Any CS with AI/DS Concentration or SDS Students/Graduates Here?
I am transferring from Alamo Colleges to UTSA this Fall. My career goal is Data Scientist, ML and future startup is probable, so it would be beneficial to understand systems and stats, as well as acquire business acumen and communication skills.
I was originally in the MDST program planning to focus on Data Science, but I’ve found that the flexibility of the program means that you’ll need to do even more to prove your abilities to employers, compared to the well known/proven rigor of a CS degree, and even SDS.
So I am speaking with my advisor tomorrow to transition to the CS pathway, with a plan to complete stats/math electives along the way and start on my MS in SDS either senior year or immediately following my graduation. My research shows that the best path is to start with undergrad CS, then get your stats/DS credentials, as opposed to the other way around or just a pure math or stats degree. Of course all along the way, building a portfolio, playing with the tools, learning to leverage AI, so on…
Any pointers here? Any blind spot I need to look out for? What’s the general consensus for those of you in the Honors program with high GPAs, etc…. How is the MS SDS program?
I appreciate your input.