Who should opt for an M.Sc. in Data Science?

In today’s data-driven world, the demand for skilled data scientists continues to skyrocket across industries. As businesses increasingly rely on data to gain valuable insights and make informed decisions, the field of data science has emerged as a promising and lucrative career path. One educational option that has gained significant popularity is pursuing a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Data Science. But who should consider this advanced degree? Who can benefit the most from the rigorous curriculum and specialized knowledge offered by an M.Sc. in Data Science? In this blog, we will explore the answer to this question and shed light on the individuals who can truly harness the power of this program to unlock exciting opportunities in the dynamic world of data science. 

Data Science is getting popular 

As organisations around the world are adopting a data-driven approach to streamline their day-to-day operations, data analytics and data science are getting prominence across sectors. Data is the backbone of cutting-edge technologies, including AI, Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning (DL), and IoT. The demand for data science professionals is high as companies undergo digital transformation by adopting niche technologies to run their businesses effectively. According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, tremendous growth is in the offing for the data science field and predicts the number of jobs will increase by about 28% through 2026. When we convert that 28% into the numbers, it roughly rounds up to at least 11.5 million new jobs in the field. 

A data science professional can find a lucrative career opportunity in almost all the industries, especially financial services, e-commerce, social media platforms, FinTech, banks, supply chain, and transportation, to name a few. A quick career progression is also possible for skilled talents. 

Master’s in new age-technologies is important 

Given the rate of adoption of new-age technologies, including data science, AI-ML, cloud computing, blockchain, IoT and others in different industries, several job roles are getting generated every day. Organisations are looking for talents with niche skills to lead the implementation and maintenance of these technologies. A master’s degree in any cutting-edge technology will help professionals acquire a significant job role and soon climb the career ladder to reach a leadership post. 

Higher education institutions are now offering postgraduate courses in all the cutting-edge technologies. MTech, MCA, MBA, and M.Sc. courses are available with specialisations in data science, AI-ML, cloud computing, and other new-age technologies. Each master’s degree focuses on different purposes. For example, an M.Sc. in Data Science helps students acquire the necessary theoretical and practical aspects of the subject. It also opens a window for further research in the domain. Whereas an MBA with a specialisation in Analytics and Data Science will help a candidate enter a managerial role in the domain.  

How a master’s in data science will help you 

As noted above, a master’s degree in data science is the best learning option for students to confidently kick off a career in the world of data. With a postgraduate degree, a candidate can directly join a significant position with a decent salary because the course helps learners acquire advanced knowledge and skills in this emerging technology. It emphasises building strong skills in data analytics, database management, data visualisation, machine learning, algorithms, advanced programming languages, and more. An M.Sc. in Data Science is targeting experienced professionals to help them develop and enhance competencies in data science and realise a career advancement. Several roles are available for data science professionals, such as data scientist, data architect, data analyst, business analyst, machine learning expert, and others. Professionals with M.Sc. in Data Science can enter the leading roles in top companies. 

For a Quick Read: Is data science hard? 

Advantages of an M.Sc. in Data Science 

Following are some of the benefits of an M.Sc. in Data Science. 

• Technical skills 

You are a good fit for data science M.Sc. programmes if you are good with tackling a data-centric problem and deriving multiple solutions, have a detailed understanding of tools and techniques, enjoy automating routine data-related tasks, derive insights from raw data, create dashboards, solve a business problem based on data analytics. Getting an M.Sc. degree will take your existing skills and help you in polishing them to become a successful professional. 

• Personal skills 

Understanding your personality traits can also guide you in deciding if you should go for a career in data science. Innovation, creativity, curiosity, eye-for-detail, problem-solving approach, and advanced analytical skills are personal skills that will help you become a successful data science professional. 

• Future career 

Data is used by every organisation and in every field. There is a growing demand for data science professionals who can look at data, understand the trends and draw inferences. An M.Sc. in data science for working professionals would open doors for a life-long career as a data/business analyst, data modeller, data scientist and even top management positions in esteemed global organisations. 

• Growth 

Based on your skill set and interests, you can further specialise in more advanced subjects like machine learning and artificial intelligence. These are some of the most promising career options, and an M.Sc. in data science will set you apart from your peers. 

