Which Master of Data Science, Statistics, Analytics Program is the best? Pros & Cons

[doomeyeless]

I got admissions from following five programs.

 

1. Master of Statistics at Stanford (data Science track) 

2. Master of Analytics at Northwestern

3. Master of Business Analytics CMU Heinz College

4. Master of Data Science at Columbia Engineering

5. Master of Quantitative Methods for Social Science at Columbia University (data science concentration)

 

I don't think I will go to any PHD program after master. I want to go back to industry or start my own startup. 

 

Please give me your advice. 

 

I can't find any good information about each program to decide where should I go.

 

Thanks

[Stat Assistant Professor]

Assuming cost is not an issue, I would definitely pick Stanford, given its proximity to Silicon Valley. You could get a great internship, and that's a great location to be for start-ups. I could also be wrong, but I think a MS in Statistics would be a bit more flexible (in terms of opening doors to different careers) and marketable than degrees in Business Analytics, but I'm not too familiar with what the curriculum in Analytics programs looks like.

[doomeyeless]

Assuming cost is not an issue, I would definitely pick Stanford, given its proximity to Silicon Valley. You could get a great internship, and that's a great location to be for start-ups. I could also be wrong, but I think a MS in Statistics would be a bit more flexible (in terms of opening doors to different careers) and marketable than degrees in Business Analytics, but I'm not too familiar with what the curriculum in Analytics programs looks like.

yeah but according to curriculum, stanford program seems more focusing on math and stats.. it seems like pre-phd program not a professional school. I just want to focus more on analytics, machine learning, database etc.. Actually, I really want to get out of Bay Area.. 

[StatsG0d]

You should also consider NCSU and University of San Francisco. Both have pretty stellar placements and starting salaries.

Edited April 6, 2015 by footballman2399

[doomeyeless]

Assuming cost is not an issue, I would definitely pick Stanford, given its proximity to Silicon Valley. You could get a great internship, and that's a great location to be for start-ups. I could also be wrong, but I think a MS in Statistics would be a bit more flexible (in terms of opening doors to different careers) and marketable than degrees in Business Analytics, but I'm not too familiar with what the curriculum in Analytics programs looks like.

By the way, I mistakenly clicked.. voting thing.. sorry. Absolutely your opinion was helpful!

[doomeyeless]

You should also consider NCSU and University of San Francisco. Both have pretty stellar placements and starting salaries.

I didn't apply those schools btw. I already applied and got admissions as the above.. 

[StatsG0d]

I didn't apply those schools btw. I already applied and got admissions as the above.. 

 

In that case, I agree that Stanford would be the best choice. I haven't heard much about the other programs. I know that Columbia's is brand new, but it is Columbia. Still, I think that the proximity to Silicon Valley is a huge plus.

[doomeyeless]

In that case, I agree that Stanford would be the best choice. I haven't heard much about the other programs. I know that Columbia's is brand new, but it is Columbia. Still, I think that the proximity to Silicon Valley is a huge plus.

Yeah.. Actually I am considering between Northwestern Analytics program and Stanford. I checked the curriculum details and etc, northwestern program seems much more attractive. BTW I really want to leave Bay Area... cuz I spent my undergrad in UCB

[StatsG0d]

Evanston is an amazing city, and I'm sure there are plentiful opportunities in Chicago. I would email them and ask about their placements and stuff. They should keep such data. Good luck!

[Katecat]

I know two guys from NU Analytics and they are very very smart. I think you will like it.

Edited April 19, 2015 by Katecat

[gm758]

Stanford is the best and it's not even close. Especially for what you want to do.