Anyone get their degree online?

[mommyintn]

I have almost 2 years of college completed from my early 20's, I'm now 34 a mother of two who stays at home. Has anyone used the colleges that you can get a degree entirely online? Suggestions?

 

[DisneyLovingMama]

I've looked at University of Phoenix several times, but can't stand their "hard sell" when you talk to them. It makes me feel like their scamming me. I'm sure their not, but offering free application fees or discounted tuition isn't something "real" colleges due. Plus, they call me for months afterward...at home, at work, everywhere - even after I told them to stop.

That being said, I've known several people who have gotten their degrees through the UoP program.

 

[lfeikert]

I have a master of education degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Phoenix. It was the best decision I ever made. Honestly, when I started, I was skeptical about how "real" my degree would be. Boy was I wrong! I had to work my butt off, but I learned so much both about my career and myself. You have to be very disciplined because there is no one to make you do it. I chose the online program because the nearest university is a 45 minute drive from my home and I had a young DD when I began. I actually got pregnant with my DS shortly after I started the progam, but never missed a class. I ended one class, had a c-section the next day and began the next class 6 days later. It definitely was the best option for me and my family. If it wasn't for the online program, I probably still wouldn't have my master's degree. I'd be glad to answer any other questions. As for what the other poster said about them being high pressure, I really didn't have any of that. They are very helpful throughout the program as well--especially their 24 hour tech support line!

 

[dmslush]

Check with your local university in your state. Most of them have some sort of online degree program. I earned my AA on site, my BS online, and am now working on my MA online.

 

[Rafiki Rafiki Rafiki]

I took 12 hours of post-undergrad work online to prepare for a master's program in psychology...and it was through a traditional university. The university only required that students come to the final exam at the school.

It was writing intensive, and it requires that you be self-motivated. I loved the work I was doing, so it became an escape for me from ordinary life. I highly recommend doing it!

 

[Marseeya]

Check with your local university in your state. Most of them have some sort of online degree program. I earned my AA on site, my BS online, and am now working on my MA online.

I second this. There are some brick & mortar colleges that have accelerated programs.

DH is going to American Intercontinental University (AIU Online) and he's getting an accelerated bachelor's degree in order to get his MBA at a brick & mortar. I know he pretty much regrets it because his company doesn't take the degree seriously at all, nor do many of the other companies he's been looking at. Also be aware that your credits might have expired. I know I had to go back to school within 10 years in order for mine to count towards my degree.

Note, I am NOT bashing online schools... this is just what my DH has been experiencing. I don't know why this degree isn't taken as seriously, because he works his BUTT off on it.

 

[rt2dz]

My DH did his MBA online. It was a top tier brick & mortar school in another state that happened to have an online program though. Run searches through college school websites and some will pop up that have online programs.

A lot of businesses are starting to take Univeristy of Phoenix/Kellogs school of managment much more seriously. They are generally taught by top exec. of businesses and they teach what you need to know in the real world v. a well rounded education. My dad is one of those top exec. at a top company who teaches there and only after the degree was considered just as good as a traditional degree.

 

[Christine]

I agree with checking into your local universities.

I know around here, the University of Maryland University College does many, many degrees on-line. I have used them for several classes and they are great. I think most of their students are out-of-state so you could give them a try.

 

[DisneyLovingMama]

As for what the other poster said about them being high pressure, I really didn't have any of that.

Not sure if this is something newer or what. I've heard many stories like yours, but I called in the last six months and got the hard sell, as did two other people I know. For me, it gets even freakier than just the hard sell, but I'll let it go...

 

[mommyintn]

Thanks!! I appreciate all the responses, I'll keep searching.....

 

[rhanditresmom]

I am almost finished completing my MS program (in Communication Disorders) thru California State University, Northridge. It is a great program, but very demanding. Look at local universities to see if they offer distance learning programs. Good luck!

