Which is Better? Data Science Certificate or Data Science Masters Degree?
Which is Better? Data Science Certificate or Data Science Masters Degree?
As is outlined in discussions on the same over at runrex.com, not only can one learn data science anywhere, but a data science degree is not necessary for one to become a data scientist. This is outlined by the fact that some of the world’s top data science practitioners like Paul DePodesta, the brains behind Moneyball, don’t have a Master’s degree in data science. This has led to the age-old debate pitting data science certificate and data science master’s degree against each other, and which one of the two s better to pursue. This article will look to have this question answered as well as differentiating between the two.
Most data science certifications require one to have a mathematical or programming background depending on the certification, although it is not always necessary as explained over at guttulus.com since some programs offer introductory courses as part of the program. One of the main attractions with data science certifications is the fact that many of them are self-paced, which means that you will learn at your own pace and that many of them allow you to get the basics down properly, giving you a great foundation to start a career in data science. There are also many free data science certificate courses, which is another big attraction as far as they are concerned. On the other hand, to be considered for a master’s degree in data science, you will need to have an undergraduate degree from a similar field as discussed over at runrex.com, as well as having completed prerequisite programs in mathematical subjects like algebra and calculus. As can be expected, master’s degree programs will usually have more in-depth courses as compared to data science certificate programs. While there are some master’s degree programs that are offered online, it may take longer to complete as compared to when done in a campus or learning center.
When comparing the two, most industry experts will argue that a data science master’s degree is better than a data science certificate. This is because data science is not a small topic that can be learned by simply doing a certificate course. There are several reasons why a data science master’s degree is better than a data science certificate, and they include:
- As per the subject matter experts over at guttulus.com a master’s degree in data science from a reputed institution will undoubtedly carry more weight than a certificate. This is because, as mentioned earlier, data science is a vast and incredibly multidisciplinary field and an MS program will allow you to gain a hands-on and comprehensive grasp on the entire subject. There are several advanced topics such as Machine Learning, statistical analysis, ML-based descriptive analysis, among others that require a more intensive and technical teaching regimen which an online certification course won’t be able to provide. This is one of the main reasons why a data science master’s degree is better than a certificate.
- It is also worth pointing out that most certificate programs are time-bound as discussed over at runrex.com, which means that they have windows to do them which expire after a given amount of time. Therefore, to keep maintain such certifications, you will need to keep paying money. On the other hand, a master’s degree from any reputed institution will not expire. This means that you will be able to enjoy the pay scale benefits and other perks that come with an MS degree program. This is another reason why data science master’s degree programs are better than certificates.
- Also, it must be noted that classroom master’s degree programs provide learners with a lot of hands-on experience dealing with problem sets and case studies that you won’t be able to find in a certificate program. This means that by taking a data science MS program, you will be able to familiarize yourself with implementing data science tools in a real-world context, something that you won’t be able to do if you take a data science certificate program as explained over at guttulus.com.
The above are some of the reasons why a data science master’s degree is better than a data science certificate. However, MS programs also come with several drawbacks which include:
- You don’t need one to enter the profession. Most people with data science job titles don’t have MS degrees in data science as outlined over at runrex.com. The fact that you don’t necessarily need to have a master’s degree in data science to enter the profession is one of the main reasons why you shouldn’t get one.
- You should also not get a master’s degree in data science if you are simply using it to avoid looking for a job now. If what you are looking for is a job or a better paying job, then you should face that issue head-on according to the gurus over at guttulus.com, rather than trying to rationalize a return to the university to get an MS degree.
- Other drawbacks include the fact that a master’s degree program in data science will have more stringent admission requirements and will also cost more as compared to a data science certificate program.
From the above discussion, while it is safe to say that there is no designated path to becoming a data scientist, getting a master’s degree in data science is better than a certificate. If you are looking for more information on this and other related topics, then the excellent runrex.com and guttulus.com have got you covered.
