Is Data Science a Hard Major? What Students Should Know in 2026

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Data science as a major is often perceived as highly demanding due to its combination of mathematics, programming, and analytical thinking. In the U.S., enrollment in data science programs has grown by over 30% in recent years, reflecting increasing interest but also rising academic expectations. This growth highlights the evolving nature of the field and its challenges.

This article will explore the rigor of typical data science courses, the workload students should expect, essential skills like coding and statistics, and factors that influence individual difficulty levels. Understanding these aspects helps prospective students assess whether this major aligns with their strengths and career goals.

Key Benefits of Data Science as a Major

Data science equips students with versatile skills in statistics, programming, and machine learning, useful across industries and beneficial for career changers seeking practical expertise.
It offers flexible learning paths ideal for full-time workers returning to school, providing online courses and part-time options that support varied schedules.
Traditional undergraduates gain confidence through hands-on projects and internships, helping them master complex concepts while preparing for competitive job markets.

Where Does Data Science Rank Among the Hardest College Majors?

National difficulty rankings of college majors often assess factors such as workload intensity, technical skill requirements, and the amount of lab or practicum hours. Data science generally demands strong abilities in mathematics, statistics, and programming, alongside substantial project-based work and collaboration. Studies indicate that STEM fields like data science tend to have lower average GPAs and higher dropout rates compared to non-STEM disciplines, reflecting their academic rigor. However, data science usually falls below the hardest majors-such as quantum physics or biomedical engineering-in terms of attrition and GPA challenges, with attrition rates lower than the over 50% seen in some pure math and physics programs.

The difficulty of data science varies according to the institution and the student's background. At elite schools like MIT or Stanford, data science programs may be more demanding due to competitive environments and advanced course offerings. Students with prior experience in coding or quantitative subjects often find the major more manageable, whereas others might struggle with its technical demands. In general, data science is considered tougher than business or social sciences but not as challenging as the most rigorous STEM disciplines. Ultimately, perceptions of difficulty depend heavily on one's academic strengths and the particular program's intensity.

What Factors Make Data Science a Hard Major?

Data science presents significant challenges due to its demanding combination of academic depth and technical skills. Students often face a high bar in understanding complex concepts while applying practical knowledge in real-world contexts.

The academic rigor of data science programs and the heavy demands on students' time contribute heavily to the difficulty of the major. Key factors include:

Multidisciplinary knowledge requirements: Students must attain proficiency in mathematics, including calculus and linear algebra, statistics, and computer science. This breadth demands mastering both abstract theories and practical programming skills simultaneously.
Data science workload and course difficulty: Majors typically complete eight or more upper-division courses, often totaling at least 28 units beyond foundational classes. Maintaining a solid GPA in such challenging coursework reflects the program's strict standards and significant workload.
Analytical and technical complexity: Coursework requires interpreting large datasets, developing machine learning models, and deploying algorithms to solve practical problems. These assignments demand advanced problem-solving and critical thinking skills across multiple domains.
Rapidly evolving field: Constant advances in tools, frameworks, and ethical considerations require students to engage in continuous learning to stay current, adding pressure to the already demanding curriculum.
Theory and application integration: Students must connect rigorous theoretical foundations with applied work, often demonstrated through capstone projects or specialized electives that combine these aspects.
Time commitment and workload management: The extensive coursework and project-based assessments call for strong organizational skills and dedication, amplifying the challenge of balancing academic and personal demands.

Students interested in strengthening their career prospects alongside managing this challenging academic path may consider exploring certifications for jobs that pay well to complement their degree.

The wage gap between bachelor's and associate's jobs.

Who Is a Good Fit for a Data Science Major?

Identifying who succeeds in data science is essential to understanding the demands of this interdisciplinary major. Students with the right profile can better navigate its challenges and leverage their strengths to excel.

Analytical Thinkers: These students enjoy problem-solving and patterns in complex data. Their natural curiosity and critical thinking skills suit the major's frequent modeling and logical reasoning tasks, helping them handle coursework efficiently.
Mathematically Proficient: Comfort with statistics and algorithms is crucial. Students with strong math backgrounds find it easier to grasp data analysis concepts that form the foundation of this major.
Technical Skillful: Familiarity with coding languages like Python and SQL is key since data science majors manipulate large datasets regularly. A willingness to learn new tools accelerates mastery of programming challenges.
Effective Communicators: Success depends on clearly presenting insights to diverse audiences. Students with strong communication skills excel in the major's collaborative, project-driven environment.
Persistent and Creative: Traits like grit and curiosity help students push through ambiguous problems and develop innovative solutions, aligning well with the fast-evolving nature of the field.

These qualities characterize the typical student who thrives in data science, given its blend of math, computing, and communication demands. For those interested in assessing the best educational paths, resources like best degree programs for older adults online may offer helpful guidance.

How Can You Make a Data Science Major Easier?

Many students find data science demanding because it blends statistics, coding, and specialized knowledge from different fields. Yet, adopting effective strategies can lighten this workload and improve academic performance.

