RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — County College of Morris’ Data Science degree program has been ranked No. 10 nationally by TechGuide in its 2026 Best Associate in Data Science Programs list, college officials announced.
The ranking highlights CCM’s growing role in preparing students for careers in data science and analytics, fields that continue to see rapid growth nationwide. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for data analysts is projected to increase 36 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations, with a median annual wage of $112,590.
CCM’s Data Science program is designed to prepare students for careers across multiple sectors, including healthcare, finance, technology and government. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in computing and analytics while supporting both workforce entry and transfer to four-year institutions.
Graduates are prepared to continue their education through established transfer pathways, including a partnership with Ramapo College that can lead to a master’s degree in data science. Students gain hands-on experience using industry-standard tools and programming languages such as Python, R, SQL, Tableau and Java, while working with real-world datasets through project-based learning.
“Being recognized as one of the top 10 Data Science programs in the nation is a significant achievement with real impact for our students and employers across the state,” said Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, president of CCM. “This distinction reflects the strength and evolution of our program, as well as the dedication of our faculty and staff who help launch our students into high-demand, high-wage careers, strengthening the region’s skilled workforce pipeline.”
“Our Data Science program is designed to give students not just technical skills, but the confidence to learn how to use data science and AI in real-world problems,” said Professor Colleen Bamford, chairperson of the Information Technologies Department. “In addition to our associate degree, CCM offers a five-course Certificate of Achievement in Data Analytics, which may be completed online and is stackable for quicker completion of the degree. It is through hands-on projects, small class sizes and access to industry-standard tools that CCM students gain a competitive edge.”
More information about CCM’s programs in computing, data science and information technology is available on the college’s website.
