Online degrees

[spyrosmom]

I don't post much anymore, mostly lurk. But I think I'm finally ready to go back to school.

I graduated HS in 1996 did 2 years as pre-med biology major 1996-1998 quite because my mom passed away and family issues. I've worked since then and have been doing ok career-wise. I've been at my current employer 6 1/2 - 7 years and have a beginning management position. I work for a company that does medical revenue cycle, I'm in the Bad Debt (collections) department an primarily work with attorneys for accident cases and also manage our collection staff. The company I'm at is huge on degrees. Plus, it'd be helpful if I ever wanted to leave. I have the experience, but not the Magic Piece of Paper. Work will reimburse $3000/yr for a C or above, not a problem. But then I owe them another year for each $3000. If I quit or am escorted out, I owe the money back.

With my work schedule, finding a traditional school is proving to be rough. I'm looking at night/weekend adult accelerated education, but again, my work hours can be crazy. I'd say I average 60 hours a week. So I'm thinking about online schools. I'm looking at State University online programs, but also the "TV schools" Colorado Tech, Kaplan, Devry, Phoenix, those things. Thoughts about online schools? They look to be more expensive, and I'm not made of money and trying to figure out how I'm going to pay for it any way. I did student loans back in the day, and really don't want to repay another batch of those!

But the quality of online schools? Reputation to employers? That kind of thing. Have you? Would you? Any experiences to share? Schools to stay away from? Schools to go to? I'm checking out the US News reports, and they like Michigan, and that is a also a "real school" for lack of a better term.

Thoughts?

Thanks!
Nan

 

[CeciFifi]

Distance learning is becoming pretty big. I have a co-worker who is doing her BSW (bachelor of social work) online. We are in toronto - her program is at the University of Manitoba. I finished my MSW a few years back but a few therapists I work with completed their Master's Degrees in Counselling in the U.S. - online - and only had to travel to the campus a few times in total. I would recommend you choose a reputable school so your degree is marketable. If you can, take advantage of the learning credit. It's a huge gift!!!!! (if you can swing it). Good Luck with your decision.

 

[sunnyd]

I have earned my masters degree thru an online program. I did it at California University of Pennsylvania. It is an accredited school and the online degrees are considered the same in quality/content as the on-campus degrees, and the diplomas don't specify whether you completed it online or not. They really know what they're doing! Their online programs are very well designed, rigorous, and respected since they have been doing it a long time and have refined how they do it. They do accept transfer credits too. Mine was the exercise science program, and they have a nice variety of masters options, but they have a handful of bachelors programs too. I am very glad I completed my program - I learned a ton, and it was a great experience in so many ways!

My sister also completed a masters degree online, hers was a program thru Purdue Univ for instructional design in technology for education or something like that. Basically she is now well able to design and create online learning programs for schools/unis, corporate training, MOOCs, etc. Online learning is obviously becoming more and more popular and important, so I'd say don't hesitate to jump in and take advantage of a program that would be a good fit for your experience and career goals. One thing to obviously consider is the whole in-state/out-of-state tuition thing. There may be universities that have a different tuition thing altogether for online programs, since so many students could/would be out of state.

Good luck in your search for a program that meets your needs!

 

[lily64]

I completed my Bachelor's in Business Administration and did my entire Master's in Accounting (completed last Spring) through Regis University's (Denver, CO) online program. I had many classmates that were in other states & countries. Having attended both in class & online, I can say that I did not find anything lacking in the online courses. I probably spent 20-30 hours per week on homework for Master's, less for the Bachelor's. This worked well with my schedule, since I work 40+ hours per week and I'm typically at my most productive in the early morning. The classroom courses were scheduled for 6pm-10pm, once per week, and that didn't work for me.

My employer paid all of my tuition, so I consider this a bonus that I wouldn't want to pass up.

 

[beskinny]

I think it really depends on what you plan to do with your degree and what area of study you plan to major in. I recruit for my company for accounting. I have to say that for the most part, we don't look at graduates with bachelors degrees that were earned through online programs (ie Kaplan). One essential piece that typically is missing is working collaboratively in teams. We've just found that the caliber of candidate is not as high as those that earned degrees through traditional education channels. For masters degrees, the story is completely different.

My opinion probably won't be popular but I felt I needed to say it. I always feel bad when I see the working mom who obviously worked hard at her degree but then can't compete against those with a more rigorous education.

 

[Justinef]

My experience is only partly relevant, as I'm in the UK, but.....
I gained a PhD in engineering a long time ago - consisting of 6 years at Imperial College, London, with a year in the middle at MIT. A few years ago. when it became obvious that my daughter would be doing an MSc in Maths, I decided to take a 'distance learning course' with the Open University. At first I was worried that it wouldn't compare to the world-class facilities at which I originally studied, however, the course and the materials were superb. My daughter (now at Manchester Uni reading Maths) quite often borrows my course material.

And there's no feeling like gaining a first class honours degree in your forties!

Go for it!

 

[spyrosmom]

Thanks everyone!! I have the experience, but I'm afraid if I ever want to change companies, I'd like to work in a hospital, then I'd need the damn degree to back it up. Hiring/firing - got it. Interpersonal staff issues/relationships - got it, forecasting - got it, finding leaks in the budget - got it, calling/dialing strategies to drive revenue - got it, financial class analysis - got it, working directly with clients - got it, managing clients - got it, work flow design - got it. How to putz around on the internet without getting busted - got it

I do all those things on a daily basis, and goodness knows what else. So I think online *might* be ok. I have the skillset and excellent bosses who have taught me what I need. But I need the dang piece of paper. I find that frustrating. I think for certain jobs (obviously not doctors, lawyers, etc) at some point experience should trump the degree. But I digress.....

Nan

 

[Nanbo]

Have you looked into your local community college? Many have programs (on campus and online) directed at adults who need to work full time. The cost is usually more digestible than the schools you mentioned. I admire your drive! Good luck Nan!

 

[Nanbo]

I think it really depends on what you plan to do with your degree and what area of study you plan to major in. I recruit for my company for accounting. I have to say that for the most part, we don't look at graduates with bachelors degrees that were earned through online programs (ie Kaplan). One essential piece that typically is missing is working collaboratively in teams. We've just found that the caliber of candidate is not as high as those that earned degrees through traditional education channels. For masters degrees, the story is completely different.

My opinion probably won't be popular but I felt I needed to say it. I always feel bad when I see the working mom who obviously worked hard at her degree but then can't compete against those with a more rigorous education.

Beskinny, I agree with you 100%!!! I don't think on-line learning is a good option for first time undergrads, especially for hard core sciences like chemistry, physics, and biology; bench-work is CRUCIAL!!!

 

[lioness]

I don't think you need the dang piece of paper. I am in my early 50's and just made a job change. I have some college but not a degree. In fact I probably have enough credit hours to have earned one but I don't.

I interviewed a couple of times before I landed my current job and not once did anyone mention a degree. In fact I haven't answered a college question in about 20 years. I work in office management/administration. I make a very good salary for the area I live in. I think a person's experience, attitude, promptness, and how they present themselves goes farther than a piece of paper ( for general office work and administration). I have worked with tons of people who have a college education but no work ethic. If your job is pressuring you to get a dang piece of paper despite your experience there look for another company that will appreciate your experience and skills.