Online Master’s in Data Science – Your Essential Guide
The world is thriving on data and data scientists are in very high demand. Interestingly the demand to supply ratio in the field of data science is poor and the market seeks more skilled data scientists. To ride the growth bandwagon, learn new data science skills, and enhance your predominant skills fully, it will be a good idea to take up a Master’s in data science.
To learn more about data science, read our blog on – What is data science?
What is a Data Science Master’s Program?
A data science master’s degree is an interdisciplinary degree program to help students learn advanced data science skills and have a fulfilling and focused career in data science. The course syllabus mainly covers topics like –
- Math
- Applied Statistics
- Introduction to Data Science
- Database Systems
- Data Preparation
- Practical Machine Learning
- Decision Analytics
- Project Management
- Data Science Leadership
- Data Governance, Ethics, and Law
Read on – How to become a data scientist?
Best-suited Data Science courses for you
Learn Data Science with these high-rated online courses
Top Postgraduate Data Science Programs
A number of online data science courses are available from recognized and accredited universities hosted at top learning platforms. Students have the option to take up both full-time and part-time, depending on their professional commitments and budget. Some of the popular online data science master’s courses are –
- MSc (Applied Data Science) by SRM Group of Institutions
- PG Diploma in Data Science (Full-time) by Manipal ProLearn
- Post Graduate Program in Data Science by Amity Online University
- IIM Calcutta – Advanced Programme in Data Sciences by VCNow
- Post Graduate Programme in Data Science by Praxis
- Master of Science in Data Science by upGrad
- Post Graduate Certification in Data Science by Edureka
- Post Graduate Program in Data Science Masters by UPES CCE
- Simplilearn Data Scientist Master’s Program by Simplilearn
- Data Science Master Course with Python by DigitalVidya
What are the Eligibility Criteria for Data Science Master’s Programs?
For data science masters’ programs, you should have –
- Bachelor’s degree in the relevant field such as BCA/ B.Sc. in relevant discipline or BE/ B.Tech.
- Prior knowledge of Python, R, Java, C and C ++, and other programming languages
Also Read >> Skills That Employers Look For In a Data Scientist
What Will I Learn From Online Data Science Masters Programs?
In a Data Science master’s degree, you will –
- Learn data management and data pre-processing
- Learn to handle efficient tools for data analysis, including data visualization, programming, and data preparation
- Know usage of modern statistical tools and software packages such as R, Python, Spark, Excel, MySQL, and Hadoop, among others
- Create, operate, organize, promote, develop, accelerate and direct data science projects to respond to the needs and/or solve data-related problems across different industries
- Analyze and interpret huge data volumes, contributing towards productivity and profitability of businesses
- Design and create new data science projects to meet overall business targets and goals
- Learn sound data analysis techniques and apply them in the real world
- Improve your decision-making capabilities with efficient strategical and tactical thinking
- Learn to manage huge organizational data and use it in making key business decisions
Who Should Pursue These Courses?
These courses are is designed for people interested in identifying opportunities to create value through data, satisfying the needs of the organization, and generating strategic competitive advantages, using applied statistical analysis and artificial intelligence tools, which are a major component across companies, government institutions, and organizations of different sizes.
Data Science master’s degree can be taken up by software developers, programmers, robotics professionals, computational and educational professionals, business analysts, data analysts, final year students, among others.
Must Read – Data Scientist Salaries – Your Ultimate Guide
Which Job Opportunities Are Available After Master’s in Data Science?
Some of the popular job opportunities in the field of data science are –
- Data scientists
- Data analysts
- Big data solutions architects
- Business intelligence analysts
- Business systems analysts
- Chief data officers
- Chief information officers
- Data engineers
- Data mining analysts
- Data modelers
- Data strategists
- Data visualization developers
- Data warehouse analysts
- Machine learning engineers
FAQs
Who should apply for data science master's programs?
Professionals, as well as students interested to have a career in data science, or changing their career paths by developing data science skills, can apply to data science master's programs.
What are the eligibility requirements for the data science master's programs?
Applicants for data science masters programs should have: 1. An undergraduate degree with minimum marks as required by the university/institute 2. Knowledge of programming languages (i.e., Python, Java, C+, etc.) 3. Knowledge of quantitative coursework (i.e., linear algebra, probability/statistics, etc.)
Is an engineering undergraduate degree required to take up data science master's?
Applicants are not required to have a degree in engineering; prior knowledge in the field of engineering or data science is an add-on.
How long will it take a full-time student to complete a Data Science master's program?
Generally, the Masters in Data Science is a 30-credit degree program; most full-time students complete the program in three semesters. It should take anywhere between 12 - 36 months or more to complete an online data science master's program. This depends on the program structure as well as the prior experience and knowledge of the students.
Is work experience required to get enrolled in a Data Science master's program?
While many of the students do have work experience prior to getting enrolled in a Data Science master's program, it is not a prerequisite.
Are students who have completed three-year degree programs eligible to apply?
Yes, students who have graduated from a three-year, degree-granting program are eligible to apply to the M.S. in Data Science program.
Can only working professionals take up the Data Science master's program? Can unemployed students enroll in the courses?
These online Data Science master's programs are designed to be convenient for working professionals, but anyone who fulfills the eligibility criteria of the specified program can take up these courses.
Is data science masters worth it?
Yes, it is definitely worth it. With an exclusive data science program, you will get to master the advanced concepts of data science and meet the growing national and international demand for professionals with solid knowledge in modeling from data to help strategic decision-making.
What is the course pedagogy of data science master's programs?
The course pedagogy of data science masters programs includes online learning, self-learning, live interaction and doubt clearing sessions with the course instructor, recorded video lectures, live projects & case studies, among others.
Is the knowledge of mathematics a must for data science master's programs?
Yes, both mathematics and statistics constitute a major part of data science, so you are excepted to have prior knowledge of mathematical concepts like calculus, probability, multivariate calculus, analytic geometry, linear algebra, discrete mathematics, statistical methods, etc.
Can I pursue my job while doing data science master's programs?
Online programs are designed to help professionals manage both jobs and education. Even if it is an online degree program, you can easily complete your course while pursuing your job. Heads up for a hectic schedule ahead!
Rashmi is a postgraduate in Biotechnology with a flair for research-oriented work and has an experience of over 13 years in content creation and social media handling. She has a diversified writing portfolio and aim... Read Full Bio
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