My Masters in Analytics OMSA from Georgia Tech (in 5 Min)

For my first proper video, I wanted to share a bit about my experience completing a Masters in Analytics from Georgia Tech's OMSA program while I managed a data team at Meta. I'm intentionally cutting out a lot as I wanted to get this down to 5 minutes!
Check this out if you're considering pursuing a degree in analytics or are curious about what the OMSA program entails, some tips on the class, and a bit about me as well.
I briefly cover the program structure, curriculum, and my overall thoughts on the program (and some classes to avoid if you can!). The OMSA program is a great way to skills in statistics, machine learning, analytics, and data science. If you like structured learning and accountability, it's certainly a flexible option.
Please subscribe if you'd like to see more videos from me around machine learning, career, and management.
I’m Mark! I'm a CS grad student and former data science manager. You can find me here:
📹 KZbin: / @marksimithraaratchy
🧳 LinkedIn: / marksimi
🐦 Twitter: / marksimi
Bayesian books:
bayesiancomputationbook.com/
xcelab.net/rm/statistical-ret...
SHAP, a python package for local ML explanations
shap.readthedocs.io/en/latest/
00:00 Intro
00:26 OMSA Overview
00:43 Computing for Data Analytics
01:26 Data and Visual Analytics
01:53 Intro to Analytics Modeling
02:03 Simulation and Modeling
02:22 Bayesian Statistics
02:58 Data Analytics in Business
03:08 Computational Data Analytics (Machine Learning 1)
03:40 High-Dimensional Data Analytics (Machine Learning 2)
03:55 Deep Learning
04:10 Applied Analytics Practicum
04:48 About Me

[@yeokcmark]

Thank you Mark for sharing your experience!

[@nckrocha1]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the program, Mark! Thoughtfully presented.

[@MarkSimithraaratchy]

I appreciate that, Nic -- thank you!

[@bryan_truong]

I love how fast you went through the content- awesome man

[@MarkSimithraaratchy]

Appreciate that, Bryan!

[@michaelhuang7951]

Thank you, Mark. Very Informative, I just submitted my application for this program!!!

[@MarkSimithraaratchy]

Thanks for the kind words, Michael. Best wishes for your application.

[@MrStrengthfreak]

I completed this program in Dec 2022. I would also highly recommend.

[@MarkSimithraaratchy]

Congrats on graduating!

[@ujjwalyadav111]

Sir can it be online, please confirm as I need to do full time job

[@coolstercodes]

Mark is the best, this is great advice and great perspective, thanks Mark!!

[@MarkSimithraaratchy]

Just trying to pay it forward like you, Coolster. Giving back feels great!

[@coolstercodes]

@@MarkSimithraaratchy I'm glad I didn't take Bayesian course, was thinking about it

[@stanceonlife7883]

Thank for this! There’s not many reviews from people who completed the program. I was hesitant to apply due to my perception to online degrees. After reviewing this program along with other in-person data analysis/science programs that are 4-5x the costs, really I’m hoping to get into this one!

[@MarkSimithraaratchy]

You’re so welcome; best wishes on your application!

[@KI4ASK]

Hey Mark, thanks for this great overview. I just got accepted into the Fall 2024 OMSA program and this was a great explanation of what to expect.

[@MarkSimithraaratchy]

Glad this helped. And congrats on your acceptance! Best wishes for the fall.

[@aayush0404]

Hey Mark, an HDDA video format review would be amazing. This is awesome

[@MarkSimithraaratchy]

Thanks for the idea!

[@bensonng8563]

Thanks so much for sharing!

[@MarkSimithraaratchy]

You are so welcome!

[@jacobpatterson9440]

Thanks for the video, Mark! Would you consider making a video about the OMSCS too?

[@MarkSimithraaratchy]

You’re welcome! Yes, I’m considering putting something together once I’m closer to finishing this summer. LMK if you have specific questions that you want me to address.

[@TTOmiTTom]

Awesome video Mark. Great job editing as well. Question, have you consider making a video discussing your overall experience with GT's online program. I am interested in their Cyber Security Masters degree and I am having a hard time getting solid opinions on these online programs. Thank you.

