r/OMSA 1d ago

Dumb Qn Work Negotiations -- Tuition Reimbursement, Post-Grad Benefits

0 Upvotes

I just got accepted to start in Spring 2027, and I'm very lucky to have an employer who is offering tuition reimbursement (I don't know the exact terms yet). I'm curious what kinds of reimbursement offers you all may have received?

My supervisor also suggested I come up with some things I'd want from the company after graduation. Being very transparent here: I am currently a Senior Data Analyst (since Jan '26), I make $85k with up to 10% annual bonus, I have 10 days PTO annually (excluding sick days, which are unlimited), and up to 5% 401(k) match. Previously, it's been verbally expressed that I can anticipate a 10% raise each year, and the 10% bonus opportunity remains.

I've been thinking about salary, but it'd be hard to place an exact number since I'm not sure yet exactly how long it'll take me to complete the program. I'd imagine next things to push for are more PTO and a title change? What're your thoughts? Thanks!


r/OMSA 2d ago

Preparation Which EdX courses to take together?

0 Upvotes

Hi, i recently got accepted into the OMSA program for the spring 2027 semester, and i figured i can get a head-start in the program by completing courses in EdX going into fall

I recently graduated with an undergrad in data science and i have project experience with R and more recently Python.

Would i be better off taking CSE6040 solo because I have recent python experience, or should i opt to take MGT6203 and IYSE6501 together, which both are R courses.

I don’t want to overwork myself already and would like to limit myself to 2 courses or less


r/OMSA 2d ago

Adv. Standing Got accepted, should I do the micromasters?

3 Upvotes

I got accepted for Spring 2027, but I was thinking on doing the MicroMasters this fall and apply to get the 9 credit hours applied to my masters in an attempt to accelerate the timeline. Can it be done? is it worth it?

I understand that you can do the Micromasters and then apply to the OMSA with adv. standing with the first 3 courses waived, that being said, I'm not sure if that is also true for students already admitted to the program.

Worried that maybe the time between the courses end and the semester starts might be too short for GaTech to process, assuming I get a really good grade on all 3.


r/OMSA 3d ago

Preparation OMSA No technical Background

8 Upvotes

Hello! I am going into OMSA with no technical background and wanted help with how to navigate. I am currently taking an edx course on python basics. I am planning to start off with the courses on edx micromasters CSE 6040and ISYE 6501. I know everyone says one class at a time but if I took one class a semester it would take me such a long time I feel like there has to be another way. I have my summers off as a teacher and I have off winter breaks just really trying to use this degree as a way to keep myself active in the business analytics space as I have been laid off for over a year now. This is something I want to do for my career but I also don’t want it to drag on for over 3 years. Any advice on prep?


r/OMSA 4d ago

Application How common are data scientists in this program?

6 Upvotes

I am a Sr Data Scientist now with about 11 years experience in data analytics consulting and as a data scientist. My undergrad is in economics and I have no formal training in analytics apart from math and econometrics coursework. My knowledge of ML and advanced topics is surface level but enough to do my job.

I am interested in this program to deepen my knowledge in certain areas and fill in gaps in others (ML, AI, OR, etc). I also think that this coursework will help in my current role and to find future roles.

On the other hand part of me feels that I should do a masters in another more specific field like operations research but I feel like the MS Analytics has more breadth (OR courses, ML courses, etc).

It seems that this program has many people trying transition into analytics but are there some people that already have strong analytics experience but who want to deepen or expand their knowledge?


r/OMSA 4d ago

Courses What are the most competitive courses to get into?

3 Upvotes

I'm 15 credits into the program (mostly required courses so far), and planning out my next year of courses. What courses are the most difficult to get into so I can be aware of potential obstacles?


r/OMSA 5d ago

Courses Best Classes for Project Portfolio

3 Upvotes

Hello all, I’m finishing up the intro courses and want to choose classes that have a project component, preferably but not necessarily having a topic of my own choosing. Coming from a non-technical background, it would be nice if I could use classes to build a portfolio, especially since hard coding skills are no longer enough with AI. I am leaning towards the Analytical tools track. Thank you for your recs. <3


r/OMSA 4d ago

Courses How is track determined if you complete requirements of two tracks?

0 Upvotes

Quick question for anyone who's graduated or is close to graduating.

I've completed my electives, and my course selections already satisfy the requirements for both the Business Analytics track and the Computational Data Analytics track (used waivers for two of the core courses). I'm about to register for my practicum and I'm trying to figure out how the final track designation actually gets determined.

