Is a Master’s in Data Science worth it for a Career Switch in Singapore?

In Singapore in 2025, data science is no longer confined to tech companies; it’s a driving force across nearly every industry, from finance and healthcare to logistics and retail. The demand for skilled data professionals is growing rapidly, with data science roles increasing by 42% year-over-year in 2024 (IMDA). As organisations increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making, many mid-career professionals in Singapore are rethinking their career paths and exploring opportunities in the dynamic field of data science. This demand is also evident from their salaries: the average monthly base pay for a data scientist in Singapore is SGD 8957, with a range of SGD 11,516 depending on various factors.

This blog will discuss whether a master’s in data science is worth it for a career switch. It will also highlight the skills they can acquire in these programs, the top career paths they can pursue following graduation, and the salaries they can expect to earn in those careers. 

Source: IMDA, Glassdoor

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Is a Master’s in Data Science Worth It for a Career Switch?

The payoff for professionals who decide to pursue a career in data science with a master’s degree in the discipline is substantial. For companies, having an online master’s degree in data science carries weight because it signals a commitment to and knowledge of the field. Graduates of these programs can also earn well, and it also helps that job roles in the domain are constantly expanding, perhaps the most prominent among all data science benefits.

High Demand Across Industries

Singapore is rapidly transforming into a data-driven economy, and sectors such as finance, logistics, healthcare, and government are investing significantly in analytics. This transformation is creating numerous job opportunities where the salary can more than offset the cost of a student’s data science course fees. By pursuing a master’s program in data science, professionals can equip themselves with in-demand skills, including machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), and data engineering.

Also Read: Top Companies Hiring Data Scientists in Singapore in 2025

Career Growth

The career path for a data scientist is a great one because they receive many opportunities to grow their professional profile, something that they may not be able to do in a conventional role. A master’s degree in data science provides students with advanced analytical and technical skills that employers consistently seek.

Also Read: Data Scientist Demand in Singapore: Top Companies Hiring in 2025

Future-Proof Skill Set

As we mentioned earlier, there is no shortage of great jobs after earning a master’s degree in data science, because it offers more than just technical proficiency – it develops capabilities such as problem-solving, adaptability, and innovation. In the fast-evolving job market, these are essential traits to have.

Also Read: In-Demand Technical Skills in Singapore You Can Pick Up Through Courses

Strong Ecosystem and Government Support

The government of Singapore provides a clear pathway for data science aspirants by actively supporting technological talent development through initiatives such as SkillsFuture, partnerships with leading universities, and the Infocomm Media Development Authority’s (IMDA) TechSkills Accelerator.

Also Read: Learn Data Science for Free: Top Resources Available to Singapore Professionals

Interdisciplinary Opportunities and Flexibility

For students wondering if a master’s in data science is worth it or not, one of the most significant benefits of studying data science is that they can apply it across domains.

Also Read: How to Find a Data Science Mentor in Singapore – Tips for Networking and Guidance

ROI: Is a Master’s in Data Science Worth It?

A Master’s degree can be a worthwhile investment for career switchers:

• Higher Salary Potential: Data scientists in Singapore earn competitive salaries, often 20–40% higher than entry-level analysts.
  
• Career Progression: Opens doors to roles like Machine Learning Engineer, Data Scientist, or Chief Data Officer.
  
• Skill Depth: Provides hands-on experience in advanced analytics, predictive modelling, and big data tools.

Skills, Career Paths & Salaries with a Master’s Data Science

In these programs, especially when they are from the best colleges and universities, students learn a whole lot of essential data science skills, such as the following:

• Programming Languages – Python, R, and Structured Query Language (SQL)
• Statistical Analysis
• ML
• Data Visualisation
• Cloud Computing

Having such skills and knowledge also opens up diverse career paths with high pay, as there is an immense demand for these professionals, which guarantees a variety of opportunities as well.

Job Role	Salary
Data Architect	SGD 168,881
Data Scientist	SGD 107,484
Machine Learning Engineer	SGD 107,466
Data Engineer	SGD 92,116
Business Intelligence Analyst	SGD 76,769
Database Administrator	SGD 76,766
Statistician	SGD 60,000

Also Read: Building a Data Science Portfolio: Key Elements for Success

Why Data Science Is in Demand in Singapore

Singapore’s push toward a digital economy has created strong demand for data professionals:

• Digital Transformation: Companies across finance, healthcare, and logistics rely on data analytics for smarter operations.
  
• Growing Tech Workforce: Roles in AI, machine learning, and big data are among the fastest-growing tech positions.
  
• Strategic Decision-Making: Organisations are using data to drive strategy, requiring skilled analysts and data scientists.

Skills You’ll Gain from Data Science

Completing a Master’s equips you with:

• Programming & Databases: Python, R, SQL
  
• Machine Learning & AI: Supervised/unsupervised learning, neural networks
  
• Data Visualisation & Reporting: Tableau, Power BI
  
• Big Data Tools: Hadoop, Spark
  
• Statistics & Analytics: Regression, hypothesis testing, predictive modelling

Industries Hiring Data Science Graduates in Singapore

The demand for data science professionals spans multiple industries in Singapore. The table below highlights key sectors and the roles that graduates can pursue.

Industry	Sample Roles
Finance	Risk Analyst and Quantitative Analyst
Healthcare	Health Data Analyst and Bioinformation
Retail	Customer Insights Analyst
Government	Policy Analyst and Urban Data Planner
Technology	Data Engineer and AI Specialist

Master’s Data Science vs Certification Data Science vs Bootcamp Data Science

Choosing the right learning path depends on your goals, time, and budget. Here’s a simple comparison to understand the difference between a master’s, certification, and bootcamp in data science:

Learning Path	Duration	Knowledge Level	Cost	Ideal For
Master’s	1-2 years	In-depth	Approx. SGD 44,472 – 55,590	Career switchers wanting a strong foundation
Certification	3-6 months	Moderate	Approx. SGD 974 – 7,500	Professionals looking to upskill  quickly
Bootcamp	8-12 weeks	Hands-on	Approx. SGD 2,180 – 5,000	Those seeking a fast and practical entry

To Sum Up: Each option has its pros and cons. For career switchers, a Master’s gives the most complete skill set and credibility, while certifications and bootcamps are faster, more affordable ways to gain practical knowledge.

How upGrad’s Master’s in Data Science Can Support Your Career Change

Candidates in Singapore looking to switch careers and make themselves valuable commodities in the data science job market can always opt for the online data science and analytics courses offered through upGrad. These programs can help them elevate their data skills, and since they are from some of the world’s top universities, they can also help learners become masters of data science.

• Master of Science in Data Science, Liverpool John Moores University
• Executive Diploma in Data Science and AI, IIIT Bangalore
• Post Graduate Certificate in Data Science & AI (Executive), IIIT Bangalore

For more information on these programs, email query@upgrad.com or call +65-6232-6730.

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