UMUC or Regis for BSCS?

Now that you mention it, you're probably right--grad schools would be more interested in my transcript than the name of my degree. Thanks!

 

Lurker, Mitchell, how did you find the workload, particularly for the online courses? The 8-week accelerated classes look very convenient, but in some cases they seem to cover a lot in that short time. How much time per week did you end up spending on each class? I certainly don't mind a challenge, but I don't want to commit more time than I actually have!

 

It depends on your experience and drive. Although I had some IT background, I still spent a minimum of 25 hours per week per class, but usually more. Someone with a lot of experience and drive might be able to handle 2 classes and work a full time job, but they are the exception. But I suspect anyone able to take a 2 course load either isn't working or they are able to do their schoolwork on their jobs. Many start the program focusing on the 8 week classes and calculate a quick finish. Few will actually do it. In fact, I was warned about that kind of thinking at the beginning. Also, keep in mind that there is about a two week break between classes. The program isn't designed for fast degrees. It's accelerated yes, but it's the same amount of work in 8 weeks as in a 16 week term. I graduated six years ago, so I don't know if the standards have loosened since then, but I doubt that they have. Good luck.

 

Regis University is a very highly respected TIER 1 Jesuit institution on the West Coast. I doubt that it stuffers from identity issues with St. Regis.

UMUC, on the other hand, has such a bad rap (check the many reviews online) that you'd it was the "diploma mill" University of Phoenix (an unjust accusation) they were talking about...

 

Thanks for the honest answer. I did a semester at Franklin (don't get me started!) and, other issues aside, I found their 8-week, 4-credit courses to be of a similar workload. It's great to have a benchmark.

 

Great to get some more good feedback on Regis. Thank you! As far as UMUC goes, I hear such mixed reviews that I don't know what to think. I like that UMUC has such a large number of courses to offer online, and I haven't had any problems with professors or administrators so far, so my own impression is more or less positive--but I do wonder what employers think of it.

 

Outside of Maryland, I doubt most employers know the difference between UMUC or any other UM school.

 

I completed the MBA program at Regis in 06. My experience was a positive one. The name is becoming more recognized nationally as they have a pretty extensive online offering but are no doubt most recognized in CO. BTW - if you are ever in Denver they have a beautiful main campus. -Kevin

 

I thought it was hard as nuts! Twenty hours per week per class was the average for me. Taking two Regis U classes at one time while working full-time would have been impossible.

 

I did one 8 week session with 2 courses while working full-time, and that was the session I got my only "B".

You'll be plenty busy with 1 course if you're working.

 

On Regis-

Lurker, where do you think Regis U ranks in Colorado? My guess ia that is might rank with University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. But older, private, and Catholic.

I was chatting with a 30s woman in Denver last January about the school. she was completing her BA while working downtown, in an oil and gas firms admin staff. She was of protestant background, and they require two courses of religious nature (phil? rel stud?), and immensely enjoying it!

Regis ranks below University of Denver and University of Colorado, Boulder. It isn't School of Mines or CSU - the first is too technical, the other too large and diverse. But ranks ahead of University of Northern Colorado, of course. Ahead of Colorado Christian Univ. Ahead of all the others of smaller size. Ahead of Metro State at Auraria. (What people don't know is that the Denver Auraria campus houses a CC, Metro and CU-Denver all together - a situation unheard of elsewhere in the US, I believe) Perhaps they are on a par with University of Colorado at Denver, too?

I did a lot of testing out at Regis. I enjoyed visiting the campus, but it isn't immensely rich and spoiled like DU is (because of cable TV money and such). My only note of complaint was some support staffer spoke to me with poor grammar - unlike my experiences at CU, Boulder and DU. A really minor observation.

Regis prides itself on being flexible provider of ed opp's and being consumer driven to educate in useful skills and fields. To my mind, Regis succeeds, but with out flash, trash or diversions. No small achievement!

I also know the school has expanded to lots of distant cities like Col Springs, Las Vedas and other cities. Anyone want to complete the list for me?

 

I'd say that's about right.

Slightly below CU-Boulder and DU. Mines & USAFA (which you didn't mention) are unique/different target and probably separate category.

I'd put it above UCCS slightly, on par with CU-Denver.

I'm not Catholic, but actually enjoyed the religious requirements of the program....FWIW one of my religious requirements were filled with Native American Studies (very enjoyable class)...it's Jesuit based but not hardcore Catholic in it's delivery.

 

My opinion is what you make out of it? How much effort one puts into the program? Now, I never liked online classes, thus, I did not take any online classes at UMUC, and as far as the information assurance track, they have a very good program. It teaches you the theory and practical experience. Particularly the Intrusion Detection/Intrusion Prevention class.

If one has the chance, take it face to face..