Get Your Degree!

Get information on programs from our featured schools.

What is Data Processing Technology?

A Data Processing Technology degree or DP is a field of study in business focused on prudent measures to manipulate, store, and retrieve data and the associated equipment. Data Processing Technology is a degree program designed to ensure deep knowledge with respect to how data is stored, retrieved, and input into computer systems using various software applications such as:

  • Word Processing
  • Research
  • Data Analysis
  • Design Software
  • Applications
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Spreadsheets

Data processing technology is an ever-growing field with a bent towards technology, software applications, operating systems, database administration, and programming.  DP managers will need to be experts in a variety of data manipulation, storage, input, and applications specific to each industry.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$87,130

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

57.46%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

113,730

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Data Processing Technology Degree

George Washington University (GW or GWU) is a private research university in Washington, D.C. Chartered in 1821 by an act of the United States Congress. The University is accredited by its regional accrediting agency, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The University offers more than 75 undergraduate programs and more than 240 graduate programs. Furthermore, George Washington University offers a Master of Science in Data Analytics. It was administered jointly through the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Engineering Management & Systems Engineering. Moreover, the Master of Science in Data Analytics aims to address the growing demand for professionals skilled in big data and data analytics in government, industry and research organizations. Meanwhile, the program requires a total of 33 credit hours with a duration of two years (full-time), three years (part-time).

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Fordham University is a private Jesuit research university in New York City. It was established in 1841 and named for the Fordham neighborhood of the Bronx in which its original campus is located. Fordham is the oldest Catholic and Jesuit university in the northeastern United States. Fordham University is accredited by the Middle States Association of the Commission of Higher Education ("Middle States"), a non-governmental membership association that accredits colleges and universities within its geographical purview via peer evaluation, which the university is a member of. Moreover, the University offers over 60 undergraduate degrees and over 130 graduate degrees and advanced certificate programs. Furthermore, Fordham University offers a Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) degree, a STEM-designated program that promotes innovative thinking through its interdisciplinary curriculum that provides advanced theoretical and technical skills to build computational models and encourages students to engage in state-of-the-art research with internationally recognized faculty. In addition, the curriculum consists of 10 courses (30 credits): 5 core courses, 4 elective courses and 1 capstone project course (thesis optional; replaces capstone). Also, the program features fundamental concepts and state-of-the-art learning across the discipline in all of the following areas: Machine/deep Learning, Big data, Bioinformatics, Computer vision, Neuroscience, Natural language processing, data processing, Cybersecurity, Computational social science and Computational finance. MSDS students are equipped with advanced technical knowledge, leadership skills, and practical training, as well as access to wide-ranging internship, networking, and research opportunities in and around New York City.

Acceptance Rate

45.88

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The State University of New York at Buffalo commonly referred to as University at Buffalo (UB) or SUNY Buffalo, is a public research university with campuses in Buffalo and Amherst, New York, the university. Founded in 1846 as a private medical college and merged with the State University of New York system in 1962. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the University at Buffalo (UB) has 27 programmatic accredited programs and 2 internships/residency accredited programs. The institution offers more than 140 undergraduate options and more than 70 minors, and more than 300 graduate, professional and certificate degrees. Moreover, the University of Buffalo offers a Data Intensive Computing Certificate program that is relevant and useful in any discipline with large data-analysis needs. Furthermore, the program is equally available to students in other fields of study and consists of a total of 5 courses: 3 required CSE courses, 1 elective course from the major discipline of the student and a capstone project course that applies the concepts in the earlier courses of the certificate, the program requires just 1-3 credits (for the capstone project) more than a regular minor in CSE. Also, it creatively integrates the computational needs of the student's chosen discipline with the data-intensive computing solutions, methods and tools offered by the CSE courses.

Acceptance Rate

61.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Pratt Institute is a private university with its main campus in Brooklyn, New York. The school originated in 1887 with programs primarily in engineering, architecture, and fine arts. Also, Pratt Institute is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The Institute offers more than 25 undergraduate degree programs and concentrations and more than 26 graduate degree programs in its Schools of Art, Design, Architecture, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Information. Moreover, the Institute offers a Master of Science in Data Processing Analytics and Visualization (DAV) program which addresses the growing need for analysts, researchers, developers, designers, mapmakers, usability experts, and other data professionals. However, applicants to the DAV program must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university, the applicant must have a superior scholastic record or otherwise give evidence of ability to perform work on the graduate level and are expected to offer evidence of maturity and leadership potential for the profession. The DAV program consists of 36 credits (12 three-credit classes): 6 required courses and 6 electives (including at least 1 course from another department at Pratt), which must be completed with a B average or higher, the program is designed to be completed in two years (3 courses per semester) or three years (2 courses per semester), the summer courses may reduce this time and international students must be enrolled full-time (3 courses, 9 credits per semester).

