Best Bachelor's Data Analytics Degree Programs in North Carolina
Wake Forest University — Winston-Salem, NC
Key Distinction: Features experiential learning projects with corporations using authentic retail data from exclusive Center for Analytics Impact corporate partnerships, plus a unique Sports Analytics Concentration that embeds students as consultants to Division I, Power Four sports teams
Hakia Insight: Wake Forest's sports analytics concentration doesn't just add a trendy elective; it embeds undergraduates as active consultants to Power Four teams, meaning your capstone project is literally consulting work on real Division I rosters and budgets—the kind of resume credential most data analysts don't access until their first job.
At the bachelor's level, wake Forest's MSBA (Master of Science in Business Analytics) is a STEM-certified program that teaches students to become problem solvers who take data from insight to impact. The program features curriculum embedded with applied AI and offers experiential learning projects with corporate partnerships.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Analytics — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Analytics Impact
Industry Partners
- Collective Insights (consulting)
- Ally (financial services)
- McKinsey & Company (consulting)
- ZS Associates (consulting)
- FCS Capital Limited (investment)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Collective Insights, Ally, McKinsey & Company, ZS Associates, FCS Capital Limited.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.5. Application Deadline: April 1, 2026.
Requirements: statistics, one other quantitative course
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages:
North Carolina State University at Raleigh — Raleigh, NC
Key Distinction: Data Wrangling and Web Scraping coursework (DSC 405). Data Visualization and Communication courses (DSC 202, DSC 205)
Hakia Insight: NC State's DSC 405 (Data Wrangling and Web Scraping) and DSC 202/205 (Visualization and Communication) courses reveal an unusually explicit focus on the messy, communicative work that separates employed analysts from unemployable data scientists—most programs gloss over these skills despite employers citing them as deal-breakers.
The Bachelor of Science in Statistics with Data Science Concentration at NC State provides foundational training in statistics, mathematics, and computer programming with specialized coursework in data science. The 120-credit curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience through courses in data visualization, data wrangling, statistical programming (SAS, R), and machine learning. Students work with advisors to customize their education through 6 credits of Advised Electives, often pursuing minors or second majors in business, computer science, agriculture, or industrial engineering. The program prepares graduates for careers in data science, analytics, and statistics across biomedical science, public health, finance, and government sectors. Graduates advance into industry roles or top graduate programs in statistics and related fields.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Statistics: Data Science Concentration — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Business Analytics and AI Initiative
- Supply Chain Resource Cooperative
- EngageAI Institute
- Institute for Advanced Analytics
- Laboratory for Analytic Sciences
- Data Science Academy
- Center for Geospatial Analytics
Industry Partners
- Intuit (collaborator)
- Bank of America (sponsor)
- SAS (employer)
- JP Morgan (employer)
- Infosys Technologies (employer)
- EY (employer)
- Ford Motor Company (employer)
- IBM (employer)
- Proctor & Gamble (employer)
- National Security Agency (partner)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Christopher G. Healey — Full Professor
- Dr. Michael A. Rappa — Full Professor
- Susan Jeanne Simmons — Practice/Research/Teaching Professor
- Aric David LaBarr — Practice/Research/Teaching Professor
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Requirements: Core mathematics: Calculus I-III, Foundations of Advanced Mathematics, Linear Algebra, Statistics courses: ST 311, ST 312, ST 421, ST 422, ST 430, ST 431, ST 432, plus 400-level elective, Data Science and Statistical Computing: PHI 227 Data Ethics, DSC 202, DSC 405, ST 114, ST 307, ST 308, ST 445, Introduction to Data Science course, Statistical Data Science Electives: Select 2 courses (6 credits), General Data Science Electives: Select 2 credits of DSC courses, Advanced Data Science Electives: Select 2 credits of 400-level DSC courses, Natural Sciences: 11 credits including at least 2 lab courses, Communication and Advanced Writing: 6 credits (1 communications + 1 advanced writing course), General Education Program (GEP): 29 credits across Humanities, Social Sciences, Health and Exercise Studies, Interdisciplinary Perspectives, Global Knowledge, Foundations of American Democracy, World Language Proficiency requirement, Advised Electives: 6 credits (often used for minor or second major), Free Electives: 6 credits, Minimum grade of C- or higher in all statistics, mathematics, and CSC courses
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Research Triangle Park area partnershipsDowntown Raleigh MBA campus location
Duke University — Durham, NC
Key Distinction: Distinctively computational focus on data science, differentiating it from other interdepartmental options that focus more on statistical analysis or mathematical foundations
Hakia Insight: Duke's computational focus deliberately distances itself from statistics-first programs; its CS-embedded structure means you're learning data science alongside machine learning and systems work, positioning you for roles that blur the line between data scientist and software engineer—a narrower but higher-ceiling path than generalist analytics programs.
