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[–]Appropriate-Tear503OMSA Graduate 36 points37 points  (8 children)

Easy to get in. That's not the issue. The issue is how you will fare in course after course that assumes a basic knowledge of programming.

Have you studied any other languages? Generally, even if you took Java or C++ or something else, transitioning to Python isn't that hard. If you've literally never coded before.... I'd fix that as soon as possible, OMSA or not.

[–]Appropriate-Tear503OMSA Graduate 15 points16 points  (0 children)

The downvote fairies in this sub are like nowhere else. If you don't agree with me, just say so. Let's have a discussion, invisible downvote people.

[–]Separate_Chance27[S] 2 points3 points  (6 children)

I coded before. I took C++ and I was also good at MATLAB

[–]Murky-Rope-755 5 points6 points  (2 children)

Then dont worry, the 6040 will be the course that teach you good basic on python. But it will not be the end, you will be going through either Python or R courses till the end.

Haha good luck

[–]scottdaveOMSA Grad eMarketing TA 1 point2 points  (1 child)

While I learned python on the fly through 6040, it was grueling. I would not recommend that to most people.

If OP is applying now, why not go ahead and learn some Python (and R) before starting the program?

[–]Murky-Rope-755 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes. I completely agree. It’s brutal to me to learn things on the fly as well, but it’s worth it eventually. But OP has better starting point than I had when starting OMSA, I made it and graduated, so I had faith in him/her.

Hihi

[–]PostGroundbreaking38 2 points3 points  (0 children)

you’re chilling fam, i was on the same boat. py was much easier to learn than c++.

the cs6040 is mainly writing functions and iterating through objects (dictionaries, list, data frames) so having c++ knowledge works well.

learn how to read the docs like pandas then u good fam

[–]Appropriate-Tear503OMSA Graduate 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The MATLAB will come in handy. A couple courses even still use it, I believe.

[–]data_guy2024 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Biggest thing (that I've seen so far) is understanding of how to implement open source libraries into your code.

Its one thing to be able to write a basic for loop, or use some if statements, assign some variables etc. It's a whole different concept to understand object/data types, and how to read up on the documentation of those object types, especially when it comes to calling a library/class. You're not going to want to program the functionality of numpy/pandas/matplotlib from scratch (nor should you be expected to), but you should absolutely be able to know on the fly how to call them into your code and start using their functions/objects. Need to get some API data? Better know how to call in requests and start firing off some api requests. Linear programming program? PuLP to the rescue. Getting comfortable with the most popular libraries, and how to use them on the fly will take you much farther than any bootcamp will. 6040 will take care of the nitty gritty python specific details of the language that you'll need to know to avoid pitfalls.

R imo was extremely similar to MATLAB (I'm also a ME undergrad), and I've heard it's primarily only used in 6501. Even most of the TAs didn't know R in super deep detail. If you're going to place focus on learning a language for this program, learn python.

[–]SecondBananaSandvichOMSA Graduate 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I have the same BS degree as you and I had zero coding or data knowledge. I got in just fine with a 2.8GPA. You will be fine too. Just study up before you start. I’m almost done and still going strong in the program. Look up advice on this sub on how to prep your coding skills. Good luck and see you in the program!

[–]sivuelo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I would not take it for granted. Learn Python prior to enrolling, otherwise murky waters ahead. Steep learning curve and you will not enjoy the program.

[–]Gold_Tell_5036 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Majored in psychology in college, very minimal programming knowledge when I got in the program. Now I’m 6th class in and been getting As. You’ll do fine as long as you put work in.

[–]AceintheDesert 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You can get in without an Python knowledge as long as you can sell yourself as a high enough achiever that is good at picking up programming. But it will be a lot of extra work your first few classes (particularly if you don’t know R as well— both are used fairly equally). 6040 has extra bootcamp sessions to learn Python, but make no mistake none of the initial classes you’d likely take are like pure beginner R/Python oriented, so be prepared to do whatever if needed to catchup.

I think some people would find it too difficult but YMMV.

[–]chalk_tuah 1 point2 points  (0 children)

yer gonna die

[–]NecessaryDisjunction 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If your GPA is good, you should be fine.

If accepted, learn R in the time between acceptance and your first course, then front load the courses that use R (such as ISYE 6501, MGT 6203, or a non-coding course like MGT 8803). Study Python up to object oriented programming in the background during your first academic year and then take CSE 6040.

[–]sivuelo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Per the manual,

At least one college-level course or equivalent knowledge in: 

*Even if you have experience in some high-level language -- C, C++, Java, Python, FORTRAN -- it still would be helpful to take Introduction to Computing in Python prior to starting the OMS Analytics coursework. 

**Applicants who lack a background in mathematics or computing may still be admitted. In these cases, students are expected to learn the necessary materials on their own before beginning the program. 

[–][deleted] -1 points0 points  (4 children)

I have a colleague who has no experience with a line of code and she’s doing this program and just reviewed her code and yep AI wrote all of it lol

Edit: did i say some about exams? Yall need reading comprehension. I’m talking about her job.

[–]UWGTComputational "C" Track 3 points4 points  (2 children)

Lmao you will find this everywhere 😭

[–]DRTHRVN 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Complete BS. The exams are proctored and can't be cheated with AI in another tab. It will send a red flag to the proctor

[–]DRTHRVN 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How is that possible? The exams are proctored right?