Courses on Data Analytics for International Students

Are you interested in pursuing a career in data analytics? If you want to learn more about the process of analyzing raw data to help businesses make strategic decisions, then earning a degree in data analytics can be a good start. Data analytics courses include topics such as data visualization, programming, and research, and are designed to prepare you for multiple STEM roles in growing fields.

Read on to learn more about data analytics, courses on data analytics offered at Shorelight universities, professional opportunities, and more!

What Is Data Analytics?

Data analytics involves collecting, processing, and organizing data to draw conclusions and make predictions to support business decision-making. (In some fields, it may be referred to as business analytics.) Using various tools and methods, data analysis includes identifying patterns, detecting trends, and recording variances to build solutions for both day-to-day operations and large-scale projects.

The field of data analysis expands into many industries as data and information management are required for most organizations. Data science courses teach you in-depth technical theories and concepts, tools for managing data, and provide hands-on learning opportunities to apply what you have studied to real-world scenarios. 

What Do Data Analytics Courses Cover?

Courses on data analytics are designed to teach students how to use data analysis techniques and build data systems for business forecasts. They equip you with technical skills in computer science, math, and statistics which can be applied to roles across multiple industries including banking and securities, health care, manufacturing, and media. 

Typically, data analytics courses can cover:

• Introduction to data analytics

• Introduction to computer science and programming

• Statistics 

• Computer science and data structures

• Social, ethical, and cultural impacts of big data

• Data mining and machine learning

If you enjoy building data collection frameworks and ideating data-driven solutions for organizations, data analytics may be a good career choice for you!

Why Study Data Analytics?

From developing fintech tools for the finance industry to predicting disease outbreaks, data analytics is required across multiple sectors. With data-driven technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT) on the rise, there is a growing demand for skilled data analysts to build information sets and manage data operations on these platforms. Many businesses across agriculture, banking, health care, and retail have also switched to digital forms of data management, such as cloud storage and remote project management, which need skilled professionals to manage. 

According to Fortune Business Insights, the global market for data analysts is projected to grow by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.5% between 2023 and 2030 to reach a value of $745.15 billion. This displays a positive industry outlook with more career development opportunities for aspiring data analysts.

There are many high-paying roles in data analytics globally. Countries including Canada, India, UK, US, and Switzerland provide some of the highest-paying jobs for data analytics professionals, where you can expect to earn an average salary of up to $250,000 annually. Data analytics professionals can also apply for management roles as they are directly involved in the decision-making process of organizations at senior levels. 

With a degree in data analytics, you can gain the necessary technical skills in data management, econometrics, probability, and statistics as well as build soft skills in communication and teamwork needed to succeed in this highly competitive field.

Types of Degree Specializations for Data Analytics Majors

As a data analytics major, you may need to take foundational and specialized data analytics courses to begin your program of study. While foundational courses give you knowledge and skills in machine learning basics and statistical analysis, a degree specialization helps you focus on developing job-specific skills and gain practical experience for your chosen career pathway. 

Here are several data analytics specializations for international students in the US.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

A specialization in artificial intelligence gives you an understanding of mathematical models and algorithms needed to analyze and design information systems. Artificial intelligence degrees include courses in advanced signal processing, deep learning, machine learning, neural networks, and programming languages. With a degree in artificial intelligence, you can pursue job roles such as an AI engineer, big data analyst, research scientist, robotics engineer, and more, with opportunities to develop new artificial intelligence technologies across various industries.

Business Intelligence and Analytics

Business intelligence and analytics is a specialization that studies data and constructs predictive models to discover new business opportunities and make business and financial decisions. Business analytics courses include mathematics, regression modeling, statistics, and predictive analytics, which prepare you for job roles as a business intelligence analyst, market research analyst, statistician, and more. 

Cloud Computing

Specializing in cloud computing prepares you to plan, develop, and implement data solutions for online databases, servers, and networks. You can look forward to learning advanced analytical and data management skills through courses such as big data systems engineering, computing statistics, database management, and data warehousing. These courses prepare you for lucrative careers as a cloud engineer, data engineer, data manager, data scientist, and software developer.