Acceptance Rate

55.5

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The University of San Francisco (USF) is a private Jesuit university in San Francisco, California. Founded by the Jesuits in 1855 as St. Ignatius Academy. Since 1953, the University of San Francisco and its School of Management have been accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Furthermore, the University of San Francisco offers 55 distinct undergraduate degrees, concentrated into 45 majors within 22 broad fields of study and 56 graduate programs in which only 1 is offered online or through graduate distance education programs. Moreover, an undergraduate Data Science program is offered by the University of San Francisco. The program is a 4-year major which culminates in a Bachelor of Science degree that requires 54 units to be completed. Also, the institution offers a one-year Master of Science in Data Processing Science (MSDS) program. The program delivers a rigorous curriculum focused on mathematical and computational techniques in the emerging field of data science. In addition, the program is a 35-unit program that begins in early July every year and features a modern, open-source-focused curriculum for students who seek the technical expertise required to become data scientists and analysts, and the business skills to apply this knowledge effectively and strategically. Moreover, the program includes Application Development, Machine Learning, Statistical Modeling, Natural Language Processing, Business Strategy, Design of Experiments, Distributed Computing, Deep Learning, Data Visualization and Business Communication courses.

Acceptance Rate

64.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Brooklyn College is a public college in Brooklyn, New York that is a part of the City University of New York. It was formed in 1930 by the merger of the Brooklyn branches of Hunter College, then a women's college, and of the City College of New York, then a men's college, both established in 1926. Brooklyn College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. In fact, Brooklyn College's last comprehensive evaluation took place in spring 2019 and its accreditation was continued in June 2019 by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Moreover, the institution offers 81 undergraduate programs, 75 graduate programs and 17 advanced certificates and diplomas. A Bachelor of Science in Data Science is offered by Brooklyn College. The program synthesizes applied mathematics, data processing, high-performance computing, data management and analysis to provide a well-rounded interdisciplinary education for the new generation of Data Scientists. However, students must take at least one advanced liberal arts course or choose two sequential courses in a foreign language. At least 2 courses designated WI are required from the College Option or GenEd Flexible Common Core. In addition, General education requirements vary based on admission criteria. Nonetheless, the program requires the completion of 114 credits and a grade of C or higher is required in every course.

Acceptance Rate

44.99

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The State University of New York at Farmingdale is a college in East Farmingdale. In the U.S. state of New York, the State University of New York at Farmingdale was founded in 1912, the founding of the College was originally proposed by State Assemblyman John Lupton in 1909. Moreover, Farmingdale State College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Also, over 46 undergraduate degrees and 2 graduate programs (Master’s) are offered by the institution. A Bachelor of Science degree in Business Analytics is offered at Farmingdale State College. The program is designed to prepare students for jobs that require data analysis skills, data visualization, and presentation skills that are essential to decision making in organizations. Additionally, the program will teach students the necessary skills to work with large data sets and perform data mining tasks to enable evidence-based decision making. Also, the program requires 121 total credits to be completed.

Acceptance Rate

54.89

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Missouri University of Science and Technology, or Missouri S&T, is a public research university in Rolla, Missouri. Missouri S&T was founded in 1870 as the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy (MSM), the first technological learning institution west of the Mississippi River. Furthermore, Missouri University of Science and Technology is officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Missouri University of Science and Technology offers both Undergraduate and Graduate degrees. Moreover, Missouri University of Science and Technology offers a bachelor’s degree in Information science and technology, which allows students to study the latest technology in areas including business analytics & data processing science, networking, database management systems, telecommunications, enterprise resource planning, human-computer interaction, e-commerce, and integrated business systems. The degree consists of 120 credit hours. Additionally, all undergraduate students in Business and Management Systems are required to complete a General Education Requirements Core, including courses in Humanities, Social Sciences, Mathematics, Science, and Communication Skills; a minimum grade of "C" is required in the IST Core, IST Electives, Management, and Information Technology courses and students have 9 credit hours for free electives.