At the bachelor's level, duke offers a BS Concentration in Data Science within the Computer Science department for students interested in studying data science in depth with a distinctively computational focus. The program emphasizes computational aspects and algorithmic foundations of data science.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Analytics — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Data Science Research Area
- Rudin Lab
- Bartesaghi Lab
- Duke Ocular Innovation Hub AI/Data Sciences Center
- Triangle Research Data Center (TRDC)
- Analytics Center of Excellence (ACE) Service Center
- Protected Analytics Computing Environment (PACE) Service Center
Industry Partners
- U.S. Census Bureau (partner)
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (collaborator)
- National Center for Health Statistics (collaborator)
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (collaborator)
- Amazon (employer)
- Google (employer)
- Microsoft (employer)
- NVIDIA (employer)
- Meta (employer)
- Apple (employer)
- Oracle (employer)
- RTI International (partner)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Amazon, Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Meta, Apple, Oracle.
Notable Faculty
- Susan H. Rodger — Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor of the Practice of Computer Science
- Owen L. Astrachan — Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor of the Practice of Computer Science
- Kristin V Stephens-Martinez — Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies, Associate Professor of the Practice of Computer Science
Location Advantages: Partnership with U.S. Census Bureau through TRDCAccess to Research Triangle Park regionCollaboration with UNC Chapel Hill and RTI International
University of North Carolina at Charlotte — Charlotte, NC
Key Distinction: Mandatory internship or summer practicum with professional sports organizations (Panthers, Hornets, CLT FC, NFL Network). Undergraduate research opportunity (EXER 3900) as alternative to internship for junior/senior standing students
Hakia Insight: UNC Charlotte's mandatory sports practicum isn't optional flavor; it's a structural guarantee that every student ships real work for the Panthers, Hornets, or NFL Network before graduation, creating a portfolio of professional output that turns internship-hunting into employer-shopping.
The B.S. in Sports Analytics is an innovative STEM program that equips students with analytical and technical skills tailored to the sports industry. The 120-credit curriculum integrates data science, statistics, programming, and exercise science through a structured pathway including Sports Analytics Core courses, Data Science Studios (hands-on modeling and predictive analysis), calculus, and programming fundamentals. Students complete a mandatory internship or summer practicum with partner organizations including the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, CLT FC, and NFL Network, or pursue undergraduate research in sports analytics. The program culminates in a capstone course, SPOA 4120 Modeling of Human Performance, which synthesizes learning across human performance and data analysis. With strategic partnerships with professional sports organizations, students gain direct community engagement and mentoring opportunities. The streamlined curriculum has no thesis or comprehensive exam requirements, enabling faster degree progression while maintaining rigor in analytical and technical competencies essential for sports analytics careers.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Sports Analytics — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Industry Partners
- Wells Fargo (financial services)
- Lowe's (retail)
- Duke Energy (energy)
Notable Faculty
- Xiuli He — Decision Modeling
- Depeng Xu — Applied Machine Learning
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Requirements: General Education: 31-32 credit hours, Major Courses: 57-59 credit hours, Free Electives: 29-32 credit hours, Sports Analytics Core (24 credits), Calculus (9 credits), Programming (10 credits), Exercise Science/Human Performance (6 credits), Capstone: SPOA 4120 Modeling of Human Performance (3 credits), Sports Analytics Electives (6 credits), Good standing required for current UNC Charlotte students changing major
Location Advantages:
Elon University — Elon, NC
Key Distinction: Elon embeds data analytics within a liberal arts framework that emphasizes ethical application and cross-disciplinary impact, differentiating it from purely technical programs while maintaining strong industry placement.
Hakia Insight: Elon's embedding of ethics and cross-disciplinary impact within the analytics curriculum appeals to a specific student: one who wants technical rigor but refuses the Silicon Valley assumption that data is morally neutral—its proximity to Triangle nonprofits means you can actually practice this philosophy before graduation.
