It\u2019s a well-known fact that data science<\/strong> is one of the most attractive career options these days, thanks to the hype revolving around the data scientist job position. It has triggered increased interest in the data science<\/strong> field from both working professionals and those entering college. To deal with the increasing demand for data science<\/strong> professionals, a lot of institutions have started offering a data science master\u2019s degree<\/strong>. If you too are planning to obtain such a degree, here\u2019re ten facts you should consider before committing your time, effort, and money.<\/p>\n

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#1. Before entering a data science master\u2019s degree<\/strong>, you should ensure that you\u2019re truly interested in what the program would entail. For example, a professional may try to find an opportunity to get some experience in working with data to gain exposure while a student may try to take a statistics class.<\/p>\n

#2. These days, a lot of data science<\/strong> master\u2019s programs are taught online which means it has become easier than ever to learn the skills required to become a data science<\/strong> professional. You\u2019d be able to enjoy a lot of flexibility in terms of studying when you want, working at your own pace, picking a course schedule which suits you the best etc.<\/p>\n

#3. Having a data science master\u2019s degree<\/strong> is surely an effective way to develop data science<\/strong> skillsets but not a prerequisite to start your career in data science<\/strong>. It\u2019s possible to step into the field without having a data science master\u2019s degree<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

#4. A data science master\u2019s degree<\/strong> heavily matters when you\u2019re applying for a position but not having a master\u2019s degree will stop you from getting that job. For instance, some tech giants may need the applicants to have a data science master\u2019s degree<\/strong> while other companies may not have those stringent criteria.<\/p>\n

#5. While data science<\/strong> professionals are already in high demand, having a data science master\u2019s degree<\/strong> could make your chances even better. Apart from that, you\u2019ll be in a better position to negotiate your benefits.<\/p>\n

#6. If you want to truly apply for a data science master\u2019s degree<\/strong>, first you should decide on the pathway you want to take. If you\u2019re willing to return to the school, obtaining such a degree can help you in defining the pathway to a good extent.<\/p>\n

#7. Some of the data science master\u2019s degree<\/strong> programs are still in the process of developing the proper curriculum which blends computer science, math, and statistics, and there\u2019s a broad range in terms of breadth of knowledge offered, program quality etc. In addition, apart from requiring an investment of a minimum of one to two years, they can cost thousands of dollars.<\/p>\n

#8. Some data science master\u2019s degree<\/strong> programs, especially the newer ones, may risk overpromising the students and under-delivering on future employment.<\/p>\n

#9. If you can complete a full data science<\/strong> undergraduate curriculum that involves statistical, computational, and professional practice aspects, it might be more comprehensive than a data science master\u2019s degree<\/strong> program.<\/p>\n

#10. If your aim is to getting a PhD, you shouldn\u2019t look beyond a data science master\u2019s degree<\/strong> program.<\/p>\n

Final Takeaway<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Probably you\u2019ve already understood that it\u2019ll be your call whether to go for a data science master\u2019s degree<\/strong> program. Consider the above information thoroughly and make an informed decision in accordance with your future goals.<\/p>\n