Online Universities

[GoCy]

I would stick with a brick-and-mortar university. Some employers have a stigma about distance education programs, as they often think of the "correspondence" degrees that used to be popular. It isn't just about accreditation, but contrary to what some have said, the reputation is also important. It is extremely important thing is how the employer perceives the quality of your education. One of the benefits of getting the degree from a brick-and-mortar university is a degree obtained via on-campus classes is indistinguishable from one obtained from internet classes.

I did my masters of science in engineering degree with 1/2 of my credits through ISU's distance education. For me, there was no difference in the quality of education between taking the class via distance ed or in classroom. But I am also the type of student that does not require a lot of interaction between myself and the instructor. If you do like to have a lot of in-class discussions or ask a lot of questions in class, you probably will not get as much out of a distance ed class.

 

[isucyfan]

I would stick with a brick-and-mortar university. Some employers have a stigma about distance education programs, as they often think of the "correspondence" degrees that used to be popular. It isn't just about accreditation, but contrary to what some have said, the reputation is also important. It is extremely important thing is how the employer perceives the quality of your education. One of the benefits of getting the degree from a brick-and-mortar university is a degree obtained via on-campus classes is indistinguishable from one obtained from internet classes.

I did my masters of science in engineering degree with 1/2 of my credits through ISU's distance education. For me, there was no difference in the quality of education between taking the class via distance ed or in classroom. But I am also the type of student that does not require a lot of interaction between myself and the instructor. If you do like to have a lot of in-class discussions or ask a lot of questions in class, you probably will not get as much out of a distance ed class.

I also think that one should factor in the field in which you are studying. If it's a tech-related field, an online degree can actually be a positive to employers.

 

[egami]

I also think that one should factor in the field in which you are studying. If it's a tech-related field, an online degree can actually be a positive to employers.

I wouldn't personally make that assumption. I think it's going to be more of a hit and miss thing based on company.

I know we aren't really interested in them where I work, and I work in IT.

 

[isucyfan]

I wouldn't personally make that assumption. I think it's going to be more of a hit and miss thing based on company.

I know we aren't really interested in them where I work, and I work in IT.

I know that in my field, Library and Information Science, they are looked upon more favorably, since much of that field is moving online.

 

[egami]

I know that in my field, Library and Information Science, they are looked upon more favorably, since much of that field is moving online.

I'd be curious as to why because ultimately what matters is the quality of the degree. I don't see how the mechanism for obtaining that degree being online versus traditional hoofing it on a university is necessarily preferred.

Frankly, I don't have an opinion on University of Phoenix's quality. I don't know, don't care, but I'd be hesitant to spend money with them versus taking online classes with traditional schools that are online now just knowing what I've heard about them is "generally" not wowing anyone.

 

[isucyfan]

I'd be curious as to why because ultimately what matters is the quality of the degree. I don't see how they mechanism for obtaining that degree being online versus traditional hoofing it on a university is necessarily preferred.

Just because, in a field that may be virtual in the coming years, they want to know that you are comfortable in a virtual environment. If you get an entirely online degree, employers can be assured you are thoroughly comfortable with technology.

 

[egami]

Just because, in a field that may be virtual in the coming years, they want to know that you are comfortable in a virtual environment. If you get an entirely online degree, employers can be assured you are thoroughly comfortable with technology.

And they may have cheated their A** off too? I know that is one of the big concerns with people I have talked to.

I don't know, I still think that seems odd that when choosing between equal candidates that a University of Phoenix degree would carry more weight by virtue of medium.

 

[4VR4CY]

ISU has a great program at night in Des Moines. I started part time down there and then went full time my last year due to a layoff situation. You can go to free information sessions where you get a meal... why not talk to someone about it?

Go here: MBA Informational Sessions

 

[isucyfan]

And they may have cheated their A** off too? I know that is one of the big concerns with people I have talked to.

I don't know, I still think that seems odd that when choosing between equal candidates that a University of Phoenix degree would carry more weight by virtue of medium.

