I appreciate the info; I’m looking at applying for this program spring 2022 with an undergrad in mathematics, some programming experience under my belt, but I definitely need to get up to speed
Im considering this, but the algorithms course scares me. I still have PTSD from taking it as an undergrad, and I got my bachelor’s more than 10 years ago.
What is the difference when you said i don't have Software development but IT experience instead? In India, IT engineers develop Application Software only
Thanks for the information. My undergrad was in mathematics with a concentration in computer science. I am interested in the machine learning specialization.
It seems that your prep advice is all coding-related. What about math, and CS theory introduced on an undergraduate CS degree? I am a self-taught Software Engineer with more than 1 year of full-time professional experience under my belt now. I am working as a .NET (C#) developer. However, I have a business degree, no CS classes whatsoever. Do you think I could manage and pull through?
Out of curiosity, did you have to take a course in Discrete Mathematics as a prerequisite prior to entering the program? What were their pre-requisite courses required as a hard requirement to enter the program? Thanks.
Just applied to OMSCS, this is my second time watching this video. I'm still hesitant about it since I've heard these stories about how the lectures are superficial and you're learning everything by yourself and sometimes you don't have a clue about how to do projects. However something is drawing me to the challenge and the prestige of the school.
Hey man please keep up these great videos. I have done some python courses, data structure, and algorithm and I know some JS . From your experience which should be my next pick in preparation for the program, C/C++ or JAVA known that I'm interested in ML. I would appreciate your answer
Will do! Thanks! This will some what depend on the specialization that you choose. You mentioned the ML spec, and most classes in ML will require you to complete projects using Python. Java would also be helpful and C/C++ are most heavily used in the Computing Systems spec because you take classes like Intro to Operating Systems, Advanced Operating Systems, and High Performance Computing. So from those three, I would probably say Java unless you intend to take courses like Operating Systems which will require you to know C.
Great advice! Though I am a bit confused, aren't introductory programming courses mandatory since they are part of the prereqs to get accepted into the OMCS program? Maybe it was different a few years ago, but as of this comment they recommend "documented experience" with the following in order to get accepted into the program: -The fundamentals of programming. -Object-oriented design principles such as encapsulation, abstraction, polymorphism, and inheritance. -Data structures such as lists, stacks, queues, trees, and hashmaps. -Algorithms such as AVL, MST, Dijkstra’s, and dynamic programming. I am currently enrolled to take Python Computer Science I, and plan to enroll in Python Data Structures , and Objects and Algorithms, Discrete Math, and Linear Algebra to qualify and prepare for OMCS, particularly for the Machine Learning specialization. For context, I already have some college-level math in my background (I took up to Calc 2 + a non-calc Business Statistics course).
Yes indeed, nowadays the requirements are different and more reguruous than say a year or two ago. This OMSCS degree keeps on getting tougher and tougher everyday, now it is very very very hard to get through it. That shows why this diploma weights the same value and curriculum as the one for the On-Campus students. (no difference)
What other second degree programs were you looking at? I am looking now and prefer online. I would not mind local program in SF/San Jose area but OMSCS seems really catered for second degree candidates
Hi Tony. Prior to being accepted to the OMSCS program I was in a different Master's program for Information System's and Tech Management. Like you, I also preferred online and wanted to switch to an online program. By chance I found an article about the OMSCS program. At the time (2015), there weren't really any other options for online CS programs (that I could find at least), so I wasn't looking at any other programs. I was pretty much set on attending the OMSCS program.
Hey man your story has been really inspiring. I think I would do one course per semester. How much time do you think I should estimate per week to do well in a course?
I learned those languages during the classes that required them. It was a steep learning curve but doable. I mostly just searched online (like stackoverflow) for resources to help me get comfortable with how to write in those languages. There was no single place that helped me learn those languages.
Operating systems knowledge wouldn't hurt to know but definitely isn't necessary. Background in linear algebra and statistics can definitely help you get through classes, especially ones in the machine learning specialization. I did not have a background in math and it made the program extremely difficult. So you don't need math but it definitely helps a lot
I have a bachelor + master degree in Finance with ~3.0 GPA. I am however a self-taught software engineer with ~2 years of full-time professional experience under my belt. I was thinking about doing a coursera course (I know it is not graded and not considered equal to a real class) in Discrete Mathematics, and then do the Data Structures and Algorithms MOCC that OMSCS recommends. Do you reckon I will get in? When I apply I should have around 2.5 - 3 years of experience at that point.
