University of Maryland Global Campus Reviews of Bachelor's in Computer Networking

Summary: Attending UMGC is a solid career advancement move for working adults. You will not receive a premier Ivy League education, but a degree from UMGC does return solid value while preparing you for the workforce. The Bad: Most complaints about the school center on administration processes (academic advising, financial aid, etc). They're not wrong, the admin processes at the school can be slow and inefficient. But here's my take on it. If you're an adult you should be able to determine what classes... Read More you need to take and how you're paying for them. You'll be required to figure out processes like these in order to be successful at most employers. Curriculum: Classes are tailored to reflect real-life conditions, while introducing some theory. For my program the instruction was often designed to help you earn industry certifications in conjunction with your college credits. I personally earned some CompTIA certifications while finishing my curriculum. This is a force multiplier. You're already paying to learn something, you can immediately apply it, then you finish with a degree and certifications that make you very competitive. Many students don't take the extra step, but the classes do prepare you for it. You get out what you put in. Instruction: The professors generally come from industry. Sometimes they preferred to be called "Bob" instead of "Doctor Johnson". Interactions and grading are based on real-world applications, not strictly theoretical or "fluffy" material. I preferred this to classes I previously took at a large brick-and-mortar state university. Overall, not a world-class education but a solid value. I would not recommend to every 18 year-old young adult, there is no "college experience". I would recommend to most working class individuals.

Well, my experience with UMUC was a mixed bag. As far as the classes went, the instructors for the most part ranged from decent to very good. No real complaints with the educational aspect, other than the 8 week class format can be a bit demanding and not leave much time for real life issues. HOWEVER...dealing with the admissions department, counselors, and financial aid departments was an utter and complete nightmare. Academic counselors/advisors don't return emails and will just tell you anything... Read More to get you off the phone. If you are not self financing and need any type of financial aid, do yourself a favor and avoid this school. I really hate to say it that way but dealing with any of the support staff was just too frustrating and to resolve any issue always required multiple follow-ups.

Excellent online experience, hands down best and most responsive staff I have seen. The depth and breadth of the classes were perfect for working adults already in the field. If you are 18 and out of high-school this college is not for you... go to a brick and mortar. For working adults who need to expand their world view and deep dive into computer networking and cyber security, this is the place to be. All of their computer, cyber and networking degrees are approved by the NSA. The haters apparently... Read More want to be spoon fed- go to the community college for that experience, this is the wrong school for that.

While going for my first Bachelors in Asian Studies majority of my instructors were knowledgeable, detail oriented, and responsive, my second Program was a train wreck. I started my second degree in B.S. in Computer networking and CyberSecurity, the first few basic networking, security, and computer (get familiar) classes were knowledgeable and helpful. However upon getting into the Linux Admin, Windows Server Install/Config and Cisco classes. The instructors information and assignments were vague,... Read More and when you asked for clarification they acted like they had no idea what class you belonged to or what you were talking about. Their ability to communicate on the basic level and to provide details (which is extremely important in IT or at least in my IT Security field. Most other colleges have a 24 hour turn around time to respond to students... some of my teachers took four or five days to respond, and given that the classes are Monday-Sunday, if you have a question after Tuesday you can hang up getting a decent answer. To even get a remote answer or clarity 3 or 4 times I had to go to the IT department and bother Jesse about helping me get clear answers and directions out of the staff. I think the other programs may be better but as far as the three instructors I had for those specific classes.. I doubt I return and likely never to suggest this school for it's IT program. Other than that, the homework was medocra and the quizzes and learning material (TestOut) was the only positive about the classes.