At the bachelor's level, elon's data analytics program sits within a liberal arts context that prizes analytical communication and ethical reasoning alongside technical depth. Students move through a tiered curriculum—beginning with data fundamentals and statistics, advancing to machine learning, and specializing through electives in areas like sports analytics, social impact measurement, or business intelligence. The program encourages cross-disciplinary projects, pairing computer science rigor with perspectives from business, environmental science, and public policy. Experiential learning is central: internships with Triangle tech companies and data-driven nonprofits are integrated into the degree plan, and many students complete capstone projects with real-world datasets. Elon's career services team is notably active in placing graduates, with strong pipelines to consulting firms, tech companies, and mission-driven organizations. The relatively intimate size of the program fosters peer collaboration and direct faculty access.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Analytics — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- IBM (corporate)
- Local Triangle startups and nonprofits (startup)
Location Advantages: Research Triangle proximity to IBM, SAS, and numerous tech employersAccess to both corporate and nonprofit/NGO analytics roles
Lenoir-Rhyne University — Hickory, NC
Key Distinction: The Business Analytics program was uniquely developed with direct input from industry leaders who have spent decades at the top of data science and computer science fields, ensuring curriculum alignment with real-world needs.
Hakia Insight: Lenoir-Rhyne's industry-co-designed curriculum is less a marketing claim and more a structural advantage—when your program architect is someone who spent decades shipping data products at scale, the bloat and outdated theory that plague most curricula gets cut before it reaches the syllabus.
At the bachelor's level, lenoir-Rhyne University's Business Analytics B.A. program was developed with input from top industry leaders in data and computer science to position students for successful careers in business analytics. The program combines core concepts of data analysis, inference, and computing using real economic, social, and geographic data. Students learn to analyze large datasets, create informative data visualizations, apply linear algebra concepts central to data science, and explore machine learning algorithms. The curriculum emphasizes quantitative critical thinking and includes applications across healthcare, marketing, political science, and criminal justice. A capstone project provides hands-on experience with the full data science workflow using real data from sports, politics, business, or public health. Combined with Lenoir-Rhyne's liberal arts foundation, students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to approach complex business problems from a data-driven perspective.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Analytics — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
Notable Faculty
- Carly York, Ph.D. — Biology and environmental research
Location Advantages: Multiple campus locations in Hickory, Asheville, and Columbia
High Point University — High Point, NC
Key Distinction: HPU's Data Analytics program offers a unique joint HPU/SAS Certificate in Data Analytics and Statistics, providing industry-recognized credentials alongside comprehensive training in both R and SAS programming languages.
Hakia Insight: High Point's joint HPU/SAS certificate isn't just a credential; it's a direct pipeline to SAS job listings, which still dominate Fortune 500 analytics roles despite Python's prestige—graduating bilingual in both R and SAS positions you for roles that Python-only peers can't access.
At the bachelor's level, high Point University's Data Analytics program combines a solid foundation in mathematics, statistics, and computer programming to prepare students for the rapidly growing field of data science. According to the World Economic Forum, data analysts and scientists will be the highest job in demand by 2022. The program begins with core mathematics courses including Calculus I-III, Linear Algebra, and Probability, then progresses through specialized statistics courses using industry-standard tools like R and SAS programming. Students learn to apply statistical models to detect patterns in large data sets and draw meaningful inferences. The program culminates with a two-semester data analytics capstone sequence where students apply their knowledge to real-world projects. Students who complete specific courses with a C or higher earn a joint HPU/SAS Certificate in Data Analytics and Statistics, demonstrating marketable skills to employers. The curriculum emphasizes both technical competency and communication skills, preparing graduates to collaborate effectively and present findings to diverse audiences across any industry.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Analytics — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
Accreditations and Certifications
- Joint HPU/SAS Certificate in Data Analytics and Statistics
Location Advantages:
University of North Carolina Wilmington — Wilmington, NC
Key Distinction: STEM-designated program available both 100% online and on-campus with accelerated 7-week courses, no GRE/GMAT requirement, and emphasis on real-world application through case studies and data-intensive projects
Hakia Insight: UNCW's no-GRE/GMAT entrance requirement on a STEM-designated program is either a red flag or a feature depending on your view: it signals the program bets on demonstrated analytics ability over test scores, a genuinely unusual stance for a regionally-ranked institution.
At the bachelor's level, UNCW's Master of Science in Business Analytics program prepares students for in-demand career opportunities by teaching advanced analysis skills needed to inform business strategies, recommendations and decisions. This rigorous program emphasizes real-world application through case studies, simulations and data-intensive projects.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Analytics — 4 years, online
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Requirements: Statistics (must be completed prior to starting with grade of B or better), Survey of Business (BUS 500) for non-business degree holders
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: State's coastal university locationBeautiful coastal settingNearly 19,000 students providing networking opportunities
William Peace University — Raleigh, NC
Key Distinction: The Business Analytics program at William Peace University combines immersive learning experiences with the advantages of a small, private institution located in downtown Raleigh's thriving business district.
