Online

Master of Science
in Analytics
Spring 2019
Welcome
Welcome to the Online Master of Science in Analytics program for Spring 2019. We’re
excited you’re joining the program and want to do everything we can to help you
sharpen your edge and advance your career.

You probably have many questions about what to expect during this online master’s
degree program. This packet provides information that will help you navigate everything
from class enrollment to how to set up your accounts. It also explains many of the
resources available to you and provides an overview of Georgia Tech’s Honor Code
Policies.

After you review this information, please keep it handy. You will need to reference it
periodically during your time in the program.

Lastly, thanks for trusting us to offer the skills necessary to help you deliver a command
performance. We’ll do everything we can to carry out that promise.

Best regards,

OMS Analytics Student Services Team

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Table of Contents

Activating Your Student Account & GT Email............................................. 4

Email Access........................................................................................... 13
The Registration Process ........................................................................ 14
Adding and Dropping Courses................................................................. 16
Critical Dates........................................................................................... 16
BuzzPort Campus Portal ......................................................................... 16
Video Conferencing................................................................................. 17
Tuition and Fee Payments....................................................................... 17
Other Resources ..................................................................................... 18
Honor Code Policies................................................................................ 18
Technology Requirements....................................................................... 22
Support and Questions............................................................................ 22
Campus Contacts.................................................................................... 22

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 Activating Your Student Account & GT Email

As a degree-seeking student, you’re required to activate your Office of

Information Technology (OIT) account. This account provides email and access to
many GT computing services. The GT email account is the primary method the Institute
uses for communicating with students. The Institute expects students to check this
email regularly. The same username/password will allow you to log into BuzzPort.

To activate your student account:

1. Go to passport.gatech.edu.
2. When the screen below appears, click on the "I need to activate my GT
account" link.

3. On the next page, it will ask for your relationship to Georgia Tech. Click on
“Students”.

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4. Enter your first name, last name, and your birthdate. Then click “Lookup”. You
may leave the gtID number blank if you don’t know it.

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5. The system will display results based on the information you entered. Choose
the account that belongs to you.

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6. After claiming your account, you must finish setting it up. To do so, confirm your
identity through the phone number or email address that you used when you
applied for the degree program.

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7. After you receive the pin via phone or email, enter it on the website.

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8. Next, confirm the last four digits of your Social Security Number.

9. You will then be asked to confirm your date of birth again.

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10. Once you successfully confirm ownership of your account, you’ll create a password for
it. Pay special attention to the character requirements and suggestions.

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11. After you create your password, the system will prompt you to set up 3 password hint
questions. You may choose to answer pre-written questions or create your own. After
completing all 3, click “Set Hints.”

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12. The final step is setting your email preferences. You may customize your email
address or leave the space blank, which allows the system to create your email
address. You aren’t allowed to forward your incoming email messages to another
email address at this time.

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 13. Once you successfully complete the activation process, you’ll see the page below.
It will show your username. Make sure you remember this or write this down.
You’ll need your username and your password to access your Georgia Tech
platforms. If you chose to let the system create your email address, it will be
username@gatech.edu

Email Access

You may now access your email account by going to https://mail.gatech.edu. Enter
your GT user name and password.

Your GT email is the official email for all students, faculty and staff and will be the only
email address used to communicate beginning January 11th.

If you ever go more than three months without using your GT email account, you’ll need
to contact Office of Information Technology at (404) 894-7173 to reset your password.

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 The Registration Process

Students must register and drop courses through the online Georgia Tech registration
system.

