Zack886

If you haven't started applying yet, you are a bit behind. Many of the top programs have application deadlines in January and February, and even those that are rolling admission or have later deadlines may have accepted most of the incoming class by now. If you still haven't retaken the GRE (and I believe you have to wait at least a month between attempt, correct?), it may be better to wait until next cycle. Definitely add the Coursera Data Science courses to your resume. It shows a lot of initiative and that you've done research to make sure you're interested in the field. Some programs are more strict than others about what credentials they need to see. Certain programs will only accept courses taken for academic credit from a university, while others are fine with MOOCs. So make sure to research each program's requirements carefully. Let me know if you have any further questions, and best of luck!

Do you mean the NCSU MSA program or the Data Science track of their CS program?

Two pieces of advice: 1) Retake the GRE and raise your Quant score to at least 160+ 2) Take some courses in math (calc/stats/linear algebra), and a programming course from either a MOOC provider like edX or Coursera, or at a local community college

Hi @roshaniitd88, I also applied to the Northwestern MSiA program. I don't think there's another thread on here yet. I emailed the program admin to follow up yesterday and received an automated reply that said that all decisions would be released on 3/16.

@efh0888 Yep, I am referring to the full-time on campus at Northwestern. It's definitely my top choice right now, and I would go for sure if I got in, despite the high price tag. I have spoken with a few current & former bootcamp participants, and they generally have positive things to say. However, it seems like the majority (certainly not all) go in already having a masters. I don't think I can go too wrong with either the MS or the bootcamp, but the MS would probably be more beneficial in the long term if I am able to get in. @ace589 I haven't checked out the list of programs on INFORMS yet, but I will take a look now. Thank you for the tip!

Thank you both for your replies, and apologies it has taken me so long to respond. @Ace589: I have a BA in Economics, and have worked for the past 4+ years in online marketing and web analytics. I currently live in Boston, and there aren't many good local options unfortunately. I have considered some online options (e.g. Berkeley) but I feel that I wouldn't learn as much as I would in a campus environment, as well as missing out on the networking component. @efh0888: I agree that the business analytics programs might not be technical enough for what I am looking for. I have done some research on NCSU and while they do have impressive career placement stats, I am a little put off by the SAS sponsorship (less agile curriculum). The Northwestern program, which is my top choice at the moment, has similarly strong placement stats that they feature on their site. It is, however, much more expensive than NCSU! You both seem to have negative views on the bootcamp programs - is there a specific program you've heard bad things about?

Hello all, I am hoping to return to school next fall in the field of Business Analytics/Data Science. I had originally only considered traditional MS programs, and those at the top of my list include Northwestern, NYU, Columbia, and UT Austin. However, I recently began looking into bootcamp programs such as Metis and Zipfian Academy. I am trying to figure out which makes the most sense for me. I have four years of work experience in digital marketing / marketing analytics in the consumer tech space, and I am looking to transition into more of a technical data science role within a similar kind of company. If I went the MS route, I would be attending full-time. Arguments in favor of MS Programs - Prestige associated with school/degree - Longer programs means more time to explore a variety of topics in-depth - Larger alumni network (though some of these programs are quite new and do not have extensive networks) - Access to university resources / clubs Arguments in Favor of Bootcamps - Shorter programs mean less time away from work - Cheaper - More agile curriculum - Possibly better integrated into local industry than universities - Applications can be completed closer to start date, no letters of recommendation required Are there any other factors I should be considering? Is anyone else trying to make a similar decision? Thank you in advance for your help!