Rasmussen College Launches Data Analytics Bachelor’s Degree Program

Help Wanted: Talent to Back the Big Data Boom

As more companies look to leverage the mountains of big data at their fingertips to uncover insights that may engage customers and grow their business, the field of data analytics has significantly grown in popularity. Qualified data analysts are in demand across a variety of industries including government, technology, healthcare and finance. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for data analytics specialists is expected to reach 1.5 million by 2018. A recent report from the Business-Higher Education Forum says more than 2.7 million new job postings in 2020 will seek candidates with data science and analytics skills.

Despite the demand, there is a critical shortage of candidates with the necessary skills required by the field. The Rasmussen College Data Analytics Bachelor’s degree completion-program addresses this challenge by giving students an opportunity to build upon technology skills while broadening their business knowledge, a critical combination highly sought after by employers. Students will learn how to compile large amounts of data from various sources and develop actionable insights that positively impact their organization.

“Big data has infiltrated nearly every industry, and it is critical for companies to utilize data as an asset to successfully grow business and serve customers and stakeholders,” said Jennifer Ayotte, department dean, Rasmussen College School of Technology. “Our Data Analytics program prepares students with the technical skills to pull and analyze data and develop the soft skills that will support business acumen and collaboration with business leaders. Whether a student is looking to advance their degree or change their career, our program offers a direct pathway for developing these skills.”

Closing the Data Analytics Skills Gap

In 2015, the SAS Institute, a leader in analytics, conducted a survey that found 40 percent of companies surveyed struggled with finding analytical talent. The Rasmussen College Data Analytics Bachelor’s degree completion-program includes innovative curriculum that helps students gain deep technical skills in SQL, Tableau and SAS, while learning essential techniques employers seek, including:

• Practical skills in data extraction, manipulation, analysis and visualization
• Technical skills through applied learning activities using sample data sets
• Technical proficiency in key languages and software
• Strong communication, interpersonal and critical thinking skills

Upon graduation, students will be equipped with the knowledge to work toward the SAS Certified Base Programmer for SAS 9 credential. According to SAS, the credential is “the perfect starting point for those interested in a career as a SAS^® professional.” Upon earning this credential, candidates will have the knowledge and skills to be able to import and export raw data files; manipulate and transform data; combine SAS data sets; create basic detail and summary reports using SAS procedures; and identify and correct data, syntax and programming logic errors.

The Rasmussen College Data Analytics Bachelor’s degree completion-program is also available with Flex Choice^®, an option that allows students to pursue a degree with a schedule that fits their lifestyle by combining traditional courses and self-directed assessments while saving time and money.

To learn more about the Rasmussen College Data Analytics Bachelor’s degree completion-program, please visit www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/technology/data-analytics/.

¹The Rasmussen College Data Analytics Bachelor’s degree completion-program is not available to residents of all states. Please speak with a program manager to determine enrollment eligibility.
²Completion time is dependent on transfer credits accepted and courses completed each term.