We’ll offer the following courses your first semester:

• CS 6400 - Database Systems Concepts and Design (CRN 29604)

• CS 7641 - Machine Learning (CRN 29605)
• CSE 6040 - Computing for Data Analysis (CRN 29606) – foundational course
• CSE 6242 - Data and Visual Analytics (CRN 29608)
• CSE 6250 - Big Data Analytics in Healthcare (CRN 31558)
• CSE 6748 - Applied Analytics Practicum (CRN 31559)
• ISYE 6402 - Time Series Analysis (CRN 29577)
• ISYE 6414 - Regression Analysis (CRN 29579)
• ISYE 6420 - Bayesian Statistics (CRN 31525)
• ISYE 6501 - Introduction to Analytics Modeling (CRN 29578) – foundational course
• ISYE 6644 - Simulation (CRN 29580)
• ISYE 6669 - Deterministic Optimization (CRN 29581)
• ISYE 6748 - Applied Analytics Practicum (CRN 31527)
• ISYE 8803 - Topics on High-Dimensional Data Analytics (CRN 31528)
• MGT 6203 - Data Analytics in Business (CRN 31607)
• MGT 6311 - Digital Marketing (CRN 31608)
• MGT 6748 - Applied Analytics Practicum (CRN 31610)
• MGT 8803 - Business Fundamentals for Analytics (CRN 29600) – foundational
course
• MGT 8813 - Financial Modeling (CRN 31615)
• MGT 8823 - Data Analysis for Continuous Improvement (CRN 31616)

The registration period (Phase II) for incoming students begins Thursday, Jan. 3rd.

Each semester, students are assigned a specific period of time during which they can
register for courses. (We call this your time ticket.) Time tickets are available a few days
prior to registration.

We recommend registering as soon as possible once your time ticket opens to ensure
you’re able to access all your course materials Monday, Jan. 7th. In addition, this will
give you more time to review the course schedule and syllabus in Canvas.

The instructions below will help you to navigate the registration process. You also can
access them via the Registrar’s website.

• Once your time ticket is open, you’ll be able to select the "Add/Drop Classes"
option on the Registration Menu (see instructions below.) Use this option to add
or remove classes for the selected term.
• Classes you’ve already enrolled in will appear in the "Class Registered
Successfully" section.

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 • You can add additional classes by entering the course reference number
(CRN) in the "Add Class" table.
• To remove a class, use the pull-down box next to the desired course. Once you
complete your additions/removals, press the “Submit Changes” button.
• You may view a list of available courses by pressing the “Class Search” button
to review the class schedule. Using “Class Search” will display sections that meet
your specified criteria.
• If you’d like to register for a section, click the box next to the desired course. If
the section is closed, a "C" will appear to the left of the CRN instead of a box.
After you select the desired course(s), you may either add them to the worksheet
or submit them for registration.
• Once you’ve registered for one or more classes, your current schedule will
appear. Any courses you requested, but didn’t successfully register for, will
appear in a list below with an error message. Registration error messages are
clearly marked with a stop sign; the status indicates the reason the class was not
scheduled.
• When your registration is complete, you may view your schedule by using the
“Student Detail Schedule” option (shows day, time, location, instructor, credit,
etc.) on the Registration Menu.
• It’s your responsibility to print a copy of your schedule and ensure you’re properly
registered by the end of the enrollment period. Please also note the Fee
Payment Deadline listed below under Critical Dates.
• You can only add and/or drop courses during the timeframe listed on your time
ticket.

Course Selection and Course Load

• If you’ll have a full-time job while pursuing your OMS Analytics degree:
o Take one to two courses per semester, which is considered standard
part-time, until you complete at least two foundational courses: CSE
6040 and ISYE 6501.
o After you complete at least two foundational courses, you can take one
to two courses (considered standard part-time) or three courses
(considered accelerated/intensive part-time.)
o In the first year, you should take at least two foundational courses.
• If you aren’t currently working or your job is part-time:
o You can take up to five courses per semester (considered standard
full-time study.) Four courses per semester is considered slower full-
time; three courses is considered accelerated/intensive part-time; and
one to two courses is considered standard part-time study.
o Be aware that five courses per semester can be an overwhelming
course load if you have other significant demands on your time.
o If you’re taking four or five courses per semester, you should take both
CSE 6040 and ISYE 6501 in your first semester.
o In the first year, you should take at least two foundational courses.

