Another Aspen question

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by The_Professor, May 16, 2011.

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  1. The_Professor

    The_Professor New Member

    Hey all; long time no post but plenty of lurking...

    I’m a month or so away from finishing up my BSBA/IT concentration degree with Columbia Southern and am contemplating continuing with Aspen’s Master of Science in Technology & Innovation program. $3600 for a Master's degree is almost too good to pass up. Can any of you current or previous Aspen students give me an idea of what Aspen’s actual coursework is like? At CSU the weekly assessments usually included 10 multiple choice questions along with 2 – 4 essay questions, with an occasional research paper and proctored exam thrown in for good measure. I got pretty used to this routine, and the only thing that may deter me from going with Aspen is if the actual coursework is too time-consuming and cumbersome. Not that I am opposed to a healthy dose of rigor; it’s just that between working long hours and with two young children consuming my time and attention, real world time-management considerations and constraints need to be part of my decision making process. Also does anyone know they accept transfer credits at the MS level, such as for my PMP and other IT-related certifications (Cisco, Microsoft, CompTIA, ITIL, etc.). I see that Aspen is also an official REP for the PMI, which is definitely another positive that they have going for them. Thanks in advance for any information and insight that may be provided...
     
  2. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    I have never attended Aspen, but I hear that the courses are very good and that Aspen, in general, is a great school. Make sure that employers in your industry will honor a DETC degree; some will and some will not. There is no reason for someone to dishonor a DETC degree, because they are usually very high-quality, but some still do. Academia, of course, will usually not honor one.
     
  3. novadar

    novadar Member

    In the MS IT Program, you can receive 9 Credit Hours for the PMP.

    Here is part of an email response from Aspen to that very question:

    "Yes, you could receive 9 portfolio credits in either the MSTI or MSIT programs based on your PMP, as the 3 courses are built into both of them."
     
  4. The_Professor

    The_Professor New Member

    Yes, I spoke with an Aspen admissions counselor who advised about the PMP portfolio credit. Hmmm, 9 courses and $3000 bucks for an MSIT degree sounds pretty dang enticing…
     
  5. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    It's a no brainer. Much cheaper than Cal Southern for sure. And you get the same accreditation. You can't even get some cerificates for $3,600.00 You may want to jump on it now. I heard there may be some changes coming. I can't see the $3,600.00 lasting forever. I jumped on the Aspen MBA for $4,200.00, and that was a hell of a bargain. It has more than paid for itself a few hundred times over.

    Abner :)
     
  6. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Doing the math on that, your Aspen MBA has led you to earn over a million dollars in additional income? :thinking:

    -=Steve=-
     
  7. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    Just a matter of speech, or a saying. It has been good for me though. Best investment I could have made.

    Abner :)
     
  8. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Ah, you know I'm just kidding with you. :)

    -=Steve=-
     
  9. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    I know :)


    Abner :)
     
  10. novadar

    novadar Member

    Don't wait too long. It appears that after July 16 (or on July 16) the price tag goes back to close to its former self.

    Tuition Information

    I am waiting a reply from Admissions on that topic.
     
  11. The_Professor

    The_Professor New Member

    Please do tell once you hear back. Cost is a make or break issue for me...
     
  12. Lerner

    Lerner Well-Known Member

    Don;t forget that you will need 1000 for the books.

    3600 + 1000
     
  13. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    Here is the deal breaker:

    "Yes, you could receive 9 portfolio credits in either the MSTI or MSIT programs based on your PMP, as the 3 courses are built into both of them." At a price of $3,600.00!!!!!!!!! How much is Columbia Southern costing you?

    I am former Aspen Student. The coursework is doable. There are 8 modules in a class. For each module, you write about 7-10 pages in response to a series of questions. Once you get used to it, it becomes routine. You really do learn a lot. At the VERY end of all the coursework, you take a 4 hour proctored exam. You are allowed to bring books with you. 4 hours may seem like a long time, but you really have to pace yourself to answer all of the questions intelligently. From what I recall, you are given 8 subjects to choose from. You then have to select three areas to write about. I would select the three that come easiest to you.

    So to recap. With Aspen, you get 9 credits, plus you can probably transfer masters level coursework from CSU if possible. Here is cost benefit = same NA accreditation - much lower cost at Aspen.

    When I was first contemplating doing my Aspen MBA, I was really nervous. I wasn't sure I could complete it. However, thanks to my friend and mentor Dr. Dave Lady, I did do it!!!!!!! And boy am I glad I did.

    Good luck,

    Abner :)
     
  14. The_Professor

    The_Professor New Member

    In my case it would be $3600 - $337.50 (PMP credit for 3 courses) + books (for 9 courses, used hopefully) + incidental costs (2 proctored exam fees, graduation fee) - tuition tax credit - employer tuition reimbursement = Pretty good deal
     
  15. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    Hey Lerner,

    I bought all of my books used, or the much cheaper IE (International Edition) versions through Abe books. I once scored a $270.00 book for $35.00!!!!! If you shop around, you can buy the books pretty cheaply.
     
  16. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    Damn!!!!!!!!! Tuition reimbursement? Good for you! I have paid for all my education out of pocket.

    Abner :)
     
  17. The_Professor

    The_Professor New Member

    Excellent info, thanks Abner... I spent about $6k with CSU, plus $2k or so in CLEP and other expenses, minus $5k tuition tax credit, minus $2k employer tuition remibursement

    Net cost = approx $1k or so, give or take few bucks here and there
     
  18. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    I also forgot to mention. A young lady at my work is also pursuing her MBA at Aspen as we speak. She is on her second class, and she likes it!!!!!!!!!

    Abner :)
     
  19. The_Professor

    The_Professor New Member

    Good to know... I can get a bit bogged down from “paralysis from over analysis” at times, but when I finally commit to something I charge ahead with no revisiting and no regrets. I always do well at anything I put my mind to, so Aspen it will be for my MS in Technology and Innovation, Specialization in Program and Project Delivery. Dang, sounds pretty good, no?

    Thanks to everyone here who has provided invaluable information, feedback and guidance throughout my ongoing excellent adventure!
     

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