Norwich University

I chose Norwich for grad studies-- it is an online program with a brief residency designed for hyper-networking-- because I wanted to be able to gain international work experience while accomplishing a quality masters degree. I needed to make the most of my time and money. I spent a year working overseas while tackling the program core. It was absolutely hell... 40 hours of my full-time job on top of the 6hr classes with Norwich left me almost no time to rest. I was a wreck by the time I finished my work contract and returned to the US. Some colleagues are in active military duty in Afghanistan or Iraq, among other places. The average MDY student, from my own experience, is a person who is very serious about their purpose. This is good and bad, because the rewards are great but the competition and expectations can be overwhelming at times.

The MDY program has been very useful for me- the curriculum gives a good systematic overview of the field and the faculty will help students find the right fit for specialization. My background is somewhat unusual, history and science. I was refreshed to encounter profs that are generous with their time and intelligence... the research I've been able to do as a result of their courteous support is enjoyable and fulfilling. I did not expect this level of freedom: it's nice to be able to do my work without fearing retaliation from professors who use authority to mask immature insecurity.

The professors I've had in my programs are top notch, and so are many of my colleagues. Some folks are ridiculously accomplished scholars and leaders of people-- my last prof is a Nobel laureate. The atmosphere is one of mutual respect and humility, almost to a fault. There is no arrogance that I've noticed, unless it has been on the part of another student. This is rare- I would say the overall character of MDY students is, as it should be, diplomatic.

Negatives:
-I personally need more face-to-face time than an online program can offer.
-The program requires extremely efficient time management. Weekly discussion grades are given a lot of weight. You cannot make an A if you cannot accomplish unrelenting excellence. I guess that's fair, but sometimes it seems like people who perform with consistent mediocrity come out on top. Such is life-- we all need to be able to prioritize things so that the job can get done.

-The system is not designed to deal with the caprice of genius. It is designed to make everybody smarter, faster, stronger, and more disciplined *aggregate*. The disciplined person of above-average intelligence (dumb people couldn't hack this program) will gain insight from the genius, and the genius will benefit enormously by developing practical skills. If you are ridiculously smart, do not expect mind blowing revelation from your cohort, and don't expect everyone else to entertain your insight. Just be grateful for improving yourself as a professional and teach yourself what you can.

I am glad I'm doing this- am very glad it's almost done. Would recommend the program but only for people who can handle their business.