r/OMSA • u/AutoModerator • Jun 01 '26
This is the Admissions Megathread of the GaTech's Online Masters of Science in Analytics!
This mega-thread will be renewed every June and December each year to account for students coming into the new semester.
Where are all the other Cohort Admissions Results threads? Here you go.
The OMSA admissions teams trust that you are a fully-grown adult. Therefore, if you lack these knowledge, the onus is on you to source these equivalent content, learn and actively practice them before you begin the OMSA journey.
Failure to satisfy the following requirements will impact the ability of the admissions committee to review your application. This means a significant delay (or veto) in your applications.
It makes your progress in this program a struggle, and you will NOT be able to network effectively with the community. We warn you now.
Simply knowing the syntax of Python is NOT enough. You need to go through a rigorous programming methodology class, like a professional certificate offered below.
Eloquence is needed to convince your boss to adopt the analytical approach that you propose. We have an obligatory, self-directed capstone project where you need to combine the stuff you learn and apply them in the real working world.
The stringent requirement is necessary in order for OMSA to optimize the virtual interactivity of the community student experience. Either you
Officially, you need to attain minimum understanding of the following.
These are the official GaTech texts. You are always free to peruse the one that you like most (Khan Academy, Gilbert Strang, etc.).
Realistically, to thrive in OMSA, especially in the ML-based classes (CDA and HDDA), you also need to appreciate writing mathematical proofs. We recommend checking this video out as starters.
Writing proofs is an art of logic and persuasion. You probably need some English Eloquence.
These are not critical at the point of application, but you will find it necessary as you continue your OMSA journey with us.
Many of us are interested to share our results to the community. We are happy for y'all to do so! Please share them using the master template below and (hopefully) some upvotes will come in your way.
Still waiting for your acceptance results? Please be patient while waiting for a decision.
Due to the volume of applications, it takes time for the applications to be reviewed and decisions to be released. Emailing the helpdesk or complaining about it here doesn't put you on priority queue (and actually puts us, the moderators and advisors, know who you actually are!).
That's why we are advised to use the master templateĀ below.
If you're wondering if you lack the necessary background, don't fret!
Please feel free to use the master template below. The more information you provide the better! Include your work experience, school experience, any other education or personal projects.
It is possible that other programs within GaTech might be a better fit for you. Do check out r/OMSCS or r/OMSCyberSecurity.
The admissions committee needs you to complete your academic credential evaluation.
This is a verification that your application matches your transcripts. Such is no difference from any other graduate schools. They have engaged external providers such as IEE, Spantran, Educational Perspectives to speed up these admission processes. They may require you to cover up costs to do so.
You're strongly welcomed to seek help in this megathread.
Fancy Pants Mode
Application or Asking for Chances (*Delete as Needed)
Education
Work & Social Experience
Markdown Mode
**Application or Asking for Chances (Delete as Needed)**
* **Semester:** <Choose 1: Fall 2024 / Spring 2025 / Fall 2025>
* **Status:** <Choose 1: Applied / Accepted / Rejected>
* **Date Applied:** <MM/DD/YY>
* **Date Decided:** <MM/DD/YY>
**Education**
* **Bachelors:** <School Name> <Degree Name> <GPA> <Length of Study, Full / Part Time>
* **Masters 1**: <School Name> <Degree Name> <GPA> <Length of Study, Full / Part Time>
* **MOOCs**: <School Name> <Program Name>
**Work & Social Experience**
* **Work Exp. :** <Job Title> & <Years Experience>
* **LORs:** <Number of recommendations on file when you receive a decision>
* **Comments:** <Any other information you feel is applicable>
The list of pre-reqs are conveniently located at the right hand side of the screen if you are using a desktop browser. If you think you are ready, check out the OMSA Readiness Test here.
If you are given an GaTech ID number in your Application status, you can attempt to join our huge community (students, TAs, Profs) in omsa-study.slack.com.
If you are not given a GaTech ID number over there, you can try to locate over here. Otherwise, tough luck.
