Does anyone here have a degree from an online universiy such as the Univ of Pheonix?

Question

If so has it helped advance your career?

Answer 1

The problem isn't that it says "online" all over it (UoP also has B&M campuses) -- the problem is that their reputation as a quality institution of higher learning isn't so great. In fact, it may be near the very bottom. A degree with a poor reputation may in fact hurt your career even though it's better than no degree.

UMass-Lowell is much better than UoP but it's still a tier 3 national (US News) and so isn't exactly the same as one of the top nationals. UMass-Amherst is a top national and they have online programs as well. (note - don't put UMass-Lowell on the resume, put UMass and leave it at that. IMHO)

Don't think in terms of online versus traditional - attend the very best college you can whether online or in the seat. I suspect that UoP isn't the very best college you can get into.

Make sure the college is regionally accredited (RA) by one of the six regional accreditors. If you're doing business then try to get in an AACSB accredited program. (Penn Foster, Ashworth, ITT, Stratford, etc. are not RA)

Understand too (as too many don't understand); the degree doesn't advance your career, only your performance and motivation can advance your career. The degree simply opens doors that would be otherwise closed. It's then up to you to either knock on that door or stay where you're at. Unless you're an educator or in law enforcement, simply having the degree doesn't usually result in a pay increase. Not having a degree will limit your options is all. Someone lied and told a lot of young people that if you go to college you automatically get a good job - simply not true. If you go to college (get a degree) you get to apply for some good jobs that the HS grad can't - doesn't mean you'll get the job though, there are other considerations too.

Look for your online degree program at a well respected college and not from the bottom of the list. 85% of all publics are now teaching online and many offer their whole degree online. You have choices like UC, CSU, UMass, UFlorida, UTexas, etc... and even Harvard and Oxford depending upon what you want to study.

Yes, I have an online degree (Excelsior College) and have found it beneficial. It was sufficient to get me into my master's (MA Human Resources Development) and the quality of preparation was sufficient that my MA was with academic honors. Nobody has ever asked if it was online or not - but I tell them anyway. ☺

Answer 2

I'm getting my certificate from Penn Foster for Medical Transcriptioning, and I have heard both positive and negative things about them, so I can't comment yet as I'm not through with it yet.

It really depends on your employer. I took the Criminal Justice classes both at a location and online through Kaplan/Hamilton college, and it is ok and valid. I don't know about Pheonix, but I do know that Kaplan does use the FAFSA to get your financial aid and student loans, which helped a lot.

Like I said, it really depends on the employer and what field you are going into. Many employers will want to know about your hands on experience, so if you have an internship as part of your degree that will help. Others will look for certain accredidations of the college, (ie-is it a state or federally accredited, or is it a private college). You might want to contact the prospective employer and just ask what they look for, what they give more credence to. Good luck

Answer 3

I have one from UMass Lowell. Univ of Phoenix is a for-profit institution with "I earned my degree online" written all over it. Don't spend your money on a degree from there -- go with an online program from a good brick/mortar school system. I highly recommend the UMass program as they don't penalize you for being out of state...

And no, it didn't help advance my career, but it certainly could yours. There is still a fairly strong prejudice against online schooling so your goal should be to hide any evidence of the online aspect.

Answer 4

I got mine from Stratford career institute don't ask me if it works I decided to be a poker player and make twice as much as I would as a paralegal

Answer 5

One of my co-workeres got hers from UOP I dunno if its gonna help her any shes been in the same position for the last 8 years,(she just got it like a month ago) I have mine from your typical brick and mortar and have had two promotions since I got here 2 years ago.

Answer 6

no but i live in pheonix lol