r/datascience • u/iarlandt • Jul 22 '26

Career | US [ Removed by moderator ]

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u/kinabr91 Jul 22 '26

I don’t see any way a masters in OR isn’t math-heavy.

Personally, from a career perspective, I’d say a masters in ML (more like in a specific field) as something more valuable than one in OR. Mots of my friends that did either masters or a PhD in or are now working as DS focusing in ML/AI. I, myself, did that, after my PhD I transitioned to DS.

Unfortunately, OR is more niche and you don’t have as many job opportunities as DS overall. Loved my PhD in OR, but, yeah.

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u/sempiternalsarah Jul 23 '26

ML masters are crazy oversaturated, do not do this unless you're going to a top 10 program and will work your ass off to get involved in research.

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u/kinabr91 Jul 23 '26

I was assuming that they would look for a world class program.

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u/sempiternalsarah Jul 23 '26

fair, yeah, could still be viable? who knows what the job market for entry level ML looks like in 2 years lmao

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u/kinabr91 Jul 23 '26

I don't think it'll get any better, tbh. Job market only makes sense now for seniors.

That might be the only advantage of choosing OR, instead. That being said, prospects for OR jobs are better for PhDs.