Acceptance Rate

79.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Wesleyan College is a private, liberal arts women's college in Macon, Georgia. It was founded in 1836. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Wesleyan College’ baccalaureate degree and the master’s degree were awarded by the association. Furthermore, Wesleyan College offers 3 different degree programs: Bachelor of Arts, bachelor of fine arts, or bachelor of science in nursing. With a total of 23 majors and 30 minors, the institution has a range of career fields and graduate programs, regardless of their undergraduate major. Moreover, Wesleyan College offers an Applied Data Analysis Major which is designed to teach contemporary data analysis techniques while also allowing students to take full advantage of studying at a liberal arts college. Students who choose to study applied data analysis will use methods from computer science to enhance their study of other interests while acquiring skills that are both useful for graduate level research and marketable to modern industries. In addition, the program’s major requirement is a total of 53 hours of study.

Acceptance Rate

43.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Waynesburg University is a private university in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. The university was founded in 1849 as Waynesburg College by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in honor of General Anthony Wayne. The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. 34 distinct undergraduate degrees, concentrated into 30 majors within 17 broad fields of study and a Graduate and Professional Studies Division are offered by the Waynesburg University. Moreover, Waynesburg University offers a Data Science Major. This interdisciplinary data science program offers courses in subjects ranging from data mining, artificial intelligence and web analytics to database management, applied statistics, data visualization and more. Moreover, a student majoring in the Data Science program at Waynesburg University, with careful selection of electives, may obtain a minor in mathematics, computer science, or both. Also, the student may pursue a double major in Data Science and one of the other majors within the Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics, the Data Science major is designed to allow the student the opportunity for further study at a graduate level.

Acceptance Rate

92.51

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Utah State University (USU or Utah State) is a public land-grant research university in Logan, Utah, and was founded on December 16, 1861. Utah State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Moreover, Utah State University offers 118 distinct undergraduate degrees, concentrated into 88 majors within 32 broad fields of study and offers several graduate degrees. Furthermore, the Utah State University offers a Master of Data Analytics (MDATA) program that trains the next generation of statisticians, business analysts, and computer scientists to meet the increased demand for analytic professionals. The program integrates coursework in Statistics, Management Information Systems, Economics & Finance, and Computer Science, an MDATA degree gives graduates a broad but focused set of knowledge and tools applicable to data management and analysis for use in a variety of organizations. Additionally, the program specializes in Management Information Systems (MDATA), Economics and Finance (MDATA) and Statistics (MDATA).

Acceptance Rate

90.95

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Arkansas State University (A-State) is a public research university in Jonesboro, Arkansas. A-State was founded as the First District Agricultural School in Jonesboro in 1909. Accredited by the regional institutional accreditor, Arkansas State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Chicago, IL. Moreover, the university offers 81 distinct undergraduate degrees, concentrated into 57 majors within 24 broad fields of study along with several graduate programs. A Bachelor of Science in Data Science is offered at Arkansas State University. The program will prepare students for a successful career in data science with a strategic skill set. Also, a Graduate Certificate in Data Science is offered. It serves as an introduction to data science, while covering the various stages in its life cycle including data manipulation, data analysis, statistical concepts, and machine learning. Understanding these stages provides the knowledge necessary to tackle real-world, data rich problems in business and academia. Nevertheless, this program is designed to drive your ability to visualize and derive insights thus making difficult business decisions more affordable and optimal and this course is intended for data analysts, data processing, data engineers, data scientists, data architects, and other data professionals.

Acceptance Rate

79.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The University of Toledo is a public research university in Toledo, Ohio. The university was founded in 1872 in downtown Toledo as the Toledo University of Arts and Trades. It closed after six years and was eventually turned over to the city of Toledo to reopen in 1884 as the Toledo Manual Training School and developed from a vocational school into a university through the late 1800s. The University of Toledo is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Specialist and Doctoral degrees. More than 230 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees and certificates are offered at the University of Toledo. A Data Analytics Bachelor's Degree is offered at the university. This program in data analytics teaches a blend of communication and analytical skills that will make you highly marketable in the field of data analytics and a Data Science Bachelor's Degree. Moreover, the interdisciplinary data science bachelor’s program housed in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics will prepare students to collect, structure and analyze data, the degree is focused on math, statistics, basic programming and health and science applications. Its key classes include: Data Science I and II, Statistical Methods I and II, Data Driven Websites, Machine Learning, Data Science Ethics, Data Visualization and Introduction to Object Oriented Programming classes.

