 24 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Bachelor's | 194 | $87,360 | not reported | $19,117 |
| Master's | 117 | $107,873 | not reported | $38,994 |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 7 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Doctoral | 10 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Graduate/professional certificate | 59 | not reported | not reported | not reported |

## Related careers (NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk)

- [Computer and Information Systems Managers](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/computer-and-information-systems-managers): $175,140 median pay
- [Clinical Research Coordinators](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/clinical-research-coordinators): $167,220 median pay
- [Natural Sciences Managers](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/natural-sciences-managers): $167,220 median pay
- [Water Resource Specialists](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/water-resource-specialists): $167,220 median pay
- [Computer and Information Research Scientists](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/computer-and-information-research-scientists): $140,300 median pay
- [Data Warehousing Specialists](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/data-warehousing-specialists): $139,500 median pay
- [Database Architects](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/database-architects): $139,500 median pay
- [Software Developers](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/software-developers): $135,980 median pay
- [Business Intelligence Analysts](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/business-intelligence-analysts): $120,230 median pay
- [Clinical Data Managers](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/clinical-data-managers): $120,230 median pay
- [Data Scientists](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/data-scientists): $120,230 median pay
- [Biostatisticians](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/biostatisticians): $105,650 median pay
- [Statisticians](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/statisticians): $105,650 median pay
- [Postsecondary Teachers, All Other](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/postsecondary-teachers-all-other): $77,640 median pay

## More in Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

- [Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other](https://www.collegesref.com/programs/multi-interdisciplinary-studies-other): 612 colleges
- [International/Globalization Studies](https://www.collegesref.com/programs/international-globalization-studies): 360 colleges
- [Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General](https://www.collegesref.com/programs/multi-interdisciplinary-studies-general): 350 colleges
- [Biological and Physical Sciences](https://www.collegesref.com/programs/biological-and-physical-sciences): 202 colleges
- [Data Analytics](https://www.collegesref.com/programs/data-analytics): 175 colleges
- [Sustainability Studies](https://www.collegesref.com/programs/sustainability-studies): 150 colleges
- [Nutrition Sciences](https://www.collegesref.com/programs/nutrition-sciences): 119 colleges
- [Gerontology](https://www.collegesref.com/programs/gerontology): 90 colleges

## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard field-of-study data, 2025: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
- NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) 2020: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cipcode/