Although you can self-study using free online resources (including Springboard's data analysis curriculum!), many aspiring data scientists who attempt to learn on their own experience challenges finding jobs, as they don't have any accreditation or certification to back up their skillset and lack industry contacts.
Can I be data scientist without degree?
As a self-taught data scientist, I can confidently say that it's very much possible to be a data scientist without a STEM degree. It won't be an easy path, as it wasn't for myself, but it has been worth every ounce of effort.
What degree does a data scientist need?
You will need at least a bachelor's degree in data science or computer-related field to get your foot in the door as an entry level data scientist, although most data science careers will require a master's degree.
Can an average person become a data scientist?
Anyone, including you and I, can become a data scientist if you're motivated enough. After years of being frustrated with how conventional sites taught data science, I recently created Dataquest, a better way to learn data science online.