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Data Science

Online Associate Degree Program

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Ready to learn more about the data science associate degree?
20
Total Courses
$335
Cost per Credit
1 year, 8 months
Time to Completion With 2 Courses per Term
12-15 hours/week
Time Commitment
Upcoming Start Dates

Transform Data into Insightful Decisions

Data drives innovation across industries, and professionals with data science skills are in high demand. Champlain College Online’s Data Science Associate Degree provides a hands-on foundation in data analysis, statistical modeling, and visualization. Learn how to extract valuable insights from complex datasets, preparing you for entry-level roles in data analytics, business intelligence, and information technology.

Launch Your Career in the Data-Driven Economy 

  • Data Analysis & Visualization: Learn to collect, clean, and interpret data using visualization tools to drive decision-making
  • Statistical Modeling: Apply statistical techniques to identify trends, detect patterns, and predict outcomes
  • Programming for Data Science: Gain hands-on experience with Python and SQL to manipulate and analyze large datasets
  • Ethical Data Management: Understand responsible data collection and analysis practices to ensure accuracy and integrity
  • Business & Industry Applications: Explore how data science is used in healthcare, finance, marketing, and other industries to solve real-world challenges

Note: All programs, undergraduate and graduate, must be submitted individually to the Department of Veterans Affairs for review and approval before students can utilize their G.I. Benefits to pay for them. This program is currently awaiting approval. To learn more about the process, visit the VA School Program Approval page on the VA website. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your enrollment coach or email us at onlineadmissions@champlain.edu

Program Curriculum

Learn more about Champlain's 100% online data science associate degree, designed for working professionals.

Champlain's online data science courses encompass the top skills needed by today's professionals. Graduates of the program are required to complete the following courses.

Professional Courses (30 credits)

General Education Courses (21 credits)

General Electives (9 credits)

Note: Some of the courses in this program are available in 15-week terms only. Please contact your advisor for details and information on how this may impact your time to completion. 

This course covers the fundamental concepts of linear algebra and analytical geometry, including matrices, vectors, linear transformations, and systems of linear equations. Students will also explore the analytical geometry of Euclidean spaces, including lines, planes, circles, spheres, and conic sections. In this course, students will develop their mathematical reasoning skills and learn how to apply these principles to solve real-world problems.

Presents the basic concepts of differential and integral calculus. Topics include limits and the derivative, curve sketching and optimization problems; the product, quotient and chain rules; indefinite and definite integrals; integration by substitution and parts; and differentiation and integration of the exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions. Appropriate applications are considered.

Prerequisites

MATH-125 or high school equivalent

From day one, students in this course are problem solving, first in terms of algorithmic design and then as early as week two via programming in the latest version of Python, using PyCharm. Students begin by writing a program to have a conversation, having strings and numbers as input, and advance, by week seven, to building a working password saver program, capable of looking up, adding (and encrypting), and storing passwords.

In this course, students will learn the R programming language and how to implement machine learning algorithms. They will explore fundamental R programming concepts and apply them to tasks such as data manipulation, visualization, and statistical analysis techniques. Through hands-on exercises and real-world examples, students will develop practical skills to tackle various machine learning challenges using R.

Prerequisites

CMIT-135

Learn the basics and more in this course on Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS) and SQL (Structured Query Language). Students propose a final project in the first module and then work, week-by-week, to design, create, and populate the database. Then, students learn to create queries and stored procedures.

Prerequisites

CMIT-135

Python is a programming language with broad appeal because of its accessibility, community, sponsorship and utility. In this course students learn additional Python programming concepts and further develop their skills. Students progress from lists and basic structures to Object Oriented Programming, including objects, classes, encapsulation, abstraction modularity, memory management, inheritance and polymorphism. Students also learn advanced Python language features such as iterators and generators, along with error and exception handling.

Prerequisites

Complete CMIT-135

In this course, students will learn about NoSQL database systems and their applications in cloud-based environments, focusing on artificial intelligence and big data analytics. They will explore the fundamental concepts of non-relational databases, including document-oriented, key-value, column-family, and graph databases. Students will gain skills in designing, implementing, and optimizing NoSQL solutions for AI applications, tackling challenges such as high-volume data ingestion, real-time processing, and efficient querying of large-scale datasets.

