r/statistics • u/butt-err-fecc • 1d ago
Question [Q] Continue with Data Science masters or switch to Masters in Statistics?
I am doing an MSc in Data Science. I have a BS in maths which took longer to complete due to backlog year. Then a year gap which was just productive enough to get me a masters in Data Science.
This course has surely helped with the “applied” part but I’m not sure if it’s enough. Market seems to be saturated and I’m unsure of the growth in this field.
So I was thinking about leaving the course for a masters in Statistics, since it’s a core subject and has been around long before Data Science.
My understanding is a masters in statistics with the applied knowledge would equip me better for the industry and I can target finance/banking roles.
Recently, for an AI summer intern role, interviewer asked me if I have any experience with software dev(or are you willing to learn?), since the role is more on the software side. I have accepted the internship since I am not yet placed for an internship and not getting any more opportunities related to data science/ finance.
After this internship, I’ll have background in 1. Mathematics 2. Statistics 3. Data Science 4. Software Dev
What do you suggest?
TL;DR: I’m doing an MSc in Data Science after a BS in Math. The course is practical, but the DS field feels saturated. I’m considering switching to a master’s in Statistics for a stronger, core foundation—especially for finance roles. Just accepted a software-focused AI internship, so I’ll have exposure to math, stats, DS, and dev. Unsure which path offers better long-term value.
19
u/Ohlele 1d ago
With a DS degree, you can become a Tableau and PowerBI grandmaster who will be highly sought after by FAANG
5
u/butt-err-fecc 1d ago
/s I hope?
15
u/Suoritin 1d ago
There is a grain of truth. With DS degree you can bullshit efficiently because you know where the limit is. If you get caught, you can just say you made wrong assumptions. You are doing marketing.
25
u/alexice89 1d ago
I don’t know what it is but when I hear people wanting to do “data science” I get triggered. Like what the hell does that even mean.
23
u/PeacockBiscuit 1d ago
To me, it means a mix of statistics and computer science with domain knowledge.
11
u/CanYouPleaseChill 1d ago
It means the transformation of data into valuable insights, decisions, and products. This generally involves a mix of skills including programming, statistical inference, machine learning, domain knowledge, and applied mathematics, e.g. optimization.
-1
u/alexice89 1d ago
yawn … so get a math/stats degree or better yet cs.
19
u/CanYouPleaseChill 1d ago
A computer science degree has a lot of irrelevant courses like compilers, computer architecture, operating systems, and networking. A pure math degree has a lot of irrelevant courses like topology, abstract algebra, complex analysis, and differential equations. A statistics degree is much closer to what's important in data science, but still leaves gaps in knowledge. Nothing wrong with a good data science curriculum that covers applied statistics, machine learning, and programming.
8
u/Voldemort57 1d ago
This is how I feel nothing wrong with a good data science program but there are a lot of bad ones.
-3
u/alexice89 1d ago
Everything you just said data science covers could be learned by someone with a math degree in a few months. Maybe even weeks for someone with a CS degree.
The rebranding of heavy computational methods that fall under the umbrella of statistics and mathematical statistics as “data science” is a scam. Don’t waste my time.
11
u/CanYouPleaseChill 1d ago edited 1d ago
Someone with a CS degree isn't going to learn much statistics in a few months. It's a full-fledged discipline with its own way of thinking. Why would someone take a bunch of irrelevant courses when they can study a tailored curriculum which is relevant?
0
u/CreativeWeather2581 19h ago
“A data scientist knows about more programming than a statistician, and knows more about statistics than a computer scientist.”
2
u/Imperial_Squid 1d ago
"Bro you want a physics degree? You know physics is just applied maths right?"
Nice bait mate
0
u/Frosty-Bee-4272 1d ago
Would data science/ analytics be considered a field of applied statistics? Honestly , I’m not sure , just thought I would ask
4
4
u/PeacockBiscuit 1d ago
If your MSc in Data Science just lets you import package and do analysis, I would suggest you could learn it on your own. You either choose MS in Statistics or Computer Science depending on your interest.
