Depaul CTI program in Computer Science

Discussion in 'IT and Computer-Related Degrees' started by st22345, Nov 10, 2004.

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  1. st22345

    st22345 Member

    I'm looking into distance MS in Computer Science programs. Several programs use video which I'm not crazy about. I like Depauls (http://www.cs.depaul.edu/programs/2005/gradCS2005.asp) format where you can see what is occuring in class at the same time you see what is on the PC or on the whiteboard(https://dlweb.cti.depaul.edu/info/login/aboutDL.htm). They sent me a CD with several example classes and it certainly looks great.
    Has anyone had any experience with them? My concern is about the actual amount of interaction that distance learners receive. Since you are getting the same class that students in attendance receive, are you an afterthought or do you feel like an equal priority. I've searched both here and on the web and found very little feedback from actual students.
    Since my Bachelors will be in CS from TESC (I've completed the classwork, just waiting for the degree to be awarded), I like the prerequisite class format from Depaul since I think it will fill in some gaps in my background (as opposed to Univ. of Illinois, Stanford, etc...where I am afraid I would always be behind).
    Thanks -
     
  2. TescStudent

    TescStudent New Member

    Hi, I'm also a TESC alum with a BA in CS. I don't know about the particular MS program, but being a local student with Harvard's ALM in IT program who goes B&M or not, depending on my mood, I can say that there, students receive the same attention, whether they go to class, or watch the video.
     
  3. JoAnnP38

    JoAnnP38 Member

    Hi Scott,

    Welcome to DegreeInfo.com. During my own research into CS graduate schools I looked at DePaul as well. While DePaul has a widely known name which is a good thing, I felt their tuition was too high for what they offered. I do believe they have a solid program. If you want to look at other graduate schools, check out my web site at:

    http://ww2.cs.fsu.edu/~peeler/topschools.html

    Good luck!
     
  4. st22345

    st22345 Member

    Thanks for the replies. There are a number of different tools used for distance eduacation. Blackboard and similar platforms (USC and Depaul) appear at one end of the spectrum, video (University of Colorado) or guided independant study at the other end. I'm just trying to get a feel for what is out there and others experiences before I commit to a program. I've reviewed the websites of the schools you have listed as well as what is on Jonnie's site (http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Haven/2386/dlee.html).
    btw-
    I haven't posted to this site before this, but I have been following degreeinfo.com off and on for over a year. This is a great resource I have referred several of my friends at work to. I'm very thankful that several of you are regular contributors who have answered my questions unasked over the last year.
     
  5. mrk42

    mrk42 New Member

    Well, I thought the program looked pretty interesting, so I decided to apply to the MS in CS program a couple of weeks ago to see what would happen. They sent me an acceptance letter in about a week. It makes me wonder if they just accept everyone. It didn't even require me to take the GRE. I did get a BS in EE degree from the University of Texas at Austin, but my grades were pretty low (slightly above 2.5).

    I don't know whether I will take the time to go all the way through the program, but I figure I will take a course or two at first to see what it's like. I'll post on this thread to let you know how I feel about it. I've never done distance learning before, but I'd like to try it out. So far, I've been really impressed with all of the information they have available on the web. You can see intructor evaluations next to every course in the course schedule, along with detailed syllabi. Some courses look very challenging, but there are a few courses in there that cover the same material as an upper division undergraduate course at Univ. of Texas. I looked at the video samples and whiteboard, and it seems like you get exactly the same information as you would if you went to class. The credentials of the faculty members are top notch, so there's no worries there. So I think the program looks impressive so far, but I guess I'm still skeptical about distance learning/online degrees. But you never know until you try it, right?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 12, 2004
  6. TescStudent

    TescStudent New Member

    That is pretty quick acceptance! I don't think I've heard of anyone getting an acceptance that fast. I looked at their web page, and from the curriculum requirements, it seems like a good, conventional CS program.
     
  7. Ash

    Ash New Member

    Computer Science

    Hi JoAnn ,
    The information given by you was very useful.(regarding the Distance MS programs)
    I was admitted for the regular program last fall at SUNY Bing,but couldn't attend so I deferred to next term. I have been thinking of doing it online now, Upon querying , http://www.enginet.binghamton.edu/
    no one is responding from the Univ. Also on the webiste it says that from last 10 yrs only 90 students have actually got online degrees.
    Do you or anybody know if this degree is worth it or has a similar value as the full time program?.

    Thanks in advance,
     
  8. JoAnnP38

    JoAnnP38 Member

    Re: Computer Science

    I'm glad you found my web site useful. As for SUNY Binghamton, I don't have any first hand knowledge other that what is available on their web site. In general I would say that this is a solid degree from a respected school and you probably can't go wrong with this University. The only negative about their program is that the computer architecture class is a required class, yet it is not offered by distance learning. That means you would have to transfer in a suitable class or take that class on campus. Of course, the status of that class could have changed and I would encourage you to speak first hand to someone in the department. I find that calling works best as emails are sometimes ignored by busy faculty.

    If you find that you can take all the classes required (either online or in class) and the tuition is in your budget I think this would be a solid probam. However, you might want to look at other schools that might be rated higher or have some other quality (like delivery method) that you like best. You have my list of schools, so have fun looking!
     

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