Does anyone have any good/bad experiences to report about University of Phoenix On-Line?

Question

I have just enrolled to start classes in a couple of weeks. I am hoping that there will be a good word or two out there!

Answer 1

I thoroughly researched UofP online and have mixed impressions. They are indeed expensive. Depending on which degree you would like, you would do better at a brick and mortar school in which you would have the opportunity for teaching assistantships, scholarship, grants, etc....

Phoenix is a Carnegie Level II research university, which gives it credibility. it is accredited and probably the best-known online school. Still, I talked with two college presidents (I am a mid-level college administrator) about whether to pursue a doctorate there or a brick and mortar school. Both overwhelmingly said to not do an online program, as it is not as accepted in the field of education as other fields. I think it depends on your field. I know someone who did an online PhD in communications through Regent University with the hopes of being a communications professor, but cannot get a job in higher ed. An online program did not prepare her (in a college's view) for teaching speech, debate, etc... as is required in comm programs.

There are numerous 'brick' colleges that offer online programs, such as Univ of Nebraska, that you can do online, but you still have that recognized name on your diploma/resume. Both of the college presidents with whom I spoke recommended that course of options for me, which allows me flexibility but a recognized alma mater.

I recommend you talk with folks in the field you want to pursue, even the type of employer you would like to work for someday. I am glad I did. Good luck to you! And congrats for thinking about college, whichever degree you are seeking!

Answer 2

I know a couple of people who have gone there and feel they got some decent training. However, it's not really college! Their classes are not nearly as in-depth as a college-level class would normally be, nor last nearly as long. Combining this with the fact that everything is done online, means you have NOT had any classroom training, so one doesn't really know if YOU actually did the work and know your stuff.

As someone who has taught at 4-year universities and on the community college level, let me say that you definitely get more detailed an in-depth instruction here than you would through the University of Phoenix online.

Bottom-line, some feel they've benefited and learned enough, while others feel it's been pretty lightweight training. It all depends on your ultimate goal. But it isn't on the same level as a university or community college by a longshot.

Answer 3

The only facts I know about this school is that you don't receive your overage checks...I think they credit you with that. They are also expensive. I mean, I know the cost of school is expensive but it is more than what I pay. i attend Strayer University on-line and I get my overage checks in the middle of each quarter and it is less expensive that Pheoenix.

Answer 4

my brother just finished a degree through them. He seemed to like it. He was also working 2 jobs at the same time. I don't know how he did all of that, but he did.