The problem with data science education

THE demand for data science professionals has been echoed in the increased supply of data science education. In the field of data science alone, we have witnessed a flourishing of formal degrees, diplomas, and certifications, among other forms of training.

However, has our eagerness in producing data scientists resulted in the proliferation of generalists rather than practical experts in the field?

What is data science? Unfortunately, this is a complex question with a diverse answer depending on who you ask. Interestingly, it is the diversity of this answer that results in the quandary as to the skills required to be acquired by a data science professional.