Is a Master Degree in Data Science helpful for an application for a CS Ph.D. in the future?

[Robert Daniel]

My previous educational background is mainly about mathematical/computational finance, however, I would like to apply for a CS Ph.D. in the future. I decided to first apply for a master degree related to computer science and then prepare for the Ph.D. during this master program.

One option is a master degree in CS, however, I found my relevant experience is more about data science (like applications of data science in finance) instead of pure computer science research. Will a data science master program make more sense?

My major concern is most master programs in data science seem to prepare students for a "professional path" instead of an "academic path" (it's like a terminal program), will this fact be disadvantageous when I apply for the Ph.D. in CS in the future?

FYI: There are very few Ph.D. programs in data science, CS Ph.D. is the only choice I guess for me. Also, for some reason, I cannot look for a job right after the master program and have to get a Ph.D. degree.

 

[Boolakanaka]

On 10/26/2020 at 2:08 AM, Robert Daniel said:

My previous educational background is mainly about mathematical/computational finance, however, I would like to apply for a CS Ph.D. in the future. I decided to first apply for a master degree related to computer science and then prepare for the Ph.D. during this master program.

One option is a master degree in CS, however, I found my relevant experience is more about data science (like applications of data science in finance) instead of pure computer science research. Will a data science master program make more sense?

My major concern is most master programs in data science seem to prepare students for a "professional path" instead of an "academic path" (it's like a terminal program), will this fact be disadvantageous when I apply for the Ph.D. in CS in the future?

FYI: There are very few Ph.D. programs in data science, CS Ph.D. is the only choice I guess for me. Also, for some reason, I cannot look for a job right after the master program and have to get a Ph.D. degree.

 

You might be in the wrong section. This is governmental affairs, there is a specific section for CS.