Here are some tips for selecting schools, based on an analysis comparing each school to all others across dozens of factors:
Fastest Response From Schools
- Request Info: For the fastest information for prospective students, look at the Spotlight schools on this page.
Student Body
- Part-Time: For schools emphasizing part-time studies, consider Minot State, Jamestown, Valley City State University, and North Dakota State University.
- Adult Learners: For lots of adult learners, consider Valley City State University.
School Setting
- Out of State: For geographic diversity, take note of Jamestown, University of North Dakota, Dickinson State, and North Dakota State University.
- Dorms: For a residential campus environment, take note of Jamestown, North Dakota State College of Science, Valley City State University, and Mayville State.
Excellence
- Class Size: For small class sizes, look at Cankdeska Cikana Community College, Valley City State University, Mayville State, and Minot State.
Student/Alumnus Reviews of Schools for This Career and State
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Mayville State University • Mayville, ND
Studying Computer Information Systems And Mathematics (completion in 1996)
• 3/7/2012
"It was a great overall school. The teachers, classmates, social experience, athletics and community were great. I learned a lot that has helped me in my past and present jobs."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | The school was located in a small town where everyone got to know everyone. For someone who may be a little nervous about leaving home for the first time, the community there will make you feel right at home. Class sizes were small, which is a major factor in learning, especially if the subject was difficult and you needed extra help or attention. Most of my classmates also did internships, which the school helped secure. And most of my classmates had job offers before graduation. I attribute the success I am having today to the school. |
| Program Reputation | 6 | I haven't really heard anything, good or bad, about the school's current computer program. I think one of the instructors I had is still there, so I'm assuming it is still good, since he was such a great teacher. |
| Program Quality | 7 | Class size was small, so each student got the extra attention if needed. The classes covered a wide range of computer-related fields, such as networking, database, and programming. I felt that some of the courses were really out of date, though. |
| Instruction | 10 | There were 2 main computer instructors. Both were excellent. They had in-depth knowledge of everything they taught. |
| How Difficult | 7 | I think because I was interested in the subject, I paid closer attention and got more out of each of my classes. Classes weren't overly easy, but they weren't overly difficult either. And if I needed extra help because I didn't understand something, the instructors gladly gave me the extra attention I needed. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | Most classes started with the book lecture and then progressed to the hands-on programming experience to practice what we learned. Lots of it, to me, was learning by trial and error. If I didn't fully understand something, I played around and tested it hands on until I got a better grasp of the task and subject. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 5 | Most classes took place during daytime hours. There were some evening classes, but not many. There was also a summer session that consisted of lots of the electives. |
| Academic Facilities | 10 | The school had a number of computer labs that were open whenever I needed them. Each classroom also had the necessary number of computers needed. I think the school has now switched over to laptops. Each student gets a laptop through the school. Since my classes were small, I got to know each of my classmates and had great study sessions. |
| Social Life | 10 | The school had a number of different organizations to join, and athletics were huge. Baseball, basketball, football...all had great turnouts from the student body and town. There was always a party to go to, just about any night of the week. It was a small school, so I got to know (or know of) just about everyone who attended. |
| Placement Services | 10 | Once I became a junior, I was helped to land an internship through the school's career services department. They helped me brush up on my interviewing skills and helped me every step of the way. When I neared graduation, they also helped me secure a full-time position with a great company right after I graduated. |
| Alumni Network | 8 | Many alumni, especially the athletes, continue to be involved in the school's activities and show support for the school. There are a number of alumni gatherings and events throughout the year that have great turnouts. |
Minot State University • Minot, ND
Studying Computer Science (completion in 2000)
• 3/23/2012
"I had a great experience when I attended college at Minot State. The classes were challenging and thought provoking and were good stepping stones to my career."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | The computer science program has come a long way from where it was when I attended school. There are more classes, more teachers, and more hands on activities. I would recommend anyone considering computer science to at least start there, if not finish there. |
| Program Reputation | 6 | The program has gained more notoriety in the past few years with some of the new class offerings. The robotics class has gone to quite a few competitions and placed fairly highly. |
| Program Quality | 7 | The curriculum that was provided by the school was adequate to receive the degree. The school could have used a few more teachers to be able to offer more classes to the students, though. |
| Instruction | 10 | The professors that I had were extremely knowledgeable and willing to help when needed. There were programs I could take that would allow for work studies so I could get on the job training and receive credit for the work. |
| How Difficult | 8 | We were required to do a lot of after class work to reinforce what was taught in class. We had multiple assignments per week involving software development, plus we had written exams and one large group project per semester to complete. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | The program was always book first to get the concepts, and then hands on to solidify. This process worked well for me. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 8 | It was always easy to get the classes I wanted. There were multiple offerings throughout the year so it made it easier to complete my degree in 4 years. |
| Academic Facilities | 8 | My advisor was always around and was also one of my teachers. He helped out whenever possible and would come in after school to assist. We had a great computer lab and library. We always had the resources available to us as students. |
| Social Life | 7 | The school always seemed to keep the students involved with events like homecoming, red & green days, and such. There were always things to do that were sponsored by the student association. |
| Placement Services | 5 | I don't feel the college did enough to try and help with job placement. All of the work I received I acquired on my own accord. Getting an internship is about all the assistance I received. |
| Alumni Network | 5 | I don't hear much from them. They have a get together about once a year. I get some requests for money once in a while. |
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