University Of Maryland, Baltimore County Online

University of Maryland, Baltimore County Online

• Public research university founded in 1966
• Offers comprehensive online Master's in Information Systems for IT professionals
• 100% online program with no classroom attendance required
• Curriculum developed and supervised by campus-based research faculty
• Program may be completed in as little as two years
• One-on-one advising available to online students
• GRE not required as part of admissions process
• Financial aid for qualified applicants
• Accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

About University of Maryland, Baltimore County Online

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), is a public research university part of the University System of Maryland. Founded in 1966, UMBC offers students a liberal arts education while specializing in science, information technology, and engineering programs. In addition to undergraduate and graduate campus programs, UMBC offers an online Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) program for students looking for IT career advancement, giving educational access to working adults and students who cannot attend campus programs. Ranked in 2010 by U.S. News & World Report as number one in the list of "Up-and-Coming" national universities in the America's Best Colleges Guide, UMBC also was the #2 ranked school in IT degrees awarded by major U.S. research universities by Computing Research News.

Academic Programs

UMBC's Master of Science in Information Systems program consists of a competency based model of 34 credit hours of coursework which can be completed in two years. Students progress through different tiers of courses as they gain new skills and knowledge, including fundamental and core courses, as well as advanced courses and special topic courses that may be offered periodically. Developed by UMBC's campus-based research faculty, this program is comprehensive and maintains a curriculum that stays current with the IT industry.

Learning Options

Courses start three times per year in the fall, spring, and summer. Online courses are flexible, with students completing work in their own timeframe within certain deadlines. A strong online presence is expected of students, with students interacting with faculty and each other via the online learning platform.

Faculty

The online Master's in Information Systems program is taught by the same faculty members that teach on the UMBC campus. Faculty are highly qualified in the IT field, and are accessible to students throughout the program.

Student Life

UMBC's flexible program is geared towards working IT professionals who continue working throughout the program. Although learning is completed entirely online, students stay connected with the Department of Information Systems and each other via the online community. Through this community, students have access to an array of resources available to them during and beyond the program.

Admissions and Financial Aid

Interested applicants must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited school, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, although students with lower GPAs may be accepted with additional approval. In addition, all students must be fluent in English, and submit any official transcripts to the school. The GRE is not a requirement of the program. UMBC strives to make the program affordable, and federal financial aid is available to qualified students.