University of Maryland University College

Project Management. It’s a joke. Having a Doctorate degree does not equal qualification for being a professor. If you like, self-study this is the place. The curriculum looks like it is written on the back of a napkin. UMUC is in business to make money, that’s all. I expect more for my money. Those that can, do; those that can’t, teach; those that can’t teach, do it at UMUC…

You get out of it what you put into it in regards to how much you learn. In terms of getting a job I was concerned how it would look on a resume graduating from UMUC. However, I was hired as an adjunct instructor for a University less than one month after graduating (that was what I went to school for). I had to wait to start teaching because I didn't even have my official transcripts yet which was required to finalize the application process. Nine months later I was hired at another college to teach part time. I cannot speak for everyone but in my experience a degree from UMUC has helped me to get where I wanted in regards to my career and must faster than I thought it would happen especially in a bad economy with no prior teaching experience.

University of Maryland University College is a pretty good school. I'm in an agreement that it is not Ivy league school. However, it's not a degree-mill. Student needs to do some additional research before selecting a course and Prof in every semester. I've seen here faculties ranging from outstanding to mediocre. This is sort of commuter school with quite a few long-distance campuses. I'm impressed with the course curriculum, when I compare with other reputed institutes, e.g. - Boston university, Drexel university, etc. If someone wants to attend online courses, he/she needs to be extra delegent over on-campus students. Online student may need to pursue more with the faculties to get the questions answered. From my experience, I've never seen any faculty ever declined to answer any question that I've raised. If he doesn't respond to me back within 24 hours, I do call him directly.

Well the school is really not so bad if your a working adult. For me it has allowed me to take master level classes while still working full-time, being a mom, and wife. The down side is the caliber of your classmates. The group projects are horrible as many people stated, many of my classmates appeared to be more on a freshmen year undergraduate level than a masters degree level. I primarily had issues with students writing skills and researching skills. However I think this is mainly do to the fact that many of the your classmates have been out of school for quite some time. This is my first semester and I have completed two courses both professors had a PHD from reputable Universities. The University is part of the University of Maryland system, the online library is awesome, and my professors have been really supportive, contacting me right away if I had a problem or concern. The classes are mildly challenging but it's definitely a self-study. I would definitely have not attended this school for undergraduate but I think it's a good option for working graduate students. I know several students who have received their masters from UMUC and have been very successful. If you already have a strong undergraduate degree and your attempting to advance your career, than UMUC is a great option.

If you're looking for an on-line "diploma mill" do not attend UMUC, the school will make you earn your diploma. This school offers top-notch programs and provides excellent instruction through easy to use forums. Those that said it was difficult to access classes were perhaps in their first classes, but after a couple classes it's easy. UMUC is a member of the University System of Maryland and the school takes that distinction seriously, so you can expect to work hard for that degree. Yes, I have had some (maybe two) professors that were mediocre, but I believe that is something a student will find at any school. Overall, this is a great school that will offer a diploma that is respected.

Do NOT attend UMUC if you are relying on FA! Although most colleges post aid disbursement dates on their Web pages that are easily accessible, UMUC acts as if it is some kind of state secret. The only thing you can find is, "Aid is disbursed approximately ten (10) days prior to the start of classes." What? 10 business days? 10 days? It is now 9 days-not business days- before the start of Fall semester and no disbursement. Summer session FA was disbursed on the first day of class, and then I had to wait another 10-14 business days for the State of Maryland to send a check. What this does is force students on FA to make a choice between not having a textbook when classes start or paying the inflated MBS book vendor prices that I'm certain UMUC gets a kickback from! They will automatically allow you to take $300 from anticipated FA ONLY IF you order from MBS, that btw is being sued for kickbacks: http://www.courthousenews.com/2010/04/08/26235.htm. FA will respond quickly to emailed questions but with vague answers that need clarification over and over. The few times I have emailed my "advisor" AFTER I enrolled, it took weeks to get a response. WebTycho (online class platform) is anything but user friendly. Each prof can arrange and post materials however they see fit, with no consistency, forcing the student to figure out EACH time they access a class where to find what materials! In "conferences" it is not possible to view the comments of other students while you are writing your own and probably responding to one of them! If you want an online education you will get an average one and NO support, especially if you depend on FA.