Master's Degree Or Data Science Certification Programs – Which One Should You Pursue? (2023)

Are you a data science aspirant looking to learn data science skills?

What should you prefer? Master's Degree or data science certification or Bootcamp?

Which one of them can lead you to a promising job in MNCs?

I'm pretty sure these questions might be ringing in your head. Choosing between a master's degree in data science and a data science certification can be overwhelming, and people often tend to be confused about what to prefer. Worry not. I've got you covered.

In today's world, data is being used more than ever. Data science is a rapidly growing and ever-changing field, so people are looking to advance their careers by becoming certified in data science. Whether you want to work in the industry or start your own business, the benefits of pursuing a data science master's degree or certification course can definitely help you advance your career.

A master's degree provides more academic rigor and hands-on experience, but you don't necessarily get to use it as much in your job. A data science certification offers its own benefits but isn't considered as rigorous as a master's degree. However many people have found the best data science courses in India to be more helpful than degrees.

In this article, I will explain what are better choices and things to consider while enrolling in any program.

Data Science – The hot Career Choice of 2023

Data science is a hot new skill. Individuals are starting their own firms and working in big companies, and more people are becoming interested in this industry.

Data Science is basically a field that combines statistics and computer programming, and industry knowledge along with the analysis of large amounts of data. Expert Data Scientists need to be able to collect and organize data quickly, annotate it intelligently and effectively use that information to solve real business challenges.

In a data science course, you will have finished building models from specific tools such as R or Python, allowing you to address core areas within data science: Machine Learning, Quantitative methods, Big Data infrastructure, Privacy, and Security.

Why Learn Data Science?

Data science is so over-hyped in today's decade that many wonder why learning data science is the coolest idea. Here are the reasons why:

• Data-Driven World

We live in a data-driven world, and with more people accessing the internet, an incredible amount of data is being produced globally every day. This trend is only projected to continue. Data science is used in various fields, including business, finance, education, engineering, healthcare, technology, and government; consequently, working with data is a crucial skill. Your resume and CV will be more impressive if you combine your data science skills with any other skill sets you possess.

• Ample Opportunities to Learn

As you know, data science is a multidisciplinary field, and thus, there are plenty of opportunities for someone expert in the data science field. By mastering data science skills, you will be considered multi-talented and always ahead of the competition.

Some of the popular roles in data science are:

• Data Scientist

• Data Analyst

• Data Engineer

• Data Architect

  (Video) Should you get a Master's in Data Science?

• Business Analyst

• ML Engineer

• Lucrative Packages

Today, companies are willing to pay highly compensated scientists to accomplish their jobs since competent data scientists are lacking. After all, they need someone to boost the company's growth and revenue. Right?!

It is also important to note that a data scientist's job is satisfying, fulfilling, and challenging. It is also financially attractive, with basic wages starting at roughly $100,000 and averaging around $150K.

• Great Flexibility:

Since data science is a broad field, data scientists are useful across every industry. Hence, the demand will only increase as more data environments are integrated into company operations.

Some of the top industries include:

• Healthcare

• Finance

• Retails and Manufacturing

  (Video) Do You Need a Master's Degree to Become a Data Scientist? This is the Truth!!!

• Logistics and supply chain

So now that you know, having a career in data science has many advantages. You might be wondering what you should begin with. Data science degree or data science certification?

Let's dive into it.

Master's Degree Vs. Data science Certification

As per my opinion, I find that the Master's degree is a better choice for most people because it gives you more flexibility. You can get a master's degree in data science if you want to, but it's preferable not to. You could also get a certification if you wish to, but then again, it might not be as good as having an actual degree. However, if you know what kind of work experience and education you'll need at the job market level when you graduate, then it makes sense to go for certification instead of just getting a master's degree.

A master's degree will give you a solid grounding in the field and give you access to courses and mentorships to help you become a great data scientist. However, it doesn't teach you how to code or do analysis. If those are essential skills for your career, then a certification program is probably more appropriate.

However, there are also many benefits to earning a certification in data science. Let's discuss them in detail.

Benefits of Data Science certification

• Showing Credentials can enhance your portfolio.

Of course, without a proper portfolio, you cannot expect to be hired for any data science position. But, with a data science certificate, you can achieve this. Even if the certificate only offers fundamental knowledge of the subject, it will still benefit you in laying the foundation for a potential high-quality portfolio.

• It will help you network with others.

Data science certifications are a fantastic approach to establishing your profile in the industry because they can connect you to prominent and like-minded people. Furthermore, you may get the opportunity to meet and speak with potential employers in the data science industry, and you'll be able to build a résumé that appeals to them.

• Help you focus more on upskilling and keeps you encouraged.

Compared to master and certification programs, best data science course in Bangalore usually take 3-6 months of practical training. This helps students stay focused and motivated throughout the training and master the skills quickly.

• Help you land a job easily.

It can help you land a job easily as a data scientist or analyst at a company. Certification will help you stand out from other candidates without formal training in this field. Your certification will prove to the employer that you are serious about your career and possess certain skills. That's why most hiring managers prefer candidates with credentials from a reputed institute.

• Affordable Cost

Compared to data science graduate degrees, which need significant investment, data science certifications can be obtained for a very affordable fee. This is perfect for those wishing to increase their skill and portfolio on a tight budget.

Benefits of Enrolling in a Master's Degree

• High chances of employment

As you know, the first aspect of your resume that potential employers will review? Yes, whether or not you possess a degree in a similar subject. However, there is no getting around the fact that your work prospects will jump if you have a graduate degree in data science.

• Internship Opportunities

Of course, degree programs provide fantastic internship opportunities that significantly improve your chances of landing a rewarding job. One of the best ways to develop a portfolio that interests companies and obtain practical experience is through internships. You can consider enrolling in a master's degree if you have the resources and time.

So which One should you choose?

The answer depends on your goals. If you're looking for a career change, a data science degree is better than a certification because it will prepare you for much broader jobs than just working with numbers and algorithms. But if your goal is more just to get started in the field without having to worry about higher education requirements, then a certification might be better—especially if you want to work with large companies that require specialized skill sets like Hadoop programming or machine learning expertise.

If you're interested in data science as a career, a data science certification course will help prepare you for entry-level positions within this field by building foundational skills that are not available through education alone. Certifications also show employers that the person has taken time out of their schedule to learn about data science, which can be an asset when applying for jobs.

Final words

There are many advantages to each type of certification—and many people have taken both paths successfully! In both cases, the certification course will help you get your foot in the door with employers looking for someone with expertise in the field.

At last, it all depends on your goals.

Depending on what you want to do, a Data Science Certification may be more relevant for your career. If you have always wanted to work in a data-related field, getting a certificate might be more advantageous than getting a master's degree. There are tons of online courses that you can take to get the required knowledge. On the flip side, if you already have a master's degree from an accredited university and excellent grades, it's not worth taking the time and effort to pursue another degree. And finally, forget about it if you are just in it for the money. It is not easy to get into this field, let alone make any serious money out of it.

You should consider whether you'll be prepared if an opportunity in data science knocks on your door. If you've been putting off learning data science, now is the time to get started with the IBM-accredited online data science course in pune, offered by Learnbay.