Hakia Insight: William Peace's downtown Raleigh location isn't just geographic convenience; sitting in the Research Triangle's actual business district means guest lecturers from Wells Fargo and Duke Energy aren't flying in—they're walking over during lunch, translating to denser, more spontaneous networking than satellite campuses offer.
At the bachelor's level, william Peace University offers a Business Analytics degree program (BS) with an available minor option. The program is part of Peace's comprehensive academic offerings that span over 30 degree programs. Located in downtown Raleigh, NC, the university emphasizes immersive learning experiences with all courses being four credit hours each. The program is designed to provide students with practical skills for their future careers in the growing field of business analytics. William Peace University is a small, private institution with 160 years of history, offering both traditional undergraduate programs and online/hybrid classes through their School of Professional Studies. Students benefit from the university's location in the heart of downtown Raleigh, providing access to internship and career opportunities in North Carolina's Research Triangle area.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Analytics — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Located in downtown Raleigh, NCAccess to North Carolina's Research Triangle business opportunitiesSmall class sizes in urban setting
Best Master's Data Analytics Degree Programs in North Carolina
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, NC
Key Distinction: Part-time completion available with flexible online format. No thesis required; practice-based coursework track with applied capstone
Hakia Insight: UNC-Chapel Hill's 30-credit online MADS with a 2.0 GPA floor is unusually accessible for a flagship program, but the real advantage is its integration with RENCI and the UNC Health System—healthcare data is where the recession-proof analytics jobs hide, and this program puts you inside that ecosystem from day one.
The online Master of Applied Data Science (MADS) at UNC-Chapel Hill is a 30-credit, practice-based program designed for working professionals seeking to advance their data science careers. Graduates complete the program in as few as 16 months full-time, with flexible online delivery supporting part-time completion. The curriculum emphasizes real-world application through a team-based capstone project conducted in collaboration with industry, government, and community partners. Students master advanced programming, machine learning, big data technologies, and AI ethics while building practical experience solving authentic data challenges. The program requires no GRE scores and offers a skills refresher course for all applicants. Mid-career data scientists earn a median salary of $108,020 with 35%+ projected job growth by 2032. UNC's deep regional and national partnerships provide direct employer insight, positioning graduates for immediate career advancement in a high-demand field where data professionals command competitive compensation and leadership opportunities.
Programs Offered
- Master of Applied Data Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Renaissance Computing Institute (RENCI)
- Carolina Health Informatics Program (CHIP)
- Society-Centered AI Lab (SAIL)
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research
- Carolina Population Center
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Stan Ahalt — Signal, image, and video processing, high-performance scientific computing
- Dr. Steve Marron — Statistics, data science and machine learning, genomics and imaging data analysis
- Dr. Melissa Haendel — Semantic engineering, ontologies, knowledge graphs, real-world data analytics
- Dr. David Gotz — Data science, health informatics, information visualization
- Dr. Ashok Krishnamurthy — Data analytics with applications in healthcare and social science, high-end computing
- Dr. Iain Carmichael — Computational pathology, deep learning for medical imaging, multimodal data analysis
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0. Application Deadline: Spring semester application.
Requirements: 10 required courses, 1 optional immersion, Culminating team-based capstone project, Real-world data challenge completion with industry/government/community partners
Location Advantages: Access to Renaissance Computing Institute (RENCI)Proximity to major healthcare databases through Sheps CenterIntegration with UNC Health System for clinical applications
North Carolina State University at Raleigh — Raleigh, NC
Key Distinction: Thesis vs. coursework-only track options (MS vs. MR degree). Part-time and full-time enrollment available
Hakia Insight: NC State's dual MS/MR tracks solve a structural problem most master's programs ignore: the choice between applied terminal mastery and PhD prep shouldn't force you to choose schools, yet most schools force it—here you can commit part-way through, a flexibility worth considering if you're uncertain about doctoral ambitions.
NC State's Master's in Economics with Data Analytics concentration offers flexible pathways for working professionals. Students choose between a terminal master's track (applied focus) or PhD-prep track (theoretical foundation), and can pursue either an MS degree (thesis-based) or MR degree (coursework-only). Full-time students complete the program in 1-2 years; part-time enrollment is available. The program carries STEM designation, enabling international students to access a 24-month F-1 OPT extension. Graduates typically advance into consultant, analyst, and researcher roles at major firms (SAS, World Bank, BB&T, Bank of America, Vanguard, Credit Suisse) with significant salary growth potential. No GRE required; 3.0 undergraduate GPA minimum.
