UCCS Distance Phd Engineering Security Is not Distance ?

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by XOR(), May 31, 2012.

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  1. XOR()

    XOR() New Member

    I applied to UCCS (University of Colorado at Colorado Spring) PHD program in Engineering Security. I just got my admission letter with all the bells and whistles from the correspondent academic authorities.

    I was very excited until I found out by an email from the program chair, that I was allowed to take only 9 credits as independent studies on distance learning format. The rest of the program must be done on campus.

    In my application SOP I emphasized the fact that I was interested on this program, due to its distance format. That format will allow me to continue my current professional obligations, while programming myself to travel to Colorado 2 o 3 times per year for meetings and workshops. That was explicitly stated on my SOP.

    Before applying I read all the material on the web site (UCCS | Department of Computer Science) , in the program description this official website states the following:

    1.- This new multi-disciplinary concentration integrates the existing curriculum and research initiatives, meets the grand challenges of security, and offers flexible distance education schedule with the quality expected from the University of Colorado.

    2.- The Security concentration program is research-oriented with more course taking flexibility. The mode of study can be full time, part time, and distance learning, with the concurrence of the Ph.D. in Engineering with a focus in Security Committee (PESC). Beyond the traditional learning component, the students in the program will be required to have at least three months of operational security experience (as internship, training, etc.), as determined by the PESC.

    3.- For candidates entering with an M.S. degree in STEM and/or homeland security, a minimum of 24 additional credit hours at the 500-level or above, including independent study taken as distance learning, is required. In all cases, 30 semester hours of dissertation credits are required. Beyond the traditional learning component, the students in the program will be required to have at least three months of operational security experience (as internship, training, etc.), as determined by the PESC.

    4.- All students in the program will be required to attend security workshops on campus at least once a year (around qualifying examination times), meeting with the advisor and giving a seminar about the research progress of the past year and the research plan of the next year.

    5.- The program is research oriented with a strong self learning component. The plan of study is decided by the Ph.D. advisor and the Advisory Committee according to the student's specific research topic. Beyond the traditional learning component, the students in the program will be required to have at least 3 months of operational security experience, such as internship or training, as determined by the Advisory Committee. The second uniqueness of the program is the use of short intense workshops where students and faculty will meet to discuss emergent theories and techniques in security, and carry out exercises simulating critical security events. They will provide opportunities for students to apply what they learn in the self paced courses and to learn how to coordinate and cooperate in cyber war and homeland defense scenarios. Students have to come to the workshop at least once a year to report their research progress in the past year and the plan for the following year.

    My questions are:

    1.- What is wrong with this program ? Is it a false advertisement ? Did i misunderstood any of the previous statements?

    2.- What can I do ? I just declined other admissions from other Universities and now I am too late to apply to other programs for 2012. This, without mentioning the time and money spent on the official paperwork for the application process.

    3.- Does anybody in this forum has a deeper knowledge about this particular program and its shadows?

    Thank you in advance for your time and orientation.
     
  2. bpreachers

    bpreachers New Member

    The vast majority of "legitimate" distance learning PHDs/Docotrates will require at least a weekend residency. That is just the nature of the beast when it comes to that degree level. At least that is what I have annotated as the norm on the many posts I have read on this site about DL PHDs.
     
  3. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    I read about the Ph.D in Engineering Security at UCCS, I was really interested...but the program did not provide much information online. I attempted to contact the Department Chair, but was never reached the person. University of Colorado at Boulder has Ph.D in Telecommunications, and it is in the same boat. The information is not detail enough for prospective students to understand the program is at distance learning. My interpretation Ph.D program at UCCS a little bit difference than your. I thought they teach Master of Science in Security at distance learning, and you can take all courses; however, for the dissertation, you have to be on campus. This interpretation is similar to UCB's Ph.D in Telecommunications. BTW, Did you submit your GRE for admission? Well, Colorado Tech has a similar program, but it is Doctorate of Computer Science in Information Assurance.
     

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