We haven't heard much about US Open University lately. A few days ago, I received a pamphlet advertising a master's in information systems from US Open University and UMBC. I think I received the ad because I'm a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. If you want to know more, you can visit http://www.open.edu/umbc/msis/iee I'm not endorsing the program, just letting people about the new activity. ------------------ Gerry Ashton
Since this is a joint program how would a person list it on a resume? University of Maryland/US Open University or ?. The cost of the program is somewhat high at $14,000. My local State university offers a residential Masters for $7,000. It would seem that a distance degree program would have at least slightly less overhead than a traditional program. Thanks for your help. ------------------ Best Regards, Dave Hayden
It would help to check with the program to determine which school actually awards the degree. That is the one you should list on your resume, job applications, etc. Because UoMd's accreditation and reputation are stronger, I would hope they award the degree. It is not safe to assume that a distance program has less overhead. Gathering many students into a building is not all that expensive. But writing new course materials and curricula, hiring and training new teachers, advertising and promotion, computer systems and their support, and many other factors lead to these programs being just as costly to develop and deliver. What motivates many brick-and-mortar schools to do it isn't less expense, but more paying customers. The people that take these courses tend to be "full-pay," whether they or their employers foot the bill. The schools are not burdened with carrying many non-paying or scholarship students. Rich Douglas
