MS Data Science/Data Analytics options?

[ThatBankDude]

[quote pid='368456' dateline='1654308888']

I definitely agree that a faster degree is preferable to a slower one for purely financial reasons.  I chose Eastern over Georgia tech because I estimated that I would finish 18 months earlier, and as a result get a new higher paying position 18 months sooner.  The opportunity cost of losing 18 extra months of a data scientist salary was a compelling reason to pick Eastern.  I actually plan on going to Georgia tech for an MS in CS with a machine learning concentration later next year.  That will be primarily for my own enjoyment.

The one thing I will caution is the Business Analytics degree at SNHU that you linked.  If someone wants to stay a data analyst, Business Intelligence Specialist or perhaps become a manager of an analytics team, that is a good option.

However, it is not a good option if one's goal is to be a data science.  Looking at the courses in the program, it seems that they don't teach the machine learning models, are very light in teaching statistics, and very light on programming.  This degree would not prepare one for a data scientist interview or position.

Good points.  The reason I suggested is that the OP was looking for data science OR data analytics (see the original post).  In OP's case, I think it will work.  Being "light" might also be a benefit for a newbie to working with data.  I have seen the curriculum at Georgia Tech and it definitely requires prior background in a CS or IT field, whereas a business analytics degree might be more manageable to someone without that background.   But I totally agree with you that if Data Science is the sole focus of OP, then Business Analytics is not a good option.
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As an individual in a Business Analytics program, I agree with this. There will be exceptions as a classmate of mine recently became a Senior Data Scientist at a large company. That said, the vast majority of us in the program use data for our jobs and needed a better knowledge of how to use it to benefit our organizations. I always say that Business Analytics programs help bridge the gap between data scientist and company decision makers who need the data interpreted and put into easier terms to understand to make effective decisions.

If one wants to be a Data Scientist they would be better off with a graduate degree in mathematics, statistics, data science. If one wants to work with data and have the knowledge of R, Python, SQL but does not want to sit in front of a computer 8 hours per day coding, then Business Analytics may be a better fit.

[Pikachu]

What about a degree from a UK uni? York offers an online MSc in Computer Science with Data Analytics. Costs 8.1K GBP or ~$10,110.

Link: https://online.york.ac.uk/study-online/m...cs-online/

[BarleyWhine]

Since you're looking to use it as a checkbox for a promotion, the faster you get it, the earlier you get the $$ salary increase.  I say that eliminates programs like Georgia Tech or UT Austin.  If you look at their curriculum and visit their student forums, it is very difficult to complete those programs within 2 years.  

I disagree with both premises.

I'm in the Georgia Tech OMSA program right now. We're recruited heavily, not just from the alumni portal but also from the current student body. Once you've taken 4-5 classes and haven't dropped out, you become very desirable. Nearly anybody who wants to can switch to a Sr. Data Analyst role or Jr./Mid Data Scientist role once they're about halfway through the program.

[bluebooger]

> I disagree with both premises.

nothing in your rebuttal applies to the post you quoted

maybe you quoted the wrong thing

[bjcheung77]

If it was for me and I have "two years", I would take the Georgia Tech or U of T - Austin options over anything else. Having said that, if I needed a quick Masters and want to speed through it, the WGU option can be done in 1 term of 6 months. If someone wanted, they can add another WGU degree to that in another term. So, technically, a WGU Masters Data Analytics and a Masters in something else can be done in 1 year flat.