When considering an associate degree it is important to keep in mind that most STEM related careers will require a bachelor degree and sometimes a master’s degree. If a nearby school does not offer a data science or data analytics associate program, there are plenty of suitable alternatives. Consider studying information systems, computer science, math, or statistics. Students can leverage these two-year programs to help build a strong foundation in areas critical for data science. This will help for a smooth transition into a bachelor’s program in data science or data analytics.