Online Masters, University of Alabama or Southern Polytechnic State University?

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by distance learner, Mar 24, 2013.

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  1. distance learner

    distance learner New Member

    Hello, I am planning on going for an online masters degree.

    My choices are narrowed down to the two following schools:

    - University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa). MS in Human Environmental Studies, Consumer Quality Management.
    MS in HES with a specialization in Consumer Quality Management (Online) | Curriculum

    - Southern Polytechnic State University, MS in Quality Assurance.
    Master of Science in Quality Assurance Requirements

    Both schools are similar in cost (U of A at $330 per credit hour for a total of 30 credit hours, SPSU at $295 per credit hour for a total of 36 hours).

    The U of A degree seems more like a general quality and consumer sciences degree, while the SPSU degree seems more like a traditional quality assurance technical degree.

    I do not require a masters level degree in my current job, and I am not planning on entering the quality field any time soon. I am pursuing a masters degree mostly for personal knowledge, and the possibility of a masters on my resume helping me in future job prospects should I need it. I have a general liberal arts bachelor's degree, so I wanted to study something different that was not an MBA.

    Would any of you have experience with either of these two schools? Would the "reputation" of either school make a difference on my resume? Because I do not live in either Alabama or Georgia, prospective employees in the future will know that my masters is an online degree (if that matters).

    Thank you for your time.
     
  2. Given that they are close in price, I would choose Bama. Unless SPSU is right at your back door and has a great local reputation then you would probably get more "bang for you buck" with a degree from Bama. I don't have any knowledge about this particular program but I was admitted to Bama's Educational Psychology and Management programs (I had a hard time deciding so I applied to them both. The admissions process was pretty straight forward.
     
  3. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    The University of Alabama is well known, the other school isn't. Among other things, that suggests that the former has a stronger alumni network. If your goal is to have wider future employment prospects, that may be important.
     
  4. distance learner

    distance learner New Member

    Thanks peacfulchaos2001, SteveFoerster, I agree that U of Alabama is more well known so I will be going for that.
     
  5. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    Go Crimson Tide!
     
  6. Ian Anderson

    Ian Anderson Active Member

    I suspect that the SPSU masters degree will boost your credentials the most based on their titles (however i have not checked the requirements and courses for each degree)

    One of the first masters in quality assurance was that offered by CSUDH and is well regarded in the quality community. I earned this degree several years ago before it was offered as a distance learning degree. Because it is funded totally by tuition fees the program is able to bring in adjunct faculty who are experts in the disiplines. The MSQA has options of Manufacturing (what I have) or Service sectors. The service sector option looks like it does not need advanced statistics (my toughest course even though I use statistics daily).
    Not sure of the cost.
    Master of Science Quality Assurance

    I might add that the knowledge gained in a quality assurance degree is applicale to any organization including mamanufacturing, service, education, CJ (there were three cops in many of my classes), and govt.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 27, 2013

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