M.Sc. Data Science vs M.Sc. Artificial Intelligence: Understand the Key Differences

M.Sc. Data Science vs M.Sc. Artificial Intelligence: Understand the Key Differences

Edited By Ankita Sinha | Updated on Jan 27, 2025 11:02 AM IST | #M.Sc.

MSc Data Science and MSc Artificial Intelligence are the two postgraduate programmes. Candidates who want to start a career in tech, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence are the two most common and sought-after courses among Science students. Data Science and Artificial Intelligence are the two most powerful tools for businesses to enhance their productivity and innovation. In this article, we will write about similarities and differences between an M.Sc. in Data Science and an MSc in Artificial Intelligence.

M.Sc. Data Science vs M.Sc. Artificial Intelligence: Understand the Key Differences
M.Sc. Data Science vs M.Sc. Artificial Intelligence: Understand the Key Differences

Course Curriculum: M.Sc. Data Science vs M.Sc. Artificial Intelligence

M.Sc. in Data Science is a postgraduate programme of two-year duration which focuses on data collecting, cleaning, analyzing, and interpreting large datasets to get insights. The course curriculum includes:

  • Big-Data Analytics
  • Statistical Inference
  • Blockchain Technology
  • Data Structures and Algorithms
  • Data Mining and Machine Learning
  • Programming Languages like Python, R, and SQL

M.Sc. in Artificial Intelligence is a two-year-long postgraduate course that emphasizes creating a system that can perform various tasks requiring human intelligence. M.Sc. in Artificial Intelligence course curriculum covers:

  • Advanced Machine Learning
  • Deep Learning and Neural Networks
  • Natural Language Processing (NLP)
  • Computer Vision
  • Robotics
  • AI Ethics and Applications

Eligibility Criteria: M.Sc. Data Science vs M.Sc. Artificial Intelligence

The eligibility criteria for M.Sc. Data Science and M.Sc. Artificial Intelligence courses are similar. A few colleges offer this course as a sub-specialisation of Computer Science Engineering (CSE). Both courses are offered together by a few universities. In this section, we have mentioned the M.Sc. in Data Science and M.Sc. in Artificial Intelligence eligibility criteria.

  • Candidates need to complete a bachelor's degree programme in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or related fields.
  • They should have a sound knowledge of programming and mathematics.
  • Candidates should have passed 10+2 with a minimum of 50 per cent mark.
  • They need to appear for the CUET PG, IIT JAM, and GATE entrance exams.

Fees: M.Sc. Data Science vs M.Sc. Artificial Intelligence

M.Sc. in Data Science courses are offered by a lot of private and government colleges in India. In the table below, we have mentioned a few M.Sc. in Data Science colleges and their fees.

MSc Data Science Colleges

Fees

Loyola College, Chennai

Rs. 3.85 lakhs

Chandigarh University

Rs. 2.40 lakhs

GITAM University

Rs. 2.15 lakhs

Christ University

Rs. 3.45 lakhs

VIT Vellore

Rs. 1.60 lakhs


M.Sc. in Artificial Intelligence is a two-year undergraduate course that is offered by various colleges. In the table below, we have mentioned the M.Sc. in Artificial Intelligence colleges and their fees.

Career Options: M.Sc. Data Science vs M.Sc. Artificial Intelligence

M.Sc. in Data Science graduates can work in industries like finance, healthcare, marketing, and technology. MSc Data Science salary can range from Rs. 8- Rs. 12 LPA, which can grow depending on experience, location, and company. Popular roles include:

  • Data Scientist
  • Data Analyst
  • Business Analyst
  • Data Engineer

M.Sc. in Artificial Intelligence graduates often find opportunities in cutting-edge technology and R&D. Entry-level M.Sc. in Artificial Intelligence salary is Rs. 6 LPA to Rs. 14 LPA. Some of the M.Sc. in Artificial Intelligence career options are:

  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • AI Specialist
  • Robotics Engineer
  • AI Researcher

Conclusion

Both the MSc in Data Science and the MSc in Artificial Intelligence have different benefits. Data science is a better option if you want to work with data and extract insights to address business issues. AI, on the other hand, can be selected if they want a career in developing intelligent systems and investigating robotics and machine learning.