Prerequisites

CMIT-200

Data analysis is a challenging, interdisciplinary process that requires an understanding of how data is generated, analyzed, interpreted, and presented. In this course students explore introductory data analysis techniques using relevant languages and tools to extract meaning from data to produce and inform solutions.

Prerequisites

Complete MATH-180 and CMIT-135

Advanced data analysis requires data to be retrieved, sorted, filtered, and more using relevant languages and tools. In this course students explore advanced data analysis techniques such as joining and manipulating tables, and constructing queries and sub-queries. Students also learn to evaluate the results and quality of analyses, and communicate outcomes effectively.

Prerequisites

Complete DATA-200 and CMIT-235

Data mining is a multidisciplinary field focused on discovering patterns and associations in data. In this course students gain proficiency in supervised data mining techniques for building prediction models including decision trees, random decision forests, bootstrapping, training and testing using multi-fold cross validation and using entropy measures for weighting features. Students also learn to use unsupervised data mining techniques such as clustering and association analysis.

Prerequisites

Complete DATA-200

Written Communication
Complete the following

This course introduces students to the foundational concepts needed to communicate effectively in writing for academic study and professional development. Students will also learn to read critically to evaluate an author's message. Students will be introduced to rhetorical modes and their role in the development of written communication. Students will also learn how to use revision strategies to create written communication that meets its intended purpose for its intended audience

This course builds on students' proficiency in the writing process and rhetorical modes to introduce the use of sources in written communication. Students will practice information literacy as they learn to determine information needs from sources, develop effective search strategies, and incorporate sources in written communication, legally and ethically.

Prerequisites

Complete ENGL-100

Oral Communication
Complete any three credits of oral communication

Starting with a frame of human communication as a dynamic system of interactions in which people make choices that impact their relationships, other people, and themselves, students will define theory-informed communication concepts and processes, and critically examine how they apply to everyday life across a variety of contexts. Students will reflect on how the theory, concepts and processes apply to their own lives in becoming competent communicators who are knowledgeable, skilled, and versatile.

Inquiry & Analysis
Complete any three credits of inquiry & analysis

Students will learn and apply critical inquiry skills to analyze persuasive communication created by others and to develop persuasive communication/arguments of their own to solve problems in professional, civic, social, and personal contexts. Specifically, students will learn to recognize fallacies in logic; apply inductive and deductive reasoning strategies to the interpretation and development of persuasive communication; evaluate the validity of sources; and develop logically sound persuasive communication. Students will explore the roles of self-awareness, empathy, and ethics in the context of critical inquiry and the development of arguments.

Prerequisites

Complete ENGL-110.

Quantitative Literacy
Complete three credits of quantitative literacy

Mathematical reasoning, when applied to everyday and professional lives, has two dimensions: logic for deterministic situations and probabilities for non-deterministic situations. This course aims to help students develop these mathematical reasoning skills.

This course covers the fundamental concepts of linear algebra and analytical geometry, including matrices, vectors, linear transformations, and systems of linear equations. Students will also explore the analytical geometry of Euclidean spaces, including lines, planes, circles, spheres, and conic sections. In this course, students will develop their mathematical reasoning skills and learn how to apply these principles to solve real-world problems.

Scientific Literacy
Complete any three credits of scientific literacy

Introduces students to the biochemistry and physiology of nutrition and exercise. Emphasis will be placed on human body systems such as musculoskeletal, digestive, respiratory and circulatory, and their relationship to nutrition and fitness. Students will also study the biochemistry of energy conversion as it relates to exercise physiology. Laboratory sessions are designed to reinforce, by a hands-on approach, the principles discussed in lecture. Course includes two laboratory hours per week.

Students learn the biology, genetics, chemistry, and physics involved in the forensic investigation of crimes. A wide range of topics are studied including DNA, entomology, fingerprinting, trace evidence, serology (blood, saliva, and semen), blood spatter, and chemical analysis of drugs, alcohol, and other compounds. Students apply their new knowledge of forensic science through the use of case studies and laboratories. This course includes two laboratory hours per week.

