WGU Data Analytics MS or Eastern U Data Science MS

[LMS612]

Hello!
I'm considering attending either Western Governors Univ for the MS in Data Analytics or Eastern Univ for the MS in Data Science.
Looking to see if anyone has experience with either of these schools along with the associated masters degrees. I am interested in your genuine thoughts on the either of the noted programs. 


My background is in information systems/mathematics and I have an MBA with a concentration in Info Sys. I worked as a management analyst for 18+ years but left to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy, but realized in my first full time clinical that rehab is not the field for me.. So I want to return to the data analytics/science field and enhance my skills.

Thank you!

[bjcheung77]

@LMS612, Welcome to the board. Have you done a search on the board or sister board for reviews of either, maybe some other review sites as well? You've provided a basic overview of what you're looking for, but it's missing the contents on the addendum/template.

It's great you're asking questions and looking for comments, it may be a good idea to give a bigger overview of your situation, such as your budget, commitments, study habits, etc that is asked for in the addendum here: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...Area-works

To answer your question, depending on your numerous variables, if I was in your shoes, I would skip the additional masters and go for certs, as your degree and experience already plays a big role in IT or similar positions you've got. A degree isn't fully necessary.

My recommendation, since Coursera/TADA is still 'free' until this month, is to take as many ACE recommended for credits Certs for Data Analytics from Google, IBM, etc that is on offer. If it's still 'not' enough for you, then do the degree after further research, many options available...

[LMS612]

@LMS612, Welcome to the board.  Have you done a search on the board or sister board for reviews of either, maybe some other review sites as well?  You've provided a basic overview of what you're looking for, but it's missing the contents on the addendum/template.  

It's great you're asking questions and looking for comments, it may be a good idea to give a bigger overview of your situation, such as your budget, commitments, study habits, etc that is asked for in the addendum here: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...Area-works

To answer your question, depending on your numerous variables, if I was in your shoes, I would skip the additional masters and go for certs, as your degree and experience already plays a big role in IT or similar positions you've got.  A degree isn't fully necessary.  

My recommendation, since Coursera/TADA is still 'free' until this month, is to take as many ACE recommended for credits Certs for Data Analytics from Google, IBM, etc that is on offer.  If it's still 'not' enough for you, then do the degree after further research, many options available...

Thank you so much for the response! I have been looking at some other sites to compare thoughts but a lot of the posts seemed too far in the past. Since I know coursework has changed for both programs, I figured that I would throw it out there. 

So currently, I am unemployed since I left physical therapy school and I am looking for employment (pref. with the federal government since that is where I spent my whole career and I'd like to get my benefits back to put towards retirement/pension). I am looking for affordable since Ill be paying out of pocket - which is why Eastern and WGU are my top contenders.

My work experience was in manpower with the government and not necessarily with data science. Before I left I was starting to work with Qlik and contractors for Salesforce to build us some custom apps. Other than that, I didn't do a ton with data. So I really want to expand my skills. Im not sure what certifications would be best, but Salesforce does offer free training for veterans.. I am taking them up on that and I am studying for the Salesforce Admin cert exam now. (They give free online training and provide a voucher for the proctored exam!). 

I feel while I am looking for employment, that I need to be busy and do something to keep my mind sharp and to expand me skills. I am hoping to work part time while doing schoolwork. Once I land a full time job, i'll reduce the number of classes I am taking and leave the part time job.

[nomaduser]

Eastern University is a Christian university... it's not for non-religious people

[LMS612]

Eastern University is a Christian university... it's not for non-religious people

I am not religious and was accepted. There are no classes related to religious studies in the MS Data Science Program.

[Pats20]

Eastern University is a Christian university... it's not for non-religious people

What’s your basis?

[nomaduser]

Eastern University is a Christian university... it's not for non-religious people

What’s your basis?

I've taken a statistics course at Christian University.

They asked me to submit a short essay about god's messages and statistics...
It looked like they want to teach everything in Christian's point of view. So if you're not religious, it's best to not attend religiously affiliated university.

[LMS612]

Eastern University is a Christian university... it's not for non-religious people

What’s your basis?

I've taken a statistics course at Christian University.

They asked me to submit a short essay about god's messages and statistics...
It looked like they want to teach everything in Christian's point of view. So if you're not religious, it's best to not attend religiously affiliated university.

Eastern does not require an essay on religion or religious beliefs for admissions.  I'm not sure what this has to do with my post. Do you have any insights on either of these programs that you can share?

[Pats20]

Eastern University is a Christian university... it's not for non-religious people

What’s your basis?

I've taken a statistics course at Christian University.

They asked me to submit a short essay about god's messages and statistics...
It looked like they want to teach everything in Christian's point of view. So if you're not religious, it's best to not attend religiously affiliated university.

This doesn’t sound like it’s specific to Eastern University.

[allvia]

Our sister site has an excellent thread on the Eastern program - one of their members, Dustin, walks you through his entire experience from start to completion. https://www.degreeinfo.com/index.php?thr...10k.57214/