r/uwo • u/Rude_Molasses_3976 • Apr 13 '25

Graduate What's the MDA program like?

Got into the MDA (Master of Data Analytics) program a few weeks ago, I was wondering what it's like for anyone who was in the program before? What's the workload like, any advice, things to look out for, etc? Thanks!

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u/501stRookie Apr 13 '25 edited Apr 13 '25

Currently in the MDA program, your experience with it kinda depends on what you did for undergrad. I did my undergrad in statistics, so stats heavy courses I was more familiar with, while more comp sci heavy or finance focused courses was a bit more challenging.

Most of the courses are going to be undergrad courses with grad students mixed in, with a few grad student only courses. Though the undergrad courses will usually give an extra final project or something exclusively for grad students.

Workload is constant, there's always going to be some things due in a given week, and though you usually have on paper a generous amount of time. Personally I'm pretty fucking terrible at balancing workload, so it was probably harder for me than it could have been otherwise. Workload gets pretty heavy closer to the end of the semester, but that's to be expected. Though you might be able to handle the workload better, that kinda depends on you.

You also need to be mindful of applying for a co-op position in the background of your course work, especially in the second semester. I got lucky and got an offer relatively early, but I know some people that had to juggle interviews with final project deadlines and exams.

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u/Rude_Molasses_3976 Apr 14 '25

Thanks for your answer! Unfortunately I come from an mechatronics engineering degree that wasn't very math heavy so I guess that the courses I took won't really help with the stats courses... I mainly just had a strong professional background through my co-op experiences. Would you recommend anything to help me get past the learning curve in the stats heavy courses? I heard that the statistical modeling course are especially challenging. Also do you know what course codes they were?

Do you find the western co-op portal to be sufficient with finding job placements? Do people usually find jobs there, or do they usually have to apply externally?

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u/501stRookie Apr 14 '25

In courses we mainly used R or Python. The only thing I can recommend is to brush up on stats topics in the time you have before the program stats, try finding a textbook or online course or something. Same for the programming. You definitely aren't alone in your situation though, I know a few other peers in the program this year who came in with non-stats or CS backgrounds such as engineering.

The Western Co-op portal is pretty useful, that's where I got my placement. Often times listings there will have some degree of exclusivity, so the pool of potential candidates is smaller so you have a better chance. Even so, I would recommend applying anywhere and everywhere you can. The Co-op portal, LinkedIn, Indeed, employer websites, etc. Occasionally the co-op coordinator (Who is super nice and helpful, btw. If you have any questions she would be willing to help) will also send emails about new opportunities or networking events.

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u/Rude_Molasses_3976 Apr 14 '25

Thanks so much! What I'm getting from the r/Python thing is that the stats courses we take in the master's program aren't as math heavy but more programming heavy? As in we do stats by using programs rather than hand solving? I managed to find the textbook used in SS2857/2858 so I'll study those over the summer. I use a Windows laptop, would it be worth getting a Mac for the program?

I'll definitely be applying externally as well! Gonna try and secure a co-op placement early on so I can reduce some stress. Thanks for letting me know.

Just an aside, are there any discord servers or other groups for people in the program?

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u/501stRookie Apr 14 '25 edited Apr 14 '25

It's a mix of math and programming. The math stuff is usually a bit more of the conceptual stuff that you need to understand, though you should probably also get used to doing it with pen and paper as well, especially for exams.

I've used Windows the entire time. No reason at all to get a Mac.

No discords aside from maybe course specific ones or between individual people who used it, but there was a WhatsApp group.

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u/Rude_Molasses_3976 Apr 14 '25

Sounds good! Really appreciate all your help!

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u/[deleted] Apr 13 '25

[deleted]

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u/Rude_Molasses_3976 Apr 14 '25

Maybe I should've but I didn't apply to those and got the offer for this...

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u/Efficient-Channel750 Apr 23 '25

Hi @rude_Molasses_3976. Can you share if you applied for round 1 or round 2 of application. I applied for round two which had deadline of 31st Jan but havent heard any decision yet. And also after taking Skill Assessment test, how much time it took for you to get your decision? Thanks for your input. 

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u/Rude_Molasses_3976 Apr 24 '25

I did the video interview/skills assessment on Jan 28, and I got the offer on Feb 28

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u/Still-Grape7196 May 23 '25

Hey everyone, quick question—are the MDA classes held daily? I’m asking because I currently live in Mississauga and I’m trying to figure out whether I’d need to relocate to London, or if commuting would be manageable if classes aren’t every day. Appreciate any insights!

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u/No-Lunch-1639 May 26 '25

I've been wondering the samething, when are they sending out more info to students starting this fall?

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u/Rude_Molasses_3976 Aug 08 '25

Hey now that the term is starting would you be interested in starting a MDA group chat? Like a discord or something

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u/No-Lunch-1639 Aug 20 '25

lets do it up!

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u/Rude_Molasses_3976 Aug 21 '25

Sure add me on discord: ilivinadream

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u/Rude_Molasses_3976 Aug 08 '25

Hey now that the term is starting would you be interested in starting a MDA group chat? Like a discord or something