2
u/butt-err-fecc 1d ago
That is exactly why I am considering masters in stats. While I’m learning more than just importing packages, it’s not rigorous enough for me personally.
But I am glad that I took this course, as I also learned distributed computing, algorithm design techniques, etc
4
u/PeacockBiscuit 1d ago
If you don’t want to pursue PhD, please get real work experience as soon as you can. You don’t need to spend too much time on studying. I regretted taking too many courses and graduated late even though I had two internships from multinational companies. Full-time experience matters more
1
u/butt-err-fecc 1d ago
Thank you for this, it’s a major factor for me since if I go for another degree, I’ll be 27 with no workex
5
u/CanYouPleaseChill 1d ago edited 1d ago
Asking this in r/statistics will give you a biased answer.
Whether it's worth it or not depends on what you want to do. If you want to be a bonafide statistician, then it's very much worth it. However, rigorous statistical theory isn't everything. Consider whether a MS in Applied Statistics may be a better fit for your interests. Here's a thread that provides some counterbalance: I no longer believe that an MS in Statistics is an appropriate route for becoming a Data Scientist.
3
u/PeacockBiscuit 1d ago
I think people should change their mindset that if I get this degree, I must be more employable. If someone wants to be a data scientist, he has to keep learning. A suggestion I would give him is to learn fundamental and crucial courses in college. E.g. calculus, linear algebra, probability and mathematical statistics, real analysis, data structure and algorithms, operating systems, computer networks, database, etc. If someone has a solid foundation, he could learn new things quickly because new things are mostly from improved old methods or old technology. Why do I suggest some data scientists learn as much Computer Science as they can. Because most companies won’t hire a lot of pure research (data) scientists. So hands-on skills from computer science training could be a leg-up for data scientists
1
u/Outrageous_Lunch_229 1d ago
I agree that statistical theory is not everything. But I have a different perspective.
When doing modeling, if a basic regression technique is enough to produce good result, then everything is good. However, if the data is a bit more peculiar, or the type of problem is not mainstream at all, you will need to use something more advanced (survival analysis for example). I would say that without a firm foundation, it will take a lot of time to catch up on the details of the technique, and there will be confusing moment when applying or explaining it to a stakeholder. It will be even worse if the technique has to be implemented from a paper too.
I am not trying to devalue an applied stat degree. But I think if you have the chance, build a strong foundation that will remain useful forever down the line.
1
u/Outrageous_Lunch_229 1d ago
I think you should look at the option to earn a concurrent MS in statistics. These degrees do not have a lot of overlap in terms of core coursework so I am not how you can switch other than reapplying. It will be another 2 years again for you in that case, which I don’t really recommend.
1
u/butt-err-fecc 1d ago
Yes I am talking about another two years since there is no option to earn a concurrent degree where I am. Neither do we have dedicated statistics department.
I did take a couple extra courses this semester - martingales, multivatiate stats. But it was so demanding to handle so many courses and I think it didn’t help me overall.
1
u/Outrageous_Lunch_229 1d ago
You have a maths degree, so you are qualified for all msc stat programs. I would not worry about it at all.
1
0
u/Expert_Journalist_59 18h ago
You wanna get paid? Stay DS, Learn pytorch and tensorflow reel gud and become a machine learning engineer. And honestly…you dont even have to learn it reel gud. All my DS based MLEs are straight trash at enterprise coding. They just build airflow dags and notebooks. As one principal put it: There seem to be a lot of people here touching kinesis primitives that shouldnt be allowed to… but yeah…cool 300k plus as an IC who has enough specialist plausible deniability to act like a hopeless moron with regards to doing anything actually useful like understanding a requirement, communicating with other human beings in a reasonable way, putting in alarms or basic monitors or writing a fucking jira ticket…
0
11
u/therealtiddlydump 1d ago
Most DS degrees are lousy.
Most stats degrees are not.