Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Stetson Microsoft training right for me?
Stetson has been making people successful for over 100 years with quality education and training. Our MCSA and MCSE programs are designed with your success in mind. Compare any other programs in terms of quality, cost and additional benefits and you will find that a Stetson education makes you stand out.

How long is your course?
Our MCSA course is 80 contact hours in length; it is embedded within our MCSE course. See the information below.

Our MCSE course is 36 weeks in length. It meets one evening a week for three hours each session. We think this provides the time each week for the student to assimilate the materials. For students who need a bit more time in a subject area, we even allow them to re-sit the course another time.

How is the material taught?
We use a combination of qualified and experienced instructors and an excellent software package to facilitate learning. Classes consist of instructor-led discussions of the material for about the first two-thirds of the time, followed by instructor-supervised individual work to solidify learning using the multimedia software that we provide for each student. Our multimedia software provides an excellent source for the theory and fundamentals of computer systems engineering, and the text package includes test-prep CD ROMs. We also use Stetson’s BlackBoard™ online software to facilitate teaching and learning. You will not find this exceptional package at any other institution.

When are my materials (texts, multimedia software) issued?
We issue the materials within ten days after we have an enrollment agreement and tuition payment. This time is required because we want to provide the latest, most up-to-date materials possible. Also, we are not able to maintain a bookstore-type operation because of the additional cost we would have to pass on to our students. Register early so you can have your materials by the first night of class.

How much of the course is hands-on?
Our course provides what you need for the Microsoft certifications, including hands-on work when appropriate. Most computer systems are modular, and installing components is a relatively easy task. Understanding how the system works and making it perform to expectations is the more difficult task. We will provide numerous hands-on software labs for systems work.

What can you tell me about your internship?
Internships are always offered in Celebration and DeLand; other locations as available. The Stetson University MCSE Internship Program consists of training in a Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP environment. This internship is an added benefit for students who want to apply themselves for additional experience that can be reflected in a resume. Interns register with our Systems Administrator, generally after about one third of the instruction has been completed. Our Systems Administrator will review each individual's background and experience, and use this information in assigning tasks and responsibilities. Normally a schedule will be developed to reflect the time and effort each intern wishes to apply himself or herself to the program. Interns are expected to be responsible in attendance and self-motivated in seeking work. Some MCSE/MCSA tasks, though essential, are not particularly exciting. Interns are often expected to find their own solutions to problems mirroring real world experiences. Our Network Administrator will be available to answer questions and to conduct relevant exercises consistent with interns' experience, their progress in the program, and the tasks currently being accomplished to support the Stetson Center network .

What if I get behind?
With our program, we think you won’t get behind. But if you do, our scheduling provides for catch-up time by working with instructors during the latter part of each class. Also, if you want to take a term off for additional self-study to catch up, this is also possible. In summary we provide a lot of ways to catch up and stay caught up.

What are the course prerequisites?
The most important factor is the motivation and dedication to better yourself for new skills and the successes that can come with these qualifications. (The fact that you have worked your way to this Web page already speaks to your motivation - congratulations!) Persons with an aptitude and interest in computer systems, and who are high school graduates are capable of completing the program. High school students who have taken computing courses should be okay also. If you are interested in our program but unsure of your qualifications, you should ask for a free consultation with one of our technology specialists.

Students also need access to a computer capable of playing the many CD-ROM disks with course materials and practice tests. If you do not have a computer Stetson can arrange to have one added to your tuition package, and most financial companies will include this cost in the loan.

When I’m ready for my Microsoft tests, where do I go?
There are a number of facilities in the Orlando area where participants can take their tests. Please note that the Microsoft test costs are not part of the Stetson tuition. There are seven MCSE tests and each is $125. For those seeking financial assistance, the costs of tests can normally be included in the financial aid package.

What are the tests like?
The tests are taken on a computer. Tests are timed, from 90 minutes to 180 minutes. There are around 40-70 questions per test; most questions are multiple choice, some are drag-and-drop. Most tests are worth 1,000 points and participants must achieve the specified minimum score for each particular test. (The Test Administrator we use says time is rarely the issue and that students usually have time to go back and review their answers.) A commercial Website - not necessarily endorsed by Stetson - with information on the Microsoft tests is Cram Session.

Do you guarantee I will pass my tests?
No guarantee, but if you apply yourself, do the lessons, and be active in the learning process you should pass. Beware of providers who "guarantee" that students will pass. They often charge a substantial additional fee for this service(?) and demand that students who fail a test complete a remedial test preparation program that is so rigorous that most people drop out of it and never pass ... and give up their guarantee money also. Stetson knows that the right way to give students the best possible opportunity for success is without gimmick fees.

Cost is a consideration; what can you tell me?
You should select a program based on its quality, and that is why you select Stetson University. But for those where cost is a major consideration, you should note that our MCSE program is the best cost value in Florida. Where else do you receive a superb software package and Stetson quality instruction for our price? Program tuition and fees

How can Stetson deliver its MCSE program for less than half of what other Orlando-area providers charge?
Our program tuition is based on our costs. We do not have sales personnel whose job depends on selling you the course. A few years ago there were many MCSE training providers in the Orlando area, but they went away when times got hard. Stetson has been around 125 years and will be here for the next 125.

Does Stetson provide financial assistance?
Yes! Financial assistance for MCSE-type programs is through private lenders. No matter who is the provider, all tend to go to the same lenders such as Sallie Mae. Do not let slick ads trick you into believing some training business can connect you with more or better financial aid than Stetson University. Lending sources

Does Stetson have scholarships?
No. We have lowered our course cost the the lowest possible consistent with the quality program we deliver. We do not artificially raise our prices and then offer discounts as a scheme to attract the unwary.

Is Stetson's MCSE program approved for VA benefits?
Yes! More on Veterans benefits.

Does Stetson provide job placement assistance?
Yes! We provide four specific sources of assistance. You will not find a better combination anywhere.

1. We will help write your resume to put your skills, capabilities, and experience in the best possible light for future employers.
2. We will arrange an internship for you here at the Stetson Center at Celebration or at Stetson University in DeLand. We have a state-of-the-art building with servers, routers, switches, voice-over-IP phones (Celebration) and other technologies that you can get involved with to build your experience and strengthen your resume. on your behalf.
3. We will link you with many of the numerous staffing agencies and IT firms throughout the areas where we conduct our programs. These agencies often provide an excellent point to begin your IT career, as temporary jobs often lead to full-time employment.

Does Stetson offer IT programs that deliver “all the training you want” for a certain period of time, like six months?
No, because we think this is a bad idea for most students. Here is an example: How about you getting the best-looking body possible in terms of fitness for just $200? Are you ready to pay? Well, instead why not pay $30 a month at your local gym and go there every day for six months for five hours a day? If you do that, you’ll surely have a very fit physique and the cost will be just $180, even less than the $200. The problem is that most of us need structure, goals, timelines, and deadlines. An opened-ended training program too often ends up with students who quit going after a relatively few times. At Stetson, our goal is to make you successful, and we think an “all the training you want” program just doesn’t work.

What else can you tell me about selecting Stetson for my Information Technology training and education?
As Florida’s first private university, Stetson University sets the standard for excellent teaching and innovative, superior programs. We’re proud to be a nationally recognized leader in education with a commitment to values and social responsibility. Perhaps most important of all, Stetson is committed to making top-quality, private education affordable to a diverse group of qualified students.