School Choices for Data Science/Analytics/Applied Statistics/Computer Science

Graduate School
1

Hello everyone. I am currently in my senior year at Wayne State University, will graduate in the winter with a BA in Mathematics and a minor in Economics, ~3.9 GPA and with Honors. I was originally planning on becoming an Actuary, I have passed the first two Actuarial Exams.

I have a 4.0 in math courses, and one A- in Econometrics.
Calc 2 - A
Calc 3 - A
Linear Algebra - A
Elementary Analysis - A
Abstract Algebra - A
Probability Theory - A
Numerical Methods (used a little bit of MATLAB) - A
Statistical Computing and Data Analysis (Teaches R, Professor is my current research adviser and is writing one of my letters) - A
Abstract Algebra - A
Econometrics (undergraduate) - A
Econometrics (Masters level) - A-
Operations Research - A
Will take: Mathematical Statistics

I took the GRE two weeks ago, and got V162/Q170/4.5.

I am currently doing research, using R, for my Honors thesis with a Statistics Professor. This is the only research I’ve done, and will not have anything completed by the time applications are due.

My programming experience is minimal, I am learning a lot of R, but wouldn’t consider myself proficient at all. I understand the basics, and can use for loops, that’s about it. I plan to take a MOOP course as an introduction to Python over the summer.

I have worked as a math tutor for the university’s “Math Resource Center” for the past 3 years, no industry work experience or internships.

I am looking for a masters program that gives me a strong formal introduction to statistical theory, as well as computer skills in R/Python/SQL, data munging ie dealing with messy data. From the research I’ve done, the best programs at combining these two aspects are data science masters programs.

I’m trying to apply to the best schools with good programs, as well as some safety schools that also have great programs, although not as competitive. How does this list look?

Stanford - Masters of Data Science
Harvard - Master of Science in CSE
Carnegie Mellon - MISM Business Intelligence & Data Analytics

  • Master’s in Statistical Practice
    NYU - Data Science
    Columbia - Data Science
    Northwestern - Master of Science in Analytics
    Purdue - Statistics-Computer Science Joint Masters
    Indiana - Data Science
    Virginia - Master of Science in Data Science
    San Francisco - Master of Science in Analytics

Do I have a reasonable shot to get into the top schools? If not, I’d rather not waste the time and money applying to them. Are the lower schools “safe” enough? Any of these schools not worth considering? Any other program that I should also consider?

2

Since most of these program will expect you to self-fund, my guess is that you have an excellent chance of getting into a number of them. The biggest issue is that you do not have a B.S. in Computer Science and some of these programs have that as a requirement. I think that all your selections are fine so you need to determine which ones of these will be the best for your interests and background and apply only to those. As to your final question, there are many other good programs out there. Data Science is very popular right now and you will find such a program in virtually hundreds of universities. You really have to choose based on location (which will have some bearing as to where you can find a job), type of program (live or online), and curriculum.

3

Meh. Most data science programs are brand new, and are basically a combination of coursework from the statistics and computer science departments. Furthermore, master’s in statistics have always been very flexible because statistics is inherently a flexible field. There are so many things you can use it for that many MA programs in statistics have multiple tracks and concentrations - or no concentrations at all, and few course requirements. They allow you to shape your area on the basis on your interests.

If you want a strong formal introduction to statistical theory, you really want a statistics program (data science programs are much more applied). You can always learn the data munging and the SQL and Python skills by taking some computer science classes - indeed, most statistics programs encourage or require their students to take classes in at least one (sometimes two) programming language and will allow you to count relevant CS courses towards the degree.

I also agree with @xraymancs in that some of these programs are designed for people with a bachelor’s in computer science. TO be maximally competitive you’d at least need some basic computer science coursework. For example, that Purdue combined program states that most of their students have a bachelor’s degree in computer science. They have a [url=https://www.cs.purdue.edu/graduate/admission/requirements_nonCS.html]page[/url] with recommendations for non-CS majors, and it seems they will have expected you to at least begin some basic CS classes before applying.

4

You might be able to get a job in the field with just a certificate from coursera, cloudera or sas. Those types of employers are more interested in the skills than the degree. Take a look at the qualifications for your dream job and develop those skills. Even courses on Udemy can help you get there.

5

I know of students from our (Illinois Tech) physics program who have gone into the data analytics field with just their Bachelor’s degree. Perhaps they will want to get a Masters later on though.