How is omsa different from omscs, I want to be a data scientist. Like that is the final goal and I looked through the curriculum for both . I am really confused and need help .
Hi Rhea! I am not very familiar with OMSA, but there is a dedicated Reddit Forum for both OMSA and OMSCS. I would ask the members of either of those forums, as there are a lot of active students in both forums and they would likely be able to provide more information than I could. Those Reddit forums are here: www.reddit.com/r/OMSCS/ www.reddit.com/r/OMSA/
Hi I got an offer for the OMSA. However, I have never taken a formal calculus class before. Do you think it is better to defer my entry and fill in those knowledge gaps?
Hello! So in my opinion I don't think you should defer entry to fill a gap in calculus. My highest math class was pre-calculus, and I was able to make it through the OMSCS program. However, I can only speak to my experience with OMSCS. I looked through the curriculum of the OMSA program, and OMSA courses may be more reliant on a formal background in math and less likely you could fill the knowledge gap while in the program. If possible, you may want to reach out to an OMSA current student or alumni to get another opinion!
You mentioned you failed your first semester. What did u Do differently and the subsequent semester is such that you were able to graduate with a 3.0? That is quite impressive to have two F’s and still average 3.0 required for graduation
Hi Angela, following my first failed semester, I no longer took two courses at a time. I also quickly adapted myself to be better at time management, which is crucial in the OMSCS program. Coming into the program, I heavily underestimated how much time per week I would need to dedicate to the program, and following the first semester I was much better about starting projects/HW early and consistently working on them everyday. Also, I want to mention that I actually graduated with a 2.9! It took three years to bring my GPA to a 2.9, and I submitted a petition to faculty requesting I be able to graduate under the 3.0 requirements, which got approved. If it hadn't, I would have had to take one more additional course and make an A in that course to meet the GPA requirement of 3.0.
@@tech_with_moss Did you work full time while taking the program? do you think 2 courses would have been okay for you if you didn't work at the same time?
I did work full-time during the program, and I definitely think 2 courses are much more manageable if you aren't working at the same time. I think two courses in the OMSCS program are going to average between 25 - 40 hours (unless you're extremely efficient) of studying per week, so it's basically like a second job.
I don't remember using any calculus in the program for the computing systems specialization. That might not be the case for other specializations though.
Thank you for the good video. I am a newly admitted student starting in 2021. I took introductory courses like C, C++, java, python, data structure, discrete math, graph theory, and some calculus courses. But I have never felt that I am truly ready for the program. What would like to recommend besides taking introductory courses at a local community college?
I'm glad you liked the video! To be honest, you sound more than prepared for the program from a technical perspective, based on the courses that you mentioned you have taken in preparation. I think the only one missing might be Linear Algebra. Lastly, the other thing that I would emphasize in your preparation is time management. OMSCS projects consume a lot of time, and besides having technical preparedness for the program, you must also be prepared for the time commitment and practice time management skills. This may not be something that you can start prior to beginning the program, but when you do start your OMSCS classes, start projects early and consistently spend some time on them everyday. I hope this helps!
@@tech_with_moss Thanks for the comment! I will keep in mind that I should be prepared for the time commitment that the program requires. And thanks again for the tips for time management skills. I took all those courses at a local community college and received A's. I did not mention Linear Algebra but took the course at the same local community college. I just wanted to be prepared as much as I could because I don't have a STEM bachelor degree.
I appreciate the info; I’m looking at applying for this program spring 2022 with an undergrad in mathematics, some programming experience under my belt, but I definitely need to get up to speed
You going from a BA in creative writing to a Msc in comp sci is inspiring.
Thank you for the video!! I am trying to apply for this program and I found your videos very helpful
Im considering this, but the algorithms course scares me. I still have PTSD from taking it as an undergrad, and I got my bachelor’s more than 10 years ago.
What is the difference when you said i don't have Software development but IT experience instead? In India, IT engineers develop Application Software only
Thanks for the information. My undergrad was in mathematics with a concentration in computer science. I am interested in the machine learning specialization.
