5 reasons to study a part-time master’s in data science

You want to become a better professional, but you just don’t have the time. Fret no longer—a part-time master’s in data science is possible. We’ve adapted our full-time Master in Business Analytics & Data Science into a flexible format that offers all the expertise of IE School of Science & Technology at a pace that’s normal-life-friendly. Want to get the education you need while still maintaining work life balance? To help your decision, we sat down with students and experts to understand what separates this course from competitors. Looking to study data science online? Let’s help you make the right decision! 

Our top 5 reasons to study a part-time master’s in data science 

It’s hard to sift through all the information, so we’ve arranged it into an easy, digestible format that you can consume at your leisure—much like the program. Here are the top 5 reasons why you should study a part-time master’s in data science at IE School of Science & Technology.

1. It’s not purely online

Both our part-time and full-time Master in Business Analytics & Data Science follow a blended format. While the bulk of your classes are online, we ensure you have access to meaningful interactions with your course mates and faculty in person. which means it allows you to carry out the bulk of the work from the comfort of your home, while still having valuable face-to-face interactions with staff and course mates. This suits current student, Lamberto Tarin: “I didn’t want something purely online because then you miss the whole networking and the cohort experience and being able to form relationships with your classmate. For me the IE program was a good mix with the hybrid format.”

The first face-to-face meeting is based in Madrid and focuses on core concepts like business strategy, mathematics and SQL. The second in-person period, also in Madrid, involves finishing courses and beginning new courses for second term. Then you’ll enjoy a third face-to-face period at an international destination, where you’ll do plenty of networking and company visits. Finally, you’ll have the last meet-up in Madrid, during which you’ll present your Capstone project and industry-leading masterclasses to complement what you’ve already studied.

2. You’ll learn the perfect blend of business and technology

Many of our student body come from a business-centric background but are searching for a tech specialization. This course is designed to get you up to speed on both areas, regardless of your background. Academic Director Luis Reina emphasizes: “This Master is business oriented. All of the professors are great professionals in their area.” However, current student Benjamín Castro makes the point that both aspects of the course offer serious value: “If you have a strong technical background like myself, there are so many technical things you can learn that you didn’t know before. If you have more of a business or analytics background, you get very good instruction on the technical aspects.”

While there can be quite a dramatic learning curve with the material, the part-time structure allow you to soak up material at a steady pace: “The pace is high,” says Lamberto Tarin. “But I think the course is structured in a way that nobody’s left behind.”

3. You can maintain work life balance and mental health

Stuck in the midst of a demanding lifestyle? This part-time master’s in data science fits to your scheduling needs, preserving your work life balance and mental health. While our full-time blended masters are demanding, this part-time equivalent ensures you thrive in your career or other commitments.

“I try to spend 2 hours every day fully dedicated to university material,” says Benjamín Castro. “Then I go to work and have a regular day. When I come home, if I didn’t finish something in the morning, I spend some time doing that.”

4. It improves your organization

A surprising benefit of online study is the discipline it nurtures. Presential learning is relatively straightforward: your teacher speaks, you listen, you live a schedule that’s focused on a focal learning point. The freedom to learn at your own pace comes with its own set of challenges. Will you have the initiative to complete tasks when nobody’s looking over your shoulder? It’s tough, but it’s an experience that hones your entrepreneurial skills for the long run.

“One thing that is challenging—but equally an opportunity to grow—is managing meeting times with people all over the world,” says Benjamín when discussing the advantages of the blended format. “It’s challenging to schedule team projects with people in completely different time zones, but it’s also an opportunity to grow that organizational skill.” 

5. Part-time masters in data science can be a big career step

Of course, you want to enhance your profile and see some tangible career progression. Our Master in Business Analytics & Data Science Part Time boasts the prestigious credentials that sets IE School of Science & Technology apart from its competitors.

Aside from upskilling, the part-time aspect means you can implement your new skills in parallel with the course: “I think one of the best things is that everything you learn you can put in practice tomorrow,” says Lamberto Tarin. “It’s not only about the projects, or using a new tool. I designed a data model in my job because we learned how to do it here.” Benjamín agreed, stating: “It’s more about what skills and tools you are learning. There’s such a wide variety, you can take them anywhere.”

Specializing with our Master in Business Analytics & Data Science Part Time program 

We’re currently on the look out for top candidates to join our next cohort! This flexible part-time program offers a dynamic blend of virtual and on-site learning, along with 24 hour access to IE University’s Online campus. You’ll enjoy optional live sessions on Saturdays, as well as interactive video conferences and asynchronous online discussions every week from Monday to Thursday. As mentioned, this part-time master’s in data science includes four weeks of in-person sessions which are delivered in the heart of Madrid alongside an incredible week-long trip to a major international destination and business hub. 

Think we could be for you? Remember the part-time format also includes unlimited access to the latest research & online press, so there are no limits to what you can achieve. We’ve got the world-leading education—the rest is up to you.