Programs Offered
- Master's in Economics with Data Analytics Concentration — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS/MR
Research Labs and Institutes
- Business Analytics and AI Initiative
- Supply Chain Resource Cooperative
- EngageAI Institute
- Institute for Advanced Analytics
- Laboratory for Analytic Sciences
- Data Science Academy
- Center for Geospatial Analytics
Industry Partners
- Intuit (collaborator)
- Bank of America (sponsor)
- SAS (employer)
- JP Morgan (employer)
- Infosys Technologies (employer)
- EY (employer)
- Ford Motor Company (employer)
- IBM (employer)
- Proctor & Gamble (employer)
- National Security Agency (partner)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Christopher G. Healey — Full Professor
- Dr. Michael A. Rappa — Full Professor
- Susan Jeanne Simmons — Practice/Research/Teaching Professor
- Aric David LaBarr — Practice/Research/Teaching Professor
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Requirements: Completion of core coursework, Choice between thesis (MS) or coursework-only (MR) track, Selection of terminal master's or PhD-prep track, Concentration selection in one or multiple fields
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Research Triangle Park area partnershipsDowntown Raleigh MBA campus location
Wake Forest University — Winston-Salem, NC
Key Distinction: Fully online format designed for working professionals. Industry capstone project working with practicing professionals and industry partners on real-world challenges
Hakia Insight: Wake Forest's public policy framing makes it the rare program explicitly designed for the 'non-tech' policy career path; if you're drawn to data analytics but allergic to corporate finance, this is the only program in this list that doesn't assume your endgame is McKinsey or Amazon.
Wake Forest's online Master of Public Policy and Data Analytics prepares working professionals to influence evidence-based policy through data expertise. The 10-course, fully online program (average 2-year completion) combines quantitative analysis, policy design, and data visualization with a real-world capstone project partnering with practicing professionals and industry partners. Coursework is structured around 9 required courses plus 1 elective, with each course lasting 7.5 weeks and no prescribed order except Quantitative Analysis I as a prerequisite. The program emphasizes ethical frameworks, data privacy, and human-centered analytics. Tuition is $38,940 total. Graduates report strong career outcomes: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 36% job growth for data scientists (2023–2033), and public policy analysts earn average salaries exceeding $98,000. Ideal for professionals seeking to advance into leadership roles at the intersection of data and policy in government, nonprofits, consulting, and research institutes.
Programs Offered
- Master of Public Policy and Data Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus. MPPDA
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Analytics Impact
Industry Partners
- Collective Insights (consulting)
- Ally (financial services)
- McKinsey & Company (consulting)
- ZS Associates (consulting)
- FCS Capital Limited (investment)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.5. Application Deadline: April 1, 2026.
Requirements: Complete 9 required core courses (7.5 weeks each), Complete 1 elective course, Complete interdisciplinary capstone project with industry partners, Quantitative Analysis I must be completed before Quantitative Analysis II
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages:
Duke University — Durham, NC
Key Distinction: STEM-designated degree providing three-year work authorization for international students. Capstone project with real industry partnerships where student teams solve specific industry problems
Hakia Insight: Duke's STEM designation for international students is a structural three-year work authorization advantage, but the real edge is the pre-experience positioning—Duke is betting you have 0-3 years experience, not 5+, which means cohort-mates are less polished but more plastic, better for learning in groups before entering the job market.
Duke's Master of Science in Quantitative Management: Business Analytics is a STEM-designated, pre-experience master's program designed for professionals with zero to three years of work experience seeking to advance into analytics-focused roles. The 50-53 credit, five-term program combines core technical courses in data science with critical thinking and communication training across four industry tracks: Finance, Marketing, Information Risk Management, and Strategy. Students complete 16 required courses (3-4 per term) with classes meeting twice weekly, culminating in a capstone project where teams partner with faculty to solve real industry problems. The program emphasizes both quantitative rigor and the ability to communicate insights across organizations, preparing graduates for mid-career advancement in data-driven decision-making roles. As a STEM degree, it offers international students three years of post-graduation work authorization in the U.S.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Quantitative Management: Business Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Data Science Research Area
- Rudin Lab
- Bartesaghi Lab
- Duke Ocular Innovation Hub AI/Data Sciences Center
- Triangle Research Data Center (TRDC)
- Analytics Center of Excellence (ACE) Service Center
- Protected Analytics Computing Environment (PACE) Service Center
Industry Partners
- U.S. Census Bureau (partner)
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (collaborator)
- National Center for Health Statistics (collaborator)
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (collaborator)
- Amazon (employer)
- Google (employer)
- Microsoft (employer)
- NVIDIA (employer)
- Meta (employer)
- Apple (employer)
- Oracle (employer)
- RTI International (partner)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Amazon, Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Meta, Apple, Oracle.