[@MarkSimithraaratchy]

Thanks for the kind words / question. I asked about video ideas on Reddit and you can check out some of the comments on areas where I may do another video: www.reddit.com/r/OMSCS/comments/15vlzc8/video_ideas_from_someone_taking_ga_ai_this/ I'll likely do another video upon completion of OMSCS in comparing things to OMSA, thoughts on 'doubling' aka doing 2 masters, etc. Overall, it's tough to get at the nuance that individuals as background / goals matter in these decisions, but I got a lot of support via parsing through Reddit Q&A on OMSA and OMSCS. Specific to your case: I'd definitely encourage you to troll LinkedIn to find and connect with people who have completed the Cyber Security Masters for your specific questions. If you show people you've done the pre-work of research and you need 'last mile' opinions, they'll often be generous with their time. Best of luck to you.

[@edsonphilippe58]

I took Data and Visual Analytics... loved it, but it was a lot of work. We did a great project on it.

[@MarkSimithraaratchy]

Yes it was!

[@shaziamian5579]

Thanks for the vid, Mark. Really like the 5 min format.

[@MarkSimithraaratchy]

You're so welcome, Shazia! Glad you enjoyed.

[@SurajSachdev92]

Hey Mark, thanks for sharing this experience with us! it's time for us to get an update on how you're finding the MS CS program, are you doing that online as well?

[@MarkSimithraaratchy]

Thanks for asking. Just started my final semester of OMSCS. I’d hoped to have more time to shoot another video at this point. But at this point I’m going to wait til I’m done with OMSCS. I get questions direct to my LinkedIn of folks deciding between the two: my guidance is to deeply consider your goals. Specifically, the role / job title you’re seeking.

[@in_neerajpandey]

Thanks Mark, that was really helpful. Can you spare some time and list down (in your view), the best full time DS Masters options in US, of ~ 1 year duration? I could see, Univ of Washington/UC Irvine as some.

[@MarkSimithraaratchy]

Sorry, I don't have perspective on the latest batch of programs. You might want to check out reddit communities for the programs you're interested in: ww.reddit.com/OMSA

[@tigerbelly2152]

thanks for sharing! Seems like Bayesian is the worst module after so many reviews despite it being so important.

[@MarkSimithraaratchy]

It's important to disentangle how important the subject is vs. GaTech's delivery of it. Also it's worth noting that this is my specific experience and POV; I did get signal from other folks who still suggest taking the course. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@diegoisaachurtadomiguel8123]

Amazing video

[@MarkSimithraaratchy]

Glad you think so!

[@gastongutierrez1985]

Great review, very succint. I'm on the OMSCS program, I was thinking about choosing between Bayesian Statistics (ISYE-6420) and Simulation (ISYE-6644). The former sounds more useful for ML but it's clearly a very bad course according to you. Can you elaborate a little more on why is such a bad course? Thank you!

[@MarkSimithraaratchy]

I clarify a bit more around my opinion here: www.reddit.com/r/OMSA/comments/11nt9gd/heres_a_5min_vid_to_quickly_review_omsa_for_those/

[@joemama7388]

Hey Mark, I've taken Calculus 2~3 years ago, and Linear algebra 6 months ago, but I haven't taken brushed up in probability and statistics in a while. I was wondering what sources would lay a good foundation for OMSA. I primarily remember struggling in probability, and for sources online, I find them to be either too elementary or too advanced for me.

[@MarkSimithraaratchy]

Dave Goldsman is your guy: A First Course in Probability and Statistics

[@bowenwang9774]

Hi Mark, thanks for the helpful video detailing your experience. I’m currently trying to choose between the OMSA and OMSCS (ML track) programs. I come from a science and engineering education background, with some programming and stats foundation, but a non-CS degree. I’m hoping to make the career switch to hopefully join an AI startup as either a ML engineer or data scientist. Which program do you think would be the best option given my background and goals? Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[@MarkSimithraaratchy]

Nice to connect over LI, wishing you the best.

[@SlumRacing]

Yoo this is awesome, you are made for youtube!!! Maybe make this your profession

[@MarkSimithraaratchy]

You are very kind; glad you got value from it.

[@saikc4759]

Great review. I have worked as an analytics professional for 13 years using mainly sql and sas. I have been thinking of getting masters but don’t have strong math background now as i graduated with MIS degree 15 years back with 1 calculus class Where should one start to get better at math and then enroll in this program?