Build core skills early: Mastering basics like statistics, Python, and R at the start creates a strong foundation that simplifies tackling advanced topics later.
Establish consistent study routines: Regular practice spaced over time deepens understanding and reduces exam stress better than last-minute cramming.
Utilize academic resources: Engaging with online tutorials, textbooks, and office hours enhances clarity on difficult concepts and encourages collaborative learning.
Gain practical experience: Working on real datasets and coding challenges applies theory in meaningful ways, boosting both skills and confidence.
Manage time effectively: Breaking projects into manageable parts and scheduling tasks helps prevent overload and balances academic with personal commitments.

When I spoke with a data science graduate about making the major more manageable, she reflected on her early struggles with juggling programming assignments and statistics concepts. She shared, "Initially, I felt overwhelmed, especially when projects piled up. What helped me was setting small, achievable goals each week rather than trying to do everything at once." She also emphasized how joining study groups gave her a support system where sharing different problem-solving approaches made difficult topics less intimidating. "I found that stepping back to review fundamentals before jumping into complex tasks saved me from confusion later. It was a trial-and-error process, but focusing on steady progress transformed my experience." This mix of planning, peer collaboration, and foundational review proved essential in turning a stressful major into a manageable and even rewarding journey.

Are Admissions to Data Science Programs Competitive?

Admissions to data science programs are indeed competitive, driven by a high number of applicants competing for limited slots, especially at top institutions and graduate levels. The rapid growth in interest, with program completions increasing over 700% from 2012 to 2021, intensifies this competition. Applicants must navigate strict technical prerequisites and program capacities that cannot always expand to meet demand.

Selectivity depends on the institution, but many programs expect candidates to maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher along with strong performance in mathematics, statistics, and computer science courses. Some schools also look for research involvement or relevant projects, while standardized tests like the GRE are becoming optional. As demand escalates, admissions committees tend to raise their academic standards, making thorough preparation critical for prospective students.

A professional who recently completed a data science major shared his experience highlighting the competitive nature of admissions. He recalled feeling both excitement and pressure as he carefully balanced boosting his GPA and gaining hands-on project experience. "I spent months strengthening my coding skills and working on statistics projects to stand out," he said. Reflecting back, he emphasized that persistence and targeted preparation were key, noting how challenging it was to meet rising expectations but rewarding to secure a spot in a respected program.

The share of online-exclusive students enrolled in their home state.

Is an Online Data Science Major Harder Than an On-Campus Program?

Whether an online data science degree is harder, easier, or equally challenging compared to an on-campus program depends on various individual factors. Both formats demand significant effort and cover comparable core material, but their distinct structures affect the student experience differently. Below are key differences in academic expectations, workload, interaction, and learning environments between online data science degree vs on campus programs.

Academic Expectations and Workload: Both online and on-campus programs maintain rigorous academic standards with similar assignments and assessments, but online programs offer flexible scheduling that requires strong self-discipline and time management.
Interaction and Support: On-campus students gain immediate face-to-face access to faculty and peers, facilitating timely feedback, whereas online students may face challenges in maintaining attention and clarifying doubts independently.
Learning Environment: Online learners often contend with home distractions and rely on virtual tools, while on-campus students benefit from immersive environments and richer networking opportunities.
Unique Challenges: Online formats demand greater autonomy and motivation, making them potentially harder for those who struggle without direct supervision, but they offer flexibility for balancing work or family.

The question of is online data science harder largely hinges on a student's personal learning style and environment. However, the comparable curriculum and workload indicate that difficulty levels can be similar overall.

For students aiming to enter fields linked to lucrative opportunities, exploring the highest paying bachelor degree programs-including data science-is often strategic.

Are Accelerated Data Science Programs Harder Than Traditional Formats?

Accelerated data science programs are generally harder than traditional formats because they condense rigorous coursework into a shorter timeframe, increasing both pace and content density. This intensifies the student experience by requiring quicker mastery of complex subjects with less time for review. To better understand the differences, consider the following comparison of accelerated vs traditional data science workload:

Course pacing and content density: Accelerated programs compress courses into 4-8 week sessions, while traditional programs spread them over longer terms, resulting in a faster, more intense learning curve.
Workload management: Accelerated online data science degree programs demand heavier weekly workloads and quicker deadlines, making them challenging for students balancing other commitments, whereas traditional programs offer a more manageable pace.
Academic expectations and skill demands: Accelerated formats require strong self-discipline and rapid skill acquisition, especially in coding, statistics, and machine learning, compared to the more gradual learning steps in traditional programs.
Learning retention and stress levels: Longer timelines in traditional programs support better retention and reduce stress, while accelerated formats often lead to increased pressure and time management challenges.
Flexibility and structure: Traditional programs typically allow part-time study and asynchronous coursework, offering greater flexibility; accelerated programs have fixed, fast-paced schedules suited for full-time commitment.

Students interested in exploring options can find reputable programs among the top online schools, which often offer both traditional and accelerated pathways tailored to different learning styles and goals.

Can You Manage a Part-Time Job While Majoring in Data Science?

Students can realistically manage a part-time job while majoring in data science, but success varies based on several factors. The program's rigorous coursework, including coding labs, projects, and readings, demands significant weekly time-often 15 to 20 hours outside class. Flexibility in work hours and strong personal study habits greatly affect a student's ability to juggle both responsibilities effectively.