 

[Nancy]

I am going to school on-line through Phoenix University. I did not get a hard sell but maybe it was because i pretty much knew I was going to do it. I di get my application fee waived but I pay full tuition. The counselors and financial counselors did call a lot during the time it took for me to get enrolled, but it was kore to make sure I was getting everything in order for financial aid. I had to start from scratch because I had not been in school since 1976. I will have my associates degree in 1 year. It is hard, you have to be very disciplined. There is no down time. School is 7 days a week and when 1 block ends the next one starts the next day. I have a very weird work schedule, it is never the same from day to day, much less week to week..so I could not go to a physical classrooom. I love my college exeperience so far..my GPA is 3.87. That will not last after the 2 classes I am taking now...I am sucking big time in them!

 

[lovemygoofy]

I sent you a PM.

 

[cstraub]

I am in the exact same noat as the OP. I will be 34 this month and have been thinking of going back to school. I wish I knew if my credits will transfer after all these years. I had finished all my math and had exited out of English and was well into English LIt. I would hope I would not have repeat all that.

With these online degrees what keeps people from cheating? How do they know someone else is not taking your tests or doing your work for you? I have often wondered that. What stops you from cheating on tests and looking at the the answers?

 

[dmslush]

I am in the exact same noat as the OP. I will be 34 this month and have been thinking of going back to school. I wish I knew if my credits will transfer after all these years. I had finished all my math and had exited out of English and was well into English LIt. I would hope I would not have repeat all that.

With these online degrees what keeps people from cheating? How do they know someone else is not taking your tests or doing your work for you? I have often wondered that. What stops you from cheating on tests and looking at the the answers?

Many of the classes that I have taken require the tests to be proctored. I am able to schedule these through my local community college. I just set up the day that I want to go in and take the test, and I go to the library and they have everything waiting for me.

 

[Marseeya]

With these online degrees what keeps people from cheating? How do they know someone else is not taking your tests or doing your work for you? I have often wondered that. What stops you from cheating on tests and looking at the the answers?

What stops people from cheating in regular colleges? Term papers go for $50, and in some of the larger university classes, someone could easily have another person take an exam for them. I think I only ever had one class where they looked at our ID before we took the exam! DH doesn't really have to take exams at his online school. He does discussion board postings and writes papers. I'm in a regular brick & mortar school, but I take online classes once in a while. We do chats, discussion board posts, and write papers.

 

[cstraub]

What stops people from cheating in regular colleges? Term papers go for $50, and in some of the larger university classes, someone could easily have another person take an exam for them. I think I only ever had one class where they looked at our ID before we took the exam! DH doesn't really have to take exams at his online school. He does discussion board postings and writes papers. I'm in a regular brick & mortar school, but I take online classes once in a while. We do chats, discussion board posts, and write papers.

Never thought of it that way. You have a great point. I guess then it can be done.

I'm not sure if I would be self motivated enough to stick with it. Would love to hear other people's expereinces.

 

[RangerPooh]

I suggest checking with your local universities for online programs. I was working on my MBA online through California State University Bakersfield for a while before transfering to a different university (changed plans half way through). I have taken many classes both graduate and undergraduate level that have been taught online at the University level and have found them to be flexible about meeting on campus, which was usually just for tests or an occassional lecture or two.

In the last few months (maybe year) many states have been discussing implimenting the notation on degrees from online universities, such as UoP that they are from non-accredited universities. This is due to some schools (I believe U of Oregon or Oregon State) hiring 'professors' who had earned their PhD from online Universities instead of earning it through an accredited university and the drama that followed.

 

[grlpwrd]

Yes, look at your local public colleges and universities first.

I haven't earned a degree online and will be earning a traditional degree, but I have and currrently take online and in-person classes at public institutions near me, like the community colleges and public u's here in Virginia which offer online classes. Proctored tests are given on campus and we meet sparingly.

I also have nearby schools like ODU (Old Dominion U) which offer distance learning degrees and classes, too, but they are actually in state and very near me.

There is heavy crackdown and even legislation now addressing the problem of diploma mills and accreditation. Also, be careful of foreign online "degrees" and programs. It's really best to stick with a program near you anyway and public schools are much cheaper.

GL

 

[Nancy]

We don't have tests at all. We have papers and discussions and my favorite Power Point projects. I personally would never think to cheat...but this class now it is tempting to just let my kids take it for me! (Math, which I am horrible in). You have to be very organized and committed to do classes on line. Also make sure the university is accredited. My work would not give scholarship money if not accredited. I really like the flexibility of school on-line.