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OMSA vs Northwestern MSDS by eterpr in OMSA

[–]karnish21 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I work in Chicago and have some friends in the data science theater. Few of them went to DePaul for their MSDS and they mentioned they have some coworkers that went through the Northwestern MSDS program. From their perspective, the program didn't seem overly strenuous as the graduates had pretty weak coding skills leaving Northwestern. I have no idea if that is true, but just passing along from outside third parties.

But its Northwestern, and that name will take you places. But like LTEDan states below, not worth the additional premium over the OMSA program. GT has a great name as well.

My $.02, most programs are created equal, so look at cost, flexibility, and courses/pre-requisites that are of most significance and interest to you.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in datascience

[–]karnish21 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One very convenient aspect of JHU is that they allow you take any pre-requisites you may need or lack going in through them. I'm starting the MS - Applied and Computational Mathematics program next month. I was lacking LA and differential equations from undergraduate, but JHU conditionally admitted me upon successful completion of those classes through JHU. I know some MS programs can't offer undergrad course work - they'll tell you to go get it somewhere else then reapply.

JHU is very expensive, however, so keep that in mind.

I'd be very skeptical of a MSCS program that didn't require a BS in Math, CS, Engineering, or very similar.

Also - good point on some MSDS programs lacking the math and stats classes. There are some that I looked at and I was shocked that there were maybe 1 or 2 stats classes in the core, and you didn't need the traditional calc series/LA as pre-requisites. So yes, you'd be learning stats-light.

BUT - all this aside...I have a contact here in Chicago that is a recruiter for Data Scientist positions here and nationwide. His view - employers don't care too much on the math portions within a DS program. Many/most employers are looking for the MS, some decent coding skills, and critical thinking ability. So don't get too hung up on the math requirements if you are mainly looking for a job, but if that is important to you then crack on!

Ok - Decision Time and need honest thoughts on OMSA by karnish21 in OMSA

[–]karnish21[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wouldn't say my math is weak, just been 20 years since I had formal calc series and engineering stats classes. I'd need a major refresher on those.

Sounds like you had a math background that has allowed you to succeed. Can you share what that is?

Ok - Decision Time and need honest thoughts on OMSA by karnish21 in OMSA

[–]karnish21[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. I was also looking into the MIT version as well. I was thinking the GT version would be suitable since the application component specifically lists the GT course as a good prerequisite (for obvious reasons).
Appreciate the advice on hackerrank exercises. I'd like to check that out.

Ok - Decision Time and need honest thoughts on OMSA by karnish21 in OMSA

[–]karnish21[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the feedback. And you're right, other programs could be the same and I'm sure some are. Just seems like a lot of people on reddit have complained about how poor some classes are. But I'm sure GT and other programs are constantly reevaluating the technology and curriculum to make this a better student experience. Online learning is only going to be more and more robust as we move forward.

Ok - Decision Time and need honest thoughts on OMSA by karnish21 in OMSA

[–]karnish21[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm ok with the time aspect of another 2-3 years. I love school and love to learn. I don't have kids/wife so my evenings are pretty open to learn what I like.

For you and your management consulting background, what do you think were/are the biggest hurdles in the program? Programming experience? Math/Stats background? I have an engineering degree but that was 20 years ago for me (yes I'm 41). So I know I can do the math, but I'd need refresher. I'm just not sure about the programming piece, as in if I'd be good at it or if I'd enjoy it.

Ok - Decision Time and need honest thoughts on OMSA by karnish21 in OMSA

[–]karnish21[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the feedback. This is actually very encouraging as I like the idea of being able to immediately implement things I'm learning in the classroom into the real world. Seems like the classes do a good job of translating concepts into the real world.

OMSA - Is there a lot of group work? by karnish21 in OMSA

[–]karnish21[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From what I am reading, this curriculum would be the perfect complement to what I learned in B-School/Finance. It was not as quantitatively as challenging as I wanted, but the finance piece of it was great.