Online degree?
Question:
Is it worth looking into an online degree? I'd like to get a bachelors degree in business in order to be eligible for a management position at my company (or similar company). I had taken almost 2 years at a brick and mortar college, however my credits have expired (it's been 11 years) so I'll need to start from scratch.
So is it a good idea to look into an online college or just wait for the right time to return to regular college? I'd rather not waste my time and money for a "worthless" education.
I would like to keep the door open for a masters degree as well.
I currently am an advertising executive with a mid-sized company in the northeast. My current position does normally require a degree, but with my 2 years college and 10 years experience I was given the job, but I don't think I'd be given a promotion without the degree.
Answer:
Good lord, stay away from U of Phoenix, and other "for profit" online colleges! You should only consider reputable state or private brick and mortar universities with distance education programs. Degrees from "online universities" are not taken seriously. (Recent articles from the New York Times and the Chronicle of Higher Education -- or speaking with any admissions officer from a REAL college, or any human resources professional --will confirm this.)
Start by looking at the distance education offerings from your own state university. If they do not offer the classes you desire, then look at others. Penn State and University of Maryland come to mind. And state universities will be less expensive than any for-profit online program.
The links below will give you a place to begin.
Finally, you need to know that your earned credits from years ago have almost certainly not "expired." You should be able to transfer some of these credits in toward your new program.
Best wishes to you!
The University of Phoenix has an all online program that I am planning on starting in the fall. I've check around with colleagues and friends that have obtained a degree this way and it is done nothing but further their careers.
I have to agree with "Professor X". My uncle is an IT manager for Xerox Corp. He taught at the University of Phoenix for a while. He taught what he needed his employees to know. Apparently the curriculum is very narrow an not at all similar to what is necessary in high ranking positions. After his experience he said he would NEVER higher based on that college degree.
On a lighter note, most reputable colleges have online classes available. Check out local colleges. Heck, Cornell even offers online programs!
U of Phoenix and all of the the other online schools I've heard of are B.S. Don't waste your money or time. As others suggested: check out your local community college or 4-year and see if they offer online courses (many do now) or night classes. Almost all public colleges have night classes.
Numerous great, accredited universities offer distance learning. Some residency usually is required. The key is accreditation. Also, you might want to look into Excelsior. You may be able to use at least some of your old credits. The school is accredited and serves as a credit bank and evaluator of all types of study. It is intended for those people who simply do not have time for full-time, traditional study. They also offer testing, and as I recall, distance opportunities. Find it at www.excelsior.edu.
This is not a pitch for the school; simply a suggestion. Several (good schools) are available. Find the right one for you.
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