Acceptance Rate

96.4

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Ferris State University (FSU or Ferris) is a public research university with its main campus in Big Rapids, Michigan. It was founded in 1884 as the Big Rapids Industrial School by Woodbridge Nathan Ferris. Furthermore, Ferris State University is located in the region of the Higher Learning Commission, which accredits all forms of colleges and universities in a 19-state region. Reviews for reaffirmation of regional accreditation are conducted periodically to assure that institutions remain in compliance with the accreditor's standards. More than 180 undergraduate and graduate majors include 2-year degrees that "ladder" into 4-year, Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees, eight master's degrees and Doctor of Education, Optometry and Pharmacy are offered by the institution. Moreover, the university offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Data Analytics (BSBDA) program. The program was created in response to the critical need in today's workplace for employees who are capable of drawing meaningful insight from vast quantities of data. Also, the Bachelor of Science in Business Data Analytics (BSBDA) program includes: General Education Courses, Business Core Courses and Major Courses, Admission and Transfer Requirements and Graduation Requirements, and requires 120-122 credits to complete.

Acceptance Rate

86.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM or Southern Miss) is a public research university with its main campus in Hattiesburg. Mississippi and was founded on March 30, 1910. Moreover, it is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees. The university offers 74 distinct undergraduate degrees, concentrated into 65 majors within 26 broad fields of study, 81 doctoral, 126 master's, 2 specialist, and 20 certificate programs. Moreover, the university offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree program. This program of study provides career-oriented computing education that enables graduates to enter positions with skills that are in high demand in industry and the government sector. In addition, the program offers a minor in computer science, software engineering and web-centric computing with a minimum of 124 hours needed in order to graduate with a B.S. in computer science. Also, the university offers a Master’s degree in Computer Science that includes advanced topics in computer science, and the program offers flexibility for the student to select courses in one or more areas of interest. Nevertheless, students are expected to complete a minimum of 33-36 credit hours, including a thesis or a major project.

Acceptance Rate

96.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The University of Dubuque (UD) is a private Presbyterian university in Dubuque, Iowa. The university was founded in 1852. The University of Dubuque is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the State of Iowa Department of Education. A number of 42 distinct undergraduate degrees, concentrated into 30 majors within 19 broad fields of study and several graduate programs are offered by the University of Dubuque. Moreover, the University of Dubuque offers a Computer Information Technology (CIT) major that provides a rounding of computer courses as well as advanced computer courses in programming, networking, and security. Furthermore, the University of Dubuque CIT program stresses theory and skill development in the technical areas of web development, networking, computer programming, operating systems, servers, database management, information security, systems analysis and design, and project management.

Acceptance Rate

72.69

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is a public land-grant research university in Paradise, Nevada. Founded on 10 September 1957, it was formerly part of the University of Nevada from 1957 to 1969. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. With 16 major academic units that offer degrees and more than 130 graduate certificates, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees the University of Nevada, Las Vegas offers quality education like no other. Furthermore, the university offers a Master of Science in Data Analytics. The program equips students with technical skills that are used by professional data scientists for data analysis, visualization, predictions, and discoveries. Also, the program covers applications in many industries and specialties such as health care, hospitality, social sciences, engineering, business, and government.

Acceptance Rate

80.69

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

The University of Baltimore (UB) is a public university in Baltimore, Maryland. It is a part of the University System of Maryland and it was founded by a group of Baltimore business professionals in 1925. Officially accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, University of Baltimore is a medium-sized (uniRank enrollment range: 6,000-6,999 students) coeducational US higher education institution. Moreover, the institution offers several undergraduate and graduate programs. A Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Data Analytics Specialization is offered by the university. Moreover, the program requires a minimum of 38 General Education credits, Non-Business General Education credits and Business Core Requirements that satisfy an additional 15 credits hours of General Education. Also, the university offers a Master’s degree in Business Administration specialization in Data Analytics. A program that allows students to build upon the predictive analytics knowledge acquired in the MBA core courses and hones into the big data principles that aid in business strategies. Moreover, this program requires Foundation Courses (0-12 Credits), Required Core Courses (15 Credits), Flexible Core Courses (9 credits), Capstone Course (3 Credits) and a Data Analytics Specialization Courses (9 Credits).

