Masters Data Science

[LivingLog]

Several years ago I got a BA in liberal studies with a concentration in math and natural science from TESU. At the time, I just needed a degree and it helped me in opening more job opportunities. Since then, I earned a certificate class in software engineering and have been working as a software engineer. I'd like to move on to data science. I've been taking some data science classes and really enjoy it but a masters is really required for data science. 

I'm be open to a Masters in computer science with a concentration in data science. Data analytics is out because it's a related but different job.

I have found a few degree programs that would work. 

Truman State University - $12,750
https://www.truman.edu/majors-programs/g...a-science/

University of Sunderland - $9,300
https://online.sunderland.ac.uk/online-c...a-science/

I'd like to keep tuition under $20,000 for the program, so under $700/credit. I'm okay with international programs as long as they're accredited in whatever is local to the program. I haven't seen any competency based data science grad programs, but I'd be interested in them if anyone knows of one.

[mahaganapati]

Several years ago I got a BA in liberal studies with a concentration in math and natural science from TESU. At the time, I just needed a degree and it helped me in opening more job opportunities. Since then, I earned a certificate class in software engineering and have been working as a software engineer. I'd like to move on to data science. I've been taking some data science classes and really enjoy it but a masters is really required for data science. 

I'm be open to a Masters in computer science with a concentration in data science. Data analytics is out because it's a related but different job.

I have found a few degree programs that would work. 

Truman State University - $12,750
https://www.truman.edu/majors-programs/g...a-science/

University of Sunderland - $9,300
https://online.sunderland.ac.uk/online-c...a-science/

I'd like to keep tuition under $20,000 for the program, so under $700/credit. I'm okay with international programs as long as they're accredited in whatever is local to the program. I haven't seen any competency based data science grad programs, but I'd be interested in them if anyone knows of one.

Since you already have software engineering experience, you may also consider a Master's in something like Statistics. Depending on the role, Data Science roles can be very statistics/math heavy and that could complement your experience in SWE. It's something I'm considering for myself actually - though I haven't looked much into specific DS roles - have you seen that they're looking for an actual DS degree? DS degrees seem quite new but maybe I'm out of the loop.

[Flelm]

UT Austin
https://www.edx.org/masters/online-maste...-utaustinx - $10k, This one is thrown around a lot

Eastern University
https://www.eastern.edu/academics/gradua...ta-science - $9900, I believe I've heard this isn't as technical/practical as some others?

[mahaganapati]

Quite a few online MS in DS are offered through Coursera - https://www.coursera.org/degrees/data-science

[allvia]

...I'd like to move on to data science. I've been taking some data science classes and really enjoy it but a masters is really required for data science.
....
I'd like to keep tuition under $20,000 for the program, so under $700/credit. I'm okay with international programs as long as they're accredited in whatever is local to the program. I haven't seen any competency based data science grad programs, but I'd be interested in them if anyone knows of one.

Eastern University
https://www.eastern.edu/academics/gradua...ta-science - $9900, I believe I've heard this isn't as technical/practical as some others?

Although the Eastern program isn't exactly competency based it has the making being pretty close if you're already competent, and good still if you're not at all. I had to put my attendance on hold in the program due to the demands/interests of my employer wanting me to pursue the PM side of my job (and since its their $ paying for it...). A member, Dustin, from the sister-board is giving a great deal of insight into the program as he's working through it - https://www.degreeinfo.com/index.php?thr...10k.57214/

Also, I don't know anything about it myself but I'll add the link to the edX one offered through 'The University of Texas at Austin' for $10K - https://www.edx.org/masters/online-maste...-utaustinx

[Flelm]

https://www.upgrad.com/us/data-science-m...gree-iiitb - Liverpool John Moores University, UK, $7499

[LivingLog]

Several years ago I got a BA in liberal studies with a concentration in math and natural science from TESU. At the time, I just needed a degree and it helped me in opening more job opportunities. Since then, I earned a certificate class in software engineering and have been working as a software engineer. I'd like to move on to data science. I've been taking some data science classes and really enjoy it but a masters is really required for data science. 

I'm be open to a Masters in computer science with a concentration in data science. Data analytics is out because it's a related but different job.

I have found a few degree programs that would work. 

Truman State University - $12,750
https://www.truman.edu/majors-programs/g...a-science/

University of Sunderland - $9,300
https://online.sunderland.ac.uk/online-c...a-science/

I'd like to keep tuition under $20,000 for the program, so under $700/credit. I'm okay with international programs as long as they're accredited in whatever is local to the program. I haven't seen any competency based data science grad programs, but I'd be interested in them if anyone knows of one.

Since you already have software engineering experience, you may also consider a Master's in something like Statistics. Depending on the role, Data Science roles can be very statistics/math heavy and that could complement your experience in SWE. It's something I'm considering for myself actually - though I haven't looked much into specific DS roles - have you seen that they're looking for an actual DS degree? DS degrees seem quite new but maybe I'm out of the loop.

 
Most DS roles I've seen will take an MS in math, economics, statistics or DS.

I don't think I could personally get through an MS in math. The reason I didn't do a BA in math at TESU is because I can't quite get into upper level calc without a lot of time and study. I could probably do statistics or economics, both of which I'm open to.

[bjcheung77]

Just curious, how many programs have you researched? Have you thought about WGU's MS Data Analytics? WGU's program is competency based, I would recommend adding this to your short list. If you have the energy/time and no commitments such as kids, wife, etc... you can finish it in a term, that's just 6 months time, at most it would take you two terms.

BTW, Basically, when you were at TESU, did you take 16 credits towards your degree? Or was it all transfer credit and just the cornerstone and capstone course? Have you thought about doing another Bachelors in Data Analytics? Just in case a Bachelors will do the trick for you. I still think the Masters is a better option though and you should focus on that...

[LivingLog]

Just curious, how many programs have you researched? Have you thought about WGU's MS Data Analytics? WGU's program is competency based, I would recommend adding this to your short list.  If you have the energy/time and no commitments such as kids, wife, etc... you can finish it in a term, that's just 6 months time, at most it would take you two terms.  

BTW, Basically, when you were at TESU, did you take 16 credits towards your degree? Or was it all transfer credit and just the cornerstone and capstone course?  Have you thought about doing another Bachelors in Data Analytics? Just in case a Bachelors will do the trick for you.  I still think the Masters is a better option though and you should focus on that...

I've looked into 15ish programs. I'm genuinely torn between a DS degree, comp sci and statistics. Any of them would ultimately work.

I transferred in everything and only took the capstone and cornerstone. I have considered going back to TESU for the data science and analytics BS but decided against it because it most jobs want a graduate degree. 

Thanks for reminding me about WGU. I haven't looked into them in a long while. I'll take a look at their data analytics degree.

[Pats20]

Eastern offers 20% for alumni so if you complete ms data science for $9900 the mba program would then be $7900. Less than $18k for both.