Help Me Pick Please DSU or UIS

Discussion in 'IT and Computer-Related Degrees' started by singe, Jul 3, 2012.

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  1. singe

    singe New Member

    Hi All,

    This is a follow up to a post I made a few days ago. I've narrowed my choice down to the MS of MIS at Dakota State University and University of Illinois at Springfield. I qualified for the MSIA at DSU, but I had to take 5 knowledge courses as prerequisites...something I don't have the time to do. Here is my dilemma:

    UIS

    Pos: A University that is AACSB accredited
    Coursework sounds more interesting than DSU equivalent

    Cons: Slightly more expensive than DSU (approx. $1,000)
    Proctors are needed for exams. (additional time and $ spent for proctors)
    Must do a capstone/project/thesis

    DSU

    Pros: Cheaper than UIS
    Less credit hours required (30 vs. 36 at UIS)
    No proctors required
    A project is optional (a regular graduate level course can be taken in lieu of project)

    Cons: Not a university; a state college
    Coursework compared to UIS does not sound as relevant to MIS.

    I am leaning toward DSU, but the appeal of attending a University as opposed to a state college appeals to me (my undergraduate is from a state college). Is there any other factors that I should consider when making my choice?

    Thank you all to have replied to my other posts. Everyone has been really helpful.
     
  2. novadar

    novadar Member

    UIS. My constant refrain here on the DI forum is name recognition. The University of Illinois trounces Dakota State University in the global name recognition category. You did not say you "need" the Information Assurance coursework. I frankly doubt anyone "needs" it anyway but that's beside the point. I know $1,000 may seem like a big difference but in the grand scheme of things it is nothing. As an IT Pro for 15 years, I suggest you get the best name, others (and your) mileage may vary.
     
  3. mcjon77

    mcjon77 Member

    I would vote UIS too. Full disclosure, both of my parents got a combined total of 4 degrees (2 bachelors 1 masters and one MD) from the University of Illinois system of schools.

    It is a more recognized name, and the extra $1,000 over the course of 2 or 3 years is really negligible. Also, the proctored exams are no big deal. I have had to take proctored exams whose fees ranged from free to $25. At $25, even if you have 2 proctored exams for every class, and you have to take 12 classes, that is still just $600.

    The only benefit to DSU is that getting your MS from them might give you a better track to get into their doctoral program.
     
  4. dlcurious

    dlcurious Member

    At UIS I did the capstone and it wasn't that bad. I worked with 3 other individuals to research and compose a ~100 page report on a technical subject.
     

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