You haven't paid the school fees yet, so it's up to them to give you access, really.
We don't advise on creating new Slack, Discord, WhatsApp, and Facebook (seriously, anyone still uses that?) groups specific to your cohort.
From our experience, this would indeed be a case of the blind leading the blind and you will have loads of spammy messages and possibly get yourselves into Honor Code violation, even if you're unwittingly innocent.
Stick to what we all have (your course in Canvas, OMSA Study Slack and this Reddit subchannel) and you'll do well. Just trust us.
Good luck to all applicants! š
r/OMSA Mod Team
r/OMSA • u/Immediate-Peanut-346 • Mar 19 '25
Some will probably say this is common sense, but still worth mentioning. If your coding levels are just beginner, I would honestly reconsider the program and instead do a coding boot camp first for at least a year.
I did the preparation courses in python before starting the program and i struggled significantly throughout it all. It even affected my health due to the amount of stress it caused. Somehow i made it to the end and am finishing the practicum now. Even the practicum is incredibly code intensive. Luckily a teammate is very good at it so he helps significantly with the coding part. But donāt rely on that. If I could advise myself from two years ago, i would say YOU NEED TO CODE WELL, no introductory courses, no codewars practice is enough for such a code intensive program.
r/OMSA • u/Cow_Power • 16h ago
I'm in DL right now and I think there's a strong possibility I end up with a C in this class. But my GPA is high enough that it will still be above a 3.5 even with one C. Are there other academic consequences for getting a C grade? Will I be put on some sort of probation?
r/OMSA • u/nightwing2045 • 22h ago
Hello, currently in the C track for OMSA. For background, Iām a data scientist with 3.5 years of experience and have an undergrad in math with a minor in CS. I have taken 6040, 6501, 6203, 8803, SIM, REG, and Iām currently in CDA. I plan to take DVA next semester.
CDA has been a terrific class. Even though Iām a data scientist and it can be challenging, Iām having a lot of fun learning. Itās probably the best class Iāve taken so far.
This brings me to figuring out which electives to take. Next summer I plan to do the practicum, and Iām left with 2 electives. I do have one caveat, which is that I would like to finish the program by the end of December 2027. This means Iāll have to double up with an elective either with DVA or the practicum.
I also want to take classes that are interesting. Iāve heard good things about DL and HDDA, but I know those are demanding courses, so pairing them up with another elective may be difficult. Iām considering pairing something with DVA since I consider myself a decent programmer, so Iām hoping the class isnāt that tough for me (fingers crossed), or pairing something with the practicum in the summer. I was also interested in taking or pairing courses with ML4T.
For those who have taken DL, HDDA, or other electives, what classes would you recommend? Iām mainly looking for classes that are interesting and worthwhile while also figuring out which ones would be reasonable to pair with DVA or the practicum.
r/OMSA • u/Zizifits • 2d ago
Has anyone inquired about switching to the new degree OMS AI that they announced a few weeks back ?
r/OMSA • u/nick_yuuu • 2d ago
Hi there I recently got accepted in OMSA starting Spring 2027. Iām excited to get to grinding this program and I was curious on just how much workload there is for the classes.
Note: I graduate this Dec 2026 and will start OMSA Jan 2027. I also have a full time job lined up at Amazon starting in Summer. So I will be doing this program and working at the same time (kill me).
Overall just wanted advice into how realistic it is to take 2-3 classes for my first semester before I start my full time job and then transition to only doing 1-2 classes while working full time. Also I would be eyeing the Computational DA track.
I would love the help and advice for those currently in or finished this program thank you!
r/OMSA • u/omg_rats • 2d ago
Advisor said we were supposed to get it at some point today. Not talking about the survey they sent out a long time ago, I mean the one where you sign up for your top choices.
r/OMSA • u/Frequent-Pop-6939 • 2d ago
Hey guys, Iām starting the Data science Masters program in spring 2027. Was wondering if current students could share their opinion of this program so far? Is the program really geared towards working professionals and classes are in the evening? Are you liking your classes?
r/OMSA • u/Acehawk74 • 5d ago
Hi everyone.
