If you are motivated to do the math, I'd definitely do the math/stats MS. You can learn the current tech in your spare time or on the job, particularly with all

If you are motivated to do the math, I'd definitely do the math/stats MS. You can learn the current tech in your spare time or on the job, particularly with all of the good online courses. Having a BS CmpE + "practical-oriented MS", you will be directly competing against a large number of software engineers who learn data science online or in bootcamps. I believe a stats-oriented MS would definitely make you stand out from this group. As you say, self-learners often struggle with the math and stats parts.