Anyone have any experience with the Carnegie Mellon program?

I am having a hard time finding out info WRT CMU's distance learning program; so I am hoping that someone is either currently enrolled in or has successfully completed the CMIT - Info Sec program and could tell me about their experience.

Specifically, I am wondering about how classes are conducted. I just completed my BS at UMUC and there we used WebTYCHO as our virtual classroom. I also have experience with Blackboard. Does CMU use something similar? Does CMU just distribute taped lectures?

How would you rate the difficulty or rigor of the program? Does the program focus more on some aspects than others, or is the program well rounded. I know that George Mason University has an MSIT - Info Assurance program, but it focuses very heavily on mathematics. I don't really have a problem with math, but I do have a problem with taking 3 or 4 purely math courses when I could be learning something more valuable/interesting (i.e. if the courses were on cryptography instead of calculus, then I wouldn't be terribly upset).

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Comments

dmoore44

No one? I've seen the CMU program discussed, but no one's gone through it yet?

QHalo

I believe I brought up the CMU program in the other thread. Still finishing my BS right now so I haven't gone through the program but I'm subbing to the thread in case someone has and can share experiences. I've looked into it, and the school is rated in the top 5. I hear Georgia Tech's IS program is very tough as well. And it's about 20k cheaper than CMU.

dmoore44

I'm resurrecting this thread... In the coming days/weeks, I'll start ramping up to study for the GMAT with the intention of applying for the program early next year.

Does anyone on the boards have any experience with CMU? I would really like to ask some questions so I know exactly what I would potentially be getting myself in to...

reppgoa

quick question,

I saw that you graduated from UMUC with a bachelors. How has your experience been with employers and how they view a UMUC degree? I am in my junior year at UMUC, and I am worried that people look down on "for profit" degrees. And thanks for pointing out CMU's program. I didnt even know it existed. When I graduate, I will look into applying there. Hopefully I can maintain my decent GPA as the requirements look pretty intense.

erpadmin

reppgoa wrote: »

I am in my junior year at UMUC, and I am worried that people look down on "for profit" degrees. And thanks for pointing out CMU's program. I didnt even know it existed. When I graduate, I will look into applying there. Hopefully I can maintain my decent GPA as the requirements look pretty intense.

Dude, UMUC is NOT a for-profit college. How are you a junior at UMUC and NOT know that?!

Founded in 1947, UMUC is one of 11 accredited, degree-granting institutions in the University System of Maryland (USM). Offering a broad range of cutting-edge classes, UMUC has earned a global reputation for excellence. Headquartered in Adelphi, Maryland, UMUC has classroom locations in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, Europe and Asia, and provides award-winning online classes to students worldwide. Select a link below to learn more about why more students and faculty are making UMUC their choice for higher learning.

I don't understand how or why people (in general) equate "online" colleges with "for-profit" colleges. It's like me saying Microsoft is a non-profit company...something that is equally ridiculous!

reppgoa

well, I just transfered here and had 2 years and some change from a different school. I view it as a "for profit" school because in all honesty, they have zero standards for acceptance into the programs. I cant tell you how many people I have had in my 300 and 400 level classes that really shouldn't be there. I had a high level security class, 400 level, and a guy asks the first day, "whats the difference between a threat and a risk". I honestly wish I could go to a traditional school, but I cant due to work. I have to put forth very little effort in the classes at UMUC while maintaining a 3.8 GPA, and I am not the smartest kid on the block. This is why I am interested in CMU. People hear Carnegie Mellon University, and immediately have a higher view of your education, regardless if its true or not. Just looking at the requirements to get in shows me that CMU is a much better school than UMUC. Having actual standards means that I wont be in a class with someone who can barely spell security.

petedude

The CMU MS-IT program is probably everything most DL'ers could ask for in a Master's-- recognized (Ivy League!), quick, reasonably priced, and offered online. However. . .

It's got an intense workload, from what I've heard. Might be tough to keep up with if you work long hours and/or have young kids. They also insist on completion within the timeframe scheduled-- this program can't be dragged out like others can.

dmoore44

reppgoa wrote: »

quick question,

I saw that you graduated from UMUC with a bachelors. How has your experience been with employers and how they view a UMUC degree? I am in my junior year at UMUC, and I am worried that people look down on "for profit" degrees. And thanks for pointing out CMU's program. I didnt even know it existed. When I graduate, I will look into applying there. Hopefully I can maintain my decent GPA as the requirements look pretty intense.

I can't really answer your question. I started college when I lived in Texas, but then stopped school to join the military. I was stationed in the DC area, so when I decided it was time to complete my degree, I went decided to go to UMUC because I could take classes on the College Park campus with the College Park professors. When I got out of the military, I got a job as a contractor at a government agency based on my military experience (Contracts Manager), not my degree (I had not finished the degree program yet). While working as a contractor, the agency I was working with saw that my pre-military experience, degree program, and aptitude were with IT, so they decided to bring me on board as a GS-0391 (Telecommunications Specialist). I finished my degree about a year in to being a government employee. So, with all that being said, the degree granting institution (UMUC) has had very little to do with my employment. In my experience, it's been more about what experience and knowledge.

The CMU program does look intense - I really hope that I can hack it. I don't want to get in, and then flunk out or something. I really want to go through the IA track because I am trying to send my career down the IA/cybersec path.