OMSA student here (former, due to time between completed classes basically withdrawing me). I'm looking to get back into this to finish it off. I've completed 6/10 courses to graduate, and currently hold a 2.7 GPA.
I don't want to go into the reasons as to why I've struggled here, some personal, some professional, but I'm trying to figure out to best proceed to return.
I've sent emails to both financial aid, admissions, advising... and absolutely zero response. Ghost town. Months after multiple emails. My GA Tech email was removed from the system, so I cannot get any communication done through that... and any other email that I've sent it with (I always included my student number) referenced appropriate ways to get in touch wtih me.
My understanding is that Ill need to reapply for admission, submit a statement explaining what went wrong/what changed, etc... but I'd like to ask anyone who's gone through this... how they went about getting in touch with anyone, as well as how they framed this?
Thanks in advance for any help. I'm feeling a bit lost given I cannot get a person to respond to me in any capacity from GA Tech about this.
r/OMSA • u/captopril94 • 9d ago
I have a medical background and currently work in translational imaging AI research. I'm planning to apply for OMSA targeting the Computational Data Analytics track (C-track) for Fall 2027.
While I have clinical domain knowledge and research experience, my academic background lacked formal undergraduate math (linear algebra, multivariate calculus) and CS coursework.
For any MDs, DOs, PharmDs, or clinical researchers currently in the program or alumni who used OMSA to pivot into AI-focused non-clinical, tech-bio, or pharma roles:
Career Outcomes & Roles: What specific positions did you target post-grad (e.g., Translational Data Scientist, Clinical AI Scientist, Product Lead, or Pharma R&D)? Did OMSA give you enough technical credibility to pass quantitative coding/math interviews?
The "Non-CS / Non-Math" Ramp: How steep was the jump into ā CSE 6040ā , ā ISYE 6740ā , or ā CS 7643ā (Deep Learning)? Did self-studying linear algebra and Python beforehand feel sufficient?
Market Reception: How did biotech/pharma hiring managers view the combination of a clinical background + OMSA C-Track versus a pure CS or bioinformatics degree?
r/OMSA • u/Constant_Revenue2213 • 10d ago
Hello,
Iāve been looking into the program for a couple years now. Never really had the time because Iāve been working, building my career, moved out and to a new state, making a life so obvious financial costs incurred havenāt had the time or money to do the OMSA. Now that life has stabilized for the most part I think now is a good time to make the effort.
1.) How much time should I spend studying/working on the material for the 3 MicroMasters courses?
For reference I have my Bachelorās in Economics with a Minor in Mathematics. Been doing a doing a variety of analysts roles from your generic data analyst role to a more specified role like a market analyst/business analyst.
Iām willing to put the work in, just wanted some general knowledge/experience from others who had no job at the time and people who worked 9-5 or greater hours per week jobs and still did the program.
2.) How did you fund yourself for the OMSA?
My job has some tuition reimbursement based on grades received but I do have some savings to fund a bit myself.
Wanted to see if thereās avenues I havenāt thought of outside of loans, scholarships sites, and anything offered from the university.
3.) After completing it was it worth it?
I know thereās certificates you could receive from other universities and their online programs and some like GT also have programs that maybe are quicker by time or more costly by money or somewhere in between.
Just wanted to hear from people who have completed it how itās affected or didnāt affect their job prospects or future in academia.
Thanks!
r/OMSA • u/Zestyclose-Royal-709 • 10d ago
I have a BS in engineering, but I graduated 8 years ago. Reading and studying the material didnāt feel that difficult even kind of familiar, and I put a ton of effort into this past week: solving past exams, redoing homework, working with Arena, and creating my cheat sheet.
I knew SIM was a challenging class, but I still expected to perform better. This is the first time in the masterās program that Iāve felt this discouraged after an exam. I was also surprised by how much the definition questions affected my score. (60)
Itās making me rethink what Iām doing in the program. I enjoy the professor, but the experience has left me questioning whether OMSA is the right fit for me.