Students will develop the ability to apply scientific methods to understand the natural world, to identify scientific aspects of daily life, and to evaluate the quality of scientific information based on its source and the methods used for its generation.

Arts, Humanities, and Social Science
Complete any three credits from this area

With pressure and release, a window opens and closes, recording light on a sensor. The simple action captures the instinct, judgement, and skill of the person behind the lens. This class will begin a study of the art and craft of photography. Students will develop their vision and their understanding of how to achieve it. Solid skills will be learned and many doors will be opened.

A survey of the continuing change experienced in art since the 15th century. Students will examine how an image is achieved as well as the significance of the subject represented. Individual inquiry concerning the nature of art is encouraged.

Students learn to appreciate films through the critical analysis of various elements of mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing and sound. The course introduces the conventions of classical Hollywood cinema, considers the work of one major director (auteur), and surveys selected international and independent films. Students view and discuss films each week.

Students in the course will explore the cultural history of the music genre broadly referred to as rock. Students will explore the social, economic and political contexts that are influenced by and that influenced each style in the United States. By listening, watching, reflecting upon, discussing and writing, students will explore how music takes on meaning, personally, and culturally. Topics and themes include the relationships between and among gospel, country, funk, folk, disco, rap and hip hop; the role of business and technology in those relationships, and political or transgressive elements of rock music.

Students will apply communication theory and research to address the particular challenges to communicating effectively in organizations. Students will learn how to identify organizational communication problems, analyze those problems, and generate effective solutions. Students will examine the relationship between organizational structure and specific communicative practices, and how communication practices by organizational members establish, maintain, or change organizational culture. They will also learn how to anticipate communication deficiencies in organizations, and use communication as a means to facilitate organizational development and innovation.

Prerequisites

Complete COMM-130

Provides a comprehensive analysis of the fundamentals of substantive criminal law. Students will learn the essential elements of crimes and the rationale underlying criminal law. The nature of jurisdiction, the criminal act, the criminal state of mind and matters affecting responsibility for criminal conduct are included.

This course focuses on the rules and procedures governing how the American criminal justice system must process individuals suspected, accused, and convicted of law violations.

This course provides students with a broad overview of the history, theory, and fundamentals of criminal investigation. Students are introduced to the basic responsibilities of investigators and protocols for report writing, evidence collection, and preparation of cases for trial. They also learn specific investigative techniques for different types of crimes, such as crimes involving violence and property, terrorism, and hate crimes, and, where appropriate, compare investigative protocols from other legal cultures.

Prerequisites

Take CRIM-120, CRIM-121.

Principles of Economics introduces the fundamental concepts of economics - the study of how people manage resources, and how they react to scarcity. This course focuses on both microeconomics (the behavior of consumers and companies) and macroeconomics (large-scale economic factors such as employment and interest rates), so that you'll gain a broad understanding of how a modern market economy functions, how decisions in business settings are informed by economics, and how economics applies to your everyday life.

Students will study important themes in the social history of the United States since the Civil War. This course allows students to expand their critical thinking skills through an examination of primary and secondary sources. Themes might include: the evolving status of women; the immigrant experience; the concept of the American dream; the paradox of freedom vs. slavery; the minority experience; the tensions between social classes. Students will be evaluated primarily on writing assignments.

Students will learn how to create conditions for successful conflict engagement, a necessary skill for any professional. The course focuses on the foundational capacities to remain calm and connected with oneself and others. In this state students can access helpful ideas and responses and be their best selves regardless of environment. Improving facility for conflict creates stronger relationships and reduces fear. By the end of the course, students will understand that disagreement and difference can become a source of personal and interpersonal growth.

Ethics refers to accepted standards of right and wrong that prescribe what humans ought to do in various contexts, typically in relation to rights, obligations/duties, benefits to society, fairness, consequences, and virtues. In this course, students will explore both theoretical and practical dimensions of ethics in order to 1) define ethics and identify ethical positions and principles, 2) critically reflect on how ethics impacts individual and collective responsibility, decision-making, and action, and 3) apply ethics to the personal, civic, and professional contexts.

