Mathematics & Economics Master of Science in Informatics

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to complete the program completely online?

Yes. We offer a number of online courses each semester, giving students multiple classes to choose from and take.

How do the online courses work?

It varies a bit from course to course, and it is constantly evolving as new technologies become available. Broadly speaking, our classes come in two varieties. Some classes are offered purely online. There are no physical meetings, although most classes include online chats that function similarly to office hours. Instruction in these classes takes a variety of forms, including textbook readings, instructor-made videos, and/or tutorial worksheets. Assignments are collected, graded, and returned on a regular basis. Exams require that the student arrange a proctor. Other classes are offered in a hybrid format. These courses are taught on the ESU campus with regular lectures, which are broadcast online using web conference software. Online students can log in during the class time and participate along with the on-campus students. These lectures are also recorded so that students who cannot log in during class time can catch up later. Otherwise, these classes are the same as the online courses (assignments, exams, etc.).

Can I transfer graduate classes I've taken at another university?

Yes, with restrictions. ESU policy allows students to transfer up to 9 credit hours of graduate courses from other universities. The courses must have been taken for graduate credit, and you must have received a B- or better.

Is there opportunity for student interaction?

Definitely. As previously mentioned, most classes include at least one weekly online chat (via web conference software) that allows students to discuss class material, ask questions, and generally interact with the instructor and with each other. Courses also include discussion boards that allow students to ask and answer questions throughout the week.

How many courses can I take each semester?

You can take as many as you can handle. Until recently, we often only offered one online course per semester. This is not as limiting as it sounds. Most of our students have full time jobs, and one course a semester is essentially a full load for them. A graduate level mathematics course is a significant time commitment! However, with the expansion of our program, we now offer multiple classes each semester, so it is possible to take two or even three courses in a single semester for those not working.

How long will it take to complete the program?

That depends on how many courses you can handle in a semester. Most of our students choose the non-thesis option, which requires 34 credit hours. That is eleven three-credit-hour courses plus a one-hour project. So if you are able to take one course during the two regular semesters and two courses in the summer, you could complete the program in less than three years.