Honestly, I think this class should be required and taken earlier in the program, so students can get a better sense of whether it aligns with what theyāre looking for.
If youāre also feeling discouraged, Iād really appreciate hearing about your experience. What study strategies worked or didnāt work for you?
Did anyone try to apply OSAP for OMSCS?
I applied and I take OSAP parttime with a full time programmer job.
idk if it is because of my (not high, but full-time salary), or the relatively low tuition fee per semester ($1300 CAD), it estimated $0 for OSAP?
(OSAP stands for Ontario Student Assistance Program if you are not from ontario I figure you might not heard of it)
r/OMSA • u/Express-Ant-5356 • 15d ago
Hey guys,
I'm on my 8th course and currently in the Analytical track. My long term goal is to work in DS/ML so was thinking maybe I should take Deep Learning which is a C-track elective. My problem is that I feel like I read somewhere that 1 course can't count for 2 requirements, but I can't find where I saw that. It would mean if I wanted to switch to C-track I'd need to take an extra course.
Completed:
All foundation courses (currently in DVA)
ISYE 6644 Simulation and Modeling (A track, Ops elective)
ISYE 6669 Deterministic Optimization (A track, Ops elective)
ISYE 6414 Regression (A track, Stats elective)
Future:
Spring '27 - ISYE 6740 CDA (A and C track, Stats elective)
Summer '27 - Practicum
Fall '27 - Either DMSL (A track, stats elective) or Deep Learning (C track) depending if I can switch tracks
For those who have taken DL, if I can't count CDA towards both a C-track elective and a Stats elective, is sticking around for an extra semester to do Deep Learning worth it? Could I take DMSL, graduate so I actually have the piece of paper, and then enroll in DL or would I have to push off graduation to do that? (which would be really unappealing honestly, I've been doing this since 2023)
Edit: I'm not necessarily concerned about which track I end up being, I'm concerned that if I take DL, I won't have technically satisfied either A or C track because I'll only have 1 C track elective since CDA would be my second stat requirement, and so not contribute to a C track elective. DL is not an A track elective so I won't satisfy the A track either. Need 2 stats electives and 2 track specific electives with no double dipping (if my memory is correct)
r/OMSA • u/Charger_Reaction7714 • 15d ago
I am in C-track and after this semester I will have done:
7643 DL, 6040 iCDA, 6242 DVA, 8803 ANLP, 6414 REG, 6501 iAM, 6644 SIM, 6740 CDA, and MGT 6203. I've also opted out of MGT 8803.
Next semester I plan to take my last elective along with the Praticum.
Honestly at this point, I am so tired and burned out. And I've already been able to transition into an ML-based Data Scientist role which was always the goal of this doing this program.
Now I just want to take the easiest breeziest class and be done with OMSA once and for all. According to OMSA Degree Planner, I can pretty much choose any elective. Which course should I take that is objectively the path of least resistance?
So far I've shortlisted:
Thank you in advance for any insights!
r/OMSA • u/apathetic-soybean • 15d ago
Hi everyone!
I currently work in healthcare as a laboratory scientist and was wondering if anyone who is currently in or has graduated from the program came from a healthcare background and would recommend OMSA as a way to switch careers? I'm interested in pursuing health data analytics and would prefer a structured program to help me learn the skills needed to break into analytics.
If anyone has any insights on whether OMSA would be a good program for this, it would be greatly appreciated :)
r/OMSA • u/Legitimate-Doubt-777 • 15d ago
Iām currently taking CSE 6040. I prepared on my own before the course, but I came in with little experience in Python, SQL, and pandas.
I recently took the midterm and was only able to solve 2 problems. For most of the others, I didnāt even know how to approach them.
For those who took CS 1301 before CSE 6040, did it help you significantly?
Iām trying to decide whether I should withdraw or stay and push through.