Prerequisites

ENGL-110

In this course, students will explore broad, foundational knowledge in psychology, including its history, major theorists and a survey of psychology subfields such as developmental, cognitive and social psychology. Students will also describe and assess the role of ethics and social responsibility in the study and application of psychological theory and practices.

In this class, students will explore how social relationships, groups, societies and culture develop and change over time. From a sociological theory foundation and employing the sociological imagination, students will examine the impact of social structures, institutions, and systems on individual lives. Students will apply sociological research methods to investigate sociological phenomena in their own lives.

This course explores the complex and evolving relationship between human beings and technology. Through a multi-disciplinary approach that draws on fields such as sociology, psychology, philosophy, and history, students will examine the ways in which technology has shaped human culture, identity, and values, as well as how humans have influenced and continue to influence the development, adoption and use of technology.

Additional Program Details

Graduates of the data science associate online program will demonstrate the following industry-specific skills, knowledge, and competencies:

  • Foundational Quantitative and Analytical Skills: Apply foundational mathematical principles, including linear algebra and calculus, to understand and solve practical data science problems.
  • Basic Programming and Algorithmic Problem-Solving: Apply core programming concepts to develop and troubleshoot algorithms and applications using Python and R, focusing on data analysis and computational logic.
  • Introduction to Database Management and SQL: Design, implement, and query relational databases, using entity relationship diagrams and SQL to organize, manipulate, and retrieve data in support of data-driven decision-making.
  • Fundamental Data Analytics Techniques and Visualization: Utilize essential data analytics and data cleaning techniques to analyze and interpret data, communicating insights effectively through basic visualizations and presentations.
  • Introductory Machine Learning and Data Mining Concepts: Apply fundamental machine learning and data mining concepts, including basic model training, testing, and unsupervised learning techniques, to identify patterns and make data-driven predictions.

Champlain College Online's software development faculty, led by Program Director Richard Pickering, are expert practitioners in the field. Their industry expertise ensures that our software development curriculum is aligned with the needs of employers, and reflects the skills today’s software development professionals need for success. Classes led by our seasoned experts will give you real-world insight into the field, and create a rich community of career-focused learning.

Tuition & Costs

Online Undergraduate Tuition Fall '23 - Summer '25

$335 per credit
$290 per credit for Champlain alumni, associate degree graduates, veterans**, and family members of veterans and servicemembers
$250 per credit for military servicemembers
$150 One-time graduation fee

*Based on a 3-credit course; cost will vary if course is a different number of credits

** Veteran rate effective Spring 2025, not retroactive

See the undergraduate cost of attendance and fees here

Affordability and Paying For Your Education

We provide a number of options to make your online education affordable, including preferred tuition for alumni, associate degree graduates, community college graduates, and military.

What Can You Do With an Associate Degree in Data Science?

The explosion of big data has created a growing demand for professionals who can analyze and interpret information. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for data scientists is projected to grow 36% from 2023 to 2033*, significantly faster than the average for all occupations.

*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024, Data Scientists Occupations 

With a Data Science Associate Degree, you’ll gain essential skills to enter entry-level data roles or continue toward Champlain College Online’s Bachelor’s in Data Science and AI.

Entry-Level Positions for AS in Data Science Graduates:

  • Data Analyst
  • Business Intelligence Analyst
  • Entry-Level Database Administrator
  • Operations Analyst
  • Market Research Analyst
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Why Champlain

Flexibility

"I chose Champlain because it gave me the flexibility I needed. The accelerated format offers a great way to reach your goals faster, and makes earning your degree or certificate a realistic achievement that truly is obtainable."

Shane Dalziel Bachelor Degree in Computer & Information Systems
Director of Operations, VIP Media Co.
Shane Dalziel, Bachelor's Degree in Computer & Information Systems

Academic Excellence and Recognition

New England Commission of Higher Education Logo

Regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education

Military Friendly Designation, Silver Badge 2024-2025

Designated as a Military Friendly School for our commitment to the military community

Tech Guide logo/badge

Ranked among the best by Tech Guide for game design and computer science

badge for 2024 ranking

Named the among the best schools with accelerated bachelor's degrees by Intelligent.com

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Learn what you can expect from our associate in data science program.

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