Data Science vs Data Analytics Master’s Degree Programs
The Big Data industry relies on professionals who know how to decrypt data into valuable and actionable information. Today, this industry is worth around $350 billion, with no signs of it stopping anytime soon. So, such an industry is also yielding a lot of jobs in various industries.
These jobs are occupied by data scientists and data analysts. But what is the difference between the two? What do data science/analytics master’s degree programs offer? And are they worth chasing after? Let’s find out.
Data Science Vs. Data Analytics: Which Major To Choose?
Data Science is a broad field that focuses on various scopes within this field. The purpose of this field is to extract insights from various statistics and data types. This includes various advanced techniques like statistical modeling, programming, machine learning, etc.
On the other hand, Data Analytics focuses on interpreting data, historical statistics, and other existing information types to draw calculated conclusions. The focus of Data Analytics is on identifying trends and ensuring informed business decisions (or sports/recreational decisions).
Now, how do you go about choosing between the two? Let’s consider some key factors:
| Data Science | Factors | Data Analytics |
| Predictive modeling, machine learning, and statistical insight development. | Focus | Interpreting existing data and historical statistics to draw conclusions/predictions. |
| Programming skills, including Python R. Also require statistical analysis abilities, data visualization, and AI elements like machine learning. | Skills Required | Proficiency in quantitative abilities, including statistical analysis. Besides, the ability to take on data wrangling, visualization tools, etc. |
| Structured and unstructured data. Often deals with refining raw and complex data. | Data Types | Structured and clean data. Clean and organized sets that make predictions/analysis easy. |
| Hadoop, Spark, and machine learning libraries. | Tools Used | SQL, Excel, and BI tools for data presentation. |
| Develops models to predict future trends and behaviors. | Outcome | Provides insights to inform business decisions based on past data. |
| Healthcare, finance, marketing, etc., to predict outcomes and strategize tactics. | Industry Applications | Marketing, healthcare, and finance but focused on business/operational efficacy. |
| Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, and Data Engineer. | Career Path | Data Analyst, Business Analyst, and Reporting Analyst. |
This should clear up which career path you want to take. But, if you decide, which are the best possible data analytics or data science degree programs you can pursue? Here are some:
| Data Science | |||
| University Name | Program | Acceptance Rate | Cost (Annual) |
| University of California, Berkeley | BA in Data Science | 11% | $17,000 |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | BS in Data Science | 61% | $50,000 |
| Columbia University | MS in Data Science | 4% | $23,000 |
| Data Analytics | |||
| University Name | Program | Acceptance Rate | Cost (Annual) |
| Golden Gate University | BS in Data Analytics | 83% | $11,000 |
| Roosevelt University | BS in Data Analytics | 88% | $33,000 |
| University Of Central Florida | MS in Data Analytics | 41% | $10,000 |
These are some of the top programs you can choose in either field.
Cheapest Online Data Science Master’s Degree Programs
A few universities across the United States offer Data Science degrees online. These universities are usually affordable since the degree is offered through a web-enabled platforms. So, you don’t need to find the nearest university and look for a master’s in data science online.
However, some options are better than others, and we’ve picked them out for you. Here are some of the top online programs for MS in data science in the USA:
| University Name | Program | Acceptance Rate | Cost (Annual) |
| East Carolina University | Online MS in Data Science | 92% | $17,000 |
| University of the Cumberlands | Online Master in Data Science | 83% | $9,000 |
| University of West Florida | Online MS in Data Science | 48% | $8,000 |
| National University | MS in Data Science (Online or On-Campus) | 55% | $13,000 |
| University of Arizona Online | Online MS in Data Science | 87% | $15,000 |
Some options like East Carolina University are on this list because they offer a high acceptance rate while offering reasonably low degree costs. Other options, like the University of West Florida, are on this list simply because it’s the most affordable option out of the five mentioned.
Each of these options also features a robust curriculum that focuses on key areas in data science. Their courses include:
- Database Systems and Data Preparation
- Practical Machine Learning
- Statistics for Data Science
- Data Analysis and Visualization
- Machine Learning
- Natural Language Processing (NLP)
These might differ depending on the university and courses on offer. However, you can expect to learn the key factors of AI and its role in modern data science.
Now, it’s important that you find a program nearest to you and avoid the out-of-state additional tuition fee. Finding something in your state will also make you eligible for student aid and even scholarships.
Best Online Data Analytics Master’s Degree Programs
You’d think of universities like Harvard or Stanford among the top data science programs ranking. You wouldn’t be wrong either, as they do offer some of the best data analytics and data science degrees. However, they are on-campus degrees, and we’re talking about the best online analytics programs.
As you can guess, these programs are offered at varying accredited business universities across the United States. Some of the best big data degrees online that you can find today include:
| University Name | Program | Acceptance Rate | Cost (Annual) |
| University of Illinois at Springfield | MS in Data Analytics | 82% | $12,000 |
| Southern Utah University | Online MS in Data Analytics | 84% | $12,000 |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Online MS in Data Analytics | 93% | $17,000 |
| Oregon State University | Online MS in Data Analytics | 83% | $19,000 |
| Boston University | Online MS in Applied Data Analytics | 14% | $62,000 |
Each of the degree options here is ideal because of the coursework, affordability, and university’s acceptance rate. Now, data analytics degree programs usually differ from data science programs as they focus on more immediate elements. So, the courses in these degrees might include:
- Data Mining
- Statistical Analysis
- Data Visualization
- Predictive Analytics
- Database Management
- Big Data Technologies
- Time Series Analysis
- Data Ethics and Governance
All of these master’s in data science programs focus on an advanced understanding of data science as a whole. Thus, there are five good options to pursue from anywhere in the United States. But as always, you can find the best and nearest option to you by doing a little research.
Now, which of these programs should you choose? Be it analytics or science, the main focus should be on the program that you can afford—both financially and mentally. Data science will be tougher than data analytics, so keep that in mind before picking one.
Is a Master’s Degree in Business Analytics Worth It?
Earning a master’s degree in business analytics will open many career paths. This includes business analytics, marketing analysis, and various others where information is vital. That’s why the analytics field is rapidly growing and projects a job outlook of 35% by 2031.
Besides that, a master’s degree in business analytics will help you in four key ways:
- Career advancement to a higher level.
- Increased earning potential.
- Cutting-edge skill development.
Therefore, pursuing big data analytics degree programs can help you increase your career potential while also ensuring you find work in an ever-growing industry. Moreover, analytics are required by many industries, and that means a laid-back process of finding jobs.
What’s Next?
If you’re already a bachelor, then pursuing these master’s degrees will help you elevate your skills. If you are already a master’s degree holder, then finding the best data analytics boot camp or a graduate certification might be the path for you.
Regardless, make sure you learn the proper data analytics degree requirement before enrolling. You also need to ensure that you find a program that’s affordable and nearest to you. While data science and data analytics are both lucrative, it’s recommended that you research them thoroughly before deciding on one.
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