Notre Dame of Maryland University

This school is such a ripoff. The online courses are a joke- they just post PowerPoints and pre-recorded videos, nothing you couldn't get off EdX or another free platform. The teachers are never available for extra help or office hours. They changed the professor for one of my classes the day it started and he came on and said (literally) "I never teach this class, this is not my material so we will just 'wing it'"it's. When I tried to ask for my money back after dropping the course I was told it... Read More was too late. I paid $2,500 for a professor to just "wing it". After not attending for 2 semesters I was sent a bill for "University fees" which include (I quote): Access to the software suite included in Microsoft Office 365 A Career Services Center, Health and Wellness Benefits offering you a wide range of integrative health services at the Natural Care Center’s University Teaching Clinic at the reduced price of $15 per service, Access to various research and support tools, and Use of your student email address after you leave the university. Mind you, as a remote student you actually have access to none of these, except O365 (which *I already have*, and costs $100 for a year) and, my email address- which, who uses a university email address after they leave. All for $300 a trimester. The online program is a scam with minimal instruction or career prep. Find something free (or at least cheaper!)

I believe that students coming to this institution need to have a strong academic background coming in as a freshman student. I think that this university although it is rich in tradition and history, lacks the academic resources to help those students who may fall behind in class. I have seen on more than one occasion, students fail out of class or repeat courses because they did not have the support or an adequate enough background to successfully matriculate into this institution.

Furthermore,... Read More I believe that it is important to have understand that this institution has a strict 6 or 7 point grading scale, depending on the class. Therefore, most classes require students to receive a 93 or 94 in a class to receive an A. I did not know this coming into the institution but feel that this would be important information for any incoming student to know.

Moreover, there has been a lot of turnover in some of the offices in the last few years. I did not graduate with the same admissions counselor, who recruited me, still being in the office. Therefore, students may have difficulty finding continuity in their correspondence with individuals in the Admissions, Registrar's or Business Offices.

Finally, students must be vigilant in being a self-advocate through their time at this institution. Take everything that is advised to you by your professors, advisors or colleagues with a grain of salt. Do your research and look into opportunities off of campus because the institution does not necessarily have the greatest connections with other schools and/or employers depending on the department. Furthermore, have a few friends that are focused as well as motivated to achieve both academic and professional success.

In conclusion, I think that students will succeed here if they are intrinsically motivated to excel both in and out of the classroom. It is also important to maintain a good rapport with your professors and fellow classmates who will likely make up the bulk of your campus support system. Finally, look into opportunities off-campus to jumpstart your professional career so that you can adequately prepare for life after graduation.

Notre Dame of Maryland University is truly a special place to receive an education. Every student at this school receives individual attention from faculty and staff, and there is a strong emphasis on educating the entire student. I learned so much about myself and my areas of study! From the beautiful, historic campus, to the forward-thinking, challenging classroom environment, NDMU brings out the best in all of its students. You will be pushed to explore your own thoughts, learn to look at the... Read More world from every imaginable perspective, and expand your intellectual horizons. You could never ask for a program that better combines rigor and personal care.

My graduate program is very limited in accessibility of classes. Many classes are not offered throughout the year, making it difficult to take a class at a time when work is not as heavy. Not having classes online is also disappointing, as it would be much easier to access online than to attend a class 45 minutes away. The courses are quite expensive, as well, and there is not much in the way of financial aid offered for grad students who are taking one or two courses a year. The pros are that it... Read More is a great program for those who have graduate degrees but just need the certification courses to continue their career in education.

Notre Dame of Maryland University has been a great choice for my graduate program. I do not live in the area so I am unsure about transportation, cost of living and social life. My professors have been great though! The workload is reasonable because even when it seems like a lot, it is still very relevant. As a full time teacher and part-time graduate student, it is important to me that my classes seem relevant and engaging. At Notre Dame of Maryland I feel like I am getting the education I need... Read More to become a better student.