University of Maryland Global Campus

I signed up in May 2023 with UMGC Europe, submitted a transfer credit report, done by WES. My goal was to get a BA quickly using most of my transfer credits. I had 5 majors which I was interested in. In July UMGC "lost" all my transfer credits on record after I submitted a second transfer credit report from another university. I complained and after a week my account showed some credits but three credits less than before. My question why that is has been unanswered for 6 weeks now. I was told I had... Read More some more credits to be "unlocked" if I submit a syllibi for those classes. I submitted it 6 weeks ago but still no update on how many credits get recognized. I complained in two emails to the ombudsman of UMGC no answer at all. My advisor keeps refering to stateside offices which are making decisions but have failed so far to resolve my case. I spoke to head of admissions Europe, he promised me to get answers and get back to me through my advisor but again no answer for the past six weeks. Communication is non existant. I have attended universities before but I have never experienced anything like this. I can't recommend this university at all.

When I initially applied I was told I would be able to start my program with my unofficial transcripts and degree verification from a previous institution. I spent two months collecting documents only to be told by admissions at the final stage of matriculation that none if this was enough and that I would need my official transcripts which are on hold because of a balance. A total waste of my time. This erroneous policy had been communicated to me by 3 different advisors! You never speak to the... Read More same person twice so you are constantly repeating yourself and being told conflicting information. The entire process felt very “for profit”. Zero stars and would not recommend.

Where to begin.... My advice is to avoid the UMGC cybersecurity technology masters program at all costs - unless you enjoy being in a management position and not knowing how to do your job (which is unfortunately true of many cyber leaders - they love policy, but have no idea how to implement the deeds they preach)! Five of the six courses in the cybersecurity technology program are 100% policy based, meaning that the bulk of your assignments are based on writing cyber policy with regards to, or... Read More in response to some convoluted situation that rarely makes sense. Labs and writing prompts are not in alignment. The labs mainly use the Citrix workspace to connect to universities the virtual environment and Citrix almost universally offers students a terrible user experience. The labs are not graduate level labs, they are at best lower division undergraduate level labs. This degree will only teach you how to format papers and how to regurgitate policy! I really hope the university is reading this review and stops cheating students out of the skills they need to be of value in the cyber field!

I started with UMGC in 2019 and chose them for their pricing, lack of book costs, and payment plan options. Rather then take out more student loans I was able to make interest free payments for each semester and go at my own pace (which not only helps balance my busy schedule but also helps with my budget) I was able to take 2 to 3 classes a semester and finish my degree in 3 years. As with all programs there will be good instructors and bad but the majority of my classes were well run with an attentive... Read More and caring instructor. I would highly recommend UMGC to anyone looking to get their degree while still working full-time. The flexibility of their rolling start dates and class timing was perfect for me and I am not looking at continuing with my masters through UMGC. My only complaint is that they do not currently offer a masters program in Gerontology.

UMGC is a waste of time. They only care about collecting money. Professors generally have other jobs and don't care about the students. There are a couple good ones out there, but most couldn't care less. The curriculum is at least a decade old, and there is no instruction in the classes. The courses are almost 100% self study with outside resources since there are no books for any classes. The course materials are usually nothing more than a 10-15 year old PDF from a random industry source, not... Read More a book. Professors will take off points if you submit 1 minute late, but they won't grade your assignments for weeks after the due date. By the time you get their feedback, you have already turned in 2-3 other assignments with the same "mistakes" in them, and the professors will take off points every time. If the only thing you're looking for is a piece of paper saying you have a degree, UMGC is good enough. If you're looking to actually learn anything, look elsewhere.

UMGC is the WORST SCHOOL you can get a cyber security degree!! I did 2 years and it's very easy to graduate but they teach you nothing!! I failed 4 security analyst interviews and I dont know even basic principles of cyber security, unfortunately. Please work hard and go to a different college OR if you want just degree, then this college is perfect and you can do certifications on the side. I feel horrible that I am part of UMGC and embarrassed to represent them! Their image is extremely low-class... Read More amongst the professionals and this school is just do suck your money out hand you a 4 year degree.

The Cybersecurity division of this school is really bad. I've gotten good grades but quality of education is poor and professors take forever to grade. Most of the courses outsource textbooks/labs to ucertify which constantly has issues. Also, they still reference Windows 10 in all of the readings, when Windows 11 has been out a couple years now. It shows that they do not update the text to the newest changes in the industry. At UMGC, you essentially pay for a degree and class flexibility. If you... Read More want to be prepared for a career, UMGC is not a good choice.

UMGC was great for me as an active duty service member. It made it possible for me to earn a degree before I left the military and got me a job in the federal government/ several job offers after. I learned a lot through the computer science curriculum. You will get the breadth needed for any CS job. You will need to put in extra work to get depth and leetcode on your own to be successful in interviews. There admissions/financial/student first teams were very responsive and helped me with all my... Read More questions in a timeline manner. Their writing center and other tutoring services were also valuable for me. I recommend making use of all the resources available to you as a student here (free books, etc). I was also accepted into GATech's OMSCS after graduating. And because I am used to the online format the classes have been a smooth transition. Definitely recommend for any CS alums interested in continuing their education

I've been to several colleges and most of the professors were more qualified. The professors at this institution believe they’re entitled to treat others in any shape or form if they don't see or write from their perspective. I will no longer attend this school or recommend anyone else to attend. I was recommended to this school because I was told "ITS MILITARY FRIENDLY." Well, that turned out to be a lie. I give this school a rating of one in all categories. Worst college experience I've had. Please... Read More everyone stay away from this school and their high tuition.