Data scientist: math in high school, a degree, and a graduate degree for some jobs
Data scientists typically need at least a bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science or a related field; some employers require or prefer a master's or doctoral degree. Some also want industry experience, such as finance.
For: Students strong in math and statistics who like programming and finding patterns in data.
Route 1: High school math → bachelor's degree Typical
Common degree fields: mathematics, statistics, computer science, business and engineering.
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Start here
High school: linear algebra, calculus, probability and statistics
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Data Scientists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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About 4 years
Bachelor's degree
Extensive math and statistics, plus computer science: data-oriented programming languages and statistical and database software.
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Data Scientists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Data scientist
No license is needed.
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Data Scientists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Route 2: Master's or doctoral degree Some jobs require it
Some employers require or prefer candidates who have a master's or doctoral degree.
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Start here
Bachelor's degree
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Data Scientists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Graduate
Master's or Ph.D.
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Data Scientists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Data scientist
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Data Scientists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Route 3: Data science in one industry Domain knowledge
Some employers require industry-related experience or education.
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Start here
Degree in a data field
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Data Scientists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Industry
Experience or coursework in the industry
For example, an asset management company may want finance experience or coursework in investments or banking.
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Data Scientists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Data scientist in that industry
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Data Scientists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Where to go next
Every career page in this cluster: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.