DS+I Program was interesting and valuable in many ...

DS+I Program was interesting and valuable in many ways. I was alone in a couple classes but didn't feel like I missed out really. I think that it is important, especially in a masters program, to take responsibility for your education and experience. Yes, this is a collaborative and critique-based program but that doesn't mean that those aspects should be limited to the classroom or online forum only. No one is going to hold your hand in a professional environment and I don't think you should expect it from a MA program either. There is definitely room for improvement in the program and on the organizational side of RMCAD but that's life buddy. Professors were helpful when needed. Online system worked just fine. Books/course materials were valuable. Good balance of research, academic writing and design work. I think that any intelligent and capable designer will be able to extract value from this program even with some deficiencies or personality conflicts along the way. Just having a degree won't get you a gig at any place worth working for, you have to make it happen for yourself. I really don't know if this is the best MA option around or if it will benefit you but I did it, it worked for me, I'm a professional designer, I'm out there and I'm your competition. Good luck.