Hi All I’m currently working on a BS in Liberal Studies with a concentration in CIS at Excelsior College. While I’m still a few months away from graduation I’d like to start looking at some graduate programs. I’m looking primarily at the IT area right now. The program that sticks out the most to me is the MS IT at Aspen University . The features I like about the program are Cost Acceptance of MCSE for 9 credit hours The ability to test out of up to 9 additional credit hours Both Interactive and Independent learning options. I’d like to know if any of you have attended Aspen, and if so what you thought about it. I’m also interested in looking into similar programs at other colleges if anyone is aware of them. The one similar program I’ve seen is the various MS programs at Charles Stuart www.itmasters.com.au. I’d prefer to go with a program in the US. Also, Charles Stuart no longer accepts the MCSE 2000 for credit so I’d have to start all over on those exams if I were to go that direction.http://www.aspen.edu/programs/msit.htm I am interested in the area of management as well and would consider a MS in Management or MBA down the road. I feel getting a MS in IT or related area would have the largest and quickest impact on my current career. I have searched the board for various Aspen threads and most, it not all, seemed positive.
I took two courses in Aspen’s MBA program and then transferred to a regionally accredited school. The program was all right. It was all a mater of what you put into it. Though, they have had considerable turn over with staff and faculty. In fact, in one course the instructor left halfway through the course and did not forward assignments I had submitted to the institution or new instructor. I was allowed to resubmit them to the new instructor but it took longer than I would have liked to straighten out and receive my grade.
I have the MSIT from ISIM (the previous name of Aspen). Good program, but it IS DETC. The Federal govt and business should be fine with it - AND Aspen has an articulation agreement with Capella should you want to continue.
Thanks both for the info. I also noticed Aspen requires three letters of referance. Was that required when you went? Do you know exactly what they're looking for?
Thanks Jim. What relationship did you have with the people you got your referances from? I'm sure I'd have no problem getting three from managers/co-wokers at my job, but I don't know that I'd necessarily find anyone from the educational side of things to give me one (since most of my credits are from tests I really have had few instructors). Also another question on the program. I've read that a proctored exam is required at the end of the course. I have no problems taking a proctored exam but I am curious as to the content. Was it over a specific course, set of courses, or all courses? thanks again.
My references were fellow professionals (army) with Masters degrees or better. As I recall, my proctered exam was 4 hours & comprehensive. YMMV, it's been a few years.
I like Aspen University for the following reason: 1 - Class is considered as full-time student, so I can get full benefit from the VA. 2 - MCSE is awarded 9 credits toward Information Technology degree. 3 - $250.00/credit is not bad at all. I am don't sure how valuable DETC degree, but it seems to be good. I talked to many people at University of Denver, and they don't know that Aspen University is existed within their city limit. I am working on both school. Duration: 3 years
You might want to check on #2 - in a alumni newsletter they announced that they were stopping that feature. My impression is that I was the only one who ever used it.
My co-worker and I both used our MCSE Cert's for the 9 credits. So as of a few weeks ago it was still accurate. It was that ability which had me first looking at them and Charles Sturt.
For what it's worth, it's only $4200 which is only $116/credit. No clue when they'll stop offering this though... Greg
An interesting twist...do it and then transfer the credits to Capella for the doctorate - if you're planning to go to Capella anyway - or proceed at Capella until you are ABD - and THEN transfer to NCU!
I spoke to Aspen University representative today; they said it is supposed to be off the website. However, they still accept until the end of the year. These $4,200.00 must be prepay....I think it worth it compares to $9,000.00 ($250.00/credit).
. I suspected this was ending or had already ended. Thank goodness for google and unsecured directory browsing. Greg