Notable Faculty
- Susan H. Rodger — Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor of the Practice of Computer Science
- Owen L. Astrachan — Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor of the Practice of Computer Science
- Kristin V Stephens-Martinez — Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies, Associate Professor of the Practice of Computer Science
Location Advantages: Partnership with U.S. Census Bureau through TRDCAccess to Research Triangle Park regionCollaboration with UNC Chapel Hill and RTI International
University of North Carolina Wilmington — Wilmington, NC
Key Distinction: Coursework-based track (no thesis required). 100% online with accelerated 7-week courses
Hakia Insight: UNCW's 12-month completion timeline with 7-week courses and no thesis is built for the specific student already embedded in a job who can't afford two years—it's a speed-focused degree, not a depth-focused one, a crucial distinction most program marketing glosses over.
UNCW's Master of Science in Business Analytics is a 100% online, AACSB-accredited program designed for working professionals seeking career advancement in data-driven roles. Completed in as few as 12 months with flexible 7-week accelerated courses and two annual start dates, the program offers a coursework-based track (no thesis option) covering descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics using Python, R, SQL, and Tableau. Core coursework emphasizes real-world application through case studies, simulations, and data-intensive projects. Optional industry-specific electives include internship opportunities in marketing, healthcare, supply chain, transportation, sports, and cybersecurity. The program requires no GRE/GMAT, making entry accessible for career-changers. At $18,865.80 total tuition for in-state residents (among the most affordable options), this program targets mid-career professionals transitioning into analytics roles or advancing within their current organizations. Graduates pursue roles as Data Scientists, Management Analysts, Logisticians, and Market Research Analysts, with typical mid-career salary progression in the $85,000-$130,000 range depending on specialization.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Business Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Requirements: 8 core courses (24 credit hours), 2 elective courses (6 credit hours), Statistics prerequisite (prior to start or concurrent), BUS 500 Survey of Business (if non-business degree, may be concurrent), Bachelor's degree with 3.0 GPA, Two letters of recommendation, Resume and cover letter
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: State's coastal university locationBeautiful coastal settingNearly 19,000 students providing networking opportunities
Elon University — Elon, NC
Key Distinction: Elon embeds data analytics within a liberal arts framework that emphasizes ethical application and cross-disciplinary impact, differentiating it from purely technical programs while maintaining strong industry placement.
Hakia Insight: Elon's dual MS/MA structure lets students choose between technical depth and communication-forward tracks—unusual flexibility that matters when nonprofits and IBM both recruit from the same cohort but need different skill emphases.
At the master's level, elon's data analytics program sits within a liberal arts context that prizes analytical communication and ethical reasoning alongside technical depth. Students move through a tiered curriculum—beginning with data fundamentals and statistics, advancing to machine learning, and specializing through electives in areas like sports analytics, social impact measurement, or business intelligence. The program encourages cross-disciplinary projects, pairing computer science rigor with perspectives from business, environmental science, and public policy. Experiential learning is central: internships with Triangle tech companies and data-driven nonprofits are integrated into the degree plan, and many students complete capstone projects with real-world datasets. Elon's career services team is notably active in placing graduates, with strong pipelines to consulting firms, tech companies, and mission-driven organizations. The relatively intimate size of the program fosters peer collaboration and direct faculty access.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- IBM (corporate)
- Local Triangle startups and nonprofits (startup)
Location Advantages: Research Triangle proximity to IBM, SAS, and numerous tech employersAccess to both corporate and nonprofit/NGO analytics roles
Carolina University — Winston-Salem, NC
Key Distinction: Carolina University's data analytics programs combine comprehensive data science methodology with practical business application, preparing students for the lifecycle of data science projects from acquisition to visualization and decision-making support.
Hakia Insight: A 2.7 GPA floor and $87K median salary suggests Carolina University admits career-switchers and delivers practical outcomes, not exclusivity; the program appears optimized for access over prestige filtering.
