Career/Academia Options in Data Science or Statistics

[kingduck]

Hi,

This is my first post on the Grad Cafe. I'm encouraged by all of you guys because now I know that I'm not alone in this hectic time of grad applications.

I am writing SOPs for MS/MA in statistics and MS data science. I eventually do want to pursue a PhD though I'm not sure which aspect of the mathematical sciences I want to be specialize in. 

My question is essentially:

1) What roles (software, data engineer, analyst etc)would MS data science graduates have in the industry? (whether government or commercial)

2) Would I easily have enough prior knowledge to pass qualifying exams as a Stat PHD candidate coming from a background with an MS data science degree?

3) What are the backgrounds of the data science masters cohorts? (what undergraduate majors, which industries, gpa, research interests etc.)

4) (Optional - for better insight) Finally, what would be your ranking of data science master programs and by what aspect are you ranking them (academic rigor, size of research projects, location etc.)

I look forward to hearing your input.