• Ready for challenges 

Working as a data scientist is not a routine job. Along with great rewards, you will also be expected to have impeccable technical knowledge and deliver results for challenging work. You will be required to look at data so that a normal person would not draw answers to problems. So, if you are up for this, you should think about selecting data science in M.Sc. 

• Suitable for working professionals 

It is an excellent career move to get an M.Sc. in data science for working professionals as it can pivot their career ten-folds in just 2-3 years. Since M.Sc. in data science is a holistic course, the skills and knowledge that M.Sc. imparts are far greater than what you will learn on the job. Various colleges in India offer part-time data science M.Sc. programs that you can undertake along with your existing jobs. 

M.Sc. in Data Science opens vast career options 

A data science professional can develop expertise in any field based on their interest. After M.Sc. in data science, you can get a job in marketing if you are skilled in understanding consumer behavioural patterns or go for a consulting job if you want to frame strategies based on data and like travelling. Some of the career options available to you will be- 

• Marketing analytics manager 
• Statistician 
• Data scientist 
• Data visualisation expert 
• Business analyst 

• Big Data analyst 
• Sales analyst 
• Business intelligence analyst 
• Risk analyst 

These functions of an organisation consume data and require someone who can derive insights and build dashboards from the raw data available. An M.Sc. in data science would give you the required skills for these roles. 

An M.Sc. in data science, along with your existing qualification, would arm you with advanced technical skills and knowledge that would pave your way for a successful career as a data science professional. 

Getting an online M.Sc. in Data Science from Online Manipal 

India’s premier university Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) now offers an online M.Sc. in Data Science through the Online Manipal platform. The Government of India has conferred Institute of Eminence status for the quality of education and features. This online M.Sc. programme is UGC entitled and is designed for working professionals aspiring to progress in their careers. The programme will equip you with the technical skills you need to build a distinctive career in Data Science. With a perfect blend of machine learning, big data analytics, and statistics, the programme intends to prepare you for analytical and leadership roles in various sectors. Gain experience in machine learning application, and predictive modelling, solve problems with real-world data, learn how to efficiently work in teams, develop strategic and tactical recommendations, and manage processes, work and people. 

For your successful career trajectory: Is Data Science a good career option for you? 

How to enroll in an online M.Sc. in Data Science at Online Manipal 

The eligibility criteria for the online M.Sc. in Data Science at Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) are as given below: 

• Graduates in Statistics/Mathematics/Computer Science [BSc/BE/BTech/BCA] or an equivalent degree studying the subjects for a minimum of 2 years from universities/institutions recognised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) with a minimum of 50% of marks or equivalent grade. Programming knowledge is a prerequisite for admissions to this programme 
• Two years of work experience in a reputed organisation 
• Candidates need to upload a Statement of Purpose Video 

For international students, an Equivalency Certificate from AIU is required for their degree courses. Students and professionals holding NRE, PIO status, residing outside India and/or students and professionals who are not Indian citizens are considered international students and are eligible to pursue MAHE’s online degree programmes. All such students and professionals will be billed an international fee for their respective degrees and may need to submit documents mentioned but not limited to CV, address proof, valid visa, PR card, and passport copy as part of the application process. 

You can submit your application online at www.onlinemanipal.com by providing the required details. Once you provide the required details, MAHE admission counsellor will reach out to you to assist with the application process. Alternatively, you can call us at +91-7330 300 600 or email info@mahe.www.onlinemanipal.com, and we will assist you with the application process. 

To complete the initial application process, you are required to provide your personal details, academic details, work experience details, and pay an application fee of Rs. 1500/-, upload the eligibility documents and finally upload the Statement of Purpose (SoP) video. 

Conclusion 

Professionals with M.Sc. in Data Science should be interested and willing to learn and adapt new and upcoming data science-related skills. They need to be creative, solution-oriented, have an eye for detail and focus on data analytics. Selecting data science for M.Sc. can be the steppingstone in your career that many of you might be looking for to reach a greater height. This field has a lot of scope for growth and learning potential, and an M.Sc. would only increase these multiple times and increase your earning potential. Working professionals will benefit a lot from getting an M.Sc. in data science as it would help them upskill and get ahead in the organisational hierarchy quickly. You need to decide for yourself if you should go for an M.Sc. data science course, and if you do, it will surely be an upward journey from there.