---
title: Do You Need A Ph.D. To Become A Data Scientist?
description: In an article titled Why Does A PhD Hurt You?, Lindsey Morris, Director of Data Science & Analytics at axialHealthcare and supporter of Nashville Software School (NSS), looked at the skills acquired when working toward a Ph.D. degree that are valuable for data scientists and those skills that post-docs may not have had an opportunity to acquire.
---

[Blog](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog)

# [Do You Need A Ph.D. To Become A Data Scientist?](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/do-you-need-a-ph.d.-to-become-a-data-scientist)

 Written by [Mandy Arola](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/author/mandy-arola) | Apr 18, 2019

 

In an article titled [Why Does A PhD Hurt You?](https://www.analyticsinsight.net/why-does-a-phd-hurt-you/), Lindsey Morris, Director of Data Science & Analytics at axialHealthcare and supporter of Nashville Software School (NSS), looked at the skills acquired when working toward a Ph.D. degree that are valuable for data scientists and those skills that post-docs may not have had an opportunity to acquire.

Read her [article on *Analytics Insight*](https://www.analyticsinsight.net/why-does-a-phd-hurt-you/) to find out what skills post-docs can leverage and where they need to grow to be successful in data science and how data science talent -- with and without a Ph.D. -- can add value to your company.

Interested in beginning a career in Data Science? Our [Data Science Bootcamp](http://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/programs/data-science) is open to students of all educational backgrounds. Students are expected to demonstrate prior training in and/or experience applying the math skills relevant to data science. In particular we look for students with training in statistics/probability. This prior knowledge can be gained through college classes, research project experience gained as a graduate student or post-doc, and/or work experience.

 For more information on our Data Science and Analytics programs, from pre-requisites to curriculum to tuition to career options, please attend an NSS Analytics + Data Science Info Session. [Visit Eventbrite to register for the next session](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nashville-software-school-info-session-analytics-data-science-tickets-36776984952).

[View full post](https://learn.nashvillesoftwareschool.com/blog/do-you-need-a-ph.d.-to-become-a-data-scientist)

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