Capella University - Master of Science

Students must adapt...

By: avatar (Graduate) on September 29, 2008

Materials:		Teachers:
Institution:		Support:
Value:		Technology:

Review:

I will break my comments down per category:
OVERALL: I recently graduated from Capella with a Master of Science in IT-Security.  In addition to this degree I also hold the CISSP and Security+ industry recognized certifications.  The IT and Security related course work closely follows both the domains of knowledge around IT Security as well as general business and IT Management topics.  Online learning does take a bit to get used to.  Capella's paradigm (at least for my program) was essentially, read---->reflect---->write multiple essays weekly---> comment on peer essay postings, interact with other students ----> work on a final course paper or project to be turned in at the end of the quarter.  APA style was taught in my first course (called: Technical Writing).  Many professors also have students submit the output of 3rd party online citation checking (anti-plagerism) tools.  Again, a lot of reading, thinking, and writing.  

Materials: The course used books, as well as articles from Capella's online library which is more extensive than I will take the time to explain here.  The books I purchased through my coursework were outstanding and included: Harris's CISSP book, Hacking Exposed, and the CCNA book from Sybex to name a few.  

Teachers: The role of the professor is to take the class on a 10 week journey through the material while commenting on essays to challenge student thinking, and providing needed feedback on course projects.  The teachers are there to ensure quality and create challening discussions.  

Institution:  In my 2+ years at Capella, I was impressed with how hard the Administration was working to make additional options open to students.  For example, mid way through my program in IT-Security, Capella obtained NSA certification and published a course list that would allow students to obtain NSA recognition in addition to their degree.  

Support: The vast majority of the time Capella's online couserooms worked just fine for me.  Towards the end of my program I even used an 'un-supported' version of firefox without any issues.  Capella has automated tools that check software versions and configuration settings.  If you can pass this automated assessment, you shouldn't have any issues.  When I did need support I typically submitted emails which were acknowledged immediately and answered in 1 day.  

Technology:  When looking at online programs (traditional universities would not fit into my work schedule and I honestly dreaded the idea of sitting in 2 hour lectures again) Capella was by far the best.  They continue to improve their online courseroom and as an alumni I really hope they keep this edge!

Value:  I am very happy with the quality of education I received in earning my Masters Degree from Capella University.  I would recommend it (and have) to anyone who is willing to challenge themselves create thoughtful writing after some disciplined reading and reflection.