[@MarkSimithraaratchy]

Thank you! I’d check out the official guidance on the OMSA website. Additionally you might find this thread helpful: www.reddit.com/r/OMSA/comments/y37qhb/fyi_the_prerequisites_really_are_needed/ Some students take courses online at Oakton for credits / strengthen their profile as needed for admission. Generally, admission isn’t tough, but many regard it to be hard to complete the degree. Our backgrounds (back when I applied) were similar in some ways; with some solid prep, I’d expect thjs would be doable for you. Best of luck.

[@Grace-yu8qk]

What did you think about the help that was provided? I’m currently an undergrad considering if this is the correct degree for me. I’m getting my degree in industrial engineering minoring in math and data science and don’t know if I should do this full or part time. Im a bit worried about the online factor since I usually find prof and good tas very helpful. What resources did you utilize in harder course to help you succeed and learn? ( a bit of struggle can be good but too much is disheartening ) thanks!!!

[@MarkSimithraaratchy]

Given your background, I'd suggest focusing on getting full time work would be best and working on the degree part time. At this point in your career, getting full time experience is likely optimal. TAs are helpful, but this can be mixed by course. Generally, they're accessible via office hours and you can get support from other students. Knowing that others are going through the same struggles can help. Personally, I connected with others in the program, reached out to TAs, and sought out other forms of coaching outside of the program to build my resiliency overall.

[@DarthAndylus]

Do you think people who are entry level and with no previous analytics experience (i am in sales ops/ deal desk so I look at excel but to call it analysis is an overstatement lol) will have success and also will be able to pivot? Most videos I've sen are people who are long term professionals but I am looking to pivot into more of a business analyst/ data analyst route and think knowing the stuff covered in a program will be really important in the future but I also don't know how successful you can be with just the degree tbh

[@MarkSimithraaratchy]

Standard “YT comments aren’t career advice” caveats (asking at r/OMSA is best): given the hiring environment right now it won’t guarantee a role in that right away. Two important things on pivots are 1. expecting that you’ll really need to hustle with interviewing to generate luck 2. you own your own story I’d suggest trying to find as many opps in your company to do that kinda work in addition to your role (share aspirations to mgr, try to rotate internally, and check out the micro masters classes (OMSA) which is cheaper and faster.

[@PPCCO.]

This is it.

[@rmb706]

I had to drop Bayes. I am also full time and thought I could handle 4 courses. I could have gotten there if it were one of 3, but would have needed a lot of external resources. A quick glance at the first book that you first mention appears to be for someone who already knows Bayesian Statistics, I’m not sure. Thoughts? Still good for someone that’s new to it? I wouldn’t be opposed to learning it on my own and jumping back into the course, I need the credits anyways.

[@MarkSimithraaratchy]

Great question -- there's a generous refresher in Ch.11 of Bayesian Modeling and Computation in Python that serves to enable folks to tackle the rest of the book. From conditional probability up to variational inference. Some folks might benefit from add'l exercises, though, and in which case I reco Allen Downey's Think Bayes 2nd Ed.allendowney.github.io/ThinkBayes2/ Re: learning and jumping back in -- FYI, I already knew bayes decently well when I took the GT course. I wish I'd self-taught and just taken a different class.

[@zubairlakhia1573]

How hard are 3 courses? I’m planning to start this fall and will be taking the first three into courses. Think its doable?

[@rmb706]

Definitely. I do not think so if you are working full time, though. If you plan on working full time, do 1 at a time. With your fundamental courses, you may be able to work and take 2 at a time.

[@cesargomez1416]

Hello Mark, quick question, is the OMSA a STEM degree? I tried to search the website but couldn't find that out. I would imagine it is because of the quantitative reqs (calculus, linear algebra and probability/stats)

[@MarkSimithraaratchy]

Yes it’s from the college of engineering

[@cesargomez1416]

@@MarkSimithraaratchy thanks Mark!

[@TheJaime10000]

For someone who has very little analytics work under their belt, how do you think they’ll do in this program? I have an undergrad in both economics and data analytics with some python skills. I have taken a good amount of statistics courses but not much calc or linear algebra.

[@MarkSimithraaratchy]

You’ll be fine, but would suggest doing all prereqs (otherwise it will be more painful than it needs to be).

[@TheJaime10000]

@@MarkSimithraaratchythank you for your reply!!

