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Sinewave
Student
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Do employers take online data science master's programs seriously?
Data science master's programs
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6 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Yes, many employers do take online data science master’s programs seriously, if the degree is from a well-known and trusted university.
However, the name of the school is not the only thing that matters. In data science, employers care more about what you "can do", not just what degree you have. If you can show real projects, a portfolio, or hands-on experience, that’s often more important than how you got the degree.
Some online programs are not as strong, especially if they are from unknown or low-quality schools. That’s why it’s important to pick a program that has a good reputation and gives you practical experience.
Ultimately, employers care about whether you can solve problems, analyze data, communicate insights, and contribute to business goals. A high-quality online data science degree, especially from a respected university, can definitely open doors.
However, the name of the school is not the only thing that matters. In data science, employers care more about what you "can do", not just what degree you have. If you can show real projects, a portfolio, or hands-on experience, that’s often more important than how you got the degree.
Some online programs are not as strong, especially if they are from unknown or low-quality schools. That’s why it’s important to pick a program that has a good reputation and gives you practical experience.
Ultimately, employers care about whether you can solve problems, analyze data, communicate insights, and contribute to business goals. A high-quality online data science degree, especially from a respected university, can definitely open doors.
Judas Garcia
Product Development & Industrialization
4
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Judas’s Answer
Employers do take online data science master's programs seriously, especially if they come from a well-known, accredited university.
The important thing is that with a master's degree, you should be seen as an expert. Employers want to know how you've applied your skills. It's not just about learning Python, SQL, or machine learning; it's about using them to solve real problems, build models, and share insights.
Data science is closely linked with AI, making your skills even more valuable. AI systems need data scientists to gather and prepare data, train and evaluate models, and turn results into decisions or products. Whether you're working on predictions, recommendations, or computer vision, data science is at the heart of it all.
So, while your degree is important, what really makes you shine is how you use what you've learned. Employers look for a strong portfolio, real-world projects, and the ability to explain your work clearly.
An online master’s gives you a solid start. How you use it is what truly opens doors.
Build a portfolio with real-world projects (personal, Kaggle, freelance, open-source).
Document your work clearly to show your process, tools, and outcomes.
Practice communicating insights—write blog posts or create short videos explaining your projects.
Connect with professionals on LinkedIn and start conversations around shared interests or companies.
Target companies doing AI or data-driven work in industries that interest you and apply strategically.
The important thing is that with a master's degree, you should be seen as an expert. Employers want to know how you've applied your skills. It's not just about learning Python, SQL, or machine learning; it's about using them to solve real problems, build models, and share insights.
Data science is closely linked with AI, making your skills even more valuable. AI systems need data scientists to gather and prepare data, train and evaluate models, and turn results into decisions or products. Whether you're working on predictions, recommendations, or computer vision, data science is at the heart of it all.
So, while your degree is important, what really makes you shine is how you use what you've learned. Employers look for a strong portfolio, real-world projects, and the ability to explain your work clearly.
An online master’s gives you a solid start. How you use it is what truly opens doors.
Judas recommends the following next steps:
Amy V
3
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Hi Sinewave, if investing in a master's program is a large commitment of time and money, you can consider data science certificate programs instead. These range from 3 months to 12 months and are more affordable. Better yet, you can land a job (even in an unrelated field) with an employer who sponsors continuing education courses through an education reimbursement benefit. Then you can pursue a part time certificate program while working. In summary, a certificate is a lower-investment approach to explore if data science for you, while learning relevant skills. Ultimately, data science roles heavily weigh technical proficiency through your performance in technical interviews. You don't necessarily need a master's program to perform well. Whichever approach you chose, you'll have a promising career ahead. Wishing you all the best!
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Sinewave !
This would be purely opinion because no one can tell who would require what in an applicant. It will also depend on if it's a tech company or a service or product company or corporation, I think. There's no definite answer for how millions of employers view online degrees.
