[autokad]

I am a Data Scientist w/ a MS in computer Science, but many of my CS classmates never become one despite desire to do so, while several of my MBA friends did so with ease (granted it is Wharton).

I think an MBA is more useful over a master in CS because many MBA's have great stats programs. In most CS programs you'd have to use up precious elective spots to take those. Also, business intelligence is a huge part of many ds roles. And if you really wanted to take that Machine Learning course in CS, just take it as an elective in your MBA.

I'd love to hear what others have to say on the topic

[wenc]

I am a data scientist who spent my early career doing lots of BI work before moving on to my current role (years ago). I don't have an MBA, only a quantitative Ph.D.

BI is more related to analytics than DS (broadly defined, DS deals with predictive, while BI deals with descriptive), and typically falls under the purview of data analysts. It also isn't really a prerequisite for DS work. Also, BI is a skill that is easily acquired in industry rather than in school.

I don't know if an MBA is necessarily more useful than a MSCS if you want to become a data scientist. On the hiring end, quantitative training is strongly preferred for true DS positions over qualitative. Given a pool of people with quantitative degrees vs MBAs, it is very likely the former will have an advantage.

The only exception is if the position isn't truly a DS one; many people advertise data analyst under a DS title to get a broader pool of candidates. It's common practice these days.

[huac]

I also am a data scientist, after attending Wharton. Understanding how businesses operate, both internally (which stakeholders are important to convince of a decision) and externally (what does the company need to do to succeed, big picture?) is really helpful for data scientists to drive impact.

[sushid]

Are you comparing CS undergrad + MBA to CS undergrad + CS masters?

I have a sibling working towards a business degree (concentration in statistics and DS) and looking to work as a SWE for a few years before going to grad school and working as a DS after getting a degree.

Would a stats focused MBA be more of a fit in your opinion vs a MS in CS?