Typically, students balance employment and data science studies by carefully planning their credit loads and opting for flexible, often remote or campus-based jobs. The discipline's workload fluctuates, especially with technical assignments and clustered project deadlines near exams, requiring adaptable schedules. Utilizing academic resources, whether on campus or online, also supports students in managing challenges. Many find roles related to data science beneficial, as these jobs complement their studies by applying theoretical knowledge practically, though inflexible work commitments or underestimating course intensity can hinder success.

What Jobs Do Data Science Majors Get, and Are They as Hard as the Degree Itself?

Career paths for data science graduates vary widely in difficulty, responsibility, and required skills. While some roles align closely with the rigorous demands of the major, others may seem less challenging or demanding in different ways, reflecting the diverse nature of data science career paths and salaries.

Data Analyst: Data analysts collect, process, and perform statistical analyses on large datasets. They create reports and visualizations to help organizations make informed decisions. This role tends to be less demanding than the major, focusing more on practical application than on advanced theory.
Data Scientist: Data scientists design and implement models to tackle complex business problems, often using machine learning and statistical techniques. This job is demanding in a different way, requiring continuous learning and adaptation to evolving technologies and business needs.
Machine Learning Engineer: Machine learning engineers build and deploy machine learning models, collaborating closely with data scientists and software engineers. The role matches the major's difficulty, emphasizing coding, algorithms, and system design challenges.
Data Engineer: Data engineers develop and maintain infrastructure that supports data analysis and machine learning, such as databases and data pipelines. This position is demanding in a different way, focusing heavily on system reliability and scalability rather than statistical analysis.
Business Analyst: Business analysts utilize data to guide business strategies and operations, often working with stakeholders to translate insights into actionable plans. This role is generally less demanding than the major, emphasizing communication and business acumen over technical intensity.

Understanding whether data science jobs are challenging compared to the degree itself helps students prepare for their future careers. For those considering an online bachelor degree affordable in related fields, recognizing these differences is crucial for setting realistic expectations and aligning career goals accordingly.

Do Data Science Graduates Earn Higher Salaries Because the Major Is Harder?

Data science graduates typically earn higher salaries, but this is largely due to market demand for specialized skills rather than the difficulty of the major itself. The academic challenge helps build technical expertise in areas like programming, statistical analysis, and machine learning, which employers highly value. However, the salary advantage primarily reflects economic factors such as the shortage of qualified professionals and the complex problems data scientists solve. The rigor of the program supports skill development, but strong market demand drives compensation more than difficulty alone.

Salaries for data science professionals vary widely based on industry, geographical location, and experience level. For example, entry-level data scientists earn between $95,000 and $130,000, while those with over 15 years of experience can make up to $190,000 annually. Locations like San Francisco offer higher pay-about $178,000 on average-compared to the national average near $157,000. Industries such as telecommunications and finance often provide salaries above $158,000, and senior roles like chief data officers may reach $350,000. These examples highlight how role specialization, sector, and career progression impact earnings more than academic difficulty alone.

What Graduates Say About Data Science as Their Major

Mordechai: "Pursuing data science was definitely challenging at times due to the heavy programming and statistical concepts involved, but the hands-on learning experience made every hurdle rewarding. The skills I gained opened doors to a rewarding career in analytics, and despite the cost of attendance being around $30,000 per year, it was a worthwhile investment. I'm grateful for the practical knowledge and opportunities this major provided."

Casen: "Reflecting on my time studying data science, I'd say it was tough but manageable with dedication and the right resources. The financial burden, given the average tuition fees, sometimes felt overwhelming, yet seeing how data science skills positively impacted my career growth made it worthwhile. Overall, this major shaped how I approach problem-solving in my profession."

Walker: "As a data science graduate, I recognize the complexity of this major, especially balancing the technical coursework with real-world applications. The cost, while significant, was justified by the strong career prospects and the ability to contribute meaningfully in tech roles. For anyone passionate about numbers and insights, data science is a demanding but highly rewarding path."

Other Things You Should Know About Data Science Degrees

How long does it typically take to complete a data science degree?

A bachelor's degree in data science usually takes four years of full-time study. Some programs offer accelerated tracks or combined bachelor's and master's degrees that can shorten this duration. Graduate degrees typically require an additional one to two years depending on the program's intensity and format.

Do data science courses require strong math skills?

Yes, strong math skills are essential for data science majors. Courses often involve calculus, linear algebra, probability, and statistics. A solid foundation in these areas is necessary to understand algorithms, data modeling, and machine learning techniques.

Is coding knowledge required before starting a data science major?

Prior coding experience is not always mandatory but is highly recommended. Many data science programs teach programming languages like Python or R early on. Students who start with some coding background may find the transition smoother and coursework more manageable.

Can data science be self-taught, or is a formal degree necessary?

While data science skills can be self-taught using online resources and bootcamps, a formal degree is often preferred by employers. Degree programs provide structured learning, exposure to theoretical concepts, and opportunities for hands-on projects. However, motivated individuals with strong portfolios may still succeed without a traditional degree.