Harvard ALM IT degree vs DSU Information Systems

There are many examples of people using the ALM to prepare for a Ph.D program.

The thesis requirement is a tough one and considered a good indicator of ability to complete a dissertation.

-mid
http://www.cluehq.com/blog

 

Thanks for the blog link. Good luck with the rest of your degree.

 

Thanks. I'm taking CSCI E-119 (Data Structures) and PHIL E-118/W (Introduction to Metaphysics) in the Spring but I'd love to be taking a class like CSCI E-64 (Visualization) this semester as well. The classes are very well done and very challenging. I can really only take 2 classes pr semester because of the workload.

 

Eric and PH2B,

I am considering DSU for the D.Sc with an emphasis in Information Assurance. Can you tell me a little bit about your experience in the program. It appears they are one of the 384 schools with the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) accreditation. This is a lot better indication of the level of program than most distance education programs from schools like Capella, UoP, etc. In addition, they are a Center of Academic Excellence designated by the NSA and Department of Homeland Security.

What has been some of the positive experiences you have had in the program so far.

Thanks,
Sean

 

Sean,

My experience with DSU has been terrific so far. The professors know their stuff and are good at answering questions. The most positive experience [not to say I haven't had many] with DSU is finding a professor that has a similar academic background to mine and who shares similar research interests. He is one of the professors in the doctoral program. I hope to do some researching, writing, and publishing with him in the future not to mention the possibility of having him serve as my dissertation chair. With time, we'll see.

 

Sean - I concur with PhD2B's assessment. I love the program....I would recommend it to anyone. Two of the prof's at the university have come out of Arizona State University's IS doctoral program...one of the better B&M/on-campus programs around.

 

I was discussing this degree with another guy over lunch and we couldn't figure out the difference between a D.Sc and a PhD. Would any of you care to enlighten us as to the difference or possible similarity?

 

The two degrees are equivalent but have subtle differences.

http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-research-doctorate.html

When I asked my advisor about why DSU decided on the DSc rather than the PhD, he emailed me a detailed explanation as well as outlining the differences. Some of what he sent me is below.

Career focus
PhD: Develop professional researchers
DSc: Develop researching professionals

Domain of research topic
PhD: Research any topic within the field of study
DSc: Aims at making a contribution to the knowledge of professional practice (applied research)

Research type
PhD: Basic research: original investigation undertaken to gain new knowledge and understanding but not necessarily directed towards any practical aim or application
DSc: Applied research: original investigation undertaken to gain new knowledge, with practical aims and objectives

Research focus
PhD: Perceived gap in the literature in a subject matter
DSc: Topics that relate to a candidate’s own field of professional practice

Starting point for research
PhD: Literature review to identify a gap
DSc: A problem in professional practice that needs investigation and resolution

Intended learning outcome
PhD: Significant original contribution to knowledge in a particular discipline through research
DSc: Significant original contribution to knowledge of professional practice through research

Integration of theory and practice
PhD: Making a contribution to theory, expanding the nomological net around existing theory
DSc: Making research-based contribution to professional practice

Entry qualification
PhD: Bachelor’s or master’s degree
DSc: Primarily master’s degree

Experience as an admission requirement
PhD: Not required
DSc: Usually required

Reference:
Bourner, T., Bowden, R., & Laing, S. (2001). Professional doctorates in England. Studies in higher education, 26, 1.

 

Thank you.
Maybe that could become a wikianswer now.

 

Eric and Ph2B,

Thanks for the info. I think I am headed to DSU since I am not returning to NCU after looking at their program. I sent my paperwork off yesterday and should be enrolled by the fall. Maybe I will take summer classes to get a head start. Anyway, all of your information helped in small way to narrow down my decision. Appreciate it.

Sean

 

Good to hear....I don't think you'll be disappointed.

 

I found this article on Wikipedia and it explains the D.Sc degree really well.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_of_Science

Enjoy,

Sean

 

BTW, a new Harvard online course that is being offered in the Spring:

CS 171: Visualization (New!)

Best of all, the first 2 lectures are free. Combine that with the syllabus and reading materials, and it's just as good as MIT OpenCourseWare.

 

Correction: the first 3 lectures are free for that course.