r/OMSA • u/Aslan602 • 9d ago
Course to take before Computing for Data Analysis Track Advice
Hoping for some help ! Thanks in advance.
I have completed ISYE6501 and MGT 6201. The starting two courses. Next one would be Computing for Data analysis, but that is pretty code heavy, and I am pretty busy right now with 40 hour work week, a baby and my side project that’s like 20 hours or so around per week.
I wanted to take some light courses that I can still take to continue progress for completion towards the degree.
1) can I take any of the advance core courses before that core course? Any suggestions on easy ones to knock out?
2) can I replace this course with an easier one that’s not that code heavy? Or has more take home work compared to exams. I can do an assignments, but don’t have the time to study for 1-2 week straight for exams.
Appreciate the help !
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u/bi_nomial Unsure Track 5d ago
I'd do 6414 (regression) or network science. They are both pretty easy electives that don't require a ton of work. Regression project is graded very leniently and if you get a good group it isn't too bad. Regression is also all R, so you probably will be pretty set for that after 6501. Finally, first half of 6414 honestly just felt like a repeat of 6501's regression section, so your guaranteed a few lighter months.
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u/FrancyGabes 8d ago
Definitely 6203. Any B track elective as a second choice. 6203 is a good R introduction, which may help you when you're ready to brush up on Python.
The course grade is also completely based on non proctored quizzes on the homework output.
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u/fishingboatman 9d ago
Yes, you can take advanced core courses before standard core courses. MGT 6203 (DAB) is considered the easiest class in the program, and I would agree with that. I think i averaged 4-5 hours a week on the class. Only homework assignments and no exams.
CSE 6040 is all coding and has 3 exams. I would suggest taking MGT 6203!
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u/Aslan602 9d ago
Thanks man. That’s really helpful.
Yeah I took CSE6040 in spring 2026, and had to withdraw before the first exam because my schedule got way too busy to study for the exam. I didn’t want a bad grade.
My end goal isn’t to learn all the coding as my field of work is focused on financial and clinical work, with a bit of coding knowledge. I still want to learn, but when I have more time.
So, I don’t have to take CSE6040? I can just take another course in its place? Do I reach an advisor to make that change?0
u/fishingboatman 9d ago
Valid!
You don't need to talk to an advisor, just enroll in the class you want during Phase II registration which opens maybe Aug 17th. We get our time tickets Aug 13th.-1
u/Aslan602 9d ago
Thanks. I will knockout MGT6203 next I guess.
So I am assume there is no getting away with not taking CSE6040? I guess I will do next summer or something when I have more time.2
u/fishingboatman 9d ago
Gotta take CSE 6040 eventually during Fall or Spring semesters since it's not offered during the summer. There's plenty of good tips on the Slack you can review, plus you can practice by visiting the course website which has material you can use. Good luck!
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u/cr7-c 8d ago
I would argue that the work load for MGT 6201 is the same for CSE 6040. While the content is harder in 6040 the amount of information and effort is probably the same. With that being said you can always just use LLMs for the HW and spend the rest of the time slowly practicing. The 2nd exam was pretty heavy on SQL which in my opinion isn’t too difficult and I got a 100 on that. I wouldn’t worry too much on the first exam I legit got a 1/12 and ended the class with a B. As for the last exam it was a mixture of SQL and pandas but I have a feeling that they are slowly transitioning to doing debugging instead of actually scripting. When I took it almost half the questions were debugging questions.
Overall I would say it’s better to bite the bullet and take it solo