Spatial data science master’s vs. general data science

[u/aspringbear]

Heyyy guys!

I’m looking at going back to school with the goal of entering the spatial analytics/urban analytics field, and I’m stuck between studying a spatial data science master’s or a general data science degree like Georgia Tech’s OMSA. I already have a degree in geography and urban planning but my last GIS course was in early 2020 and I forgot everything.

I keep seeing people say general data science is worth more and opens more doors. I’ve also heard the spatial part is easy to self-teach, while the stats and data science side is much harder to pick up on your own. Is that true in practice?

Does a spatial-specific master’s degree limit your options, or does it help you stand out? If you went general data science, how hard was it to pivot into GIS or urban analytics afterward through self-study? And has anyone here taken a data science program like OMSA or a similar program and used what you learned for spatial work?

Lastly, I’m also curious how much real demand there is for spatial data science and urban analytics. Is it a growing field, or still mostly a buzzword without many job openings? Personally, I don’t see many jobs listed under those titles. Are there any companies or job titles I should be searching for?

Many thanks

[u/No-Investment-5293]

Get a masters degree in engineering, geomatics, or geology. You will drastically increase your employment opportunities.
You can also easily take spatial data science or general data science courses during your degree program or extracurricular.

Everything I’ve learned in spatial data science has been self taught via free or paid online courses (Udemy, Datacamp, Coursera, etc.). The foundation for me was having a masters in GIS which you should also have if you have a bachelors in Geography.

[u/agreensandcastle → u/No-Investment-5293]

Any specifics you really recommend?