This guide explains data science careers, including common degrees and skills.

mastersindatascience.org/careers/data-scientist
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About How to Become a Data Scientist

This career guide explains what data scientists do and how people can prepare for the field. According to the guide, data scientists combine computer science, statistics, and mathematics to collect and organize data from many sources, turn results into actionable plans, and communicate findings to their organizations. The guide notes that they work in industries including tech startups, government agencies, healthcare, manufacturing, and research institutions.

The guide presents a six-step pathway as one example of how to become a data scientist. The steps cover a degree, advanced skills, an online portfolio, optional certifications, technical interview preparation, and applying. It states that no standardized education requirements exist, that professionals typically hold a bachelor's degree in a related field according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and that short courses or boot camps can be an alternative for people with degrees in unrelated fields. The visible text is partial, so the later steps are described only by their titles.

Key features

  • Explains the data scientist role and the skills it combines
  • Outlines a six-step example pathway into the field
  • Describes degree options in data science and related fields
  • Covers specialization areas such as machine learning and database management
  • Advises building an online portfolio of relevant work
  • Lists industries that employ data scientists
Best for: People researching whether and how to become a data scientist, including those with an unrelated bachelor's degree who are considering short courses.
Good for
  • Explains that a data science degree is not the only route and names alternatives such as online short courses and boot camps
  • Cites the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for typical education expectations in the field
  • Describes the role and common skills in plain terms
Watch out for
  • Presents only one example pathway and states that many other degrees and learning options exist
  • Includes program listings that are paid advertisements or offered by partner universities for which the site owner receives compensation
  • The visible text is incomplete, so later steps are shown only by title

How to Become a Data Scientist at a glance

Type
Website
Pricing
Not confirmed. Check the site
Platforms
Web
Open source
Not stated
Language
English
Last checked
Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
Listed
Oct 5, 2026

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How to Become a Data Scientist FAQ

Is a degree required to become a data scientist?
The guide says there are no standardized education requirements. Professionals in the field typically need a bachelor's degree in data science, mathematics, statistics, or a computer-related field, and some employers may ask for a master's or doctoral degree. The guide also says a degree is not the only way to gain the necessary skills.
Do the program listings on this site come from paid sources?
Some listed programs are offered by universities that partner with 2U, which provides marketing and operational support and receives compensation. Other programs may be paid advertisements from third parties. Both types are labeled AD or Advertisement.
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