[psyklic]

If you are motivated to do the math, I'd definitely do the math/stats MS. You can learn the current tech in your spare time or on the job, particularly with all of the good online courses.

Having a BS CmpE + "practical-oriented MS", you will be directly competing against a large number of software engineers who learn data science online or in bootcamps. I believe a stats-oriented MS would definitely make you stand out from this group. As you say, self-learners often struggle with the math and stats parts.

[natalyarostova]

As a self learner it has definitely taken a lot of my after hours time working through math and stats textbooks. I wish I did it in school.