Going Back To School - Online Courses??

dgarza · 02-27-2009, 11:12:15 AM

Yesterday, I spoke to an Educational Counsellor to discuss an online program. I will hopefully start a MSc Psychology course, all of it is online so I can still be a SAHM (big plus!). I was just wondering if any other HCW members have completed or in the progress of completing an online course and what experiences they have? I am thinking of completing the course via Phoneix University. Anyone else have experience with either their online or campus based courses?

carisal · 02-27-2009, 11:26:38 AM

I did my courses online, through a local technical school. I did have to go on campus for tests, and for the biology course I had a mandatory once a week lab. I did enjoy doing the courses online. I didnt feel it was any harder than going to classes. I would do it again.

momof2inohio · 02-27-2009, 11:29:13 AM

I am currently doing a few classes online. Most of my courses I have to do at campus but there are some that I can do online which I prefer. With some of my online courses I do have to go to campus to take the midterms and final exams. Good luck in whatever you decide to do!

dgarza · 02-27-2009, 11:59:59 AM

I need to ask those questions about where tests etc are held. Thanks for pointing that out.

elizabethm · 02-27-2009, 12:07:24 PM

From what I hear, employers are taking a harder look at online schools. You can have one that has classes online but you have to take tests in a testing center - the employer should give that more weight. I worked with a woman who was getting her MBA and told me how well she was doing in Business Law - and she hadn't opened the book! And exams were online. Word gets around about these programs (it wasn't Phoenix).

In the classes I took online, I was happy with the ones that required more reading. I imagine a lot of Psych classes would translate well online. I had a difficult time with classes where I wanted to ask questions and would take them in person now if I had a do-over (or choice) - those classes were related to finance and upper level accounting.

cens0rship · 02-27-2009, 12:16:05 PM

Originally Posted by dgarza

I need to ask those questions about where tests etc are held. Thanks for pointing that out.

Hi! I believe there is a location for UoP off the Beltway in the Houston area so it might be there.

I'm currently taking mine online as we are down to one car and it also saves us alot of time, gas and headaches. I do mine through the local community college. Some teachers allow us to take our exams online while some ( such as Eng Lit and Math) have us go to our testing center. That part kinda sucks but they usually give you a window of about a week to get there and take it since they know they you are corresponding b/c you don't have time to go on the drop of a hat.

As long as you have a strong work ethic I think you'll do awesome at it. Best of luck!

corinne539 · 02-28-2009, 07:49:50 PM

I agree with what elizabethm said. Online courses can be great if they are from an accredited institution and they fit your career goals. Why are you taking this psych class? Some people take online classes because they can get bumped up to the next pay level with another degree; others in pursuit of another career. It is important to understand the limitations of an online degree in certain fields. I'm guessing (correct me if I'm wrong) you're trying to get a Masters in general Psychology? What do you plan on doing with that degree? I don't mean to interogate you, but I've seen many people with online degrees that were mislead about how they could use their degrees in their future career. Most online universities are for-profit and not necessarily looking out for your best interests. I'm not bashing online ed, you just need to understand the limitations of it.

smiles · 03-02-2009, 06:44:11 PM

My husband just completed his MBA through an online program. His program was very rigid on assignment due dates. It was a lot of work and he had to keep motivated to do all the work. He did well in it, and felt her learned more than traditional classes the way his program was designed. He did the program so he can take his CPA exam and go into accounting.

My SIL took a few classes through University of Pheonix. She was doing a medical transcriptionist certificate until she got pg and had to stop. University of Phoenix is an accreditated school, but some of their newer programs are not accreditated in all states. It just depends on your career goals like someday being a liscenced councelor.

I'm working on a degree that is a mixed program where some classes are online and some are traditional. I like it because I get the best of both, and I need to go to class sometime to keep motivated.

Now online degree programs are getting very commonplace. Just make sure it's an accreditated program, and matches your carrer goals.

tmsmalley · 03-02-2009, 07:39:31 PM

Getting a degree is supposed to help your career, not be something you have to justify and explain. Given that you may put yourself in the position of justifying and defending your on-line degree, I recommend you find a local brick and mortar school that offers a program that includes on-line. That way, no one can tell if you were in the classroom or not and it becomes a big fat non-issue. Many of these schools have programs specifically for adult learners, they may be accelerated, they may allow for credit from prior jobs and experiences, etc. as well.

Give it a look before you sign up with the first one.

Tess