90 credits
Data Management and Analytics (DATA) is a forward-thinking, interdisciplinary program
that allows students to get an entry level job in the area of data management and
analytics. The Data Management and Analytics program focuses on providing students
with the skills to empower ethical data-informed decision-making in business contexts.
The DATA degree consists of the theory, technology, and practical skills necessary
for data collection, transmission, analysis, and utilization. DATA focuses on four
broad areas:
- Ethical data-informed decision-making in business contexts.
- Effective communication of data insights to diverse stakeholders.
- Essential skills in project management to navigate the analytics project lifecycle.
- Hands-on experience in modern technologies that support data storage, data preparation,
data analysis, and the reporting of data.
Content includes data literacy fundamentals; data preparation; project management
for analytics; descriptive analysis; Structured Query Language (SQL); data privacy;
data security; data ethics; data visualization; data storytelling; Python programming
for analytics; relational databases; data engineering; business dashboards; machine
learning; and predictive analytics. Students will learn the role of data in AI as
well as how, when, and why Generative AI solutions can be used as a tool in analytics
and what to look out for with GenAI results. The DATA program prepares students for
today’s digital landscape by staying current with disruptive technologies and fostering
a growth mindset along with learning essential technology skills.
Sample Career Options
Data science and analytics professionals are in high demand in the market. According
to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for Data scientists is projected
to increase by 35.2% from 2022-2032. There are concerns that the future workforce
is dangerously behind this growing demand. Companies expect their employees and contractors
to be able to effectively analyze data and information. The median annual wage for
data scientists in 2022 according to the BLS is $103,500 USD/year. Sample job titles
included in this report are Business Intelligence Developer, Data Analytics Specialist,
Data Mining Analyst, and Data Visualization Developer. In comparison, this is more
than double the median annual wage for all occupations which is $46,310 USD/year.
There is high salary potential even as an entry-level analyst. The salary for Data
Analysts in Washington State for candidates with less than one year of experience
is estimated at approximately $82,283 USD/year. The pay range for all Data Analysts
in Washington State is reported from a low of $58,805 to a high of $128,169.
Potential career options include:
- Data Analyst with a Washington State salary range from $58,805 to $128,169.
- Business Intelligence Analyst with a Washington State salary range from $64,335 to
$125,480.
- Data Engineer with a Washington State salary range from $91,625 to $189,306.
- Database Administrator with a Washington State salary range from $65,491 to $131,339.
All pay range data was sourced from Indeed.com in October 2023.
The information above reflects the 2024-2025 course catalog and is subject to change. Please check with your advisor for the most
up to date information.
