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.