I would guess that you'll have some employers that won't care that it was done online and you will have some employers that value the in person on site path more. Having the in person path may indicate to the employer that you have interacted and networked at university frequently and have kept up with information and opportunities that the university provides. But demonstrating your knowledge and skills will be the more important thing. You'll have to apply for jobs that you're 100% confident that you can do.
Some positions may not really have a substantial social or interaction element and it may not matter. I think people that get online degrees still run a risk of not being in the forefront because many will have the in person experience and it just may matter to some employers. So this is sort of a chance people take. I knew a couple of people that did online degrees - one was a Masters in Retail Marketing and one did a Bachelors in Nutrition. My own view, I would not hire the one who did the Bachelors in Nutrition online, but I would consider the Retail Marketing online degree. So I also think it actually depends on the subject that the degree is in.
This isn't new. People are getting work with online degrees, but it's still something to consider because not all employers look at it as equal to the in person experience. If you can ace the interview, that will carry a lot of weight, however.
Just my perspective and something to think about. Best wishes in all you do !
This would be purely opinion because no one can tell who would require what in an applicant. It will also depend on if it's a tech company or a service or product company or corporation, I think. There's no definite answer for how millions of employers view online degrees.
I would guess that you'll have some employers that won't care that it was done online and you will have some employers that value the in person on site path more. Having the in person path may indicate to the employer that you have interacted and networked at university frequently and have kept up with information and opportunities that the university provides. But demonstrating your knowledge and skills will be the more important thing. You'll have to apply for jobs that you're 100% confident that you can do.
Some positions may not really have a substantial social or interaction element and it may not matter. I think people that get online degrees still run a risk of not being in the forefront because many will have the in person experience and it just may matter to some employers. So this is sort of a chance people take. I knew a couple of people that did online degrees - one was a Masters in Retail Marketing and one did a Bachelors in Nutrition. My own view, I would not hire the one who did the Bachelors in Nutrition online, but I would consider the Retail Marketing online degree. So I also think it actually depends on the subject that the degree is in.
This isn't new. People are getting work with online degrees, but it's still something to consider because not all employers look at it as equal to the in person experience. If you can ace the interview, that will carry a lot of weight, however.
Just my perspective and something to think about. Best wishes in all you do !
Isabel Dominguez
Student
137
Answers
Corning, California
Updated
Isabel’s Answer
Hi Sinewave!
Many employers respect online data science master's programs, especially if they're from well-known and accredited universities. In data science, your skills, project experience, and portfolio are just as important as the degree. Programs that teach practical tools like Python, SQL, machine learning, and data visualization are highly valued. Employers often look for candidates who can show their abilities through projects, internships, or open-source contributions. If the program provides solid training and helps you build a strong portfolio, an online master’s degree can be just as respected as one from a campus.
Many employers respect online data science master's programs, especially if they're from well-known and accredited universities. In data science, your skills, project experience, and portfolio are just as important as the degree. Programs that teach practical tools like Python, SQL, machine learning, and data visualization are highly valued. Employers often look for candidates who can show their abilities through projects, internships, or open-source contributions. If the program provides solid training and helps you build a strong portfolio, an online master’s degree can be just as respected as one from a campus.
Goodera Careervillage
63
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Goodera’s Answer
Hi Sinewave!
I've hired many people with online degrees, not just in computer science or data science. For me, finding someone who fits well with the company culture is more important than their formal education. While education matters in some fields, like data science, a good cultural fit often leads to a better hire. We can always teach the skills needed for the job, but changing someone's cultural perspective is much harder.
So yes, most big companies are perfectly okay with online degrees from accredited universities. Applicants often just list the school and degree without mentioning if it was online. Online degrees are common in many countries because they allow people with busy lives to earn a degree.
I've hired many people with online degrees, not just in computer science or data science. For me, finding someone who fits well with the company culture is more important than their formal education. While education matters in some fields, like data science, a good cultural fit often leads to a better hire. We can always teach the skills needed for the job, but changing someone's cultural perspective is much harder.
So yes, most big companies are perfectly okay with online degrees from accredited universities. Applicants often just list the school and degree without mentioning if it was online. Online degrees are common in many countries because they allow people with busy lives to earn a degree.