Are you good with numbers? Do you enjoy analyzing information and drawing conclusions? Data Processing may be the major for you.
Data Processing is no longer the mundane task of inputting numbers into a computer. Professionals are able to create their own programs, help businesses or governments retrieve and store data, or teach others how to properly incorporate new technology into their business. When working towards your degree, you will take classes that teach you everything you need to know about computers, software, and data analysis. Some courses students take include computer science, word processing, information technology, computer systems analysis, and business communications. These classes will equip you with the skills to collect, analyze, and report different types of data necessary for conducting business.
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Build structured databases, explore big data and learn how to clean data in Southern New Hampshire University's online bachelor's in computer science with a concentration in data analysis.
Learn to leverage data and develop innovative practices, products and processes with this specialized online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.
Data Processing was the 225th most popular major in the 2021-2022 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 1,981 degrees in this year alone.
This year's Best Data Processing Schools ranking compares 19 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom data processing rankings further below.
Build structured databases, explore big data and learn how to clean data in Southern New Hampshire University's online bachelor's in computer science with a concentration in data analysis.
Learn to leverage data and develop innovative practices, products and processes with this specialized online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.
Data processing technicians are very computer savvy. Professionals spend their time working with different types of computer software and programs to collect and analyze information. Those who are successful in this career have a strong background in computer information systems and mathematics. Critical thinking, problem solving, and writing skills are also necessary in this career as professionals must be able to analyze data and effectively communicate results and conclusions.
Graduates with a [Data Processing degree](https://colleges.collegefactual.com/classes?provider_id=10179&sub_id=dmsSubId&campaign=degree-in-data-processing&sidebar=aos_data-processing&study_area_id=252&root_study_area_id=14&creative=cofa&referring_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.collegefactual.com%2Fmajors%2Fcomputer-information-sciences%2Fdata-processing%2Findex2.html) can expect to work a typical 40-hour workweek in an office setting. The majority of Data Processing Professionals work for companies, but some decide to become self-employed and work as consultants.
Although it is not required, an internship in this field would be beneficial to students. This hands-on experience will expose students to the programs professionals work with daily and give them an advantage when job hunting after graduation.
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Getting Accepted Into a Data Processing Program
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most data processing degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. In addition to these basic data processing program qualifications, to serve in some data processing careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
Data Processing Degree Types
Data Processing degree levels vary. You can spend many years getting as high as a in data processing to something that takes less time like a . Data Processing programs can take anywhere between one to four or more years for a full-time student to complete.
Degree
Credit Requirements
Typical Program Length
Associate Degree
60-70 credits
2 years
Bachelor’s Degree
120 credits
4 years
Master’s Degree
50-70 credits
1-3 years
Doctorate
Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation
At least 4 years
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to data processing, with approximately 52.9% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for data processing workers below.
Level of Education
Percentage of Workers
Bachelor’s Degree
50.9%
Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree)
14.7%
High School Diploma
13.2%
Some College Courses
8.1%
Master’s Degree
7.2%
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About 63.5% of workers in careers related to data processing obtain at least bachelor's degrees. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in data processing have received.
This of course varies depending on which data processing career you choose.
Career Opportunities for A Degree In Data Processing Graduate
AverageNumber of Jobs
$39.8kAverage Starting Salary
4% GrowthJob Outlook 2016-26
Data Processing graduates have many career options. Often, graduates choose to go into computer service administration or work for companies creating programs that allow file and data sharing. Since this major equips students with useful computer and office skills, many job options are available. Those with previous experience will have an easier time finding jobs and are more likely to be promoted.
Growth Projected for Data Processing Careers
Want a job when you graduate with your data processing degree? Data Processing careers are expected to grow 4.4% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to data processing.
Occupation Name
Projected Jobs
Expected Growth
Computer Workers
313,800
9.3%
Computer Operators
39,700
-22.9%
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How Much Money Do Data Processing Grads Make?
Recently graduated data processing students earned an average of $39,810 in <nil>. Earnings can range from as low as $24,012 to as high as $81,892. As you might expect, salaries for data processing graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Highest Paid Data Processing Careers
Salaries for data processing graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers data processing grads often go into.
Occupation Name
Median Average Salary
Computer Workers
$93,350
Computer Operators
$46,750
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Getting Your Data Processing Degree
With over 213 different data processing degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased data processing school rankings to help you with this.
by our College Data Analytics Team
