Nova Southeastern and PhD in CS

Hi:

I've just been reading through some of the older discussions and it seems like some people on here don't hold too much regard for Nova and I'd like to solicit some feedback from people that are actually familiar with the program.

Anyway, I've been admitted to the PhD program in CS and would start in March if I decide to attend. I haven't been able to find anyone who is actually enrolled in the program, so I have a few questions:

1. How lengthy and involved was the dissertation process?
2. How strong is the faculty?
3. How is the department esteemed within the University (that is, is it seen as a lesser department than their other core programs, like education, business, law, etc.?)

Anyway, I guess I'm just wanting some first hand impressions. I understand that I'll have to attend 4 on-campus meetings a year and all that. I just want some more relevant insights if any of you have them.

Thanks

 

I'm afraid I didn't understand third question. How can comp sci department a 'lesser' (or 'higher' for that matter) compared to Ed department? How would you compare the two? And how is it relevant?

 

Before I get to your questions, I have to address your concerns first. I completed my PhD program in CIS in May of this year. After my graduation, I have been offered full tenure by four colleges located in the Northeastern part of the U.S. As you must have known by now, Nova is for the most part, a brick and mortar university. Only about 20 percent of Nova’s programs have DL components. As far as reputation goes, Nova Southeastern University enjoys a reasonable reputation in the state of Florida. Nova is well respected in South Florida. Having stated that Nova programs are regarded with respect in Florida and nearby states, I have to mention that Nova is not immune to unwarranted snobbery that is usually directed at DL programs by the denizens of the academia. Despite the aforesaid snobbery, Nova graduates appear to have no problem securing tenure-track positions in the academe, perhaps because Nova has withstood the test of time or because it has many solid on-campus programs. Nova’s on-campus programs that have no DL components include Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, Psychology, Dentistry, Optometry, Oceanography, and Physician Assist program. Now I will get to your questions.

1. How lengthy and involved was the dissertation process?


The coursework in the program takes approximately two years. The dissertation may be completed in 1 year but it could take up five years to complete. In other words, a PhD program in CS could take between 3 and 7 years to complete. It is important to mention that only about 40 percent of the students complete their programs. Many students usually drop out during the dissertation stage. The dissertation is the most difficult work that I encountered in my the PhD program

2. How strong is the faculty?

Most faculty members are very strong in their areas. Some of them publish at list four papers a year in refereed journals. Four faculty members have published textbooks that are very popular in American colleges and IT industry. Some of the faculty members that have published popular textbooks include Dr. Laszlo (three Books in Computer Graphics), Dr Litman (A book in Broadband Communications), Dr. Lieblein, and Dr Deitel (Deitel & Deitel programming books). Dr. Deitel was a professor of CS at Nova.

3. How is the department esteemed within the University (that is, is it seen as a lesser department than their other core programs, like education, business, law, etc.?)

No. I don’t think so. The Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences (GCIS) is a well regarded program at Nova and in South Florida.

Ike Okonkwo, PhD, 2003
(Nova Southeastern University)

 

If you want to a full-time PHD in CS .. WWW.FAU.EDU is another good option.

 

Ike has given you the details on GCIS and its programs. My experience in ITM (IT Management) option of their DBA program has been quite similar. I'm in a tenure track position at a well regarded school.

While an NSU degree isn't a likely ticket to an academic position at a top tier institution, it is a reasonable credential for the rest of the academic world. My observation is that NSU is among the strongest DL institutions of those we often talk about here.

Why? For one, NSU hasn't gone away from face to face contact for classes and comps. For another, NSU is a large institution with a B&M base. They may not be world famous - but they will be around for the long haul. Further, this B&M base means that there are support services (like a first class library) to lean on. Also, NSU employs a number of full-time faculty. Adjuncts are great (and NSU has some) to bring in outside influences. But so many of the programs we talk about here are nearly 100% adjunct. Adjuncts don't provide continuity - they are just contacted to teach classes one term at a time.

Regards - Andy

 

It's relevant based on the amount that a school is willing to fund and promote a department. For example, I went to UIUC undergrad in engineering. The engineering school was extremely well funded and they were dedicated to making it remain a top program. Likewise, arts and humanities suffered because it wasn't considered a priority to the overall academic bent of the university.

So, I'm basically asking if Nova is dedicated to furthering the IT school or has it taken a backseat to more popular programs.

 

Ike and Anyd:

Thanks for all of the information. That really helps me a lot.

It's reassuring to see that the programs is solid and that it's respectable. I have no desire to teach the upper echelons in academia, so I don't think the degree will limit me as far as my goals.

I'm actually leaning more towards teaching adjunctly with the degree, so it doesn't seem that this would be a problem.

Thanks Much!

 

I think the only reason Nova may get a bad rap in here sometimes is because it is a more traditional school. They do have DL components to their programs but they are mainly B&M.

As far as quality of education and utility of the degree, I feel Nova is very solid. I am in their Ed.D. program and went to their campus in August. Very nice school. It has to be said that a school that offers Law, MD, Education, Dental, Optometry, Audiology, Business, CS, Counseling, Occupational Therepy, Pharmacy, and Speech Language Pathology effectively has to be doing something right. Most schools only offer two or three of these programs and Nova offers all of them.

It has been said on this site by many that a school can always be looked down on by someone else. (i.e. Harvard Graduates can look down on Stanford graduates who can look down on Duke U. graduates who can look down on NC State graduates...etc.) It can go on and on. Find a program you like and make the best of it. A person sells themselves, don't get caught up in names and other people's perceptions.

Duff

 

Duff - A good point. People do need to develop a "package" approach to selling themselves. Education is part of the package, but it isn't the total package. Industry experience, publications, and teaching experience all add up in the academic world. In industry, experience is critical, education credentials are just part of the equation.

If your only credential is an academic degree - then it better be the best you can get. If you have some other things to offer the source of your degree is less an issue.

Regards - Andy