I have applied for online MS in Data Science in University of Wisconsin extension, Lewis University, Elmhurst College and awaiting acceptance results. The cost of education from these 3 places is roughly similar. Of the three which one would be the best ?
Two of these are regional institutions (Lewis, Elmhurst). Yes, this is Wisconsin Extension but it does have a more National name. However frankly speaking though Data Science is way more about skills and ability to work with Hadoop, JSON data, R, etc. There are multitudes of individuals with degrees in other disciplines and real world hands-on experience who dominate Data Science positions. The other large contingent of Data Scientists come from computationally heavy science fields. Long story short (and back to your question), I would go with the best brand name, the one likely to be most recognized in the most situations. That would be Univ of Wisconsin - Ext --- Go Badgers.
Thanks for the reply. I got admission confirmation from Lewis University & Elmhurst College while for U of W decision is still pending. If I have to choose between Lewis & Elmhurst which one would be better?
To me it's a toss up. Which is cheaper? Is there any difference in their delivery format? One thing I think that is very tough especially with IT classes are those that are synchronous on-line. I took a Java class once like that it was a total mess. Every student had their own different issues with the lessons so the vast majority of the time was spent waiting around while the Prof worked with others. Food for thought.
The Lewis University degree is coostlier by roughly 3k. However in it's curriculum Machine Learning is explicitly mentioned as an elective , which isnt mentioned on Elmhurst page. Would it be a differentiator ? Lewis University curriculum Data Science Courses | Lewis Online Elmhurst College Curriculum Elmhurst College: Course Offerings
The Lewis University program costs 28k+ while the Elmhurst one costs 25k+. However on Lewis program I see Machine Learning listed explicitly as a course which is not the case with Elmhurst. Is that a good criteria to decide which program to choose?
Sure. I mean, if you are finding little else to distinguish the two it can be a deciding factor. Even more so if an entire class in Machine Learning is important to you. I hope you will have the chance to wait on UW-Ext. Once again I think the name will matter more in the long run since what you will be learning in class will be obsolete or nearly so within a year.
The Lewis Women's Soccer team is really not very good and they have that maroon color scheme that I've never really liked.. The Elmhurst team is notably better and they have a pleasant blue color scheme so I think you should go with Elmhurst.
Got admission letter from University of Wisconsin Extension - but for their Spring 2016 session. Would it be worth the wait ?
You could consider taking a course(s) somewhere and transferring the credits into the Wisconsin program when the time comes. Waiting doesn't necessarily mean standing still.