Acceptance Rate

78.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Dickinson State University (DSU) is a public university in Dickinson, North Dakota. Founded in 1918 as Dickinson State Normal School and granted full university status in 1987. Accredited by a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, Dickinson State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Moreover, the institution offers several undergraduate and graduate programs. Furthermore, the university offers a Data Entry Specialist Certificate. The curriculum prepares students for data entry positions, students will learn Excel, Database, and computer basics. Moreover, the program requires a total of 16 credit hours.

Acceptance Rate

99.73

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Premiere Career College is a for-profit college located in Irwindale, California in the Los Angeles Area and was founded in 1991. Premiere Career College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. Moreover, the college provides 8 major programs and 8 vocational programs. Furthermore, a General Office Assistant – Business Computer Applications is offered by the institution. Throughout the General Office Assistant/ Data Word Processor program, students will receive instructions and insights on everything from résumé preparation to market research techniques to interviewing skills. However, as an applicant for the General Office Assistant/ Data Word Processor program you must: be at least 18 years of age or are beyond the age of compulsory school attendance in the State of California, have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent, or have the ability to be trained to perform the tasks associated with the occupation/job for which the training program chosen was designed for, pass the College written examination and pass the College interview.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$29,330 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State or PSU) is a public state-related land-grant research university with campuses and facilities throughout Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1855 as the Farmers' High School of Pennsylvania. A national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation; the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (Middle States) has been accrediting Pennsylvania State University since 1921. In fact, the institution offers more than 275 majors, with four-year degrees offered at all 20 of their undergraduate campuses. Moreover, a Data Sciences major offered by the Pennsylvania State University educates students on the technical fundamentals of data sciences. Also, the university offers a Master’s degree in Data Analytics which is a research-oriented graduate degree program.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) is a public technical college in Americus, Georgia. It was founded in 1948. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges South Georgia Technical College’s associate degrees, diplomas, and technical certificates of credit are awarded by the association. Moreover, South Georgia Technical College offers several undergraduate and graduate programs. South Georgia Technical College offers a certificate Data Entry Clerk Program. The program prepares individuals to perform basic data and text entry using standard and customized software products. Includes instructions in keyboarding skills, personal computer and workstation operation, and various interactive software programs used for tasks such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases and others. In addition, a total of 15 minimum semester hour credits are required for the certificate.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Zane State College is a public community college in Zanesville, and Cambridge, Ohio. The school was established in 1969 as Muskingum Area Technical College. Accredited by a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, Zane State College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. With offers of 8 less than one-year certificates, 5 one-year certificates, 29 programs that lead to an associate degree, and 1 baccalaureate program focused on regional workforce needs Zane State College strives to be a competitive institution. Moreover, Zane State College offers an Undergraduate Certificate in Data Processing and a Certificate of Data Processing Technology and Technician in Computer and Information Systems in which all is a 1-year certificate program.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Ogeechee Technical College is an above-average public college located in Georgia. It was established by the Georgia General Assembly as a public, two-year technical school in 1986. Moreover, Ogeechee Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees, diplomas, and technical certificates of credit. Furthermore, the institution offers a number of 30 distinct undergraduate degrees, concentrated into 24 majors within 11 broad fields of study. Moreover, Ogeechee Technical College offers a 1-year certificate in Data Processing and Data Processing Technology.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The Oconee Fall Line Technical College (OFTC) is a public community college with its main campuses in Sandersville and Dublin, Georgia. OFTC was created on July 1, 2011, as a result of the merger of Sandersville Technical College and Heart of Georgia Technical College. Oconee Fall Line Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award Associate Degrees, Diplomas, and Technical Certificates of Credit. A number of 811 degrees were awarded across all undergraduate and graduate programs by the institution. Moreover, a Data Processing and Data Processing Technology, Technician Degree, Associate Degree, Certificate campus programs are offered at Oconee Fall Line Technical College.  The Data Processing and Data Processing Technology program prepares individuals to master and use computer software programs and applications for inputting, verifying, organizing, storing, retrieving, transforming (changing, updating, and deleting), and extracting information. In addition, the program includes instruction in using various operating system configurations and in types of data entry such as word processing, spreadsheets, calculators, management programs, design programs, database programs, and research programs.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Top Degrees in Data Processing Technology

Students seeking to enhance their skill set with a degree or certificate in data processing technology have a number of options to consider. The breadth of programs in data processing varies greatly from school to school.

