M.Ed. at CSU, NEU, Illinois - review of application processes

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Go_Fishy, Dec 15, 2010.

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  1. Go_Fishy

    Go_Fishy New Member

    Hi all,

    I recently applied to a number of Master's programs in the field of Human Resource Education. I went went down the long and dusty road of letters of intent, recommendations, transcripts you know the drill. Anyways, I thought I'd provide my thoughts on each school's application process. Keep in mind that this is just my personal experience - yours may vary.

    Northeastern University

    Degree: M.Ed. Adult and Organization Learning
    Status: accepted
    Overall experience: positive


    I was interested in this degree because of the excellent variety of courses offered and the flexibility of the program (they start classes 8(?) times a year). Tuition is around $16,000.

    This was a very smooth application process. There was no application fee (yay!), and they didn't have any questions for me. They did try to get me to sign up for classes before I was admitted. Very business-savvy. ;) After acceptance, they were very professional though. The application process was through a website called applyyourself.com and pretty streamlined - no paper, all electronic. The people guiding me through the application process were friendly and mostly knowledgeable.

    University of Illinois at UC

    Degree: M.Ed. Humand Resource Development
    Status: Department recommended admission, then ??
    Overall experience: poor

    I was really, really excited about this program. Tuition is around $18,000, and the program runs on a cohort system, which I figured would be great to stay motivated. The curriculum looks excellent, but...

    I applied to the program in August (through Apply Yourself, fee is $70) with a deadline on September 1st. There were some problems with the application interface as the program was not properly listed yet, but the administrative clerk was very helpful and let me submit documents to her via email.

    In late August, the program website announced that the deadline had been extended to October 1st, and shortly after that to November 1st. I was a little disappointed because this would of course delay my acceptance. The start date for the program is January 2011...

    When I hadn't heard anything in late November/early December, I sent an email to the administrative clerk I had been in contact with earlier. She told me that I had been recommended for admission by the Department but that the Graduate School wanted more information about my undergraduate history. Now, I have to say at this point that I did my undergraduate studies in Europe and anticipated some need for clarification, but it would have been nice if they had actually contacted me to tell me about it.

    I provided some more information about my academic history within a few days. Since then, I have heard absolutely nothing back from the school, not even a confirmation of receipt.

    That's pretty much where I decided that this lack of communication was not a good omen for a successful distance learning experience. I do not expect stellar customer service from a state school, and I completely understand that my educational history may have presented some challenges to a US institution. However, I have a Master's degree from an accredited US institution and have been a straight-A student ever since coming to the US. I have published a little and presented at a number of conference. Oh yes, I would have paid out of pocket too...

    This is not about bashing the school because of one unpleasant experience. I know Illinois is a great school, and I am sure students in the program have a very good experience. But I invested a great deal of time and effort in all my application materials, and I am frustrated that Illinois hasn't even bothered to keep me posted on the progress of my application.

    It actually doesn't matter anymore, though, because...

    Colorado State University, Fort Collins
    Degree: M.Ed. in Education and Human Resource Studies
    Status: Admitted

    The CSU program seems quite different from the other two programs no cohorts, no accelerated terms - instead a semester system and a mix of electronic and snail mail application ($50). The entire program seems much less streamlined for adult distance learners than the other two program. According to the website, students can even attend classes at the Ft. Collins campus. The program itself seems a little more on the academic/theoretical side than the other two.

    All these aspects are not necessarily a bad thing, especially because they highlight where the CSU program excels at: people. Even before applying to the program, I had some very pleasant and helpful phone and email conversations with a professor (!) from the Department. Another professor (!!) helped me with further questions while I was submitting my application materials. Upon acceptance, I was assigned to an academic advisor, who has been incredibly supportive and responds to my emails at lighting speed. Everyone I have been in contact with has been giving me a feeling that they appreciate having me in the program. This experience combined with a comparatively low price tag (~ $14,000) and the fact that I can transfer in some courses I have taken in the field make me really excited about the program.

    So, sorry about the long narrative. I know these types of degrees are popular, and I hope this summary may help someone who is considering any of the programs. Again, everyone's experience will be different, and all three look like great programs from great schools. As for myself, I have ordered my CSU hoodie - go Rams! :biggthumpup:
     
  2. Go_Fishy

    Go_Fishy New Member

    Hm, if the board allowed me to edit my posts after 10 minutes, I would have gotten rid of the typos and revised some things here and there. Now you'll just have to live with the draft. ;)

    The overall experience with CSU was obviously excellent...
     

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