Data science today stands at the forefront of high-demand careers—not just in Singapore, but worldwide. Its growing influence is prompting many mid-career professionals and career switchers to ask: Do I need a conventional master’s degree to enter the field? While a formal degree can certainly open doors, it’s no longer the only path. From flexible online programs to project-based learning and industry-recognised certifications, alternative routes are making data science more accessible than ever. This way, they can also earn good salaries, with an average monthly base pay of SGD 8,957, which can increase to SGD 11,516.
This blog will discuss the ways in which aspirants can work as a data scientist without a master’s degree and also focus on the core skills that they need to build to succeed in this profession.
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Becoming a Data Scientist without a Master’s: What’s Possible in 2025
In 2025, anybody can become a data scientist, even if they do not have a master’s degree in the discipline to back them up. However, it will need a more strategic approach and greater effort on their part. They will need to focus on developing a strong skill set, effective networking, and gaining practical experience.
Developing Essential Skills
Every data scientist’s career path begins with developing the skills necessary to perform their work effectively, and chief among these is programming. Apart from that, they must also focus on statistics and mathematics, machine learning (ML), data visualisation, data preprocessing and wrangling, and cloud computing, which is optional in this particular context. In terms of programming languages, Python is the most obvious choice, as it is the most popular in the field of data science.
Acquiring Practical Experience
Students looking to procure data science jobs without a master’s degree must focus on getting practical experience in doing such work as well. For this, they can participate in boot camps and online courses, undertake personal data science projects, volunteer to work on projects and in companies, or work as interns and participate in data science competitions. Through these boot camps and structured courses, students can acquire the necessary skills that stand them in good stead professionally in data science.
Networking and Building a Strong Portfolio
Students who wonder how to become a data scientist with no experience must realise the importance of strong portfolios and networks in this context. Along with creating a portfolio, they must network both online and offline. The idea, in this case, is to establish a personal brand that can be marketed profitably to prospective employers in the future. In their portfolios, students should showcase their projects on platforms such as GitHub or their websites.
Focusing on Practical Applications
The importance of becoming a data scientist without a master’s degree is to focus on learning and mastering practical applications of data science. For this, students need to learn how to combine business acumen with tech skills, tailor their approach, and stay updated at all times.
Career Paths without a Master’s
Even if an applicant does not have a master’s degree, it would never stop them from being a data scientist. For that, they can gain a foothold in the industry through entry-level positions such as junior data scientist, data analyst, and data engineer.
Also Read: Is a Master’s in Data Science worth it for a Career Switch in Singapore?
Core Skills Every Aspiring Data Scientist Must Build
Candidates seeking success in the world of data science must possess both commendable technical skills and soft skills, as the latter have become an integral part of their work as well. Apart from that, they must also know the eligibility criteria for top data science courses.
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Also Read: Building a Data Science Portfolio: Key Elements for Success
How upGrad helps You Become a Data Scientist without a Master’s
The online upGrad data science and analytics courses are ideal options for students who are wondering. These programs have excellent curricula integrating subjects such as generative artificial intelligence (AI).
- Master of Science in Data Science, Liverpool John Moores University
- Post Graduate Diploma in Data Science (E-Learning), upGrad Institute
- Executive Diploma in Data Science and AI, IIIT Bangalore
- Post Graduate Certificate in Data Science & AI (Executive), IIIT Bangalore
If you want to know more about these programs, feel free to call +65-6232-6730 or email query@upgrad.com.
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FAQs on Data Scientist Without a Master’s Degree in Singapore
Q: Is a Master’s degree necessary to get hired in data science roles?
Ans: No, a master’s degree is not an absolute necessity to get hired as a data scientist, but it does enhance one’s chances of being recruited for such positions.
Q: What skills should I learn to become a data scientist?
Ans: Candidates seeking to work as data scientists must possess a combination of technical skills, such as proficiency in programming languages, and soft skills, including effective communication.
Q: Are online courses enough to land a data science job?
Ans: No, by themselves, online data science courses may not be enough to help aspirants land jobs in the domain, but they do help them build portfolios and learn basic skills.
Q: Can bootcamps or certifications replace a Master’s degree?
Ans: Bootcamps and certifications can never be complete replacements for a master’s degree, but they are indeed valuable for career advancement, especially in technology.
Q: Will employers in Singapore accept candidates without a Master’s in data science?
Ans: Yes, employers in Singapore will hire professionals for data science roles even if they lack a master’s degree in the discipline.