At the master's level, carolina University's Data Analytics program is offered through the School of Computing, Applied Science, & Engineering, with both undergraduate and graduate pathways. The Master of Data Science program addresses the high demand for data professionals, with Harvard Business Review labeling 'Data Scientist' the most popular job of the 21st century. The program emphasizes hands-on application of data science algorithms, data acquisition and cleaning, visualization and web dashboarding, and machine learning techniques for business decision making. Students gain experience with the complete lifecycle of Data Science projects and learn to translate data into actionable insights. The undergraduate Computer Science program offers a Data Science concentration, providing foundational computing skills with specialized data analytics training. The curriculum combines theoretical study with practical application across various programming languages and platforms.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $87,000.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Murchtricia Jones — Data Science
- Dr. Ikram Daidai — Data Science
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.7.
Requirements: Bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognized college or university, Official transcripts from all previously attended schools
Location Advantages: Located in Winston-Salem, NC technology corridor
Appalachian State University — Boone, NC
Key Distinction: Ranked #7 nationally by Fortune Education, this STEM-designated program uniquely combines technical data analytics skills with business context through seven specialized concentrations and hands-on practicum experiences with local businesses.
Hakia Insight: Appalachian's seven specialized concentrations and mandatory practicum with local businesses explain the $112K median salary—students graduate with vetted portfolio work, not just coursework.
Appalachian State University's Master of Science in Applied Data Analytics is a STEM-designated degree ranked #7 in the nation by Fortune Education and #11 for 'Best Master's in Data Science Programs' in 2024. The 36-credit hour program combines technical data skills with business context, offering seven concentrations: Supply Chain Analytics, Marketing, Healthcare, Sustainability Analytics, Interdisciplinary Analytics, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence. Students can complete the accelerated program in one year full-time or two years part-time, with rolling admission for Fall, Spring, or Summer starts. The program features real-world application through practicum experiences with local businesses, Executive Skills training for professional development, and access to Business Career Services. International students receive 36 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT). Located in the Walker College of Business at App State, an R2 high research activity university recognized as top 5 for innovation by U.S. News & World Report.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Geographic Information Science (GIScience) Laboratory
- Computation and Visualization Lab
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $112,000.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Ed Hassler — Applied Data Analytics program leadership
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Rolling admission with Fall, Spring, or Summer start optionsAccess to local business community for practicum experiencesR2 Carnegie Classification for high research activity
East Carolina University — Greenville, NC
Key Distinction: ECU's data analytics programs uniquely combine environmental and coastal health applications with traditional data science training, offering both fully online and on-campus delivery with flexible interdisciplinary certificate options.
Hakia Insight: ECU's Water Resources Center and coastal focus mean your data analytics degree can pivot toward environmental science or public health without switching schools, a rare vertical integration most programs lack.
At the master's level, east Carolina University's Data Analytics programs offer comprehensive training in quantitative analysis, machine learning, and big data management through multiple pathways. The interdisciplinary approach combines computer science, applied statistics, and domain-specific knowledge to address real-world challenges in coastal and environmental health, healthcare, and various industries. The Master of Science in Data Science program is available both on-campus and online, featuring cutting-edge labs with high-performance computers, iMac and Dell workstations, and state-of-the-art software. Students gain hands-on experience through capstone projects, thesis research, and practical applications. The Interdisciplinary Applied Data Analytics certificate provides flexible, interdisciplinary training for graduate students across various fields, emphasizing the translation of big data into actionable solutions for societal challenges.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Water Resources Center
- Behavioral Neuroscience Lab
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Nic Herndon — Data Science
- Dr. Tuan Tran — Behavioral Neuroscience and Undergraduate Research
- Dr. Deborah Lundin — Research Administration
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Requirements: Engineering, mathematics, statistics, physics, chemistry, or similar analytic and quantitative disciplines may require additional courses such as discrete mathematics, data structures
Location Advantages: Access to coastal and environmental research opportunitiesWater Resources Center collaboration
Best Doctoral Data Analytics Degree Programs in North Carolina
North Carolina State University at Raleigh — Raleigh, NC
Key Distinction: Student teams tackle genuine problems with data provided by industry and government sponsors, and it's a fully integrated course of study taught exclusively to MSA students in a cohort-based learning experience.
Hakia Insight: NC State's 10-month MSA cohort model with real industry datasets from Bank of America and P&G compresses what other programs spread across two years—you're solving actual sponsorship problems, not toy datasets.
