Hello - I'm going back to grad school to get a solid background in data analytics and would appreciate your advice on what school to choose. The three programs I applied to, and got accepted in, are:
UT Austin McCombs - MS in Business Analytics: Growing program, great industry sponsorships, shorter program (year vs. 1.5 years) but seems more like a 5th year undergrad than a program for experienced people (I have 3 years). About 25% scholarship.
Columbia Fu Foundation - Data Science: Very technical program with a statistics focus (which is what I need - I'm a info science undergrad), great brand recognition, but a really new program (first flight graduated this winter). No scholarship.
Carnegie Mellon Heinz - Master in Information Systems Management - Business intelligence & Data Analytics (MISM:BIDA): Well established, more management focused and not as technical as Columbia, but the new BIDA track adds more hands-on courses. 60% scholarship.
In terms of cost, I would choose CMU (however, my company will reimburse me after I return so cost is not the issue). From your research and experience, is the brand name recognition of Columbia and a more technical 'Data Science' degree worth turning down CMU?
Appreciate the advice!