The number of different degrees offered today is rapidly increasing, but this can be overwhelming when you have to decide which the best one is for you. Regardless, a master’s degree in data science has proven to open many doors of opportunities to its graduates.
Earning a higher salary is clearly one of them, but there are also other benefits, such as a faster pathway to climb the leadership ladder in many organizations, as well as deeper learning of the practical and theoretical applications of the program.
But how do you justify these benefits against the amount you invest in the degree? Keep reading to find out as we discuss the benefits in more depth and answer the question, “is it worth pursuing a master’s in data science?”
What are the fundamentals of a data science program?
In order to extract information from organized and unstructured data and guide decision-making, data science employs scientific techniques, algorithms, processes, and systems as its key components.
But what kind of educational background would you need to help you get used to this program? And does it require any specific subject? A solid foundation in mathematics, statistics, and computer languages are prerequisites for becoming a data scientist.
Students can extend their grasp of the basics and build their skill sets in data management, data cleaning, data analysis, and data visualizations with graduate-level data science programs.
Additionally, students pursuing higher degrees have the option to take elective data science courses that go deeper into certain aspects of the subject, such as:
- Artificial intelligence
- Algorithms
- Business Analytics
- Data Analytics
- Large data
- Machine learning
- Deep learning
- Data mining
- Natural language processing
All in all, these programs provide students with the information and skills which they will eventually need to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings.
Students pursuing a master’s degree expand their familiarity with standard programs like Excel, R, and SAS, acquire cutting-edge analytics tools and polish their coding abilities in Python and Java.
In addition to that, students also receive professional instructions in using software platforms like AWS, Github, and many more that are essential for working in the industry.
Career Opportunities and Salaries in Data Science
Making educated decisions across sectors is made possible by data science and data scientists. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) made a prediction that over the next eight years, demand for computer and information technology professionals—including data scientists—will increase by 13%.
A degree in data science is one of the most lucrative because not only does it unlock more earning potential for graduates, but there is also a vast range of career paths to choose from.
So if you prefer to keep your career fresh and challenging, you could always make the switch to a different job but within the same field.
Here are some of the starting salaries for professionals with a master’s degree in data science. If you like the idea of studying for a master’s in a culturally diverse and exotic location, then think about doing a Master in Data Science in Malaysia. Trust us; you won’t regret it.
Table 1.
Job Starting salary
Data engineer $93,000
Data Analyst $62,000
Statistician $93,000
Business intelligence analyst $70,000
Data architect $121,000
Data scientist $130,000
Machine learning engineer $113,000
Why you should pursue a master’s in data science here are a few reasons
Given the continuously increasing demand for data scientists, one of the finest careers to pursue today is in data science.
While you can get employment with a bachelor’s degree in data science, a master’s degree in data science can help you improve your talents by giving you a wider range of opportunities.
Here are five reasons to think about pursuing a master’s degree in data science:
1. Gain a higher income
We all know what motivates us most in terms of choosing and pursuing a career path, and that is the amount of money that we will make along the way.
Though the competition is high when it comes to the job market for data scientists, it should not be too much of a challenge for you if you possess the superior knowledge and skills needed for a particular role.
Refer to the salary Table 1 above and see which job title and its starting salary seems most appropriate to you.
It’s also worth noting that since the demand for data scientists is constantly growing, experts also believe that we will see an increase in these salary figures.
2. Learn cutting-edge data science techniques
In the master of data science program, you will get to learn about several programming languages, like Python and C++, using data science applications.
Therefore, you will need to become familiar with these languages’ techniques, including data wrangling, visualization, and data machines.
You will also learn abilities to gather, manage, and analyze data, its types, patterns, and outcomes by enrolling in a data science master’s degree.
3. Gain knowledge through studying actual circumstances
The master’s curriculum for the M.Sc. in Data Science degree includes instruction in practical knowledge. It gives its students the ideal mix of theoretical as well as practical expertise.
You become aware of potential business scenarios in real time with this master’s program. As a result, they are better prepared to manage actual business issues in the real world.
4. Ever-evolving nature
The study of data keeps changing. The nature of this field is what makes it more interesting and attractive.
Enrolling in a master’s program will allow you to pick up fresh knowledge that will improve your ability to use data for business. You will examine data patterns and develop strategic plans for business expansion.
Complete a Master’s Degree While Working
Students can choose between part-time and full-time study options in many online master’s degree programs, giving them the flexibility they may need.
Students can choose to balance their degree over multiple semesters by taking one course at a time, or they can finish their program in as short a time period as one year by taking a full course load.
Conclusion
The flexibility to work around schedules is essential not only for keeping a job while studying but also for giving students the data science skills they need to apply what they learn in the classroom to their existing positions.
In the end, enrolling in an online master’s program in data science is about more than simply receiving a degree; it’s also about balancing demanding coursework, the chance to put what you learn into the practical world right away, and, as a result, advance your career.