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Keep in mind each OMS Analytics course is just as rigorous, challenging and time-
consuming as its on-campus equivalent.

Adding and Dropping Courses

You’ll need a Georgia Tech student account to register for your courses. If you haven’t
created one yet, please follow the instructions in the Activating Your Student Account
section (next page.) Then proceed with the following process to register for your
courses:

1. Log into BuzzPort

2. On the Home tab, locate the "Registration and Student Services" channel
3. Select the "Registration - OSCAR" link
4. Select "Student Services & Financial Aid"
5. Select "Registration"
6. Select "Add/Drop Classes"
7. Select “Spring 2019” from the drop-down box

Critical Dates
• Registration time tickets issued – before January 3rd
• Registration opens – January 3rd
• First day of classes – January 7th
• Opportunity to drop/add courses ends – January 11th at 4 p.m. Eastern Time
• Tuition payment deadline – January 14th at 4 p.m. Eastern Time
• Withdrawal deadline – March 13th at 4 p.m. Eastern Time

BuzzPort Campus Portal

The Georgia Tech Campus Portal, http://buzzport.gatech.edu, can help you interact
more effectively with Georgia Tech services as well as campus colleagues. It integrates
and organizes online communications and resources that you can use in everyday
tasks, such as accessing class schedules and online course materials. In addition, you
can customize BuzzPort to your individual needs by adding: news coverage, reminders,
chat rooms, and study groups. You also can create a personal workspace through a
secure connection from anywhere on the Internet.

To access BuzzPort:

• Go to http://buzzport.gatech.edu.
• Enter the username and password you previously created.
• Select “Student Resources”
• Click on “My Courses”
• Press “Enter”

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 • A list of courses will appear. When you select a course, a student list should
appear.
o To send an email to all of the students taking that class, create your email
message, press “Select All,” and click “Compose.”
o If you want to send a message to an individual student, select the
individual student’s name and click “Compose.”

Video Conferencing

Blue Jeans

Blue Jeans is the interactive, online meeting tool you’ll use to join live sessions and
collaborate with your colleagues. All Georgia Tech students have free Blue Jeans
accounts.

You can access Blue Jeans by visiting http://bluejeans.gatech.edu/ and clicking on

“Login to BlueJeans.” This webpage also contains information to help you get started,
including: FAQs, conferencing etiquette, technical requirements, and other tips. If you
encounter any problems using this system, please call the Blue Jeans Support Team at
408-698-8198.

WebEx

Cisco WebEx is an online collaboration platform that facilitates on-demand, real-time,

collaborative web meetings and conferencing. All Georgia Tech students have access
to it.

To use WebEx, visit http://webex.gatech.edu/ and click on “Login to WebEx”. This

webpage also contains information, such as: FAQs, conferencing etiquette, technical
requirements, and other tips. If you have any problems using WebEx, please contact
their technical support team:

• Support via the Web: https://collaborationhelp.cisco.com/contact

• Phone support for those in the U.S. or Canada: 1-866-229-3239
• Phone support for those in other parts of the world: +1 916-636-9000

Tuition and Fee Payments

The Bursar’s office handles all payments and refunds of tuition and fees.

If you need information about a refund, the refund calendars they post online usually
contain the details you need. Dropping a class doesn’t always result in a refund, so read
the refund policy carefully. (The policies are listed on the refunds calendar page. Here’s
the refund schedule for Spring 2019.)

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For tuition receipts, email the Bursar’s office at Bursar.Ask@business.gatech.edu.
Please include: your name, gtID#, semester, and how you want your tuition receipt to be
sent (i.e., via mail or fax.)

If your employer will pay your tuition directly to the Institute, there’s an option to set up a
Third-Party Billing Contract. Details about that process are available on Georgia Tech’s
Third-Party Billing webpage.

