Data Science Programs in Washington
Online programs are scarce in Washington, but in Seattle, a Master's degree focused on Business Analytics can be obtained at Seattle University and a data science graduation certificate is offered through the University of Washington.
While not a large selection of educational data science programs, the Northwestern-most state offers some of the best places to work at with over 20 percent of the workforce representing the tech industry, and there are popular meetup groups that are geared toward beginners.
Online Data Science Programs in Washington
Quick Overview of Washington Data Science Degree Programs
Schools in Washington with data science programs include:- Bellevue College: Healthcare Data Analyst Certificate
- City University of Seattle: Master of Science in Computer Systems with Concentration in Big Data Management
- Eastern Washington University: BS in Data Science
- Northeastern University: Graduate Certificate in Learning Analytics Graduate Certificate in Learning Analytics
- Seattle University: Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics Master of Science in Business Analytics
- University of Washington: Bachelor of Science in Applied and Computational Mathematical Sciences (ACMS)
Featured Online Data Science Programs
| University | Program | Admissions |
|---|---|---|
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MS in Data Science and Policy | Website |
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Master of Science in Data Analytics Engineering | Website |
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Master of Science in Data Analytics | Website |
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Master of Information and Data Science | Website |
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BS in Data Analytics | Website |
Johns Hopkins AAP
George Mason University
Northern Illinois University
University of California Berkeley
Husson UniversityClick to see more Online Data Science Programs accepting applications
Available Online Data Science Programs for Washington
Online Data Science Programs Based in Washington| University | Program | Location |
|---|---|---|
Bellevue College |
Healthcare Data Analyst Certificate |
Online |
Northeastern University |
Graduate Certificate in Learning Analytics |
Online |
Northeastern University |
Graduate Certificate in Learning Analytics |
Campus |
University of Washington |
Certificate in Data Science |
Online |
Washington State University |
Online Executive MBA |
University of Washington
The only online option for UW is getting a Certificate in Data Science. For experienced professionals, this is a good option to switch career focus into a booming industry and only requires three courses: Data Science Process and Tools, Methods for Data Analytics, and Machine Learning Techniques. Based around the Career Accelerator at UW, these courses are completed 100 percent online with no on-campus meetings and no admission deadlines. Once students begin a course, it needs to be completed within four months.
Requirements for admission into this focus is needing at least a year of programming experience (Python, Java, R, or C# preferred), experience with querying databases (SQL), coursework in statistics and linear algebra, and completing a data science assessment that features 30 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 90 minutes. Those that still need to meet these requirements can take the courses needed along with the certificate.
The Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering approves the certificate and also offers a Master of Science in Data Science that is completed on campus in Seattle, but there is an option for full and part time with an expectation to complete the curriculum between 1.5 to 2.5 years. Classes are taken in the evening and up to two courses per quarter for full-time students. Typical job opportunities accepted after completing this degree include data scientist, data engineer, data analyst, and marketing analyst.
Seattle University
A similar degree in the field can be achieved online is through the Albers School of Business and Economics with a Master of Science in Business Analytics. The 48-credit program is accredited by the Association to advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and can be completed within two years, and there are four different starts each year for maximum flexibility to enter. There is an additional requirement to complete a Python and R programming bootcamp course.
Additional courses will need to be completed within the first 24 credits of the program for those without prior educational experience: microeconomics, finance, financial accounting, and marketing. These will not count toward the 48 credits in the curriculum. Topics explored in the Master's degree include statistics, law and ethics, business forecasting, data management, and AI and machine learning all with a lens through business analytics.
Scholarship Opportunities within Washington
The University of Washington provides a certificate scholarship to those entering the data science program. Students must be a resident of Washington and cannot be a employee of the university nor any of their family members. The amount is between $3,000 to $4,000. Seattle University also offers a scholarship for those enrolled into a data science program. Preference is given to those who have shown high academic achievement and financial need.
Data Science Events, Meetups, and Conferences in Washington
Data Science Salon
Data Science Salon Website
This conference series has a stop in Seattle and focuses on the emergence of machine learning and artificial intelligence in physical and online retail. Topics approached include cloud automation, deep neural networks, data ethics and bias, image recognition with ML, and much more. Generally, between 200 to 500 people meet up at these conferences and each attendee will get online access to DSS Insider for further education and to access various content material.
Guest speakers include various high-level employees experienced data science and machine learning professionals. Companies that have contributed to these events include Stitch Fix, Airbnb, Nordstrom, Overstock.com, and Groupon.
Seattle Data Science
One of the biggest consistent meetups in the Seattle area is a traditional data science group that routinely holds events multiple times per month. Most content is geared toward those who are looking to break into the industry with fundamental classes, introduction sessions, discussions, and demos. For those that need some experience in SQL, machine learning, and web scraping, this is an easy start. The majority of meetings are held at a Seattle coding bootcamp called Galvanize.
Data Science Careers in Washington
The tech industry’s sixth fastest-growing state is in the Northwest. Washington has over 377,000 people employed according to CompTIA. The Seattle-Tacoma-Bellvue metro area is responsible for nearly 80 percent of that number and is growing just as rapidly. A whopping 10.6 percent of the workforce falls into the tech industry, which is third-best in the country. That is no surprise considering Amazon and Microsoft’s headquarters are located in the state.
