Hi all, I am considering a Master of Information Systems degree and have narrowed the choices down to two schools: TUI and Dakota State and was wondering if those who have gone through either program could relay their experience. Here is my line of thinking: TUI: I live in CA and work for a local government, so I would qualify for roughly a 25% tuition discount. Does anyone else know of a graduate program that gives a (non-military) government discount? I also don't have to purchase any additional books since everything is online or on DVD/CD. It sounds like there are no tests, rather students are required to write a 3-5 page essay at the end of each module. I am most concerned about the name, even though the school is accredited and I have read several positive reviews on the school. DSU: Tuition is very reasonable and may still be less than TUI even after purchasing books. Do you have to attend live class sessions, or can you access them anytime? How are tests administered? It sounds like you have to have a proctor for the final comprehensive exam, but are proctors used for other tests? I also recall that the networking concentration may require on campus lab time, but that could have been for their MSIS degree. Thank you for your help. Good luck in your studies.
I have no experience with either schools, but I would go with Dakota State University over several reasons. Number one is the number of years standing, and secondly DSU has a local campus.
I'm currently attending DSU's MSIS program and have 4 classes and the project left to complete my degree. You can attend classes at any time. The classes are held on campus and recorded to video. Internet students download the videos and watch them the day after the classes are held on campus. So far all my professors have chosen to hold classes every two weeks. You get 4 hours of class video for each class. Assignments and tests are given online. Tests are open book but you typically do not have time to look up answers because the ratio of questions to time gives you very little time. You really have to learn the material to do well on the tests. Campus lab time is no longer required for the networking concentration. I think the program is a great program and well worth the effort and cost.
I earned an MS-ITM from Touro (before the name change). I liked the fact that they were associated with Touro College but that is no longer true. I did not like the fact that did not require books. I like books! I did like the support from the admin staff and the instructors were really good. I got a military discount since I was in the reserves so it was really cheap at the time - $750 per 4 credit graduate level class. I took a finance class recently and like the paper writing method. You really have to learn the material and apply it to real world stuff. No tests but that does not make it easy. I can't speak for DSU. I recommend you collect information about the pros and cons of each and see what is best for you. I started the MS in Pharmacy program at UF earlier this year. I was required to "meet" for class two nights a week for 90 minutes each time. The class was a presentation and we all had to purchase headsets with mics to listen and talk in class. It was all real time. I hated it as it did not meet my schedule. Just a year earlier I completed the grad certificate from UF in Healthcare Risk Management (the MS in Pharmacy was an extension of the certificate) and the format was completely different. Bottom line - the best one is the one that works best.
I can't speak for TUI, but I highly recommend DSU. I'm currently taking my last class for the MSIS. All of my classes were taken online (data management specialization). Overall, I found the program to be rigorous, challenging, and rewarding.
