I live in a small community, so the local colleges do not offer much master programs (or do not offer the program I want). I cannot simply move out of town, out of the state because I have a family (husband, baby…etc), yet I would like to continue my education. What do you think about online universities like Devry, Kaplan, AIU, etc? Should I go for it or is it a waste of time? Are you skeptical about these online colleges (like is it too good to be true? When future employers see these, would they accept it as legit & professional?)
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#1 by goicuon at November 5th, 2009
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I’m a librarian, and although I did my MA in person, the program that I attended, at a state university, is now available completely online. Presently I’m contemplating a second master’s degree via a program offered online at the University of Indiana, Bloomington. It’s not my first choice to do graduate work online, but I can’t find the degree that I’m interested in offered locally to students that can only attend part-time.
Beware of the for-profit colleges and universities, online or in person. A for-profit institution has a fundamental conflict of interest when it comes to educating you; the profit margin trumps the sudent’s needs every time. Some of these ARE accredited, but I wouldn’t go to any of them.
Lots of state colleges and universities now offer some online degree programs. Surf the websites of the legitimate schools in your state to see what’s offered.
Check out the link for Peterson’s below – look at the link for online & continuing education. Peterson’s is a reliable resource – you may be able to find it in hard copy at your local library.
Speaking of your local library, go there! Your friendly, helpful, local librarian will be able to point you to a wealth of resources such as the Peterson’s directories.
If you want something to have at home for reference, the guides written by John and Mariah Bear for non-tradtional degree programs are very good. He lists a lot of online and low-residency requirement degee programs that are all legitimate. I’ve linked one of the books below.
Degreenet, linked below, is an outgrowth of John Bear’s work.
Good luck with your search!
#2 by Polyhist at November 5th, 2009
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You have to look at the emphasis of their advertising materials to see who they are focusing on. Frankly, I would not waste my money on any of them even though I think a couple are not bad deals.
Most of the advertising has been focused on certain ethnic groups and certain class groups. None of these places are cheap and they try to make you think that a MBA from them is equivalent to one from Stanford. I would doubt it.
I think they are all money suckers.
#3 by jeffedl at November 5th, 2009
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I think they’re probably somewhere in between worthwhile and not for a Masters Degree. I’m at the same point as you are in my questioning.
If its about how much you learn, it seems like some of the curricula aren’t really designed around getting a Harvard education. They convey information and you probably get as much out of it as you put in.
I wonder too whether employers will put the same value on it as they would for a brick and mortar setting.
#4 by Sookie Stackhouse at November 5th, 2009
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Honestly,I don’t think strictly on-line schools are too great. I took a number of on-line classes and felt as though I learned nothing. That being said, I think Devry is the most legit of all of them- they’ve been around for ages. I also would advise against enrolling in a school that is strictly on-line, it also should have brick and mortar locations. It would make me feel better, knowing it’s not a fly-by-night organization. Good luck!