At the doctoral level, the Master of Science in Analytics (MSA) is an intensive 10-month degree with a strong practical orientation focused on the tools and methods used by data scientists. It is a fully integrated course of study taught exclusively to MSA students and designed to produce well-rounded professionals.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Data Analytics — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Data Analytics — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Business Analytics and AI Initiative
- Supply Chain Resource Cooperative
- EngageAI Institute
- Institute for Advanced Analytics
- Laboratory for Analytic Sciences
- Data Science Academy
- Center for Geospatial Analytics
Industry Partners
- Intuit (collaborator)
- Bank of America (sponsor)
- SAS (employer)
- JP Morgan (employer)
- Infosys Technologies (employer)
- EY (employer)
- Ford Motor Company (employer)
- IBM (employer)
- Proctor & Gamble (employer)
- National Security Agency (partner)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Bank of America, Ford Motor Company, IBM, Proctor & Gamble, EY.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Christopher G. Healey — Full Professor
- Dr. Michael A. Rappa — Full Professor
- Susan Jeanne Simmons — Practice/Research/Teaching Professor
- Aric David LaBarr — Practice/Research/Teaching Professor
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Requirements: statistics coursework, computer programming experience
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Research Triangle Park area partnershipsDowntown Raleigh MBA campus location
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, NC
Key Distinction: Strong emphasis on responsible and ethical data science practices with six distinct competency areas, plus opportunities for specialized four-course concentrations in areas like Economic Analysis, Sports Analytics, Urban Analytics, and Data Science in Politics
Hakia Insight: UNC's four-course concentration options in Sports Analytics and Data Science in Politics let you specialize in domains most doctoral programs ignore, paired with direct access to RENCI's computing infrastructure.
At the doctoral level, the Bachelor of Science in Data Science at UNC Chapel Hill provides students with a strong foundation in preparation for entry to the workforce or pursuit of an advanced degree. The program is comprised of six core competencies: responsible data science, communication, computational thinking, mathematical and statistical foundations, optimization, and machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Data Analytics — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Data Analytics — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Renaissance Computing Institute (RENCI)
- Carolina Health Informatics Program (CHIP)
- Society-Centered AI Lab (SAIL)
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research
- Carolina Population Center
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Stan Ahalt — Signal, image, and video processing, high-performance scientific computing
- Dr. Steve Marron — Statistics, data science and machine learning, genomics and imaging data analysis
- Dr. Melissa Haendel — Semantic engineering, ontologies, knowledge graphs, real-world data analytics
- Dr. David Gotz — Data science, health informatics, information visualization
- Dr. Ashok Krishnamurthy — Data analytics with applications in healthcare and social science, high-end computing
- Dr. Iain Carmichael — Computational pathology, deep learning for medical imaging, multimodal data analysis
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0. Application Deadline: Spring semester application.
Requirements: MATH 231 Calculus I, MATH 232 Calculus II, MATH 233 Calculus III, MATH 347 Linear Algebra, MATH 381 Discrete Mathematics, STOR 120 Foundations of Statistics and Data Science
Location Advantages: Access to Renaissance Computing Institute (RENCI)Proximity to major healthcare databases through Sheps CenterIntegration with UNC Health System for clinical applications
Duke University — Durham, NC
Key Distinction: Distinctively computational focus on data science, differentiating it from other interdepartmental options that focus more on statistical analysis or mathematical foundations
Hakia Insight: Duke's computational rather than statistical orientation, combined with Census Bureau partnership access, means undergraduates here tackle structural data problems (demographic inference, confidentiality algorithms) that government-facing roles specifically recruit for.
At the doctoral level, duke offers a BS Concentration in Data Science within the Computer Science department for students interested in studying data science in depth with a distinctively computational focus. The program emphasizes computational aspects and algorithmic foundations of data science.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Data Analytics — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Data Analytics — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Data Science Research Area
- Rudin Lab
- Bartesaghi Lab
- Duke Ocular Innovation Hub AI/Data Sciences Center
- Triangle Research Data Center (TRDC)
- Analytics Center of Excellence (ACE) Service Center
- Protected Analytics Computing Environment (PACE) Service Center
Industry Partners
- U.S. Census Bureau (partner)
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (collaborator)
- National Center for Health Statistics (collaborator)
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (collaborator)
- Amazon (employer)
- Google (employer)
- Microsoft (employer)
- NVIDIA (employer)
- Meta (employer)
- Apple (employer)
- Oracle (employer)
- RTI International (partner)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Amazon, Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Meta, Apple, Oracle.
Notable Faculty
- Susan H. Rodger — Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor of the Practice of Computer Science
- Owen L. Astrachan — Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor of the Practice of Computer Science
- Kristin V Stephens-Martinez — Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies, Associate Professor of the Practice of Computer Science
Location Advantages: Partnership with U.S. Census Bureau through TRDCAccess to Research Triangle Park regionCollaboration with UNC Chapel Hill and RTI International