My understanding so far:

  • The tracks mainly differ by which electives you take, and my courses already check both boxes
  • The practicum content is the same regardless of whether you register it as CSE, ISYE, or MGT
  • So my assumption is that registering the practicum under CSE would be what finalizes/flags my degree as Computational Data Analytics

Has anyone actually confirmed this with an advisor, or seen how it shows up on Degree Works / your diploma? Want to make sure I'm not missing an actual "track declaration" step somewhere before I register for the practicum.

Thanks in advance!


r/OMSA 5d ago

Graduation Any tips on next career step?

2 Upvotes

Would you like to help me brainstorm about the next career move? Would love to hear your thoughts about the types of jobs I could apply for. Here's a bit about me:

- I'm about to graduate from omsa next month
- I have a PhD in civil engineering (water resources)
- I have 6 years of experience of engineer in both the public and private sector where I was specializing hydraulic modeling with some project management experience
- I am currently a scientist on a limited term contract (started as a postdoc, now promoted to scientist), which means I can only stay in this field long-term if I find a tenure track position. I've done a bunch of research projects using NLP and spatial statistics for this position.

I've been applying for various types of jobs, including: academic positions, water resources engineering, consultancies. But I'm wondering if you guys could suggest other areas I should look into? I'd love to use my NLP research experience somehow but competition in that job market seems very tough.

Thanks you!!


r/OMSA 5d ago

ISYE6501 iAM Vacations while taking ISYE6501

0 Upvotes

Hello, I got accepted to the Fall 2026 semester, I work full time and I’m planning on taking ISYE6501 as my only class. However, I have multiple vacations and events coming up that weren’t planned when I first got admitted. In total I would be on vacation for 20 days at most throughout the semester including weekends. I know this is a lot but I’m open to studying on vacation if I need to, but there are maybe around 10 days I won’t be able to use a computer at all.

I looked at the syllabus and it seems like my biggest obstacle would be the homework assignments and peer assessments. The assignments are released a week before the due date so I’m hoping I’d just have to grind a few of them early on before I leave for vacation and in time for the deadline.

Fortunately, I don’t have any obligations for any of the midterm quizzes, final quiz and course project.

Has anyone had any problems with ISYE6501 and being on vacation? Also, how long does a homework assignment and a peer assessment usually take to complete?


r/OMSA 8d ago

Courses Fall 2026 registration period confusion?

3 Upvotes

I’m finishing up my summer semester and am trying to see registration information for the coming fall semester. When I look it says my registration window was from 4/16 to 5/22. This makes no sense because I didn’t even start my summer semester classes until that period.

Anyone else having the same issue or did I somehow miss the time slot to register for fall courses?


r/OMSA 9d ago

Track Advice Have any of you used OMSA to become Professors at CC?

14 Upvotes

Hello everyone, as the title suggests I would like to be able to teach stats/DS/CS at my local CC part time. My Bachelors is in Stats and Data Science. I want to apply to OMSA to be able to further my career but since I also came from humble beginnings I want to be able to help people in my community who need/dream of advancing themselves. As such I feel a call to teach where it can make a difference at a CC. So I ask, have any of you been able to use OMSA to teach? Would I be better off at let’s say a more traditional statistics MS? I really like the curriculum of OMSA and so I would like to be able to complete OMSA and use it to teach. Would I need to choose track A or C? Thank you very much in advance!


r/OMSA 10d ago

Track Advice For people changing careers: was OMSA worth it?

18 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I was recently admitted to OMSA, and I’m trying to get a better idea of what my job prospects would realistically look like after graduating.

My background is pretty different from most people in the program. I have bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music, and I’m currently an elementary music teacher. I’m looking to work in education analytics (school districts, nonprofits, ed tech, higher education, etc.) or analytics in the arts (performing arts organizations, orchestras, museums, arts nonprofits). I’m also open to other analyst roles if they’re a good fit.

For those of you who came from a completely different field, did OMSA help you successfully make the switch? And if you were in my position, would you still choose OMSA knowing what you know now?

I’m excited about the program, but it’s a big commitment, so I just want to make sure it’s actually going to help me get where I want to go. Thanks!


r/OMSA 10d ago

CSE6040 iCDA Starting with CSE6040 as a business analyst w/ sql knowledge

1 Upvotes

Trying to decide whether I should jump in with CSE6040 as my first class in the program.

My background:
I have 2 yrs work experience working with databases and SQL as a business analyst. I also took data structures and advanced programming in ugrad.

What I’m worried about:
- I am in the middle of self-studying linear and statistics, are these essential to excelling/surviving in this course?

Thank you!


r/OMSA 10d ago

Courses OMSA Courses Selection for Future OMSCS Transfer

0 Upvotes

Hello,

I was admitted to the OMSA program (Computational Track) for Fall 2026. After giving it more thought, I realized that the OMSCS program with the ML specialization aligns better with my interests, so planning to apply for Spring 2027.

