With the digital world being under the colossal influence of data science, many have begun seeking out this invaluable knowledge and expertise in the hope of expanding their career horizons. But, with a surplus of competing resources, is the MITx MicroMasters Program in Statistics and Data Science worth it?
Yes, the MITx MicroMasters Program in Statistics and Data Science is worth it. It’s a sufficient credential for landing a good position, and will be advantageous for individuals who have the fundamental knowledge in Data Science and are hoping to pursue advanced education in the field.
Whether you are trying to make a break into this profession, or climb the ladder of this industry, there are quite a few benefits to obtaining this credential. In this article, we’ve gathered and described some of the most convincing features of the MITx MicroMasters Program in Statistics and Data Science, to help you determine if this program best meets for your needs.
But, in case you are already convinced that this is the right program for you, Click Here To Sign Up For MIT MicroMasters Today!
Important Sidenote: We interviewed numerous data science professionals (data scientists, hiring managers, recruiters – you name it) and identified 6 proven steps to follow for becoming a data scientist. Read my article: ‘6 Proven Steps To Becoming a Data Scientist [Complete Guide] for in-depth findings and recommendations! – This is perhaps the most comprehensive article on the subject you will find on the internet!
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What is the MITx MicroMasters Program Credential in Statistics and Data Science?
The MITx MicroMasters Program in Statistics and Data Science offered by MIT is a stand-alone certification. It has been supported by the MITx Open Learning, and is designed and administered by the MIT Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS).
It’s important to understand that the MITx MicroMasters Program in Statistics and Data Science, although extensive, does not grant a degree in the field upon the program’s completion, nor does it guarantee admission to MIT or any of the IDSS graduate programs.
The MITx MicroMasters Program in Statistics and Data Science consists of 4 extensive courses and a capstone exam. The capstone exams in the program do a great job at tying all the modules together. The general areas of learning include the following:
- The foundations of data science, statistics, and machine learning.
- Analysis of big data, and ability to make data-driven predictions by means of probabilistic modeling and statistical inference.
- Ability to identify and deploy appropriate modeling and apply data science methodology in order to extract influential information used throughout decision-making processes.
- Developing and building machine learning algorithms (MLA) in order to extract influential information from seemingly unstructured data.
- Establish proficiency with unsupervised learning methods, including clustering methodologies as well as supervised methods such as deep neural networks.
- Develop proficiency in the use of modern data science techniques in order to leverage big datasets.
- Develop pre-existing skills in Python and R programming, and become proficient in these areas of learning in order to skillfully analyze data.
There are no mandatory prerequisites for the full course. However, there are prerequisites listed for each course, and areas of learning which are highly advised for students who wish to enroll since it will make the learning process and engagement with the full course content far more fluent. These include strong recommendations such as:
- Multi-variable calculus
- Math reasoning
- Basic vectors and matrices
- It should also be noted that Python will not be taught, but efficient use of Python is expected. In cases where the learner has not established efficiency, Introduction to Computer Science and Programming in Python and/or Introduction to Computational Thinking and Data Science must be taken prior to the relevant courses.
(Sidenote: In case you don’t already know Python, I strongly recommend Signing Up For DataCamp and going through its Data Science with Python Module to prepare yourself for the MITx MicroMasters Program in Statistics and Data Science.)
The successful completion of “Multivariable Calculus” on MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW) is strongly advised before starting any of the MITx MicroMasters Program in Statistics and Data Science courses. There are a few other courses available, which will also assist in establishing these prerequisites.
Each course within the MITx MicroMasters Program Credential in Statistics and Data Science runs for a duration of 13 – 16 weeks, and students are expected to put in approximately 10 – 14 hours of work per week for each course. Most learners take an average of 1 – 1.5 years to complete the course, and learners who have not established prerequisites or have not taken prerequisite courses usually take 1.5- 2 years to complete the program. This is topped with capstone exams, which take 2 weeks to complete.
There is no limitation on how much time each student will have to complete the full program. But, if you are hoping to use the credential being obtained in order to apply to a blended on-campus program, then each program may have specific requirements which will need to be followed.
In order to potentially complete the course in a shorter time span, students may take Data Analysis in Social Science simultaneously with Fundamentals of Statistics or Machine Learning with Python. This may decrease the overall time to complete the course, resulting in early completion of the credential process.
Availability of the Capstone exam only arises from the successful completion of all courses. Students will be able to enroll for Capstone once final grades have been posted onto the student’s dashboard.
Overall: Short of a graduate degree, this program covers everything you need for transitioning to or growing in a data science career. For any aspiring data science professional, this program delivers a ton of value.Click Here to Sign Up For MIT MicroMasters Today!
How much does the MITx MicroMasters Program in Statistics and Data Science cost?
The cost of the MITx MicroMasters Program Credential in Statistics and Data Science is significantly higher than many relative courses offered by other institutions Each course costs $300, and the Capstone exam is $300. If a student enrolls for the MITx MicroMasters Program in Statistics and Data Science and pays for each course separately, the program will cost $1500. If a student enrolls and pays for the course upfront, the program cost will be $1350 with a savings of $150.
If the recommended prerequisite courses have been taken on edX prior to starting the MITx MicroMasters Program Credential in Statistics and Data Science, then the student will not have to pay to become a Verified learner, only the courses and Capstone exam. Additionally, EdX also offers financial aid to students who qualify for it.
