Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesTo become a data scientist in the United States, the typical entry point is a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or a related field, backed by substantial quantitative and programming preparation. Some employers require or prefer a master’s or doctoral degree, and some specialized roles expect industry experience or coursework. The guidance below comes from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) occupational materials and applies to U.S. employers only.
The typical entry route: a bachelor’s degree
BLS’s career guidance for the occupation states:
“Data scientists typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or a related field to enter the occupation.”
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
BLS’s occupational profile also names business and engineering among common degree fields. In practice, several academic routes can prepare you for the work. The source does not say that any single major is mandatory for every employer, so treat the degree field as flexible and focus on the preparation described below.
Mathematics and statistics preparation
BLS treats quantitative training as the core of the preparation, and it breaks that training into two stages.
#1 Best Overall
In secondary school
- Linear algebra
- Calculus
- Probability and statistics
At the college level
- Computer science, in addition to mathematics and statistics
BLS does not specify a course sequence, a degree program, or an online course. Choose coursework that gives you real depth in these areas rather than a single introductory class in each.
Programming and software skills
BLS says data scientists must learn data-oriented programming languages, along with statistical software, database software, and software for presenting analyses. The source does not name a specific language or vendor tool. Because of that, the article does not treat any one language as required. If you are choosing where to start, decide based on the job listings and tools used in the sector you want to enter, and confirm that choice against current postings.
Skills employers look for
BLS’s occupational profile lists six skill areas. The table summarizes what each one covers in BLS’s description of the work.
Recommended Free Tools
| Skill area | What BLS describes |
|---|---|
| Analytical | Research, examine, and interpret findings |
| Computer | Write code, analyze data, develop or improve algorithms, and use data visualization tools |
| Communication | Convey analysis to technical and nontechnical audiences and make business recommendations |
| Logical thinking | Understand and develop statistical models and analyze data |
| Math | Use statistical methods to collect and organize data |
| Problem solving | Address data collection and cleaning challenges, and develop statistical models and algorithms |
BLS’s 2025–35 skills table ranks three skills at the top for data scientists: mathematics, computers and information technology, and writing and reading. These are BLS skill categories, not an exhaustive employer checklist.
BLS’s skill data are based on O*NET information, and BLS scores 17 skills for occupations that have published projections. That detail matters if you compare skill rankings across occupations, because the scores come from a shared framework rather than from data scientists alone.
When graduate education matters
Some employers require or prefer a master’s or doctoral degree. BLS does not establish that every data scientist needs graduate school, and it does not quantify how many jobs require one. Use the following questions to judge whether a graduate degree is worth pursuing for your target path:
Rank #4
- Math and statistics depth: Does your undergraduate program cover linear algebra, calculus, and probability and statistics in enough depth for the roles you want?
- Computer science and programming: Have you built working experience with data-oriented languages and database tools, not only coursework?
- Domain coursework or experience: Does your target sector expect knowledge of a specific field, such as finance?
- Employer expectations: Do the employers you are targeting list a graduate degree as required, preferred, or not mentioned?
BLS supports these four dimensions for comparing preparation routes, but it does not rank degree programs or individual providers.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Industry experience and employer-specific requirements
BLS notes that some employers require industry-related experience or education. Its example is data scientists seeking roles at asset management companies, who may need finance experience or coursework that shows knowledge of investments, banking, or related subjects.
BLS’s 2025 education and training assignment for the occupation lists a bachelor’s degree as typical entry education. It lists no related work experience and no typical on-the-job training. That is a typical assignment for the occupation as a whole. It does not mean that no individual job asks for prior experience, and specialized postings should be read on their own terms.
U.S. outlook and pay
The figures below come from BLS’s 2026 projection release and its 2026 Occupational Outlook Handbook profile. The Handbook page was last modified August 27, 2026.
- Projected employment growth: 35 percent from 2025 to 2035. The Handbook rounds this figure; the underlying BLS skills and projections table gives 34.6 percent. Cite the rounded figure only with its BLS presentation and period.
- Annual openings: About 24,800 on average over 2025–35.
- Employment level: 275,600 data scientist jobs in 2025.
- Median annual wage: $120,230 in May 2025. This is the median for the occupation as a whole, not a starting salary for new graduates.
Projections describe the occupation’s expected trajectory. They do not guarantee employment for any individual.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteQuick Recap
Scope of this guidance
- The education, skills, and labor-market details come from U.S. Department of Labor sources. They should not be extended to other countries without separate evidence.
- BLS does not publish exact employer screening rates, so this article cannot say how often a given degree or credential passes a hiring filter.
- No specific certification is established as required for data scientists in this guidance.
“
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
