Minot State University Online MSIS

I just wanted to recommend this program for those looking for a Master's program in IT. I am in my 3rd term at MSU and not only is the program pretty economical (about 9k for the entire program), the people are awesome there and my professors have been really great. I did my undergrad at a traditional campus-based school so I was a little hesitant about the online class environment but it's been so far so good. The only issue for anyone interested is their limited number of students they accept - its a smaller school so you have to apply early.

 

Good to know you like the Program. Keep updating us.

 

This is one of the programs I am considering. According to their website the degree can be done in 4 consecutive terms (9 months) if you start in the Fall. It is also the least expensive IS/IT degree I could find.

Are the class grades based more on writing assignments or exams? Are the exams proctored? If so do they use online proctoring?

Thanks

 

The schedule you quoted is correct - the Fall and Spring semesters are divided into 2 8 week sessions each, so you take a class (or classes) for 8 weeks, then a couple weeks break and then the 2nd session with your next set of classes. If you start in session 1 Fall, you could get done at the end of spring session 2 basically would have taken 5 classes fall and 5 spring.

I've had no tests so far in any class - not to say there wont be any, we'll see, but all I've had is writing assignments, a group project with fellow students that required a few phone conferences, and a couple online class chats that used Blackboard's chatroom and took maybe 30 minutes. Also, my first class had video lectures the professor recorded that were very helpful.

 

Could you PM me any of your course syllabuses? I'd like to see what is required in some of the classes. How many classes have you taken?

 

I would appreciate it very much if you could do the same for me.

Thanks,

 

I sent those to you guys, hope it helps.

 

I hate to pile on but I'd love to see a few of those syllabi as well.

 

Here's the nuts and bolts of the one syllabus. Since none of the courses falcons05 has taken have had exams I would think this syllabus is probably typical of all the classes.

11 Case analysis papers (max 4 pages incl. cover) = 1100 points
4 Discussion forums = 200 points
1 Online chat = 150 points
1 Term paper (12-18 pages, 11+ references) = 550 points
No exams or quizes

The grading scale is tough. I've not taken any graduate level courses but I would expect it to be more challenging. Here's the scale:
A 94-100%
B 88-93%
C 82-87%
F 81 and below

Textbook:
STRATEGIES for E-BUSINESS: concepts and cases, Tawfik Jelassie and Albrecht Enders, 2/E Prentice Hall, 2nd edition/2008, ISBN-13:978-0-273-71028-8 or ISBN-10:0273710288, 664 pages

 

are the writing assignments manageable or overwhelming? I'm not a big fan of writing but for the price and time it takes to get the degree, it sounds good

 

also what type of careers do you guys want to get from this type of degree?

 

What sort of topics do the term papers need to be written on? Are they like big case studies?

 

I am not enrolled at Minot just deciphering the syllabus. The term paper for this syllabus is on a "Technology History Topic" whatever that means. The syllabus said online was a list of topics but I don't have access. I would say 11 case study analysis's that are 4 pages max including the cover page (means 3 pages max content - max means it could be 2 pages) and one 12 page term paper in an 8 week class is not overwhelming considering you don't have to study for any exams.

This link has a good break down on the different IT degrees.
http://www.acm.org/education/curric_vols/CC2005-March06Final.pdf

An MSIS degree like this one is more on the business side of IT and not software/hardware/technical intensive. An MS Comp Sci or MS Soft Eng are much more technical degrees and not much on business.

As far as careers ... I would eventually like to teach so a MS is a minimum for me and I may continue on to a PhD. This degree appeals to me because it meets my needs and the cost/time can't be beat. I also do a lot of traveling and this degree doesn't require local proctors which is a deal breaker for me. I don't mind the online proctoring as that can be done anywhere.

 

MLS Concentration in Management Information Systems - Fort Hays State University

what do you think of this degree? its cheaper than minot!

 

Meh. I'm not a big fan of the Master of Liberal Studies degrees. I just think there is limited utility in these MLS degrees (I could be wrong, but that is my impression). That said, FHSU is a regionally accredited institution and the degree is certainly legitimate. And like you said - the price is certainly right - although it's only about $1700 less than Minot.

 

Minot State

To answer some questions I saw floating around:

The "term paper" described in the syllabus was about 16ish or so pages, 1.5 spaced, MLA style, on a topic to be approved. Some of the topics included The History of Cloud Computing, The History of ERP, things that are IT-based but still have a tie to business.

The 4 page case studies are basically a way to make sure you're keeping up on the reading. I haven't felt overwhelmed by the reading in any class, though, and these types of small papers or book question sections aren't difficult.

The classes in the program cover a broad spectrum of the IT field, so if you want a specialized focus like CS or Software Engineering, etc, this is not for you. If, however, you want to work in business and someday be in a decision making position like Director of IT, Director of IS, or Chief Technology Officer, then those would be terminal positions for this type of degree that offer a wider view across multiple IT topics.

Long post, I know, but I started the thread because I was in the same position many of you were - looking for a Masters in IT that wouldn't cost me an arm and a leg, was online, etc. I have 0 regrets about picking MSU and have been impressed with both the instructors and the staff there.

 

Even though the MLS from Fort Hays looks decent as far as classes, I'd much rather have a MSIS for the $1700 difference.

 

Yeah, a lot of us are in that position or one similar. I appreciate you posting this.

Is it possible to work and do the full-time course load with Minot?

 

I have only taken a single class per session so far, but my schedule is ramping up to take multiples per session starting in a few weeks. And yes, I do work full-time, so we'll see how that goes. But I haven't felt overwhelmed at all by any single class and have been able to get my schoolwork done with few if any issues due to conflicts or time.

 

you are right, in the end...a MSIS is better than MLS . Do you have to be very knowledge with tech (like have certs) to become an administrator within technology instead of the technology person