Other Resources

Additional ways in which you may need to use your Georgia Tech account username
and password include, but are not limited to:

• Accessing the Office 365 online suite

• Obtaining free software downloads
• Accessing the online campus Library database
• Accessing Lynda, an online library of high-quality instructional videos on the
latest software tools and skills

Honor Code Policies

Institute policies that pertain to graduate students are posted in the General Catalog
under the "Information for Graduate Students" and "Rules and Regulations". Please
familiarize yourself with the degree requirements, intellectual property rights, scholastic
regulations, and other general policies. See the General Catalog for more details.

Academic Honor Code

Article I: Honor Agreement

Having read the Georgia Institute of Technology Academic Honor code, I understand
and accept my responsibility as a member of the Georgia Tech community to uphold the
Honor Code at all times. In addition, I understand my options for reporting honor
violations as detailed in the code.

Article II: Honor Code

Section 1. Statement of Purpose

The members of the Georgia Tech community believe the fundamental objective of the
Institute is to provide the students with a high-quality education while developing in
them a sense of ethics and social responsibility. We believe that trust is an integral part
of the learning process and that self-discipline is necessary in this pursuit. We also
believe that any instance of dishonesty hurts the entire community. It is with this in mind

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that we have set forth a Student Honor Code at Georgia Tech.

Section 2. Objectives

An Honor Code at Georgia Tech aims to cultivate a community based on trust,

academic integrity, and honor. It specifically aims to accomplish the following:

• Ensure that students, faculty, and administrators understand that the

responsibility for upholding academic honesty at Georgia Tech lies with them.
• Prevent any students from gaining an unfair advantage over other students
through academic misconduct.
• Ensure that students understand that academic dishonesty is a violation of the
profound trust of the entire academic community.
• Clarify what constitutes academic misconduct among students at Georgia
Tech and what is expected of them by the Institute, the faculty, and their
peers.
• Cultivate an environment at Georgia Tech where academic dishonesty is not
tolerated among the students.
• Secure a centralized system of education and awareness of the Honor Code.

Section 3. Student Responsibilities

Students are expected to act according to the highest ethical standards. The immediate
objective of an Honor Code is to prevent any students from gaining an unfair advantage
over other students through academic misconduct. Academic misconduct is any act that
does or could improperly distort student grades or other student academic records.
Such acts include, but need not be limited to, the following:
• Possessing, using or exchanging improperly acquired written or verbal
information in the preparation of any essay, laboratory report, examination or
other assignment included in an academic course.
• Substitution for, or unauthorized collaboration with, a student in the
commission of academic requirements.
• Submission of material that is wholly or substantially identical to that created
or published by another person or persons, without adequate credit notations
indicating authorship (i.e., plagiarism.)
• False claims of performance or work that has been submitted by the claimant.
• Alteration or insertion of any academic grade or rating so as to obtain
unearned academic credit.
• Deliberate falsification of a written or verbal statement of fact to a member of
the faculty so as to obtain unearned academic credit.
• Forgery, alteration or misuse of any Institute document relating to the
academic status of the student.

While these acts constitute assured instances of academic misconduct, other acts of
academic misconduct may be defined by the professor.

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 Appendix A: Graduate Addendum to the Academic Honor Code

I. Preamble

The Honor Code recognizes that graduate students are involved in research and
scholarly activities that occur outside the classroom. Integrity and academic honesty are
as fundamental to research and scholarly activity as they are to classroom activity.
Therefore, this Appendix to the Academic Honor Code is adopted to pertain to the
academic activities of graduate Students that occur outside of the classroom.

II. Scholarly Misconduct

Scholarly misconduct refers to misconduct which occurs in research and scholarly

activities outside of the classroom. It can include plagiarism, among other things. The
consequences of scholarly misconduct are governed by Institute Policy. The following
definitions are taken from the Institute Policy on Scholarly Misconduct:

"Misconduct" or "scholarly misconduct" is the fabrication of data, plagiarism, or other

practice that seriously deviates from those that are commonly accepted within the
academic or research community for proposing, conducting, or reporting research or
scholarly activity. It does not include honest error or honest differences in interpretation
or judgments of data.

