Online University / Education

[moneybags]

Anyone have any experience with online universities? I am looking into taking the certified financial planner classes (may or may not take the test for CFP), and I would be interested in doing it on line. Has anyone done this? How do I know if the school is any good?

[stressedmama]

Hubby finished his Masters degree through Liberty University all online about a year ago. Just look at the website for whatever school you are interested in and make sure they are accredited.

[benosayi]

You might want to do a search on different schools. I know ripoff.com has a few school with negative comments.

[Seeker]

In looking for an online school, look for:

1) Full accreditation from a recognized National Educational Authority in the US.

2) Fully qualified instructors/professors with relevant work experience in the subject taught.

3) Student interaction and maximum class size (20-25 students max).

4) Course Contents or a posted outline of topics taught.

5) Communication, procedures documented, contactability and support (especially computer support since your classes will depend on the computer working with some software that you may not be using currently).

6) Extra benefits: like Financial Aid. Or job-placement aid after the degree program is completed.

[Angio333]

I will be going to Indiana Wesleyan University's accelerated online program. It is fully accrediated and a few people that I know went there. I will be taking their accounting program. (Bachelors)

Link to their ONLINE programs: Online College Degrees and Information from IWUOnline.com

[gekkoplus]

I am always curious to know whether these online degrees have any impact on career. Do you have to mention it on your resume that you obtained an online degree? Does your degree certificate mention that you took classes online? I would also love to hear some real life experiences from people who completed their degree online.

[Angio333]

At Indiana Wesleyan University, it does not mention that it was online.

From the people I talked to, colleges that offer both classroom and online classes are not a problem for resumes/starting a career.

The "diploma mill" online schools may pose a problem.

[MonkeyMama]

At Indiana Wesleyan University, it does not mention that it was online.

From the people I talked to, colleges that offer both classroom and online classes are not a problem for resumes/starting a career.

The "diploma mill" online schools may pose a problem.

Agreed.

I just had to add, I started a Masters degree program and took one class at my alma mater, and then we moved and I ended up taking one online class at a prestigous, established private university.

I was sorely disappointed. The course of course was 3 times as expensive than the public school program had been, but it was a good class overall. I just didn't think it was near as good as a live class with interactive lectures.

I decided to drop out and I will go take my classes in person at my alma mater, even though it means a 4-hour round trip drive once a week. I think it will be well worth it. It's my long range plan anyway.

For one class, I wouldn't be so concerned. But for a degree, it works in a pinch, but I Can't say it would be a preferred way. It just lacks something.

[poundwise]

Most state university systems now offer complete degree programs online. I would much prefer to take courses from such a source than any online only school. Not only do you have less concerns about the accreditation type and how the degree may be regarded but the cost is going to be significant less in most cases as well.

[Angio333]

The cost for me is pretty much the same. Right now, I am finishing up 2 of the 4 prereqs that I was short on. I'm doing those at the local community college...online.

I love taking the classes online and actually prefer it over the traditional model.

[gackle]

I am two classes away from completing my MBA through New York Institute of Technology's online school Ellis College. All of the previous accreditation comments are valid. I chose Ellis because of their affiliation with NYIT, but they are attempting to break away and become an independent Ellis University. Classes are expensive, but my employer pays up to $6,000 in tuition each year. The thing I like most about the Ellis MBA program (not sure if undergrad is the same) is that all of the classes involve real-life scenarios. For example, in Accounting for Managers, you are asked to perform various tasks for a fictional company that a normal accountant would do. I have yet to take a test, which suits me fine because you never take tests in the real world and in college I used to cram for tests all the time which isn't conducive to retaining information. Most of the deliverables are 500-1500 word reports. Some have additional Excel spreadsheet attachments depending on the class (accounting, finance, etc.). I'd say the most difficult aspect is when you get a class that involves teamwork. The majority of the classes are composed of students in the continental U.S., but there are also some students from all around the world. It is difficult (but doable) to coordinate times to meet to discuss assignments when everybody has full-time jobs, especially when they're in different time zones or different continents. Then sometimes you get people in your group that just don't want to pull their weight. At the end of the class though you get to rate the performance and contributions of your fellow teammates, which becomes part of their grade.

Ellis College has an excellent online platform (how their classes are set up). Classes involve traditional readings from textbooks, online readings from their website, short online videos from professors at Columbia University, Chicago School of Business, and other highly respected institutions that contribute to the curriculum, real-time chats with fellow students in formats the entire class can see, just your team can see, or private chats with students one-on-one. There is also a bulletin board format similar to this to post questions/comments and have discussions. Some professors hold weekly chats with the class, others don't. But all are available to reply to discussion posts. As with any regular school, some professors are better than others.

Online classes have been a godsend for me. I just simply don't have the time to go to a brick-and-mortar school. I also work overnights so I get about 6-8 hrs of free time a night that I can work on assignments.

I don't know what other schools are like, but mine is self-paced with assignments usually due each Sunday night so you must be disciplined enough to do readings and work on your assignments throughout the week.

I generally think that traditional diplomas are more respected than online degrees, but then again I couldn't be obtaining my MBA now if I had to go to a traditional school. I made sure I chose a school that was affiliated with a respected brick-and-mortar school.

[tifnglen]

Try Home--GetEducated.com, Online Degree Rankings and Directory and Online MBA Rankings

I am looking into getting my MBA from Mississippi State.. This school is accredited and they have a regular brick and mortar program also.. My degree wont look any different from the people that went on campus.

[yatbebz27]

How about online nursing programs? Is it reliable? Has anyone here ever tried it?

[Angio333]

How about online nursing programs? Is it reliable? Has anyone here ever tried it?

I do not have first hand knowledge of online nursing classes. For continung education should be fine, but I would not want to do my initial nursing training on line.

If you do, check into their clinical contracts. How far will you have to travel to dio your in person clinicals?

[OverSaver]

Just make sure you look at what getting a degree from that specific online university entails.