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Questions related to M.Sc.

Have a question related to M.Sc. ?

Hello Aspirant,

Dera Natung Government College (DNGC), Itanagar does not offer an M.Sc. in Physics. It provides only undergraduate programs such as B.Sc in Physics, Chemistry, Zoology, Botany, and Mathematics under its Science department. You can check some other colleges that offer MSC in physics.

All the best for your career.

Hello Aspirant,

1. Check Eligibility
You must hold a B.Sc. degree in Science (with core subjects like Chemistry, Biology, etc.) from a recognized university.
From the 2025–26 session, since this is a cross-stream PG (Science-to-Science is allowed), you must appear for a qualifying test—either CUET-PG or a Madhya Pradesh State-Level Eligibility Test.

2. Take the Entrance Exam

  • CUET-PG: National entrance for postgraduate admissions. Check and register via the official CUET portal when the notification is released.

  • MP State Eligibility Test: A new option for students not appearing in CUET. Keep an eye on announcements from the Madhya Pradesh Department of Higher Education (DHE).

3. Apply for M.Sc. Forensic Science
Apply through the Holkar College or DAVV University portal during the official admission window.

4. Merit List & Counselling
After the application deadline, the college releases a merit or cut-off list based on entrance exam scores and eligibility.
If selected, you’ll be invited for counselling and seat allotment through the college or university portal.

5. Document Verification & Fee Payment
Upon seat allotment, visit the college campus (Holkar College, A.B. Road, Indore).
Carry original documents for verification (degree certificate, entrance scorecard, ID proof, etc.).

All the best for your future.

Yes, you can potentially get admission for an M.Sc. in Microbiology this year. Admission processes vary by institution, but many universities and colleges accept applications for M.Sc. Microbiology programs annually, with some accepting applications even until the end of June or early July.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

1. Check Deadlines:

Many universities and colleges have already started their admission processes for M.Sc. Microbiology programs.

Some may have deadlines as early as June.

However, some universities and colleges may still be accepting applications for the July or August academic sessions.

It's crucial to check the specific deadlines for the institutions you are interested in.

2. Entrance Exams:

Some universities and colleges require entrance exams for admission to M.Sc. Microbiology programs.

National-level entrance exams like CUET-PG are sometimes used.

University-specific entrance exams may also be required.

You should check if the institution you're interested in requires an entrance exam and if so, ensure you've appeared for it.

3. Eligibility Criteria:

Generally, a Bachelor's degree in Microbiology or related fields (like Botany, Zoology, Biochemistry, or Life Sciences) is required.

Minimum percentage requirements (often 50-60%) in the qualifying exam may apply.

Specific eligibility criteria may vary between institutions, so check the details for each.

4. Application Process:

Most institutions have online application processes.

You'll need to fill out an online application form and upload required documents, such as transcripts, mark sheets, and ID proofs.

5. Lucknow University:

Lucknow University also conducts entrance exams (UGPET, UGET, PGET) for PG admissions including Microbiology.

For M.Sc. Microbiology at Lucknow University, candidates with a graduation in the Biology Group with the required marks are eligible to apply.

Entrance exams and counseling dates for Lucknow University may vary, so check their website for specific information.

In summary:

You can likely still apply for M.Sc. Microbiology programs this year, but it's essential to check deadlines, entrance exam requirements, and eligibility criteria for your chosen institutions.

Lucknow University, for example, may still be accepting applications and conducting entrance exams.

The total tuition fee for MSc Microbiology is around 70000 rupees for two years.

Hello aspirant,

yes, the Rajghad College does offers the course of MSc in Zoology. The course is of two years, full time and via offline mode. The eligibility  includes BSc in relevant subject from a recognized university. The fees of which is 60k INR.

For more information, you can click on the link given below, https://www.careers360.com/university/opjs-university-rajgarh/msc-zoology-course

I hope you find this helpful.

Regards



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