Accredited colleges and universities offer certificate programs and undergraduate degrees in the field of study to help prepare for additional degrees or work opportunities. Completion of a degree in DPT, students may go on to earn additional degrees in computer programming, computer networking, database management, computer science, data modeling, business administration, or similar trades.

To help you make sense of your options, we have provided a summary of programs below. In addition, there are quick links to top colleges and universities to help you efficiently gather information about programs.

Certificates in Data Processing Technology

Certificate programs can be parsed by type and modality. The types of certificate programs include graduate certificate programs and undergraduate certificate programs. Undergraduate certificates are geared for students to learn the essentials of data processing.

From rudimentary classes to more advanced fields of study, an undergraduate certificate will help students obtain a firm grasp of the subject matter and prepare them for entry-level positions in the field. Graduate certificates, on the other hand, are a series of upper-level courses aimed at enhancing specific skills.

For example, a graduate certificate may emphasize database administration techniques or data modeling or cloud computing instead of general courses. Qualified graduate students will utilize certificate programs to upskill, remain competitive, increase the odds of earning a promotion, and/or prepare for a career transition.

Modality of programs can include in-class, online, and hybrid programs. On-site certificate programs require students to physically attend class at a set time and set place with a group of other students. Online classes can be synchronous or asynchronous and attended remotely, providing a unique degree of flexibility and access. Hybrid classes meld online and on-site classes by requiring students to attend a physical class and perform required tasks remotely via distance learning.

Data Processing Associate Degree

Online associate degree programs in data processing technology can be conferred as an Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) depending on the program emphasis. Associate degrees are designed to be completed in about 2 years for full-time students. Part-time students will likely take longer depending on the schools requirements and pace.

Associate degrees blend general education courses with core classes to provide a holistic set of thinking skills for students. General education courses may include classes such as art, history, communications, business administration, philosophy, psychology, and statistics. Core classes will vary from school to school as a function of the area(s) of emphasis an colleges resources. An example of classes may include:

  • Introduction to Computers
  • Relational Databases
  • Computer Systems and Procedures
  • Operating Systems
  • Visual Basic
  • Complex Computer Applications
  • Computer System Management
  • Computers and Programming
  • Information Systems Security
  • Wireless LANs
  • Data Communications
  • Client/Server Systems

Employment & Data Processing Specializations

As the information available to us continues to rapidly accelerate, the need to organize that data is key.  Data processing jobs will be created in every sector in every corner of our economy.  Information processing and data management will remain in-demand despite automation as new techniques for processing data and throughput of information will evolve.  Students looking to expand their horizons may find similar DPT jobs in adjacent fields.  A sampling include programming, systems design, computer support, database management, data mining, artificial intelligence, research designer, network administrator, and information security.

Data Processing Job Titles

When considering a career in DPT, students will need to understand the varied job titles and vernacular in the industry.  As a result, we have compiled a list of popular job titles to help to better identify associated and adjacent jobs in the field of data processing technology.

  • Applications Analyst
  • Business Systems Analyst
  • Computer Analyst
  • Information Systems Analyst
  • Computer Systems Analyst
  • Business Analyst
  • Computer Systems Consultant
  • Information Technology Analyst
  • Data Analyst
  • Systems Analyst
Data Processing Manager Job Duties

A recent survey by the Department of Labor reveals key insights into daily jobs performed by data analysts.  As a result, we have culled the list and consolidated the top 22 job responsibilities into a bite-size list of 5.  The most popular job responsibilities of a data processing manager include the following:

  • Testing, managing, and monitoring computers, networks, and programs and their associated resource management
  • Troubleshooting system and computer program problems to ensure proper system functioning
  • Modifying computers and computer systems to meet evolving demands, internally and externally
  • Utilizing software and hardware to solve business problems like inventory control, data security, data analysis, production, and cloud computing
  • Communicating with peers and upper management to ensure alignment on project resources, strategic initiatives, and system requirements

Data Processing Resources

For additional information about the exciting field of DPT, you can visit the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) website. Their in-depth articles, resources, programs, and events have come to be known as the industry standard. Connect with a local AITP chapter and get plugged in to the DPT industry today.

Featured Rankings

Find Your College Match

Sort By
PHP Code Snippets Powered By : XYZScripts.com