It seems that your prep advice is all coding-related. What about math, and CS theory introduced on an undergraduate CS degree? I am a self-taught Software Engineer with more than 1 year of full-time professional experience under my belt now. I am working as a .NET (C#) developer. However, I have a business degree, no CS classes whatsoever. Do you think I could manage and pull through?
Out of curiosity, did you have to take a course in Discrete Mathematics as a prerequisite prior to entering the program? What were their pre-requisite courses required as a hard requirement to enter the program? Thanks.
Hey Moss, How are ya ? Good to see you on RUclips after 4 years.
Just applied to OMSCS, this is my second time watching this video. I'm still hesitant about it since I've heard these stories about how the lectures are superficial and you're learning everything by yourself and sometimes you don't have a clue about how to do projects. However something is drawing me to the challenge and the prestige of the school.
😊❤Awesome professional advice! 🎉Thank you so much!😅
Thanks so much for the kind words!
Hey man please keep up these great videos. I have done some python courses, data structure, and algorithm and I know some JS . From your experience which should be my next pick in preparation for the program, C/C++ or JAVA known that I'm interested in ML. I would appreciate your answer
Will do! Thanks! This will some what depend on the specialization that you choose. You mentioned the ML spec, and most classes in ML will require you to complete projects using Python. Java would also be helpful and C/C++ are most heavily used in the Computing Systems spec because you take classes like Intro to Operating Systems, Advanced Operating Systems, and High Performance Computing. So from those three, I would probably say Java unless you intend to take courses like Operating Systems which will require you to know C.
Great advice! Though I am a bit confused, aren't introductory programming courses mandatory since they are part of the prereqs to get accepted into the OMCS program? Maybe it was different a few years ago, but as of this comment they recommend "documented experience" with the following in order to get accepted into the program:
-The fundamentals of programming.
-Object-oriented design principles such as encapsulation, abstraction, polymorphism, and inheritance.
-Data structures such as lists, stacks, queues, trees, and hashmaps.
-Algorithms such as AVL, MST, Dijkstra’s, and dynamic programming.
I am currently enrolled to take Python Computer Science I, and plan to enroll in Python Data Structures , and Objects and Algorithms, Discrete Math, and Linear Algebra to qualify and prepare for OMCS, particularly for the Machine Learning specialization. For context, I already have some college-level math in my background (I took up to Calc 2 + a non-calc Business Statistics course).
Yes indeed, nowadays the requirements are different and more reguruous than say a year or two ago. This OMSCS degree keeps on getting tougher and tougher everyday, now it is very very very hard to get through it. That shows why this diploma weights the same value and curriculum as the one for the On-Campus students. (no difference)
OMSCS has prep courses on edX if your deficient in CS
Could you please tell what electives you chose each sem for computing systems specialization ? What are your recommendations
What other second degree programs were you looking at? I am looking now and prefer online. I would not mind local program in SF/San Jose area but OMSCS seems really catered for second degree candidates
Hi Tony. Prior to being accepted to the OMSCS program I was in a different Master's program for Information System's and Tech Management. Like you, I also preferred online and wanted to switch to an online program. By chance I found an article about the OMSCS program. At the time (2015), there weren't really any other options for online CS programs (that I could find at least), so I wasn't looking at any other programs. I was pretty much set on attending the OMSCS program.
Hey man your story has been really inspiring. I think I would do one course per semester. How much time do you think I should estimate per week to do well in a course?
Where did you learn C & C++ to do well in the classes that required you to use those languages? I hear those two are the hardest to learn.
I learned those languages during the classes that required them. It was a steep learning curve but doable. I mostly just searched online (like stackoverflow) for resources to help me get comfortable with how to write in those languages. There was no single place that helped me learn those languages.
Do you need any background in math (Linear algebra and statistics) or Operating Systems?
Operating systems knowledge wouldn't hurt to know but definitely isn't necessary. Background in linear algebra and statistics can definitely help you get through classes, especially ones in the machine learning specialization. I did not have a background in math and it made the program extremely difficult. So you don't need math but it definitely helps a lot
I have a puzzle of the painting on your wall. That is all.
