Any current or former students of this program lurking on the boards? I am considering this program and have a few concerns about the course load. The established curriculum requires 3 courses per semester (2 core courses and 1 research course). I am looking for some insider knowledge on assignment load and hours per week devoted to study. As a "part-time" program, 3 classes per week seems high to me.
I am neither a current or former student, but I do know someone who dropped the program because the 3 courses were too much to handle. Take that for what its worth - that person ended up transferring to the Valdosta DPA program and dropped out of that one too shortly after.
I went to an appointment today with Dr. Beaumaster, the program chair @ ULV. I posed this exact question and her response was that they try to "weave the curriculum together" to help reduce some of the workload. However, she does concede that the first year is the hardest, they have a 50% drop out rate, with most dropping out in the first year and the remainder do not finish their dissertation. What was interesting was she states the faculty does a review at the end of the first year of each student. If the faculty does not feel like the student will succeed in the coursework or dissertation (i.e, weak grades in the stats and research courses) they will have "a heart to heart" conversation and let the student know they most likely will not be successful in the program so they will not waste time or money. The hybrid program requires three weekends (Fri-Sat) per semester on campus. You have the option of attending the other Saturday classes or they record them and post them on Blackboard for review and discussion. My only reservations are the travel to on campus classes and cost. But I do not want a 100% online doctorate (or one that may be perceived as one) so my options may be limited.
