Advancing your career is important, whether you are prioritizing making the most money in your industry or you just want to find more satisfaction in your job. In order to get far in the data sciences industry, much like many other industries, getting your master’s degree can help unlock those doors for you and allow you to climb the ladder in your industry. However, sometimes master’s programs are out of many people’s budgets. That’s why this article will help you find the cheapest online data science master so that you can achieve your dreams.
What is Data Science?
Data science is a field that is focused on collecting, organizing, analyzing, and utilizing this data to make strategic decisions. Through the use of both practical statistical analysis and various techniques for computation, professionals in this field handles the data as previously discussed, then communicate what everything means. Typically used in the business world, data science is essential because it can help them reduce costs, improve their revenue, improve the customer experience and operations, help businesses be more adaptable, and even help create new products and services.
Essentially, a data scientist requires technical skills to help solve more complex problems. As well as a general curiosity to explore and learn more about any problems that need to be addressed.
Do You Need a Master’s Degree in Data Science?
One of the biggest questions that you might have is whether or not you even need a master’s degree in data science. It can depend on several things. First of all, the different jobs in this industry may require more experience and higher degrees than just a bachelor’s. If you want to grow in your current career as a data scientist, getting a master’s degree can open more doors for you in better positions in this career path.
So, do you need a master’s degree in data science? It may not be necessary for entry-level positions, but if you want to have a more advanced career this can be a wise investment into your future.
Before going into the online degrees, consider checking out the top 16 data science courses we have compiled here.
5 of the Cheapest Online Data Science Master’s Degree
Now that you know how important a master’s degree in data science can be. It’s time to look at some of the most affordable options that you have available to you. These options are online, allowing you the freedom to select the best school for your needs. These are the top 5 cheapest options for your online master’s programs.
1. Georgia Institute of Technology
This is not only one of the cheapest online school options. It’s also among the best options that you can choose for an MS in Analytics. There are 3 track specializations that you can choose from: business analytics; analytical tools; and computational data analytics. The programs typically start here in January. Usually taking between 2 and 3 years for you to complete as it is a 36-hour course. It’s a completely online program and applications to this program are generally only accepted once a year in August.
2. Oklahoma State University
You can get your MS in Business Analytics and Data Sciences online when you invest in the part-time master’s program at Oklahoma State University. This is a part-time program, which is perfect for those working professionals that want to go to school but still need to work their full-time jobs. You can take courses in 4 specializations: advanced data science; health analytics; marketing analytics; and cybersecurity analytics. The program is a total of 33 hours and does have some strict requirements. These requirements include your GMAT or GRE scores, 3 recommendations, statement of purpose, transcripts, the application fee, and a resume.
3. University of California, San Diego
You can get a Master of Data Sciences through their online program, which uses the EdX platform. This course is a 40-credit program, which is comprised of 10 4-hour courses. There is no GRE requirement to apply and get accepted in this school. There is also an option for a “micro master’s”, which is a 4-course program that can be applied to the full master’s program here. If you want to get the knowledge without having to complete the full degree. To apply to the program, you need to show your current resume, 3 recommendations, transcripts that show you have completed prerequisites required by the school, and the $125 application fee.
4. Indiana University
At Indiana University, you can get an MS in Data Sciences online. This is a fully online program, which can be completed in 30 credits. There are 4 areas of concentration: intelligent systems engineering; cybersecurity; precision health; and data analytics and visualization. One of the coolest things about this program is that there’s an optional Online Immersion Weekend once a year in spring. Where students can get hands-on experience and get some networking connections. To apply for this program, you need to pay the application fee.
5. Texas A &M University
This is a 36-hour, completely online MS program. This accredited program offers informative classes in Categorical Data Analysis, Spatial Statistics, and Flexible Regression Using R. There is a more extensive application process that you have to go through to get into this program, including GRE scores (may be waived), 3 letters of recommendations, statement of purpose, and your transcripts. This may be the most expensive on this list, but this is still a great program to get into.
Conclusion
If you want to further your career as a data scientist, then you will need to ge a master’s degree in this field. When you get yourself a master’s degree in data science, you can get those more advanced jobs that pay a lot more and offer more benefits. You may even find more challenges that make your career in data science even more exciting. You can choose any of the amazing cheap online master’s degree programs. And you are going to be completely prepared for taking your career to the next level.