<p>Hi everyone-</p>
<p>I am from east cost and work in a healthcare company. I currently got accepted from John Hopkins University for my master degree. I think it is a great opportunity since John Hopkins is one of the best medical schools in the U.S. and I plan to stay in Healthcare industry. </p>
<p>However, I got a call from Berkeley 2 days ago and learnt that I got accepted from their Online Master of Information and Data Science program. I believe data science is the future and there will be a huge demand for data scientist in Healthcare industry. Does anyone know or have experience with Berkeley Online Master of Information and Data Science? I am really interested in this program and can probably pick it over John Hopkins University. I am little bit worried that Online Degrees are still not acceptable in healthcare industry but this is Berkeley and my senior management also thinks it is a great opportunity. </p>
<p>I am really confused at the moment because
1. I was 100% sure that I was not going to get accepted from these universities this year so it was little bit surprising.
2. I have a very busy job and it will be very hard to go back to school (even online). However, I believe that I have to get my masters done soon because it is getting harder and harder each year. Promotions (more responsibilities), family live and etc is making it harder to go back to school.
3. I love the reputation of John Hopkins in Healthcare Industry but Data Science degree is more charming and will be more comprehensive in the future. </p>
<p>My goal is to understand what other people think about this online degree and if they know anyone who attended this program? Any suggestions or recommendations appreciated.</p>
<p>What program did you get accepted to at JHU?</p>
<p>There’s a tremendous demand for data scientists, especially within the healthcare industry. Generally speaking, online degrees from reputable brick and mortar schools like UC Berkeley are a decent choice, especially in high-demand fields. It would be different if this were Walden or Capella, but online master’s degrees (especially in statistics and data science) are becoming more widely accepted and are often offered by reputable long-standing institutions.</p>
<p>You also don’t have to say that your degree was done online, but people will probably see that you worked full-time in the DMV area and figure it out.</p>
<p>I think the thing to do is to ask some people within your field who are in the position to hire - what do they think about online degrees in data science? Would they hire someone with one?</p>
<p>I got in flexible MBA program at JHU. I always thought that I would get an MBA degree but right now I am not sure if it is important anymore. Everyone gets an MBA, PMP or etc very easily these days and I believe MBA degree lost its reputation. However, getting a MBA degree from JHU still should be an excellent opportunity to move forward in my career. </p>
<p>I agree with you related to Data Science. There is tons of opportunities in Healthcare at the moment and the demand will be a lot higher moving forward. I think my only concern is that I think Berkeley lost part of its reputation and quality. I think they are still one of the best universities in U.S. but not in the top 10.</p>
<p>When I interview people, I always question!!! the online degree because most of them were coming from non-reputable universities and candidates were not that sharp. However, I know several colleges who really developed their skills through online certification programs. My executive management is very traditional and they do not believe in online degree or working remotely. If you want to learn you have to be in class, if you want to work you have to be at office. I disagree with the approach however they are the decision makers!!! I think I will meet with my manager to discuss it further and make a final decision. </p>