Masters or Certs?

[Secure Da Bag]

So I'm transitioning (very slowly) from Web Development to Data Science/BI. (The question can apply to any field in IT) I considered getting a Masters degree but there are certs on the same thing. I've done some cursory comparisons and the certs seems to cover the same material as the Masters, but for considerably less.

What does everyone think of getting a cert instead of a Masters? Missing out on anything? Less pay? Less knowledge? Less opportunities? Or is it really the same but just less money?

 

[StretfordRed]

Masters are better in the long run

The clue is in the name of certs. They just certify knowledge you already meant to have

For data science, is always go Masters. It’s better in the long run but takes more effort

It depends on the uni, the cert, reputation, your stack, time, family, etc

 

[Obreh Winfrey]

On the SE side I've never heard anything particularly positive about certifications. A MS will open more opportunities.

 

[Mirin4rmfar]

For data science, I'd go for my masters.

https://analytics.gatech.edu/

I applied and got denied .

I am working on my python skills to apply again for next year. $10K

 

[David_TheMan]

Get both, it isn't an either or proposition in my opinion.

 

[Rawtid]

Both. Masters for more generalized studies and certs for specifics.

 

[Obreh Winfrey]

Both. Masters for more generalized studies and certs for specifics.

I don't know if I can agree with that statement. Graduate degrees are always more specialized because you end up doing your dissertation in a specific area.

 

[Rawtid]

I don't know if I can agree with that statement. Graduate degrees are always more specialized because you end up doing your dissertation in a specific area.

Specialized may not be the best word, but I meant like a masters in information systems, but certifications in Oracle or SQL Sever. Information Systems is more broad and the certs start to narrow it down if that makes sense.

 

[David_TheMan]

I don't know if I can agree with that statement. Graduate degrees are always more specialized because you end up doing your dissertation in a specific area.

Whatever you get your masters in won't be as specific as your higher level certs, especially vendor specific certs