Beyond Instruction: Scaling Support for a Large Online Master’s Program

Abstract

In this chapter, we examine the program- and university-level infrastructure to support learners in a large online Master of Science in Computer Science program. The program is novel due to its cost and size: total tuition for the entire degree is around $7,000, and to date, it has enrolled over 25,000 total students with 11,000 enrolled in spring 2021. Prior research has largely focused on the program’s administration of individual classes, but in this work, we examine the administration of the program at higher levels: at the program level, including its academic advisers, career counselors, and alumni relations, and at the university level where it integrates with on-campus infrastructure for academic integrity, student advocacy, and disability accommodations. We close by offering three guidelines for implementing similar programs at other schools, taking into consideration the full range of experience in building the program.

Citation

Joyner, D.A. (2021), "Beyond Instruction: Scaling Support for a Large Online Master’s Program", Hoffman, J. and Blessinger, P. (Ed.) International Perspectives on Supporting and Engaging Online Learners (Innovations in Higher Education Teaching and Learning, Vol. 39), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 43-56. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2055-364120210000039004