The ability to analyze big data professionally is a skill that can serve as the foundation for a solid career in IT. However, there are many degrees that will give you the knowledge and credentials needed to get hired as a big data specialist. If you have a knack for crunching numbers and interpreting data, there are several educational paths that can put you in a position to blossom as a corporate data analyst. With that said, here are five-degree types that will set you up for success as a big data expert:

1. Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics

Earning your graduate certificate in business analytics will equip you to become a certified business analyst, a position that brings in an average annual salary of more than $82,000. With this degree program, you’ll learn the fundamentals of statistical analysis, data management, and data virtualization. If you already have an applicable BS, you can earn an online business analytics certificate to prove that you’re a certified expert in data exploration, mining, and predictive/prescriptive analysis.

2. Graduate Certificate in Data Science

Earning a graduate certificate in data science will position you to become a data scientist, a job that pays an average annual salary of more than $92,000. Topics you’ll learn will include machine learning, predictive modeling, and data exploration. To earn your graduate certificate, you’ll need to already have proof that you earned your bachelor’s degree in the same field from an accredited university. You’ll also need to complete a college-level statistics module or course.

3. Bachelor of Science in Data Management

The BS – Data Management degree is designed to help you prepare for a career as a Certified Data Management Professional (CMDP). Once you’ve earned your degree, you can pursue additional CompTIA certifications to further boost your eligibility as a job candidate. Specializing in data management is a great way to increase your chances of landing a managerial position at a corporate IT department.

4. Bachelor of Business Administration

Earning your BS in Business Administration with a specialization in business analytics will make you a more appealing candidate for administrative positions. With this kind of degree program, you’ll learn about data mining applications, database marketing, econometrics, and the fundamentals of corporate statistical analysis.

5. Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

Earning your BS in Information Technology with a focus on database administration and data center operations will give you the credentials needed to apply for a job as a system administrator. While the annual income for this career path will vary widely from $60,000 to more than $120,000, there’s an abundance of job opportunities in this sector.

Choose a Degree That You’ll Enjoy Earning

In closing, if you’re not the type of person who can tolerate long stretches of mathematical analysis in the corporate environment, the degree types above might not be the best match for you. Conversely, if your hands feel at home on the buttons of a calculator, you could help fill the growing demand for big data specialists.