Did anyone goto school on line?

Question

I am just curious because I am a house wife and I have an associates degree, however I will like to get my bachelors degree and someone suggested that I goto school on line because I do not have the time to go to the University personally. I am planning on returning to work but I want to have my BA degree.. Please let me know how it works.. Is it hard to get your degree, this way or is it better to goto the school?

Thank you for responding...

Answer 1

Regarding the naysayers: One of my degrees (I have several) is from a distance learning program. It was more than sufficient to get me accepted to a nationally ranked MBA program in which I'm performing at 4.0

It's been sufficient to improve my employment level far beyond the local Burger King and other fast foods; though fast food is one of the industries I own stock in.

I'm going to jump out here and say, categorically and point blank -- people who say that employers and grad schools don't respect degrees from distance programs know not of what they speak (ie: they're being ignorant). The facts speak differently. In fact, there are a couple industries where a degree from an online program is considered better than one from a traditional program.

This isn't 1982 any longer. The finest schools in the US (and abroad) offer wholly online degree programs. This includes the likes of Harvard University, UMass, Boston U., U London, Fl. State, UC, it can go on. In fact, most public universities offer courses online and very many offer whole degrees. It's the way things are going to be and the traditionalists can either embrace it and take advantage or cling to the old ways and fall behind.

The primary consideration is the choice of school. Good name recognition helps. If you live in Indiana and do your online degree through the University of Indiana - you have some name recognition advantage.

Accreditation is essential. Regional accreditation is the higher standard and what you should insist on. This is an essential consideration!

Cost is a factor for most. I've taken courses online for as little as $100 per course and as much as $3500 per course.

So, how does an online course work? For the most part it works exactly like an in-the-seat course except you don't go to a classroom. You get a syllabus and a list of assignments. It may include video lectures or may not. It will include a lot of reading and assignments. It will likely include peer discussion in the form of online forums or message boards.

In legitimate programs, you will be graded exactly like people in the seat are graded but there will probably be more assignments to complete than the in-the-seat people have to do. Expect to write papers instead of taking multiple guess tests for your evaluations.

Doing coursework online isn't easier than traditional but the outcome is the same or better. (Ashill 2006, Swan 2006) There is also empirical evidence that employers do not regard a distance education as less than a traditional one. (Adams 2006, deFleur 2004, Bourne 2005)

Regional accreditation is the key to acceptance. A traditional presence also helps (ie: the school also offers in-the-seat degrees). Remember that those heavily advertised for-profit schools are not the only options out there. Your state university may even have an online bachelor's degree program - very many do now.

Those who demean distance and online education are simply stuck in a system that has now outlived it's usefulness. It's interesting that many who say "online education sucks" have completed no advanced education themselves (online or otherwise).

It's not unlike the way many retailers in the late 90s said that "people just won't shop online", they were wrong.

Answer 2

I would do a mix of both. Most colleges offer online classes as well as classes at the school. Even major universities like Harvard offer classes online. Use online classes to supplement your schedule. During a term, maybe do a couple classes at the college you go to and then a couple online. Don't go to schools like the University of Phoenix to get a bachelors degree, where it is strictly online. It might turn off potential employers.

Answer 3

Well, your first choice should be a program that is on ground. However, on line education is a good way to go if you are too far away to get your desired education or your available time cannot accommodate you going to the brick and mortar buildings.

There are people on here that bash on line programs, including Love Exists?. I'm sorry, Love Exists?, but University of Phoenix is an accredited institution.

I have taken on line classes from my local university as well as UoP and other accredited institutions. Frankly, the classes are very similar in both difficulty and format. The contact with the instructors are just as much if not more than if you actually went to class.

The difficulty in on line classes is that you have to discipline yourself to log on to classes and do your required work for the class.

Answer 4

CoachT said it, but I thought I'd add this- regional accreditation from one of the 6 bodies is essential.

Also, you need to be motivated and organized because nobody will stand over you saying "where's your paper," so in that sense it can be difficult. You have to know when to reach out for help, don't let yourself tank- talk to/email the prof and make contact.

It isn't 1982, and people shop online!

Answer 5

well if you want to go back to work then go to a real university and then take there classes online because most companies and work places don't take online universities seriously.
Edit: Please don't misunderstand me, I don't mean to discredit the distance learning programs offered by accredited universities. I am talking about the online universities like Phonix or whatever.

Answer 6

Heck No! ... You'll end up working for Burger King as a lead griller and make pennies for the rest of your life! .. Don't do it, and get yourself enrolled in an accredited school and not some online thing that does not benefit you to even graduate.

Much Love
Peace & Happiness

Answer 7

im getting my bachelors degree from university of florida through theie warrington college of business online......fsu also offers online classes a lot of major colleges offer distance classes!