Hey man what courses can you recommend for students who want to specialise in computer systems but do not have a strong background in computer science
I have a bachelor + master degree in Finance with ~3.0 GPA. I am however a self-taught software engineer with ~2 years of full-time professional experience under my belt. I was thinking about doing a coursera course (I know it is not graded and not considered equal to a real class) in Discrete Mathematics, and then do the Data Structures and Algorithms MOCC that OMSCS recommends. Do you reckon I will get in? When I apply I should have around 2.5 - 3 years of experience at that point.
How is omsa different from omscs, I want to be a data scientist. Like that is the final goal and I looked through the curriculum for both . I am really confused and need help .
Hi Rhea! I am not very familiar with OMSA, but there is a dedicated Reddit Forum for both OMSA and OMSCS. I would ask the members of either of those forums, as there are a lot of active students in both forums and they would likely be able to provide more information than I could. Those Reddit forums are here:
www.reddit.com/r/OMSCS/
www.reddit.com/r/OMSA/
@@tech_with_moss thank you
How do you compare GT's OMCS and UChicago's MPCS?
Great video
Great Video! informative.
Hi I got an offer for the OMSA. However, I have never taken a formal calculus class before. Do you think it is better to defer my entry and fill in those knowledge gaps?
Hello! So in my opinion I don't think you should defer entry to fill a gap in calculus. My highest math class was pre-calculus, and I was able to make it through the OMSCS program. However, I can only speak to my experience with OMSCS. I looked through the curriculum of the OMSA program, and OMSA courses may be more reliant on a formal background in math and less likely you could fill the knowledge gap while in the program. If possible, you may want to reach out to an OMSA current student or alumni to get another opinion!
You mentioned you failed your first semester. What did u Do differently and the subsequent semester is such that you were able to graduate with a 3.0? That is quite impressive to have two F’s and still average 3.0 required for graduation
Hi Angela, following my first failed semester, I no longer took two courses at a time. I also quickly adapted myself to be better at time management, which is crucial in the OMSCS program. Coming into the program, I heavily underestimated how much time per week I would need to dedicate to the program, and following the first semester I was much better about starting projects/HW early and consistently working on them everyday.
Also, I want to mention that I actually graduated with a 2.9! It took three years to bring my GPA to a 2.9, and I submitted a petition to faculty requesting I be able to graduate under the 3.0 requirements, which got approved. If it hadn't, I would have had to take one more additional course and make an A in that course to meet the GPA requirement of 3.0.
@@tech_with_moss Did you work full time while taking the program? do you think 2 courses would have been okay for you if you didn't work at the same time?
I did work full-time during the program, and I definitely think 2 courses are much more manageable if you aren't working at the same time. I think two courses in the OMSCS program are going to average between 25 - 40 hours (unless you're extremely efficient) of studying per week, so it's basically like a second job.
@@justStardust940 DONT take two at a time unless a certified machochist
@@nikhillokhande7390 even without a job at the same time?
How much calculus is needed or was used in program?
I don't remember using any calculus in the program for the computing systems specialization. That might not be the case for other specializations though.
Thank you for the good video. I am a newly admitted student starting in 2021. I took introductory courses like C, C++, java, python, data structure, discrete math, graph theory, and some calculus courses. But I have never felt that I am truly ready for the program. What would like to recommend besides taking introductory courses at a local community college?
I'm glad you liked the video! To be honest, you sound more than prepared for the program from a technical perspective, based on the courses that you mentioned you have taken in preparation. I think the only one missing might be Linear Algebra. Lastly, the other thing that I would emphasize in your preparation is time management. OMSCS projects consume a lot of time, and besides having technical preparedness for the program, you must also be prepared for the time commitment and practice time management skills. This may not be something that you can start prior to beginning the program, but when you do start your OMSCS classes, start projects early and consistently spend some time on them everyday. I hope this helps!
@@tech_with_moss Thanks for the comment! I will keep in mind that I should be prepared for the time commitment that the program requires. And thanks again for the tips for time management skills. I took all those courses at a local community college and received A's. I did not mention Linear Algebra but took the course at the same local community college. I just wanted to be prepared as much as I could because I don't have a STEM bachelor degree.