Online Schools

[Indiana Rose Lee]

Ohio university has online courses and a few degree programs.

Online schools such as phoenix were developed to make money. No educate. I'd never invest in an education from a school without a well ranked history. Anyone can buy a degree.

 

[Cindy B]

You really want a school that has accredidation (Sp?) and can not be construed as something else. Some Pheonix graduates will say "I've never been laughed at", well.. you should hear what people are saying when they review resumes or transcripts!

You are better off going to a traditional school and utlizing online courses from that school.

Dh did most of his degree online at a local college. I think he only did one in person class. He loved the flexibility and since he was working 12 hour shifts it was the only way to make it work.

 

[luvsJack]

OP, keep in mind that when you ask about online schools most people's first reaction is to think of somewhere like University of Phoenix and their reputation. There are literally hundreds of online schools and online programs and they have improved over the years. Many are very well respected.

Look at their accreditation. Are they accredited by an online accreditation association or by a regional association that also accredits other brick and mortar schools (for instance we are accredited-- by SACS, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and there is a comparable association in each region of the country) Also, look at the association that will give you a license or certification, most of them have websites and will list schools that are accredited or certified by them.

Schools like U of P are not just thought badly of because they are online. In our area there is a school similar to U of P (but not online) that offers every technical program that we do but they are not accredited and so most employers will not accept their degrees. Its all about accreditation.

Many, many schools are beginning to offer online programs because that another way to increase enrollment without increasing classrooms. And its starting to lean toward no one having to even go in for proctored test anymore. Keep searching the internet, you will find the one you are looking for.

Just because one online schools is bad, it doesn't make the whole bunch bad.

And attending school online does not make you any less, or thought of as "half a brain". Whether you take online classes from your local university or a school across the country, most of the classes are harder and many require more work. Either way, you will have virtually no instruction and will need to be able to do the work on your own (this is something I prefer--I HATE sitting through lectures!). If you have extreme weaknesses in any subject that you will be required to take (mine is Algebra), that may be one you will need to look into taking in a classroom and transferring into your online program. (I have taken most of my AAS degree online from the cc where I work)

Someone mentioned WGU and that is the school I am considering. I am trying to do all my homework before I enroll and find out exactly what I will be getting into. So far, it looks good. I will be getting a degree in Early Childhood Education. There are two great universities close by, but my life makes it almost impossible for me to take night classes (very few of the classes are offered at night anyway) and I work during the day; neither one offers an entire program online. Doing some online and some traditional is great but not always possible.

One more thing to keep in mind, taking online classes will not mean less time spent on school. You will just be doing it at a time most convenient for you. For instance, WGU suggests a minimum of 20 hours to work on your classes. The online classes I have taken all required at least as many hours a week as I would have been in class, sometimes more.

Good luck.

 

[amylynne01]

There are many other online-only schools that are incredibly reputatble. Places like American Military University and American Public University are great options for working adults. I know that UMASS has some degrees that are online only. When I was finishing my Master's online, I had classmates from United Arab Emirates!

Online schools are not for everyone and every degree. If you're trying to go to med school, an online school is not a good option. But for my 51 year old dad who just needs a Bachelor's in something, it's perfect.

 

[magik]

I don't understand this? The school you are attending offers the degree you are seeking online but they don't offer all of the courses required to get said degree? Odd.

I can get the degree itself 100% online through my school (Master's in Library Science), but I also want the stamp on my transcript when I'm done that says I completed a state-approved teacher preparation program, and one of the education classes I need for the teaching certification is not offered online.

Also, I knew going into it that I'd have to find somewhere else to take one or two of the education classes because the school made it clear that while I could get the MSLIS 100% online, if I wanted to go also for the teaching portion, I could only do that *mostly* online through my school.

 

[DawnM]

I don't know if this would help you or not but it might be worth taking a look.

http://www.collegeplus.org/howitworks/distancelearningcollege

 

[DawnM]

3 years ago they offered any classroom teacher the chance to work in one of the libraries in the schools while they worked on their library science MA online.

I don't know how many took them up on it. They didn't offer to PAY for the degree and I don't need another degree and really am not that interested in library science, so I didn't pursue it. I did think about it though.

But I looked into it briefly and checked out the school I went to for grad school. They offered it completely online (but I already have a teaching credential.)

Dawn

I can get the degree itself 100% online through my school (Master's in Library Science), but I also want the stamp on my transcript when I'm done that says I completed a state-approved teacher preparation program, and one of the education classes I need for the teaching certification is not offered online.

Also, I knew going into it that I'd have to find somewhere else to take one or two of the education classes because the school made it clear that while I could get the MSLIS 100% online, if I wanted to go also for the teaching portion, I could only do that *mostly* online through my school.

 

[JamesMom]

I earned a master's degree from Liberty University (through their seminary) and am possibly planning to getting their MIS Bachelors (currently taking intro classes via community college internet classes). My transcript and diploma do not designate it was earned through Distance Learning and the University is accredited with a brick & motar campus.

Tuition at the undergrad level is $300 part time hour or $275 a hour if enrolled at least 12 per semester ($3300 for 12 hours +$150 fee) - (2) 8 week sessions per semester. Books and supplies ran about $200-250 a class. Used blackboard and protored exams. Require 30 hours at LU to graduate and they accept life-experience, CLEP or other equivalencies.