Click Here To Start Your Enrollment Today!
Is the MITx MicroMasters Program Credential in Statistics and Data Science worth it?
Yes, the MITx MicroMasters Program Credential in Statistics and Data Science is worth it. Although it’s not as quick and easy to complete this course, it’s rather beneficial in propelling one’s data science expertise and understanding.
Courses are all pre-recorded, and released according to the specific calendar schedule that is published prior to each course’s commencement. Students are able to manage and work through all of the content in these courses at their own pace and around their own schedule after each course is released. This allows a balance of flexibility and planning, and also allows students to work through content according to their own availability.
Each course can be repeated for a better grade, which is a great option for achieving the best possible results throughout the course. But, Verified Learner fees should be checked in relation to repeating courses within such cases.
There is also the option to enroll in the course on the audit track, and the schedule will become available at the beginning of the class. This is ideal for students who are uncertain of their ability to commit to the course, and a period of 4 weeks from the start of the course is available for becoming a Verified Learner for that course, and confirming commitment to the course schedule.
Click Here to Sign Up For MIT MicroMasters Today!
Are MicroMasters recognized?
Yes, the MITx MicroMasters Program Credential in Statistics and Data Science is recognized as it provides sufficient expertise to work within the professional field of data science. Although the credential obtained in this course does not grant a degree, several universities accept the credential as credit towards a full Master’s degree, which makes it a valuable asset.
This includes but is not limited to the Rochester Institute of Technology (United States), Doane University (United States), Galileo University (Guatemala), Reykjavik University (Iceland), Curtin University (Australia), Deakin University (Australia), and RMIT University (Australia), each of which has specific requirements. There are several ways in which students can take this credential to the next level with dedication and commitment.
If the student earns the certificate and is successfully admitted to Master’s or other advancement Programs, then this program certificate will count towards a degree. This significantly propels the learning journey of students who wish to pursue further education in this field, and it offers learners a pathway to obtaining an advanced degree.
With an expert support system and an organized yet flexible study schedule, this certification propels aspiring data scientists into advanced learning and potential occupation roles. By successfully completing the course and obtaining the certification, students are equipped with the necessary skills and ability to solve complex problems with data, drive decision-making processes for organizations, and add value to companies they are employed by.
Whether or not it’s worth it for you would come down to what kind of goals you have within the field. Despite the higher cost, the MITx MicroMasters Program in Statistics and Data Science is beneficial for obtaining quality expertise and skills needed to land a job, and is absolutely worth it for individuals who have thorough prerequisite knowledge, who want to reach greater heights within the industry, and those who wish to build on pre-existing expertise.
So, Click Here to Sign Up For MIT MicroMasters Today!
Alternate Recommendations: Other Courses You Can Consider
MITx MicroMasters Program in Statistics and Data Science is a great program and any aspiring data professional can greatly benefit from it. However, you may NOT be at a stage where you can commit all the time and money that this course demands.
If you are interested in pursuing data science as a career but are not ready to commit to a course as heavy as MIT Micromasters, below are my two alternatives recommendations for you:
- IBM Data Science Professional Certificate: 70% of 100+ data science professionals (data scientists, hiring managers, recruiters – all included) at top companies (including – Meta, Google, Amazon, etc.) that I recently interviewed confirmed that this certificate program is highly respected at their organization.
- You can sign up for this course absolutely free (thanks to Coursera’s 7 day free trial), and can finish the entire course in just under 2 months. (I personally did it).
- The value that this certificate delivers is unmatched. Plus, the 7 day free trial, gives you every opportunity to assess if this course is for you.
- So, without any more delay – Sign Up For Your Free Trial on Coursera Today!
- DataCamp: If you are at a stage where learning data science fundamentals is your primary goal, and any certification/credential to bolster your profile is a secondary consideration, Sign Up For DataCamp Today!
- DataCamp is the only online learning platform that is fully focused on data science, so the quality of all its courses is top notch.
- With Data Camp, you get access to every course on the platform under a single membership umbrella (which is really low cost). Therefore, when you Sign Up for Data Camp, both your immediate and future learning needs are addressed.
- You can review the first lecture of every course on DataCamp 100% free. So, don’t wait and check this platform out today. You just can’t go wrong with it!
- Sign Up for DataCamp Today!
If you are interested in learning more about my findings from interviewing 100+ data science professionals, be sure to check out my latest article: 6 Proven Steps To Becoming a Data Scientist. In this article, I give you a comprehensive step by step pathway to a career in data science.
Conclusion
As with any learning curve or educational journey, the true value and worth of the MITx MicroMasters Program Credential in Statistics and Data Science will come down to what you make of it, and how far you push your own potential before, during, and after the course.
That being said, MIT MicroMasters is a very strong program and has all the elements necessary to prepare you for a successful career in data science.
So, don’t wait – Start Your MIT MicroMasters Journey Today!
BEFORE YOU GO: Don’t forget to check out my latest article – 6 Proven Steps To Becoming a Data Scientist [Complete Guide]. We interviewed numerous data science professionals (data scientists, hiring managers, recruiters – you name it) and created this comprehensive guide to help you land that perfect data science job.
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