IT degree through DL - Any comments or advice?

Hi,

I have been investigating different ways to finish my bachelor's degree in a computer-related field throgh distance education, and I am now in the process of selecting a school/major from one of the following three:

University of Massachusetts Lowell
Major: Information Technology

University of Maryland University College
Major: Computer and Information Science

University of London
Major: Computing and Information Systems

Would anyone out there have any comments about their experience taking courses for any these majors through their respective shools?

Thanks,
Alberto

 

Alberto,

I transferred from the UMUC CIS program to the UML program. I did not find the UMUC program to be especially well designed nor did I find the administration amenable to student input. My experience with UML has been great. The faculty has been committed to teaching and extremely responsive. The tuition is less expensive, there is a wider range of coursework available, and the university was extremely generous about transferring in general education credit. I have only very positive things to say about UML.

David

 

Thank you David.

- Alberto

 

A degree in IT from a DL is one of the few degrees that makes a lot of sense to do online. In addition, where you obtain the degree matters less than what you learn. That said, you might look at DL degrees from established schools. One that comes to mind is the MM in IT from Rensselaer Polytechnic. Ranked #47 for its undergrad, RPI has a GREAT reputation for its MIS offerings, and this degree at the end of the day is the same one received by students on campus - noting "Lally School of Management", unlike those offered at most big name Schools. Most top schools DL offerings are through divisions that offer different degrees which have discalimers like "School of Professional Studies", "World Campus" or "University College" rather than their true schools of CS, Business or MIS. RPI is one that does not.

Also check out Carnegie Mellon's MS in IT. A bit pricey but same deal. The degree is REALLY from CMU and not a continuing ed division.

RPI - Lally School of Management

http://www.rsvp.rpi.edu/academics/degrees/on-line-degrees.shtml

CMU - School of Computer Science

http://www.distance.cmu.edu/SE/paths.html#msit

 

Take a look at USC (University Of Southern California) They have MS in Computer Science.

 

Alberto,

I pretty much second the 1st David's comments. UMUC's faculty really do not believe in what they are doing, by and large.

The $64 questoin is...what do you want the degree FOR?

Dave A