(I wasn’t really sure what category to put this under). I’m currently a junior year marketing major. I still like marketing, however, I’m minoring in business data analytics and I’m taking the first class for it. I’m kinda liking this class a little better than marketing. My school doesn’t have data science or business data analytics as a major. I know most data science jobs require a masters degree. Can I get accepted into a data science or business data analytics masters with an undergraduate marketing degree? I know a computer science degree is more recommended, however, if I change my major now, it will take me another 4 years till I graduate. Thank you.
Theoretically you can, as long as you take the necessary prerequisites. Some programs will specify what their prerequisites are; others will say that you simply need to have a strong background in math, statistics, and computer science. Business analytics will probably be easier for you to get into than a straight-up data science program. I’d take a look at some master’s programs in both fields to see what expectations they have for competitive applicants.
Since you are taking a business data analytics class, I’d talk to your professor and ask them what classes they would recommend for someone interested in a master’s in data science. And I would do it ASAP, since if you are a junior you only have three semesters left (although you can always take additional classes as a non-degree student after you graduate, but it gets harder to do that).
You can enhance your chance of getting into a great graduate program in data science by taking multivariate calculus, linear algebra, intermediate statistics, and python (and R if available) programming classes before you graduate. Business analytics classes based on Excel will not be enough.
I’d recommend a business analytics degree. My D is doing an MS in business analytics. Her background is in accounting. There are a number of marketing majors in her program and a number of marketing related electives. The only pre-reqs were a programming language (she knew Python), stats, calculus, and internship or full time corporate experience. The program includes classes on Python, SQL, R, Tableau, etc. My D was able to land a great internship in data analytics in the media and entertainment industry with the skills she’s developed in the first semester of the program.
I would discuss it with your prof. There are many programs, and a lot of them are offered online because they tend to appeal to people already in the workforce. My kid had a similar experience; as an accounting major they discovered DA. They completed the acctg degree while also starting on a 1-yr graduate certificate at their school. It is offered online and in person, and was about 50/50. After they earn their graduate certificate, they can choose to continue and get an MS, or not, or go back later
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