Cyber Security Analytics

If you are interested in building secure computer networks that can prevent unauthorized access and cyberattacks, a cyber security analytics specialization might be the right fit for you. Within this role, you may be required to monitor network traffic, investigate security breaches, and operate firewalls, encryption programs, and other security software. Cyber security courses in coding, networking and system administration, network security control, and risk analysis can lead to roles as an information security analyst, digital forensic examiner, and security engineer.

Data Engineering

A data engineering concentration equips you with the engineering and problem-solving skills needed to manage data warehouses, develop data collection systems, and create statistical reports for organizational decision-making. A degree in data engineering covers courses in coding, data architecture, operating systems, and relational database management systems (RDMS). These courses equip you with the technical skills needed to manage databases and make important decisions in high-demand roles such as computer systems analyst, data analyst, data engineer, and more.

Machine Learning (ML)

Pursuing a machine learning specialization prepares you to analyze data and automate processes. You will learn the necessary skills for developing data models, building algorithms for real-world applications, and using predictive analytics to forecast business performance and make recommendations. A machine learning degree specialization prepares you to perform these tasks by covering subjects such as applied mathematics, data modeling and evaluation, machine learning algorithms, and programming. With an understanding of machine learning, you can look forward to careers such as a computer and information research scientist, data scientist, machine learning engineer, and more.

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Natural language processing (NLP) is the study of computer programs to build systems that understand text and language the way humans can. It is a branch of AI that analyzes language and speech. An NLP focus covers technical subjects such as algorithm analysis, deep learning, text clustering, and text representation which prepares you to create business intelligence systems and search engines. These technical skills can be applied to NLP-specific roles such as an NLP analyst, NLP engineer, NLP researcher, and NLP scientist.

International students pursuing courses on data analytics in the US have the unique opportunity to access STEM-based learning programs and research grants. Students can also extend their Optional Practical Training (OPT) for an additional two years to pursue further experiential training in their chosen STEM field.

Here are several courses on data analytics offered at Shorelight universities ready to enroll STEM-focused international students.

Shorelight Universities Offering Courses on Data Analytics

Shorelight universities offer a wide range of degree programs combining advanced curricula with experiential learning programs to prepare you for growing STEM careers.

Ohio Wesleyan University

Ranked #116 in National Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News & World Report, Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio, offers an interdisciplinary data analytics program combining foundational computer science and mathematics courses with liberal arts courses in economics and humanities. Ohio Wesleyan offers a major in data analytics, along with minors in data analytics and data and society. Students can look forward to taking part in a 10-week intensive summer science research program with a faculty mentor or engaging in independent research projects. Ohio Wesleyan students can also collaborate with global teams and take their research overseas through travel-learning courses and sponsored theory-to-practice grants.

Robert Morris University

Ranked #34 in Best Value Schools by U.S. News & World Report, Robert Morris University in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, offers a bachelor of science (BS) in data analytics through its School of Information, Humanities, and Social Sciences. The degree is designed to give students key skills in data collection and data management with courses in mathematics, database management systems, data mining applications, and systems analysis. Students can also choose to follow a 4+1 integrated degree program and graduate with a master of science (MS) in data analytics with an additional year of study. 

Roosevelt University

Founded in 1945, Roosevelt University in Chicago is recognized for offering top-ranked degree programs with affordable tuition. The bachelor of science (BS) in data analytics degree includes mathematics, computer science, and statistics courses to prepare students for data analytics roles across multiple industries. The program takes a hands-on learning approach, where students may have to complete one mandatory experiential learning class and one natural science laboratory class to graduate.

St. Thomas Aquinas College

Ranked #67 in National Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News & World Report, St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, New York, offers a wide range of STEM-based academic programs for undergraduate students. The computer science course with an emphasis on data analytics is offered through the School of STEM and is designed to give students a strong theoretical and practical understanding of data structures and algorithms. Curriculum covers specialized subjects in algorithm analysis, binary trees, hashing, and programming languages as part of the major requirement or as electives.