I'm not talking about the Univ. of Phoenix. I'm talking about an accredited program in my field.

Plus, you can cheat just as easy online as offline. I don't think that's relevant. I've completed about 3/4 of the program online, and it's been very rigorous.

 

[cyclone13]

I would look whether (1) the program is accredited and (2) the degree is recognized by the state you intend to work in/reside/where you look for jobs.
And like the others have said in this thread: you might want to consider the stigma of online universities. It's going to be different from the degree from ISU or any other universities.

 

[4VR4CY]

To contact the ISU grad department directly - [email protected]

Again, a lot of good info on the site too...

 

[GeronimusClone]

Anyone here get a degree online? I am thinking about getting my Masters from the University of Phoenix online. They are well known but I just wanted to hear feedback from you guys.

Is it your MBA you want?

 

[bos]

For me I noticed that it really depended on the prof. I had one prof that I handed in a blank word document to and got an A+ on it. I was less than thrilled. I was under the suspicion that she was basically just getting a pay check and not doing any work, so I tested the theory. However I had some stellar profs who would set more time out of the day to answer live questions and give real feedback on assignments. Online stuff is great for your tough schedule, but it can really demand more personal learning time since you arent in class and working with teammates as much.

 

[shildreth]

I have a relative that works in HR that has been instructed by his employer to completely disregard degrees from the University of Phoenix in making hiring decisions.

I work in HR and I have told my staff to not present anyone with a degree from UofP. I am positive I am not the only one with this rule. UofP focuses more on grad rate and turn around time rather catering to working professionals rather than curriculum. Their target market is older workforce who needs the degree (bachelors or Masters).

My advice, get a job with a company that has tuition reimbursement. Pick a school with a flexible online program and let your work pay for it. Once you get your degree use it to better position yourself in the company or get a new job. Studies show, best way to get a raise is to change companies. As sad as that is.

 

[GeronimusClone]

I work in HR and I have told my staff to not present anyone with a degree from UofP. I am positive I am not the only one with this rule. UofP focuses more on grad rate and turn around time rather catering to working professionals rather than curriculum. Their target market is older workforce who needs the degree (bachelors or Masters).

My advice, get a job with a company that has tuition reimbursement. Pick a school with a flexible online program and let your work pay for it. Once you get your degree use it to better position yourself in the company or get a new job. Studies show, best way to get a raise is to change companies. As sad as that is.

That is sad. They wonder why people move around so much anymore when back in the day you'd stay at the same company for 30 years. Always blaming it on our generation being hard to please, spoiled, etc. Maybe it's the companies who are to blame.

 

[shildreth]

That is sad. They wonder why people move around so much anymore when back in the day you'd stay at the same company for 30 years. Always blaming it on our generation being hard to please, spoiled, etc. Maybe it's the companies who are to blame.

The main reason for the change in mindset is also that most companies dont offer pensions anymore as 'reward' for your loyalty. Companies dont want the risk of paying pensions for 10-20 years after you retire. Instead they can give you money and have you be responsible for what to do with it. They have an obligation to provide you tools to invest properly (401ks etc) but they dont have the liability of being responsible for your retirement anymore... you do.

 

[professor]

Is it your MBA you want?

Yes, I am wanting an MBA in Global Management because my business partners and I are starting a company/website. I want to be able to take this company worldwide and thought a MBA would be a good start.

 

[egami]

I'm not talking about the Univ. of Phoenix. I'm talking about an accredited program in my field.

Plus, you can cheat just as easy online as offline. I don't think that's relevant. I've completed about 3/4 of the program online, and it's been very rigorous.

You can cheat MUCH easier online.

 

[egami]

Studies show, best way to get a raise is to change companies. As sad as that is.

Yeah, I argue this with people all the time, they don't believe me.

 

[jdoggivjc]

You can cheat MUCH easier online.

If most MBA programs do take-home exams, midterms, and finals as much as mine did, that is extremely debatable...