UofPeople and Eastern University

[Flightrsk82]

I applied to both schools recently. I applied to University of the People since they received the regional accreditation to the MSIT program. They finally accepted my documents proving language and math and I will be starting there on April 10th, if I decide to attend.

I also applied to Eastern University, MS in Data Analytics. The required GPA there is 3.0 but you can apply with a letter of explanation. I had right at a 2.78 so I decided to take my chances. I submitted all the required documents and awaiting a decision.

My questions are has anyone applied with less than the 3.0? I have worked with data now as an Ops and UAT Analyst for 10 years or so which I hope will strengthen my application. I also completed a Google Data Analytics Certificate that I submitted. 

Last question is if you could decide between the two, which would you pick?

[bjcheung77]

Without knowing your details asked for in the addendum and template, I would select... Neither, I recommend the WGU MS Data Analytics instead for the same price as the UofPeople, but they'll be better recognized or on par with the Eastern University option. If I had to choose from the two - If you have the cash, EU - If you don't, then UofPeople... Please provide more details on your scenario for a clearer answer: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...Area-works

[mcjon77]

I had under a 3.0 for undergrad (I can't remember exactly what it was) when I applied to Eastern for their MS in Data Science. However, at the time I already had a master's degree in information technology with a 3.77 GPA and was working as a data analyst. I wrote the same letter that you mentioned and was accepted.

If you're deciding between both programs and you're actually working in data I would recommend the data analytics masters from Eastern. My data science master's degree from there (along with my experience as a data analyst) got me a job as a data scientist 6 months after graduation.

WGU is also another option. However that's limited to United States citizens I believe. The challenge with WGU is that it can cost half as much as eastern, but only if you can finish in 6 months. If you finish in a year it cost about the same but if you finish in 13 months it'll cost you almost $5,000 more.

[Vle045]

I would choose Eastern between the two - without hesitation.

[dleewo]

I applied to both schools recently. I applied to University of the People since they received the regional accreditation to the MSIT program. They finally accepted my documents proving language and math and I will be starting there on April 10th, if I decide to attend.

I also applied to Eastern University, MS in Data Analytics. The required GPA there is 3.0 but you can apply with a letter of explanation. I had right at a 2.78 so I decided to take my chances. I submitted all the required documents and awaiting a decision.

My questions are has anyone applied with less than the 3.0? I have worked with data now as an Ops and UAT Analyst for 10 years or so which I hope will strengthen my application. I also completed a Google Data Analytics Certificate that I submitted. 

Last question is if you could decide between the two, which would you pick?

I had a 2.77 GP from my BSc in Computer Science, but this was 30 years ago.  I did have to write a letter explaining my GPA, but I was accepted and started at the beginning of January in the MSDS program.  I have a 4.0 from my first two courses, I will have another 4.0 from the 2 I'm currently taking this semester.  The course has been super easy so far with my extensive SW background

[bjcheung77]

Basically, I would check a few options just in case, WGU was an example, probably some others that are out there and within the 10K price range if that is the max budget you've allocated for this secondary educational journey. Having a less than stellar GPA from years ago may not mean you'll have a less than stellar one this year or now... UofPeople should be your last resort for RA degrees, I would still pick them over any NA degree now though.