University of Charleston

The University of Charleston in West Virginia provides a four-year on-campus undergraduate degree program in data analytics. Majors of this program can access an interdisciplinary learning curriculum and prepare for real-world work experience through interactive classroom sessions, hands-on projects, and internships with industry-leading organizations. Students pursuing a data analytics major can also choose to combine their degree with another subject to pursue a double major or take electives in data analytics to graduate with a data analytics minor.

By pursuing courses on data analytics at a Shorelight university, you can gain the specialized skills and knowledge needed for your future, and grow your professional portfolio through collaborative research projects and career opportunities. Talking to a Shorelight advisor can help you identify which learning pathway best fits your interests and learning goals. 

Let’s look at several professional roles you can apply for with a data analytics degree.

Possible Career Pathways with a Degree in Data Analytics

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, several careers with a data analytics degree are among the 20 fastest-growing job roles, with an expected growth rate of 23% to 35% between 2022 and 2032. With more organizations adopting AI-driven technologies and digital solutions, students pursuing a data analytics major can look forward to lucrative jobs and career development opportunities.

Here are several job roles you can consider with a degree in data analytics:

• AI engineer — AI engineers are responsible for developing and programming AI algorithms to function with human-like intelligence. Within this role, you may need to build AI models, manage and automate AI infrastructure, and conduct statistical analysis for business decision-making.

• Business intelligence analyst — As a business intelligence analyst you may need to collect and process organizational information to provide recommendations that support business decision-making. Business analysts are required to handle tasks such as assessing the cost-benefit of projects, analyzing the financial data of organizations, and collaborating with the management to make strategic business plans.

• Cloud engineer — Cloud engineers develop cloud computing services and solutions to improve organizational workflows. In this role, you may need to create new cloud-based applications, update existing platforms, and provide cloud-based support services.

• Cyber security analyst — A cyber security analyst is responsible for protecting business networks from cyberattacks and unauthorized access. Cybersecurity analysts are skilled in data security and threat detection, monitor network traffic for security breaches, create incident response reports, and perform periodic risk assessments and penetration tests. 

• Data analyst — A data analyst’s role involves analyzing data sets to find solutions for business problems. Data analysts can work across the fields of business, finance, criminal justice, and medicine and may be responsible for developing and maintaining databases, automating business processes, and preparing analysis reports to assess organizational performance.

• Data engineer — The role of a data engineer involves creating the foundation and architecture of databases. As a data engineer, you may need to develop databases from scratch, fix bugs and performance issues, and manage large-scale processing systems for organizations.

• NLP scientist — As a NLP scientist, you will work to design and create machines that recognize and simulate patterns of human language. If you are skilled in programming languages and predictive analytics, this can be a good role for you as it involves designing NLP systems, implementing advanced algorithms, and integrating effective text representation strategies.

With worldwide spending on big data and business analytics solutions reaching $215.7 billion in 2021, students with a degree in data analytics have access to more career development opportunities (including fintech careers) in a variety of global industries.

Check out several careers you can consider with a degree in data analytics, together with earning estimates in the US, India, China, and Brazil.

Source: Economic Research Institute (ERI) and Payscale, 2023

A degree in data analytics prepares you to work across diverse industries including business intelligence, economics, health care, and media in high-demand job roles. By learning skills through courses on data analytics including data management, data visualization, machine learning, and predictive analytics, you can equip yourself to handle data sets and support organizations in their strategic decision-making.

Shorelight advisors can help you discover universities that best fit your academic and career goals and provide personalized support at every step of your journey. From filling in your university application all the way to graduation day, counselors can support you with English-language classes, financial aid, adjusting to life in the US, and more. Get in touch with a Shorelight advisor today and discover courses on data analytics in the US where you can begin your career as a data analytics professional!

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