Data Science: MS Programs vs. Bootcamps

[Zack886]

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!

[ace589]

The MS route is far more valuable.  In my opinion the bootcamps are designed to profit the instructors. 

What is your background?  Attending part-time locally or online is a good option.  Northwestern probably has the best online program and probably the best oncampus program, but its not the most affordable. Does your employer offer tuition support?

[efh0888]

If you really want to be in a technical data science role as you mentioned, then I would recommend excluding business analytics degrees from consideration. Personally, I would do a MS in a more "pure" field like statistics or computer science, if you have the right academic background, and learning the data science specific skills through self learning, MOOCs, Kaggle competitions, and so on. The lone exception is the analytics program at NCSU, only because they're results, which are transparently posted online, speak for themselves. Additionally, the program is only 10 months, which lands you somewhere between a traditional MS and a bootcamp in terms of the time and financial commitment.

FWIW my impression is that the bootcamp space seems like it's primarily designed for people with graduate degrees in quantitative areas who want to quickly transition into data science.

Edited September 5, 2015 by efh0888

[Zack886]

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?

[efh0888]

Agreed, the heavy focus on SAS at NCSU would be a negative from my perspective, too. This day and age it's all about open source tech like R, Python, Hadoop, etc.

To clarify, for the Northwestern program, you mean the on campus one in Analytics offered by the College of Engineering? That one looks legit, not as sure about the online MS in Predictive Analytics.

BTW, I wouldn't say I have a negative view of bootcamps, more just skeptical that it would be helpful for someone in your position. I could very well be wrong. Try finding and contacting alumni that went in with a similar background as yours. See if they think it helped with placement and prepared them well.

Edited September 27, 2015 by efh0888

[ace589]

Have you seen INFORMS list of analytics master's programs?  Youcan find it on google.  It is not comprehensive and not maintained but gives you some more options.

[Zack886]

@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!

[efh0888]

NCSU also has a pretty thorough list, although it's probably not exhaustive: http://analytics.ncsu.edu/?page_id=4184