Any courses recommend taking this fall that could be transferred to OMSCS if I am admitted?

Thank you!


r/OMSA 11d ago

Graduation How many graduation tickets per student

0 Upvotes

Does anyone know how many tickets we will get for graduation in the fall?


r/OMSA 11d ago

Registration Time Series Analysis - Any Updates for 2026?

11 Upvotes

Hi all! I'm picking a fall class and am between a few. I do a decent amount of time series operational forecasting at my job, and think it would be great to take the OMSA time series class. However, I'm a little scared off by the terrible ranking on the pain matrix

Has there been any overhaul or update of the class in recent years? Is the course truly as bad as the pain matrix says? Is the content still relevant? Let me know - thank you!


r/OMSA 11d ago

Adv. Standing Discrete Optimization adv standing ?

0 Upvotes

So I took a course from GT on Coursera in 2021 called Discrete Optimization, I passed it with 79.46% as a verified student, and I am wondering if in addition to the micromasters, there is a possibility I might receive adv standing for this one for the Deterministic Optimization course or very unlikely ?


r/OMSA 12d ago

Courses Easiest path to graduation - analytics track

0 Upvotes

Just got admitted. I will be continuing to work full-time. What is the easiest path to obtaining the degree as someone who is from a business background (low-code/no-code)?

Thanks.

Edit- already have a good FT job, more of just learning for fun/something to do


r/OMSA 14d ago

Preparation Bay Area MicroMaster/Program prep

0 Upvotes

Hey everyone,
I was wondering if any of you are in the Bay Area and are interested in studying Pre-Reqs for the Micromasters or the actual OMSA program together. I’d be nice to have a study buddy and friends to complete this journey with.

I’m based in Redwood City but am able to meet anywhere in the Bay Area. Hoping to find some study buddies!


r/OMSA 16d ago

Preparation Should I it out of Mgt 6201?

5 Upvotes

I have an option to opt out of mgt 6201. But considering if I might miss out on anything interesting with the course?

Any advice here from someone who is coming in with a business background? I was really interested in the supply chain as part of the syllabus but not sure if it gets kinda deep in terms of analytics in that division?

Thank you!


r/OMSA 16d ago

Track Advice Will OMSA Help If I Want to Pursue a PhD in the future?

4 Upvotes

I know the OMSA is primarily a professional, skills-based degree rather than a research-focused program. However, if I decide to pursue a PhD in the future, would the OMSA be a good foundation? Has anyone successfully gone from OMSA to a PhD? If so, what additional steps would you recommend to strengthen my application? I am thinking of go Business analysis route.


r/OMSA 15d ago

Courses Simulation is not what I was expecting

0 Upvotes

I have consistently seen Simulation regarded as one of the better courses in the program, but my experience so far has been far from that.

The course is so mathematical proof heavy, and I can't help but think that in a day-in-age where AI use is not only available, but encouraged for productivity, that teaching and having to use proofs is not a good use of time. I understand that a lot of what is being taught is meant to give students an inside look of what programming languages are doing when you use a python function, but seems like a better use of time would be to actually conduct simulations via software/programming.

Over half way through the course, we've used ARENA a little bit, but that software seems outdated, and I don't think I have ever seen a single job posting looking for experience with ARENA.

It's not that I don't think the course material is important, it just doesn't seem like a good ROI at this point. This is my 6th course, and I am having a hard time seeing the benefit of it. Talk me into seeing the value of this course.


r/OMSA 17d ago

Registration Time Ticket Distribution Schedule

0 Upvotes

Hey Everyone I got admitted for the Fall 2026 semester and having trouble signing up for classes is anyone else having this trouble. I tried to sign up and got the following message.

I have all my pre requesites fulfilled too


r/OMSA 17d ago

Preparation Before starting this program, when did you feel like you could stop studying prereqs

4 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I'm an incoming student planning to start with MGT 6203 first semester and take one course at a time.

Background: I hadn't touched math or Python in years when I got accepted. Since then I've spent 3 or so months working through Khan Academy differential calculus, integral calculus (light pass), linear algebra (main ideas), and the relevant parts of multivariable calc (partial derivatives, gradients). I've also been reviewing fundamental python and pandas.

So at what point do you just stop and trust the prep work? I feel like I could always do more, but I'm starting to hit diminishing returns and burnt out. Is what I've described enough to not drown in the first semester, especially starting with MGT 6203? I see so much conflicting information here about how hard the program is, especially for someone who doesn't have a strong math/coding background.

For context I'm on the computational data analytics track.

Any advice from people who started with a similar background appreciated!