Should I do a Master's in Data Science or go to a Bootcamp?
This goes without saying that jobs in the field of technology are in high demand, specifically if we are talking about the evolving field of Data Science. Hence, it means that pursuing a career in the field of data science can prove to be a good decision if you are aiming to take advantage of this favorable labor market. Well, if you go for a degree, then we need not tell you that it is going to take a lot of your time and money, and there are resources required to fulfill all the college requirements that many students don't have access to.
As a result of this, students embark on a search for alternatives in which they find boot camps as an alternative that is capable of equipping students with a set of skills and techniques that make an individual ready for a job. These skills are important as they allow students to derive benefits from the organization and secures their job. Moreover, with Bootcamp, it is just a matter of months, and the students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills required to kickstart their career in a field like Data Science.
Well, apart from this, there are several benefits and disadvantages of a degree vs. getting enrolled in a Bootcamp. This is why it is extremely important to evaluate your goals and circumstances even before making a decision about which is the better option for you. In this article, we will be pondering upon some facts that will help you make a better choice when it comes to choosing between doing a Master's in Data Science or going on a Bootcamp.
Master's in Data Science
As the name suggests, it is an advanced and interdisciplinary degree that is structured in such a way that it covers all the topics falling in the area of data analysis, business, and computer science. In this type of learning, students are exposed to an in-depth understanding of Data science theories via coursework, as well as hands-on experience with several softwares while working on projects such as a research paper or internship. In addition to this, it should be noted that the Master's programs allow students to choose elective classes so that they can further enhance their knowledge of how data is being utilized in particular economic sectors.
What adds more to the bucket of a degree in the field of data science is the fact that graduates who are equipped with a degree in Data Science do possess a typically contextualized understanding of their field. This involves the best practices, future developments, and challenges. Furthermore, the training is complemented by a set of hard skills in areas such as statistical analysis, database management, and computing.
Data Science Bootcamp
It is considered a concentrated program that is of short duration as it lasts between a few weeks or months. The program is aimed at equipping the students with particular technical abilities. This is the major reason why you won't find any elective coursework or classes
focused on theoretical concepts in a Bootcamp. In place of these things, the Bootcamp is designed in such as way that the students focus on attaining the skills required to thrive in the field of Data Science. The program allows them to learn about statistical analysis and gain hands-on experience in working with queries on large datasets.
In addition to this, you must note that the experts at a Bootcamp are committed to spending some productive time towards the development of a professional portfolio of students. This is important as it exhibits the potential of a student concerning real-world data science tasks.
Following the completion of the Bootcamp, the graduates receive a certificate, dissimilar to the degree a student can attain the following graduation from a college. Compared to the students who went to regular college, they will have a restricted understanding and knowledge of mathematical theorems or logical reasoning.
Well, you might consider it to be a failure against colleges, but that's not true. This is because the students graduating from a Bootcamp are ready with the skills that are required by organizations.
What to Choose Between a Data Science Degree and a Bootcamp
The major thing to ponder upon before making a decision regarding what to choose from a Data Science degree or a Data Science Bootcamp is that each qualification will open varying doors for you and there can be varying career outcomes along with different educational experiences. Even though both learning methods can lead the students to a job in the field of technology, you would still have some points to look at.
Background
If you are from a non-CS background, enrolling in a Data Science Bootcamp can be considered a quick way to change your career path.
Educational Qualification Requirements
A graduate degree from an approved university is a well-respected credential. Contrarily, Bootcamps' quality must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis because of the tendency for them to vary in terms of the topics they cover. Given this, a data science degree is a better option if you want a prestigious educational credential that is widely recognized.
Financial Circumstances
There is certainly no denying the fact that a Master's in Data Science can cost you way too much, and it is of a longer duration, so you will have other expenses as well. On the other hand, Bootcamps are completed within some months and are significantly less expensive than college degrees.