"Plagiarism" is the act of appropriating the literary composition of another, or parts of

passages of his or her writings, or language or ideas of the same, and passing them off
as the product of one's own mind. It involves the deliberate use of any outside source
without proper acknowledgment. Plagiarism is scholarly misconduct, whether it occurs
in any work, published or unpublished, or in any application for funding.

Allegations involving scholarly misconduct fall under the Institute's Policy on Scholarly
Misconduct. This document details the procedures involved with reporting allegations
and with the handling of cases. All graduate Students are encouraged to become
familiar with this policy, which is available from the Office of the Provost.

For more information, see the campus Honor Code.

Educational Rights and Privacy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights
with respect to their education records. You can review the details of these rights and
other information related to FERPA in the 2018-2019 Catalog.

In keeping with these guidelines, "directory information" is data not generally considered
harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. Since Nov. 1, 2009, the Georgia Institute
of Technology has considered the following information to be directory information:

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 • Name, address (including GT email address), and telephone listing
• Level (graduate or undergraduate)
• Field of study
• Enrollment status (full-time, part-time, less than part-time)
• Dates of attendance
• Degrees with associated honors and designations, and date(s) awarded
• Anticipated date of graduation

Directory information cannot include Social Security Numbers.

If you wish to prohibit the release of your directory information, you can review the
options students have on the Registrar's confidentiality webpage.

Institute Degree Requirements

The OMS Analytics degree requires 15 hours of core coursework on: big data analytics
in business, visual analytics, computing, statistics and operations research essentials.

An additional 15 hours of electives offer the flexibility to concentrate on specific areas of

interest within the analytics discipline. There are three focus areas available:

• Analytical Tools track – focuses on quantitative methodology: how to select,

build, solve and analyze models using methodology, regression, forecasting,
data mining, machine learning, optimization, stochastics and simulation.

• Computational Data Analytics track – explores a deeper understanding of big

data including: how to acquire, preprocess, store, manage, analyze and visualize
large datasets.

• Business Analytics track – provides a deeper comprehension of using

analytics in business and industry: how to understand, frame and solve problems
in marketing, operations, finance, management of information technology, human
resources, and accounting to develop and execute analytics projects within
businesses.

Six-Hour Practicum

The 6-hour practicum is a practical analytics experience that enables you to apply
previously learned concepts and classroom teachings to a project of significant
interest, either within your current organization or within a partner company
(partnering companies pre-determine their projects). The objective of the practicum
is to properly define and scope the analytics project, apply appropriate
methodologies, create value, manage the project, and provide results in writing.

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The practicum project can be an internship or work you do for your current
employer. If either apply, you still must register for (and fulfill the requirements of)
the Applied Analytics Practicum course within the semester you are doing the
project work.

The prerequisites for registration are completion of at least eight courses, including
Data and Visual Analytics (CSE 6242) and Data Analytics in Business (MGT 6203)
prior to (not concurrent with) the practicum.

Other Policies and Resources

For more details on all the policies and resources you should be familiar with as a new
Georgia Tech graduate student, please review the Graduate Student Handbook as well
as the Graduate section of the 2018-2019 Catalog.

Technology Requirements

The Essential Resources section of the OMS Analytics overview page details the
current requirements for all student technology needs.

Support and Questions

Contact the OMS Analytics advisors at omsanalytics@gatech.edu to address technical

or program-related questions including:

• registering for a course

• viewing your lectures
• activating your GT account

Campus Contacts

• Georgia Tech Bookstore: http://gatech.bncollege.com/

• Registrar’s Office: (404) 894-4150 or www.registrar.gatech.edu
• Graduate Admissions: (404) 894-1610 or www.gradadmiss.gatech.edu
• Financial Aid: (404) 894-4160 or www.finaid.gatech.edu
• Bursar’s Office: 404-894-4618 or www.bursar.gatech.edu
• For tuition receipts, please contact the Bursar’s office at
Bursar.Ask@business.gatech.edu
• BuzzPort: http://buzzport.gatech.edu

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