[@AA-zb9dj]

How demanding was it in terms of math? The last time I have done math was about 8 years ago. I am still undecided between omscs or omsa. With omscs you can avoid doing math almost completely. Is it the same for omsa?

[@MarkSimithraaratchy]

There’s definitely a higher frequency of math centric courses in OMSA vs OMSCS. But being in OMSCS now, I’d say that I’ve found my share of very rigorous courses. I hear your point on math, but I’d suggest you to focus on the roles which each degree set you up for AND your interest in the courses. IMO, that will help to set a North Star for why you’ll finish when it gets tough. Also, there’s no shame in brushing up with some math prerequisites prior to diving into the program if you go this path. Best of luck.

[@AA-zb9dj]

@@MarkSimithraaratchy thanks a lot Mark. Quite interesting that you decided to start with omscs also. Which specialization did you take and what are you aiming to be after both? I studied biomedical engineering and I am interested in working somewhere in Data and project management. I don't know to be honest I am very indecisive and undecided. My profile fits omscs more. I mean by my writing you can already tell I am all over the place. Are you trying to mix AI and Data?

[@MarkSimithraaratchy]

​@@AA-zb9dj Short answers here (which I'm sure I'll expand on eventually in video or text): of OMSA: Computational of OMSCS: Machine Learning There's value in getting into my specific career case, but I'd suggest not over-indexing to some of the steps I took. Let go of your current background for a bit -- you can explore and do either, but getting close to what resonates about each of the roles will help. Instead: start talking to Data Scientists / Analysts (path from OMSA) and MLEs, SWEs (path from OMSCS). Pay attention to what resonates and what you might not like as much. If you need to, take some classes in each area. You can transfer to the other degree. But don't get paralyzed by indecision. GL!

[@abdirahmanjama623]

Hi mark, could you please share the link to the program? Thanks

[@MarkSimithraaratchy]

Should be a quick google to GaTech OMSA, sir

[@robbenjameskobe]

How competitive is admission to the program? In my case i fill all the requirements

[@zubairlakhia1573]

70% acceptance rate…. Dont worry about getting in or not…worry about getting those pre reca hammered in

[@MarkSimithraaratchy]

Great advice!

[@pauljmey]

I thought B Stats was pretty good. But it is only an introduction even though it touches on a a lot topics. And to be fair, not many GIT courses (at least in OMSCS) actually cover large swaths of a their textbooks (ML with Tom Mitchell is an exception but it is a beast of a course).

[@VenomFrogPwned]

I have a background in CS, work full time as a fullstack dev doing OMSA. Should I switch to OMSCS if I want to work with machine learning? Or is the OMSA aplenty?

[@MarkSimithraaratchy]

Depends on what working in ML looks like to you: many roles fit under "work with ML". If you stick with OMSA, you should prioritize the computational track.

[@forestwu379]

I noticed that you're doing a Master's in Comp Sci now. Looking back, is OMSA still worth it as a standalone? For context, I'm a PM in big tech but interested in staying up to speed with ML and DS. I don't have a CS background

[@MarkSimithraaratchy]

1. Worth it as standalone?: yes 2. Worth it for you? Maybe. Caveat that I am not nor have ever been a PM. I’d suggest what OMSA could offer you would be deeper analytical competency (which will assist in self serving on some analysis if needed or partnering with DS), paper of a masters of analytics (competency signal for the prior point), deeper exposure to ML/DS depending on the class choice (CDA, DL, iCDA, etc). Given the time commitment and tradeoffs, I’d suggest that you might be able find better options to pick up some of that knowledge faster. For 1, you can take the micromasters just to get some more analytics exposure, for 3, consider deeplearning.ai (Andrew Ng) for his ML course and supplementary classes. No accreditation here (2) but if you’re a career PM I would wager that wouldn’t be a massive lift if you’re already in the field and in big tech. Additionally, if you’re considering other ML x Product courses, Maven has an interesting course by @MarilyNikaAIPM which I haven’t taken myself but would be worth considering depending on your goals. Time is always a consideration. I’d speak to some other folks in your field on this.

[@RK-wu3oe]

Do we have to pay the fees in 1 go or in installments?

[@rmb706]

I took another stab at Bayes: after taking advice here to read up on those books. Fairly easy A: but only because I was well prepared beforehand 😂.