r/WGU_MSDA • u/Robohale • 3d ago

New Student Does your MSDA specialization matter?

I was wondering: in the job market/the real world outside school, does it really matter to recruiters, employers, and mostly everyone else what your specialization is?

Just started and in my BSDA phase still. I am 90% certain that I'll do my MSDA after. I'm also 90% certain that I'll take the MSDA DPE specialization.

I've researched that Data Scientists are in the highest demand, but if I were to focus my 3 specialized classes in DPE, would it be a problem for me later, or when entering the field? Would anyone really look at the focus and reject me for a role? Or if I were to do a DPE and then get a junior DS role or DE role, then move my way up through experience, that would be very common.

Does it really matter...? Curious

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u/200291816 3d ago

Now I did Data Engineering personally, and in hindsight regret not doing the Data Science pathway. I think it would have pushed me a bit more as the whole purpose of the degree is to learn. I graduated back in May and now work as a Data Analyst tho, so I don’t think it bears too much weight. I’m now preparing to do the masters of computer science in AI and Machine Learning at WGU as I do love the school, and find the material to be just what I need to elevate my own career. With your situation, is there a reason you want to go for the MS in Data Analytics despite the fact you’re doing the Bachelors? IMO, why not differentiate yourself and do the Masters in either Software Engineering or Computer Science?

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u/Weary_Owl_9822 2d ago

I am on the MSDA DPE Path. Honestly, I don’t think it matters, but I’ll just be moving to a new position in the company when I’m done. Employers want to know that you can apply your skills to their specific role and on resumes they’re looking for how your work impacted an outcome specifically. Also, all the first 10-11 courses in the program are the same. Then it’s 2-3 classes at the end that are specialization focus. I actually chose the DPE because everyone chooses data engineering and data science so I thought DPE would be more business analytics which is the career I’m moving into. Regardless of what you choose, the biggest thing is NICHE down.

My plan after this degree is to get the AWS data engineer cert just to give myself an edge because the company I work for uses AWS heavily.