Washington holds the highest average salary in the United States at $99,653 per year, which is even higher than popular areas such as California, Colorado, and New York. With massive growth in many sectors, like IT services boosting 4.8 percent year-over-year and telecommunications and internet services rising 7 percent year-over-year, the tech industry accounts for one-fifth of the economy.
Washington Data Science Career Statistics Information
| Number of people employed within the tech industry: | 377,809 |
| Change in jobs from 2017 to 2018: | 12,864 |
| Average tech industry salary in Washington: | $99,653 |
| Estimated Washington tech salaries range: | From $61,332 to $152,227 |
| Male Employment: | 169,680 (69%) |
| Female Employment: | 76,609 (31%) |
List of Washington Data Science Programs
| University | Program | Location |
|---|---|---|
Bellevue College Bellevue College Continuing Education |
Healthcare Data Analyst Certificate |
Bellevue |
| Provides analytical experience with a health care focus and is available completely online. Courses include data management, statistics, and SQL fundamentals. Requires at least an associate degree and two years of similar work experience. | ||
City University of Seattle Technology Institute |
Master of Science in Computer Systems with Concentration in Big Data Management |
Seattle |
| Core subjects in architecture, programming, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing. Can further customize degree with cyber security, mining process, or completing an internship. Preparation courses in computer science waived with proper academic experience. | ||
Eastern Washington University Department of Mathematics and the Department of Computer Science |
BS in Data Science |
Cheney |
Data Science major consists of computer science and mathematics courses. Examples include four levels of calculus, programming, database systems, and data analytics. Capstone project will focus on a mathematics concept with both a written and oral report. | ||
Northeastern University College of Professional Studies |
Graduate Certificate in Learning Analytics |
Boston |
| Provides education in analytical theory and application in educational statistics. Concepts can include using data within social media and cloud computing. 16 total credit hours needed to complete the certification with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher. | ||
Northeastern University College of Professional Studies |
Graduate Certificate in Learning Analytics |
Boston |
| Required courses include analytic theories, data mining, educational statistics, and predictive modeling. Goals from this certification is to improve learning and education through data-driven decisions. | ||
Seattle University Albers School of Business and Economics |
Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics |
Seattle |
| Main courses include data management, data mining, and business intelligence capstone project. Flexible scheduling gives students capability to pursue courses on their own time. Requires an undergraduate degree, GRE or GMAT scores, and two years of work experience. | ||
Seattle University Albers School of Business and Economics |
Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics |
Seattle |
| Explore statistical methods and theory, and apply these techniques to develop business solutions. Can choose between business-focused programming or web analytics as the elective option. Should have competency in statistics and a Bachelor's degree before entering the certification. | ||
Seattle University Albers School of Business and Economics |
Master of Science in Business Analytics |
Seattle |
| Offers analytical and quantitative skills in risk analysis, simulation methods, and data management. Also provides communication and visualization processes to when recommending or presenting findings. Can dual enroll with a related discipline such as business administration or finance. | ||
University of Washington College of Arts and Sciences |
Bachelor of Science in Applied and Computational Mathematical Sciences (ACMS) |
Seattle |
| 48 credit hours consist of core topics and electives complete the program. Available topics include regression methods, multivariate analysis, and machine learning. There are three levels of concepts in Applied and Computational Mathematical Sciences degrees. Example courses all students complete include programming, linear algebra, and discrete modeling. | ||
University of Washington Professional & Continuing Education |
Certificate in Data Science |
Seattle |
| Offers skills in data analysis, machine learning, and tools like Python programming. Evening sessions are available for this program, and average duration is eight months. Alternative format is 100 percent online that students complete at their own pace. | ||
University of Washington Foster School of Business |
M.S. in Business Analytics |
Seattle |
| In one year, students gain business management and leadership capability with the MSBA. Analytical concepts include probability, programming, and visualization skills and techniques. Courses distributed during evenings and weekends at the Seattle campus location. | ||
University of Washington Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering |
Master of Science in Data Science |
Seattle |
| Blends subjects from mathematics, statistics, and engineering departments to provide data science education. Completed at the Seattle campus with statistical modeling, ethics, and many programming languages. Regardless of full or part-time enrollment classes are available during the evening. | ||
University of Washington Professional & Continuing Education |
Master of Science in Data Science |
Seattle |
| 45 total credit hours combine core subject matter with a culminating capstone project. Topics include data management, database design, and applying user experience. Completed in 18 to 30 months depending on enrollment selected. | ||
University of Washington Tacoma UW Department of Computer Science & Engineering |
Certificate in Business Intelligence |
Tacoma |
| Foundational program has entry-level education for data management and analytics. Students use software tools such as Python, R, SQL, and Excel. Distribution through Zoom webconferencing sessions and requires four to five weeks per course. | ||
University of Washington Tacoma Milgard School of Business |
M.S. in Business Analytics |
Tacoma |
| Topics include regression models, data mining, and various digital lab sessions for application. Prospective students submit official transcripts, resume, and video interview in the application process. Include a 750-word personal statement on career goals and reasons choosing this university. | ||
Washington State University WSU Carson College of Business |
Online Executive MBA |
Pullman |
| Optional international field study and leadership conference provides enhanced education. Completed in as little as 16 months. Available 100 percent online and there are no GMAT or GRE scores required for admission. | ||
