Online College Degrees?

[I.rar]

I'm tempted to take a trial course from one of the many online colleges but I'm curious to see if any of our BR members have completed any of these with success. I'm not set in any area of study but would probably go for a business management course as it seems to be the most well rounded.

Reason for online courses is because of my work/family schedule doesn't allow me to enroll full time in a local college.

Any input is greatly appreciated!

[slonezp]

I've always dreamed of going to school in my underwear

[F14A-B]

I've always dreamed of going to school in my underwear

I have one from bazooka bubble gum.. I sent in 200 wrappers & .10 for shipping... But my fave was the x-ray glasses, those are legendary

[Scott F]

My sister is in human resources hires staff several hospitals. My wife was considering an online education and we asked my sister what the value of such an education was. At least with my sister and the staff needed in all positions in hospitals, someone with an online education would lose out to a person with an education from an accredited institution.

[flyfisher]

The only way a person or company knows a school is online is if you tell them.  Most schools have both online and on campus programs and when you get a diploma, it doesn't say university of XYZ-online.  Also the implication that online degrees are not from accredited institutions is not true.  I am sure there are some that are not but many are and the same can be said for traditional institutions as well.

 

All that being said, I received my undergraduate degree from your typical college campus.  I am almost finished my masters in education from an online program that is accredited.  I decided on the online route for the same reasons yo are contemplating.  I needed to have a flexible schedule so i could maintain working as long as possible. In the school i am student teaching, there are at least 3 others who have a masters degree from the same school I am attending and when i was working fat a bank or a fortune 500 company, there were many people who had either online undergrad or graduate school and some even had both.  

 

Just make sure you do your research on the programs and their accreditation and go from there.  One word of advice though, if you do an online program you have to be vey disciplined and don't take any breaks.  Keep trucking along until you are done.  I know many people who have taken breaks and never return.  It isn't going to be easy as i can attest to for the past 18 months but in the end, if you get the degree you want because you want it then it will all be worth it.

[F14A-B]

Yep, flyfisher, there's truth in that post.. I took courses thru the University of Florida while on a couple of Mediterranean cruises ( Cvn68 ) it was tough, not having a professior around, thankfully there were some helpful & educated CPO's & officers who helped in a couple cases.. With the Internet & community colleges.. I can't think of a bona fide reason to not pursue it...

[flyfisher]

so many on campus classes now have a huge online component that it is silly to discredit their effectiveness.  I kind of like the online premise though because i am the one truly in control of my education.  I could have easily skated by and not worked as hard as i did and still received good grades but I didn't.  I made the effort to work hard and own my education.  It isn't for everyone though that is for sure but it is more than a viable option for many and it is something that you will see more and more of as the years go by.

[Lacustrine]

I took several semesters online at the University of Alabama. I did quite well and enjoyed not having to drive (which saved me enough gas money to go ffishing more often) and working on my own time. I also never caught a single cold from going to class online either. I heard Liberty is very good and I strongly considered it. Math was a little hard online because I am not the best at math, but most classes have videos included so that made it easier. If Hillsdale had online degrees besides constitutional classes, which I am currently taking,  I would definitely go there.

[Lacustrine]

The only reason I am on an on campus is because the online classes seemed to hacve a small choice of proffesors so you could get stuck having to take a bad proffesor, btu I really enjoyed the online classes and would not mind going back to them.

[Choporoz]

 At least with my sister and the staff needed in all positions in hospitals, someone with an online education would lose out to a person with an education from an accredited institution.

I'd be surprised if there isn't a fair amount of value in practical educational experience for nursing (and other degrees.)  However, there's many, many (most?) online degrees that are from 'accredited institutions'.

[A-Jay]

I am currently attending Life University's School of Hard Knocks.

 

 The admission process was very easy and it's been an interesting, fun and sometimes brutal course of study.

 

The lessons all seem to be connected to each other in one way or another and the homework has proven to be the most important part.

 

I'm in no hurry to finish and am actually trying to make it last as long as I can.

 

Anticipating a most rewarding graduation ceremony, as I understand it, the diplomas have tremendous longevity as they are made out of stone.

 

A-Jay

[Lacustrine]

You can also join the bass team online. Working on your on time lets you fish during the day and work at night. Not much sleep though.

[.ghoti.]

Flyfisher stated the most important piece of advice you're going to receive regarding online courses. It takes more discipline than most can bring to the task.

 

If you define success as a passing grade, the failure rate is around 90% for online courses.

[Crappiebasser]

I got my Six Sigma black belt certification online because my company required it and I wasn't going back to school. I don't think I would get an advanced degree that way though.

[flyfisher]

I got my Six Sigma black belt certification online because my company required it and I wasn't going back to school. I don't think I would get an advanced degree that way though.

Interesting that they required it and didn't offer the classes for you but i guess if you are going for a black belt than you already have a green belt so there aren't many additional classes and more just a new project. using all the tools

[Senko lover]

I'll be quite honest with you. I've taken a seminary/college level course in Biblical Greek. Apart from the tough language, I hated the online experience, hated the lectures, and hated not knowing anyone else in my class.

Just not for me.

[I.rar]

Thanks for everyone's replies. I'm still putting a lot of thought into it and will take everyone's post into consideration..

[Stasher1]

A little late to the party, but check with your local colleges to see if they offer online or hybrid (half and half) classes. I earned my degree through a local school, and took the best combination of traditional, online, and hybrid classes to fit my work/family schedule. If you stick with a school that's geared primarily towards working adults, you'll probably have better luck finding classes that will fit your schedule.

[curtis9]

just avoid for the for profit universities. Online courses through public schools are good and treated the same as attending in person. The for profit schools tend to be looked down on. I took a number of courses in school that were available both online and in person. It was nice if I had to miss class to be able to watch the lecture later.

[Stasher1]

just avoid for the for profit universities. Online courses through public schools are good and treated the same as attending in person. The for profit schools tend to be looked down on. I took a number of courses in school that were available both online and in person. It was nice if I had to miss class to be able to watch the lecture later.

It also allows you to work ahead in some classes, so you can knock out a couple weeks worth of work over a rainy weekend.

[FishTank]

Tried a few classes for work.  I will never do it again.  It was a nightmare.  My instructor did not speak English.  He did not have a degree and did not grade our work we sent in.  He just checked it off.  I got so fed up I took a test and made sure I answered all the questions wrong.  I still passed the test.  

 

My advice, go to school and learn with your own effort. 

[Jd_Phillips_Fishin]

Tried a few classes for work.  I will never do it again.  It was a nightmare.  My instructor did not speak English.  He did not have a degree and did not grade our work we sent in.  He just checked it off.  I got so fed up I took a test and made sure I answered all the questions wrong.  I still passed the test.  

 

My advice, go to school and learn with your own effort. 

If only it was that easy....

[BrianinMD]

My experience with online classes was great, and the degree has helped in my career. As stated make sure you go to an accredited university with a respected program. The hardest part is remaining disciplined getting thru the work, make sure to involve yourself in the conversation topics each week.