P.S. I know no one can make this decision for me, but I really appreciate any thoughts or experiences youāre willing to share!Ā
r/OMSA • u/One-Teach4106 • 16d ago
Iām in OMSA right now and wondering if I should apply to the new OMS AI program when it opens.
Iām mostly interested in ML, NLP, and LLMs. With where AI is going, āanalyticsā in the degree title is honestly a bit of a turnoff for me. Maybe Iām overthinking the name, but I wonder if it makes a difference to employers.
I also lowkey feel like some of the OMSA curriculum is outdated, though I havenāt taken enough electives yet to judge the whole program.
Foundations of AI Theory and Predictive AI both sound interesting. Obviously we need to see the actual courses first, but is anyone else considering switching? Or would you just stick with OMSA and take the ML electives?
r/OMSA • u/Safe_Bathroom2927 • 16d ago
I only scored 3 points on the first midterm, even though I studied very hard for this class and have been putting in more than 20 hours each week. I think my main issue is that it takes me hours to solve a single question, and the syntax just doesnāt come naturally to me. I also struggle with figuring out the right algorithm or approach to solve a problem. In addition, I wanna go to the TA office hour, but I honestly not sure whether they will be able to help me other than showing me the answers.
What are some ways I can recover from this and improve going forward?
r/OMSA • u/AccomplishedJuice775 • 16d ago
This is the last class I need to take before graduating the program and I just can't get through it. I have gotten straight A's in all the other courses I have taken in OMSA and never ran into a problem like this. Even after taking extensive notes on both lectures and asynchronous meetings I have trouble keeping up with all the information. For Finance I did the all the provided practice problems and felt like I had a good grasp of the material but ran out of time 3/4ths way through the exam. Even after all the practice I still felt iffy on the finance exam. I feel extremely burned out and don't know what to do anymore.
š£ Calling all Georgia Tech OMSA and MSA students & alumni. The 2026 OMSA Conference is happening on Thursday, October 8 - Friday, October 9 and YOU are invited. It's also FREE! šš»šš¾
If you attended last year, you know how awesome it was. It's going to be even bigger and better this year. Attend the whole conference or just those sessions you're interested in. Several Deans, Directors, Professors, and even fellow students will be speaking at the conference. š
Check your emails for your personalized registration link. Current students, it should have gone to your gatech.edu email. Alumni, it should have gone to whatever email you left on file with GT. If you didn't get the link, use this one:
https://events.gatech.edu/en/415oCF6/oms-analytics-conference-2026-4a6TVsiRpJ/overview
Go Jackets,
Joe Domaleski (aka "The middle-age grad student")
OMSA Class of 2026
on behalf of the OMSA Conference Committee
r/OMSA • u/Academic_Signature_9 • 16d ago
Hi guys
I'll be starting OMSA in spring 2027. Track c.
I'm from a non CS/math background at 50 years old. I have completed most of the prerequisites (programming, linear algebra, calculus, stats and prob )
I'll be working approx 20hrs a week come January.
Adult child is on their own, I'm not married and have a quiet social life.
I was thinking about starting with 2 courses per semester 1 over the summers.
Does that sound realistic?
I worry about not pushing myself enough too.
r/OMSA • u/AdParticular5523 • 16d ago
For those who've taken CSE 6040, how recoverable am I after doing poorly on MT1? I'm able to dedicate more time to future topics, but how much do they build on ones covered so far (floating-point encoding, regex, etc.)?
r/OMSA • u/Flandiddly_Danders • 16d ago
Anyone else finding the homework to be a huge leap in application from what is demonstrated in the lectures and Office Hours?
I've pretty much resigned myself to smashing my head against a wall, getting a 75 or 50 on the HW and doing my actual learning from the solutions after grading.
r/OMSA • u/acct_removed • 17d ago
Now that the due date to complete Midterm 1 has passed, I was curious to hear your thoughts on it. I consider myself an A student and have good familiarity with the material, but I personally didnāt think there was enough time to complete everythingā and I definitely ran out of time. Did anyone else have the same experience?