Tulsa Community College is introducing Oklahoma’s first Associate of Science degree in data analytics this fall, creating a new pathway for students to enter one of the nation’s fastest-growing career fields.
The college says the fully online degree and a new certificate program were developed to meet increasing demand from employers seeking workers with skills in analyzing and interpreting data. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of data scientists is projected to grow 34% between 2024 and 2034.
Here’s a closer look at what the new programs offer and why TCC says they matter.
Why TCC Created the New Program
TCC officials say organizations across nearly every industry rely on data to make decisions, creating a growing need for professionals who can collect, analyze and communicate information.
“Organizations in every industry are collecting more data than ever before, but they need people who can turn information into actionable insights,” David Paige, dean of TCC’s School of Mathematics and Engineering, said.
Paige said the programs are designed to help students gain in-demand skills while strengthening Tulsa’s workforce pipeline.
What Students Will Learn
The associate degree and certificate programs will be offered entirely online, allowing flexibility for working students.
- Data analysis
- Data visualization
- Statistical methods
- Industry-standard software and tools
TCC says graduates will be prepared for careers in business, health care, manufacturing, logistics, education and technology, or they can continue their education through transfer opportunities.
Hands-On Learning With Real-World Experience
Students will work through real case studies developed by practicing data analysts, including TCC staff members.
“Data tells a story, but someone has to know how to interpret it,” Kirstin Krug, TCC’s director of Institutional Research, Reporting & Analytics, said. “Data analysts help organizations understand what is happening, why it’s happening and what actions they should take next. Those skills are valuable in virtually every industry.”
The college says the curriculum is designed to give students practical experience with the tools and challenges they are likely to encounter in the workplace.
Building Oklahoma’s Technology Workforce
The associate degree also creates a pathway for students who complete TCC’s existing Skills Lab Data Analytics certificate to continue toward a college degree.
College officials say the new programs also support workforce goals tied to the Tulsa Regional Advanced Mobility initiative, which aims to strengthen northeast Oklahoma’s talent pipeline in advanced technology fields, including aerospace, manufacturing, health care and logistics.
Enrollment for TCC’s Data Analytics associate degree program is now open.
