Jacksonville or Columbus state University for MS online

Discussion in 'IT and Computer-Related Degrees' started by Rohan, Dec 14, 2010.

Loading...
  1. Rohan

    Rohan New Member

    From the list of most affordable MS onlne in CS, I see that Columbus state and Jacksonville state univeristy are the most affordable ones for non residents. Both programs are solid. JSU has 30 credits program and Colstate 36. But, Colstate tuition is less than JSU.

    so, please help me decide which to pick. If you have experience with any of the online programs or you know something that i missed, please advise ?
     
  2. Rohan

    Rohan New Member

    None has any idea ?
     
  3. MISin08

    MISin08 New Member

    I'm not qualified to evaluate the programs' content, but I looked at the two schools just now. Tuition for the JSU program is very favorable at $10590, while Columbus is over $26K (and this if you take it at breakneck speed)? Unless they are hiding a bargain from us.

    Phillip
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 17, 2010
  4. truckie270

    truckie270 New Member

    Not sure what degree program you are referring to, but I am currently completing an MS at Jacksonville State. It has been a good program, no frills but you get a good value for what you pay.
     
  5. MISin08

    MISin08 New Member

    Great to know. We have at least one member who says very good things about their MBA.

    Phillip
     
  6. Rohan

    Rohan New Member

    I think you are mistaken. This cost at Columbus state is below $10,000.
     
  7. hydet68

    hydet68 New Member

    I just finished my Masters with Columbus State last May. I had a wonderful experience and learned a lot. I completed a thesis on Artificial Neural Networks comparing different ANN models ability to recognize emotions. My Prof was VERY helpful and I can’t say enough about my enjoyment learning at Columbus State.
    I think my workload was at graduate level, 15-20 hours per week, per class.
    I happen to be their first online student to complete a thesis and ended up driving from Michigan to Georgia to present my thesis and was well received by supportive Profs.
    In January I start my PHD at Nova southeastern and I hope for more of the same.

    Tim
     
  8. truckie270

    truckie270 New Member

    Without a better idea of what degree program is being discussed here (I assume M.S. in Applied Computer Science?) - the tuition varies widely. If you are talking about the M.S. in Applied Computer Science, then yes under $10,000: $276/credit (credit + tech. fee) x 36 = $9936.

    Both schools are SACS. I have experience in both the Alabama and Georgia State systems and they are comparable. I have not attended CSU, but I do attend Valdosta which is a very similar sister institution. I have friends who work at and have attended CSU and both like the school, likewise I also know people who have attended and work at JSU in addition to my own experiences there and the feedback is similar.

    I think it is a wash between these two schools, so in my view the choice would come down to other factors such as:
    - Is what you need to complete the degree offered on a schedule that best fits your goals?
    - Choice of elective offerings
    - How good is the football team? (kidding, but in all seriousness many people base their percpetion on a school out of name recognition of their sports
    teams - JSU just went to the playoffs!)

    Seriously, go with the school that gives you the best feeling if all other things are equal. FWIW, if USN&WR rankings (I know, not the most reliable indicator) factor into your decision at all - JSU is ranked #83 for Tier 1 Regional Universities (South) and CSU is unranked in the lower Tier 2 of the same category.
     
  9. Rohan

    Rohan New Member

    Thank you truckie. You really nailed it. "go with the school that gives you the best feeling if all other things are equal". I was also looking for reviews on how organized their online courses are in terms of choice of courses each semester, length of courses, proctored vs non proctored exams, assignments, academic support etc. I plan to finish the degree in 1 year, so don't know which college offers more flexibility. Also, some colleges like EC give discount for IEEE members. So, anything that can make decision easier.
     
  10. Beagle412

    Beagle412 New Member

    I've spoken with Dr. Wayne Summers at CSU who is the departmental contact for the Masters of Applied Computer Science degree, which I am considering. He was extremely helpful and pointed me to some program alumni who were equally helpful in answering my questions about the program, their experiences, and the outcomes and post-graduate activities of the program's graduates. I actually lived in the Columbus, GA area until last year, and the school has a very good regional reputation. Columbus is home to the corporate HQ for Aflac, Synovus, TSYS, and is also home to Fort Benning, which is increasing dramatically in size in the next few years and which should bring a major boost to the local economy (and enrollments to CSU). The same local major employers are supporters of the business and computer science departments at CSU, particularly because of their heavy focus on technology. I was very impressed with the faculty at CSU, they seemed very interested in me as a prospective student, which I found very reassuring since I do not have a CS or even a business undergrad degree and was concerned about my ability to succeed in the program (with a BA in Biology from 15 years ago and no programming experience, but 15 years in IT). I will be applying to Columbus State's program - I am confident that it is a quality degree taught by competent and accessible faculty, and the price cannot be beat! I want to get in and finish the degree before they realize what a steal it is and start raising the tuition! Good luck, I hope that helps....
     
  11. truckie270

    truckie270 New Member

    Congratulations and best of luck. Tuition rates in the Georgia State university system really cannot be beat (although they are hemmoraging money, so get in while you can).
     
  12. It's good to see that my hometown is getting some love on the forum. :biggthumpup:
     
  13. truckie270

    truckie270 New Member

    If I could have back all of the money I spent on Victory Drive in my youth.................
     
  14. :) Probably would be enough to pay for both of our educations.
     
  15. major56

    major56 Active Member

    Some additional online graduate computer science field programs:

    Tarleton State University: M.S. in Information Systems @ $214.80 per hr. x 36 (12-crs.) = $7,732.80.
    Master of Science - Information Systems - College of Business Administration - Tarleton State University - Tarleton State University

    University of Illinois: M.S. in Computer Sci. @ $312.50 per hr. x 32 credit hrs. (8-crs.) @ $312.50 per hr. = $10,000. Department of Computer Science

    Dakota State University: M.S. in Information Systems @ $343.75 per hr. x 30 (10-crs.) = $10,312.50. MSIS - Masters of Science in Information Systems at Dakota State University

    Indiana State University offers on online scientiae magister S.M. or M.S. in Electronics and Computer Technology; 32 credit hrs. (8-crs.) @ $426 per hr. = $13,632. Distance Learning: Electronics and Computer Technology (Master Degree)
     
  16. laughfactory

    laughfactory New Member

    Hi Tim...

    Good to hear your report, Tim, and congratulations on completing your Masters! I just received my acceptance letter today and I'm eager to hear more about your (or anyone else's) experience with the CSU Online MS CS program.

    You mentioned that you're their first online student to complete a thesis--why is that? Hasn't their program been around something like ten years? Why haven't more people completed their theses and therefore their degrees? Does the fault rest on the program or on the individuals? Are the students simply lacking in the motivation to complete a viable thesis? Or are the faculty and organization simply too difficult to work with for most people?

    What are your thoughts on why you're the first? How is the quality of the program? What tips for success would you pass on to anyone else undergoing the program (like I may)?

    I appreciate hearing anything and everything you can share with me...

    Warm regards,

    Abe
     
  17. hydet68

    hydet68 New Member

    The thesis is not required for graduation at CSU. I chose to do a thesis because I thought it would help me get accepted into a PHD program and it would give me a taste of what PHD work would be like, it accomplish both.
    One my favorite thing about my classes at CSU was each class was taught differently. One class would require weekly posts about topics related to the class and interaction with other students posts, another would have a weekly quiz on the readings, one class the Prof. would have available their lectures on audio from the face to face class. I think you’ll enjoy the classes and Good Luck!

    Tim
     

Share This Page