Northwestern MSiA, Vanderbilt MSDS, Georgetown DSAN, Rice MDS

[juno_juno]

Hi, 

I have been accepted into Northwestern Master in Analytics, Vanderbilt Master in Data Science, Georgetown Master in Data Science and Analytics, and Rice Master of Data Science. I have to make my decision by 4/15. I am considering applying to PhD programs after completing my master's degree, and my ultimate goal is to become a data scientist. Which program should I choose? The cost would not be a crucial factor for me. Thank you so much for your help!

[juno_juno]

FYI, here are my thoughts on the programs:

Northwestern:

- The curriculum looks very solid (I expect to learn a lot of practical data skills useful for data science projects), and career placement is impressive.

- The program duration is 15 months, and the program is industry oriented, so I am not sure if it would be fine to choose the program if I am also considering applying to PhD. Also, I've seen only a few students participating in research projects or independent research. However, the industry and capstone projects look amazing.

 

Vanderbilt:

- The curriculum does not seem to be much technical and some courses cover the materials that I am already familiar with, but I was told that they still offer courses in AI, NLP, Cloud Computing, and transformer model, which I want to learn.

- The program offers numerous research opportunities. I've seen many students participating in AI and NLP related research projects. I was told that about 1-2 students enter PhD program.

- The program duration is 2 years, which I like.

- Vanderbilt is not well known for data science, and I am also concerned about its international recognition. 

 

Georgetown:

- The curriculum looks solid, and it offers an elective course that prepares students for PhD. Also, the career placement looks great.

- I am not sure if there are a lot of research opportunities available for students, but I was told that 5-10% of the class enter PhD every year (The cohort size is 120)

- Great location.

- The program duration is 16 months, but students are allowed to do extra semesters (so maximum program duration could be 3 years)

- However, it seems many classes are taught by adjunct professors.

 

Thanks for your help!

Edited April 4, 2023 by juno_juno