Online Colleges for an Adult Student

[Disneys#1fan]

Does anyone have any experience with going to college online? I want to get my bachelor's degree online (my schedule doesn't allow for me to attend traditional classes) but I am leary about all of these colleges that advertise on tv. Are they legitimate? I don't want to waste my time and money for a degree that isn't worth the paper it is written on.

TIA

 

[leadfootlevi]

I earned a MS in engineering management from USC (University of Southern California) entirely online. The degree is no different than if I would have taken the classes in person. It was spendy, but the company I worked for paid it.

I know there are other well-known schools that offer on-line degree programs. I haven't heard great things about University of Phoenix or National American University, but I work with a bunch of degree-snobs, so I usually take that feedback with a grain of salt.

 

[Pembo]

Stick with a brick and mortar University that offers online degrees and you should be fine.

 

[Soben]

Check with all the state universities in your state. Then you'll get a degree that doesn't have the stigma of a University of Phoenix or the huge price tag. You can also take many prerequisites online at community colleges and save even more money. They should transfer fine to a state school, but check before you pay.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Check out Western Governors University *WGU ~ www.wgu.edu

 

[jenlynn0808]

Try your local brick and morter universities. A lot of them now offer online degree programs. A few years ago I did my entire Masters of Education program through Michigan State's online program. To keep my teaching certificate, I need to take six credits every 6 years. I'm currently taking 2 classes through MSU and one of them is an undergrad course.

 

[angierae]

Stick with a brick and mortar University that offers online degrees and you should be fine.

This would be my advice. University of Phoenix and the like are not well-respected and cost way more than they need to. They're businesses, interested in making money.

 

[pickles521]

Does anyone have any experience with going to college online? I want to get my bachelor's degree online (my schedule doesn't allow for me to attend traditional classes) but I am leary about all of these colleges that advertise on tv. Are they legitimate? I don't want to waste my time and money for a degree that isn't worth the paper it is written on.

TIA

I agree with starting at your state schools. If they can give you what you need you'll likely spend less and won't have to worry about the backlash against for-profit schools.

I'm not sure where you are in PA, but the Univerisity of Maryland University College (umuc.edu) has a great, very well established - and well respected - program and they used to have a reciprocal agreement with some counties in PA. I seem to think that ended, but it's worth investigating.

I'm going online at the Univeristy of Tennessee now for my masters, and I love online school. I have to say though, most of my classes are more difficult than the ones I took in the traditional format, so don't count on it being an "easy" degree. Not that I think that's what you're looking for, but I hear a lot of people who've never taken online classes talk about how much easier they are. I think out of the 16 or so online courses (grad and undergrad) one was "easy" and that was because I was an "expert" in the field, not because the work was easy.

Online school is a great way to get your degree. Good luck!

 

[LilyWDW]

Stick with a brick and mortar University that offers online degrees and you should be fine.

Agreed.

I spent a LOT of time researching where I would apply when I decided to go back and get my MBA. While I did decide to simply go back to the local university, I also looked at online degrees. I applied to Texas A&M, Oklahoma State, and Fort Hayes State University for fully online programs offered through these schools. The degree is no different and the diploma just says the school... not that it was done online. Not that doing it online would matter. You still have to take the same classes and do the same work.

I would say that places like Phoenix and other like schools have a stigma attached to them. Yes, you will have people who do just fine having graduated from them, but I have heard quite a few negative reports as well. I have personally heard and experienced how sometimes these schools are not taken seriously.

 

[TamaraQT]

Stick with a brick and mortar University that offers online degrees and you should be fine.

You are so RIGHT !!! But I also think, its a good idea to start out with an online program from a school that is local to your area.

Yes, I am currently pursuing a degree online. I chose a local business college close to me that offers both an on-campus program and an online degree program. It helps alot when you have a physical building to go to if necessary. I took a few courses on-campus, but the majority I take online. I know the whole point of online is to avoid having to physically commute at inconvenient times. However, if the school is local to your area, there are some programs and student associations that can be valuable resources. If you find you do not need or have no interest in anything other than on-line classes, then just stick to a brick and mortar university as suggested and you should be fine. Good Luck!!

 

[My3kiddos]

I received my bachelor degree from Morehead State University. It is a brick and mortar university, but the only time I was ever there was for graduation. If you are getting a business degree just make sure you find a school that is AACSB accredited.

 

[luvthemouse71]

Check that it's accredited too- this may come into play later when/if you want a graduate degree.

You have to be self motivated and strong reading/ writing skills are a must.

 

[RangerPooh]

I agree with brick and motor schools who offer online programs. They are usually accredited and this can be something that will determine if your degree is valid in an area or not. Plus you won't have the stigma associated with places like University of Pheonix, Devry, etc. Something to keep in mind is that depending on what you want to major in, you might have to take an in person component or internship as part of your degree.

What are you interested in as a major?

 

[Disneys#1fan]

Thanks everyone for your replies. It is a big decision and I don't want to make the wrong one.

I am thinking of a major in Information Technology.

I appreciate any other advice you can give.

 

[LovableGluttons]

I'm working on my Nurse Practitioner Program through Fort Hays State University.

It's very reasonable per credit hour, is accredited, doesn't tack on silly fees, uses textbooks for more than one semester, and has a brick and mortar school right in Hays, Kansas.

The instructors are so great! I haven't encountered even one who wasn't willing to help. Very supportive!

My husband earned his MBA through University of Phoenix. He has not encountered any snobbery or disdain in the professional world over his choice of schools. He worked very hard for that MBA.

If your degree program delivers the goods you need, the paper to prove you did it, and the accreditation, you are good to go.

I am too frugal to go anywhere else. My local universities have NP programs, but require much more time, and cost so much more! Ouch!

 

[Jewel1310]

I am so excited for you to consider this. I am in central pennsylvania. I went to my local community college for my associates degree. I started in May 2005 and have taken all but 2 classes online (gym which was part on line and part in person and a speach class - took summer term so it was only 6 weeks 2 times a week at night)
I have just one math class that I am taking now and will graduate with my two year degree in business. I an in a dual program and transfered to a local state college for my bachelors. All but 7 classes are online and those 7 are in the evenings 1 night a week per class. I am so gald that I did this. I should finish by next May. it has been very busy and I have gone a bit over board with the standard two semesters and 2 - 3 semesters over the summer.

Feel free to PM me with any questions. It is really worth the effort!

 

[momandkidslovedisney]

Stick with a brick and mortar University that offers online degrees and you should be fine.

Great advise! I am currently taking graduate courses through the University of Minnesota.

 

[Lisa_M]

I see you are in Pennsylvania, so I would suggest Penn State. They have online degree programs and Penn State is very well respected. http://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/


ETA: they have an IT program online through penn state

 

[Lisa_M]

Check that it's accredited too- this may come into play later when/if you want a graduate degree.

You have to be self motivated and strong reading/ writing skills are a must.

Yes, not just accredited, but accredited by the right people. We are going through this right now, DH's ITT credits won't transfer to the local community college or state college because it is not accredited by the right agency. In PA, Middle States is the accreditation you are looking for.

 

[Sunshineanddaisys]

Check out Western Governors University *WGU ~ www.wgu.edu

I also recommend WGU as long as you are self motivated. I graduated from there last year and couldn't have been happier.