To compare costs - my old bachelors school - a Texas state school runs $2,600 a semester for 12 hours as a Texas resident. So for the convience of distance learning - LU is an other $850 a semester. Worth it for me to not drive 45 minutes each way to class...

www.liberty.edu
http://www.luonline.com/


I truly enjoy the distance learning format. I find that the 12 hours spent in campus lectures is better served learning material on my own + assignments. I learn better from a book, examples, and pratice than listening to someone talk - but that's just me. For example, I am taking Managerial accounting via internet at community college. To attend on campus I would need to spend 1 hours commuting plus 3 hours in lecture and 2-3 hours doing the homework assignments a week for a total of 6-7 hours a week. Instead, I listen to the abrieviated lecture online, skim the textbook in about an hour and do the homework in the same 2-3 hours = 3-4 hours. Save 3 hours a week for the class. Multiply that by the number of classes and we are talking serious time. Plus, I can work ahead as my schedule needs. I love the distance learning format as it complements my learning style and the fact that I am not a procrastinator.

Good luck on your decision.

 

[finz2left]

I would not consider Phoenix or Strayer University. I'd fear getting laughed out the door with them on my resume. My resume from PSU will simply state "The Pennsylvania State University" - nothing about online on it at all. That is the best part.

Exactly.... go with a REAL university that offers courses online. Though some people may not care, many do.

On a side note, I find it appalling that a pp said in her school, most educators get their higher degrees that way. YIKES . You are taking classes to TEACH my child face to face, but are doing it online....I'll pass. Thanks. For some careers, online ed is fine...for teaching????!!!!

 

[luvsJack]

Exactly.... go with a REAL university that offers courses online. Though some people may not care, many do.

On a side note, I find it appalling that a pp said in her school, most educators get their higher degrees that way. YIKES . You are taking classes to TEACH my child face to face, but are doing it online....I'll pass. Thanks. For some careers, online ed is fine...for teaching????!!!!

I find your statement confusing to me. If an educator is getting a higher degree--they already have a degree and are already teaching your children. So they are already face to face with students every day.

If someone is working on bs in education online, they will still be required to do student teaching; so they will have just as much face to face experience as a teacher coming from a traditional classroom setting. Plus they will stil take the same tests required by your state to get their certification. I just don't see the problem.

I do agree with you about Phoenix but there are other that are online schools that are just as reputable as "real" schools.

 

[Irin997]

In May I received my Bachelor's from the University of Baltimore which is part of the University of Maryland system of schools. I completed my associate's from a local community college online and took tests on campus. At UB, I think I had to actually go to campus for 3 or 4 classes but the rest I completed online. They do offer a BS in Business completely online too.

Also, in almost all of my major specific 300 and 400 level classes, group work was a requirement so expect it regardless of what school you attend.

And I am in total agreement that you can find a truly reputable state university that offers online classes. My tuition charges were pretty much in line with on-campus tuition. I think it was around $8k per year.

 

[Mom2apirate&princess]

I'm currently attending WGU and I love it. $2890 for a six month semester with as many classes as you can fit into that term.

My dh went to Arizona State for his bachelors, he did his Masters online through Indiana State and he completed his first year of a doctorate program online as well. He is in the military and online is the best way for him to complete his schooling.

 

[Bren's Mom]

My dh is working on a bachelor's.

I can tell you from my research that Phoenix isn't the way to go.

I'd suggest looking at Charter Oak State College or Thomas Edison or Excelsior. They are the 'big 3' of accredited schools that work primarily with adult distance learners.

I'd also suggest that you consider CLEP/DANTE exams as a way to complete some of your final credits.

And to spend some time on this forum, it was very helpful to us:

http://www.degreeforum.net/excelsior-thomas-edison-charter-oak-specific/

 

[DisneyMomma81]

I'm currently attending WGU and I love it. $2890 for a six month semester with as many classes as you can fit into that term.

My dh went to Arizona State for his bachelors, he did his Masters online through Indiana State and he completed his first year of a doctorate program online as well. He is in the military and online is the best way for him to complete his schooling.

How neat ~ and in another country! I really need to go back to school, I'm a little worried about time ~ I imagine it'll be tough to be a mom, employee (30 hours a week) and a student and it's been a long time since I've been a student. WGU seems like a really good choice.

 

[Irin997]

How neat ~ and in another country! I really need to go back to school, I'm a little worried about time ~ I imagine it'll be tough to be a mom, employee (30 hours a week) and a student and it's been a long time since I've been a student. WGU seems like a really good choice.

You can do it, you just have to be very disciplined. I was a single mom working full time and going to school full time. I finished the last two years of my B.S. in two years.

 

[magik]

I find your statement confusing to me. If an educator is getting a higher degree--they already have a degree and are already teaching your children. So they are already face to face with students every day.

If someone is working on bs in education online, they will still be required to do student teaching; so they will have just as much face to face experience as a teacher coming from a traditional classroom setting. Plus they will stil take the same tests required by your state to get their certification. I just don't see the problem.

I do agree with you about Phoenix but there are other that are online schools that are just as reputable as "real" schools.

Right. You won't be able to get teaching credentials "online" without fieldwork. Like I said, I'm getting a Master's in library science completely online through Florida State University, but also working towards teaching credentials alongside of it. If all I wanted was the MSLIS, I could get it 100% online - no field work needed.

That being said, because I'm going the school media route and also working on teaching credentials, even classes I am taking "online" have field work requirements. I'm taking a course this semester that is "online" as in I never have to physically attend a class or listen to a lecture, but it has a requirement for 15 hours of field work which I had to set up local to me as opposed to in Florida near the school. I will also be required to do a full time internship in a school library my last semester as the equivalent of student teaching.

 

[AristocatFan]

DH received his masters from University of Phoenix. He liked the format and had no problems getting his job as a controller at a large company. Online classes was the best fit for him since he was working third shift at the time. It does require you to be very independent and disciplined. I don't remember what the cost was since his previous employer paid for it all. We just had to pay for books.