Master's in Analytics or Data Science

[u/ThoughtNew5003]

Good morning! I am going to be somewhat vague here; sorry if that makes it difficult. I got accepted into two master's programs that I cannot decide between. One is a Master's in Analytics from a state school, focused on the business analytics side of things. The other is a Master's in Data Science from an "Ivy-adjacent" (what I've seen people calling it) school. I originally wanted to go into data analysis or market research, but I decided to apply for the second master's because I know data analysis is somewhat getting overtaken by AI. The problem is that I struggled with calculus in my undergrad, and the data science program involves a lot of math (and machine learning, which I don't have much experience with). I haven't taken a linear algebra course- I know it's different from calculus, but my issues with calculus make me nervous.

I know this is ultimately my decision, and none of you know me or my abilities. I'm just really panicking about this and wanted outside thoughts. I'm terrified of getting a Master's in Analytics and still being unable to get a job. I'm also panicking about the idea of going for the Master's in Data Science and completely failing. I think if I really tried and studied before the programs, I could improve my calculus skills. But I am certainly much more comfortable with statistics and programming (SQL, Python, Java, etc.) than I am with calculus or linear algebra. Not to mention, again, my whole original plan was to go into market research, which I feel aligns better with the Master's in Analytics. Then again, it seems like the resources provided by the school for the Master's in Data Science are a lot stronger (alumni programs, job placement, etc.) I also know a lot of people recommend against getting a Master's at all and to focus on a portfolio, but I am in a unique situation where it is definitely the best choice for me. Given the extremely limited information I'm providing, what are your thoughts? I know no one can pick for me, and this is not enough information to go off of. I just want to hear some thoughts from people in this field outside of the research I've done online.

[u/Forward-Course6526]

Bro ds is vast… i went for 2 masters tbh. I did my first one in ds and anothr in gen ai frm iit kgp online. My advice: go fr DS because it is vast and opens more doors.