Online College Degree?

Hi C.,

I am a graduate academic advisor at Bellevue University. We have undergrad online programs here that may fit you. Here is the web site if you want to take a look around. We have people from all over the world that take classes here. It's also an in-class campus so it's not some random etherial place that you can't go to. Those always scare me when there is no actual building involved. This university started out as in-class only back in the 60's but branched off to online as well.

http://www.bellevue.edu/log-in.aspx

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Hi C.,

I attended University of Phoenix for awhile, until I couldn't afford it any longer. I know that Upper Iowa University also offers some online degrees and is a little more affordable. I loved it when I did it, it was completely great with an unpredictable schedule.

Hope this helps :)

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C., it really depends on what you want to get your degree in. I am currently going to Kaplan University Online. I totally love it. This is one of the few colleges online that you actually attend a seminar with a variety of times to chose from when registering for the class.

The biggest thing to remember to look for when you chose is if the college is accredited or not. Most of them should have that information available for you. I would just check out several and see which one is the best fit for you.

My husband's schedule is crazy as well and I am a stay at home mom with 4 children still in the home ranging from 3-9 and it has been the best decision that I have made.

GOOD LUCK!!

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Hi C., look around at what your state schools offer. I was surprised to find that a branch of my original university (Texas A & M University) offered online degrees from the West TExas A& M Campus. I live about 600 miles from the campus, have never been there, but have a general studies degree that i completed online at in-state tuition rates. There are generally additional fees for online classes, but it is worth it! Good Luck!

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My husband is taking online classes through Bemidji State and really likes it. A friend of mine also went there via online to get her masters. Check it out, and good luck! And I just want to say that you should totally go for it! I am in a similar situation where I have some college credits, but no degree, and once my husband is finished with his, I plan on going back too. Again, good luck!

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C.-
Say I know a recruiter for one of the online programs if you'd like to email him-- email me ____@____.com
He might give you some insight too.

About me: 49 yo perfusionist, wellness coach doing an online biggest loser for $, wife, mom to 8 yo twin girls

B. J

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I am currently attending online. It is alot harder than they advertise it to be. There are weekly "discussion" requirements as well as weekly tests and assignments. The school that I am attending has condensed a 16 week semester into an 8 week term so things go really quickly. I chose Herzing University in Madison, WI because they operate their credits on a semester basis instead of a quarter basis which some certificates require. University of Phoenix is a very reputable college, but depending on the degree you are looking to acquire can be very expensive. The decision takes a lot of research!

Good luck!

L.

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Hi C.! I got my AA through Axia (branch of University of Phoenix) my BS in psychology through the University of Phoenix and am currently getting my MS in forensic psychology through Argosy University. I have loved them all, it's been a really great education, and I have had three kids in the timespan it has taken me. I start my doctorate of psychology in criminology and justice studies at the University of the Rockies in May, so I'm really looking forward to it. Look for accrediation and do your research and I'm sure you'll find a good fit. Good luck!

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I received my Liberal Arts AA degree online through my local community college. They also offer several specialty AA degrees online. The only classes I HAD to take on campus was my speech class (Duh!), and the lab for my science class. I chose to take a few others on campus because they were harder for me and I wanted the classroom time. I plan to go back and get my AA in Criminal Justice as well from them, but there are about 3 class that are not offered online that I have to have for my degree. You might want to start at your local community college. I plan on going to my local State university for my BA and I know they offer some classes online, but not many. The higher you go with this type of school, the fewer the online classes, but an AA degree will get you started.

As for other schools, the ones who only offer online classes: I actually have 3 different friends who obtained their degrees through online programs, and all three have said at some point, they felt they were passed over for a job because of how they got their degree. I would suggest trying to find a school that offers degrees online and in class, so a future employer won't know the difference in your degree. A lot of people, especially of an older generation, believe that online degrees are somehow inferior.

Hope this helps!

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I attended the University of Phoenix online for my Masters degree and loved it. The class schedule was very flexible and I could choose when I had the time to start my class. Classes are 6 weeks in duration. What was great too is since they offer so many campuses throughout the country I got to acctually attend a greaduation ceremony, making it feel that much more official. Check them out online:
http://www.phoenix.edu/

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HI C.,
I went back to school at your age (now I am 40) and completed my degree at a college that offered on-line classes. I actually went to the college and sat through the classes, but know that the on-line program was just as good.

Here is my advise - don't answer the adds that pop-up on the computer. Reputable colleges do not need to have adds like that. Figure out what degree program you want to study (or narrow it to a few options) and then find a few colleges that offer that degree. When you search for colleges, you will be able to find out which ones offer an on-line study program. There are tons - I know because now I have a Sr. in high school and every college she has looked at offers on-line classes. Choose your college based on the degree you want and the options available for on-line classes. Don't trust the on-line college advertisements unless you decide on the college first and then find out they also advertise on-line. Begin your search as if you plan to attend the college campus for classes in the traditional way.

It is never too late to finish school and you will always benefit from education, no matter how you use it in your life. As for me, I complete my Bachelor's degree, worked in that field of study for a few years and now am back at running my own business serving kids and families in a new, but similar way to what I did before completing college. It technically has nothing to do with my degree, but I don't regret the value of my education for one minute.
Good Luck!
~C. j

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C.,
when looking for a school that is right for you I would ask about how the classes online work, what format they are in and the length of each class. I would also ask what is expected of students as far as turning in assignments, posting comments. Also look at the schools accreditation this will help you determine who is credible, and which programs are available that you would like to earn your degree in. Easiest way is to make a chart of the schools who offer the program you want, compare expected completion time, which schools will take all of your past credits and which will only take some, compare tuition rates, additional lab or book fees.
I do have to say that I am a fan of Bellevue University and know numerous people who have earned their degrees from Bellevue's online programs.

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Hi, C.!

I am an instructor for Axia College, which is part of the University of Phoenix. It is a legitimate school and I highly recommend it. Despite what many people think, on-line classes are very thorough. However, you do have to be self-motivated to do the readings and homework as required. Axia is mostly for returning adult students, so it might be a good fit for you. The only drawback is that there are limited degrees available. Check it out and feel free to let me know what questions you have. Good luck!

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Hi C.,

Due to my full time job and two small kids, I take classes online through Capella University. I'm working on a PhD in Educational Psychology and so far have had a positive experience. You didn't mention what type of degree you plan to finish but Capella offers BS, MS and doctoral degrees in a variety of disciplines. Capella is accredited. I'm really glad that I went back for an advanced degree online. I admit that I miss the face to face interaction but it is very convenient to learn online. I do the majority of my school work at night or during my daughter's nap time on the weekends.
I hope this helps!

J. Davis

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I haven't taken classes at an online school but from what I hear they are more expensive than a traditional school.
Check out your local university the class schedules are usually varied and most schools have a daycare center on campus. Quite often you can qualify for daycare assistance through social services, contact the financial aids office at the school. The advisors at the financial aids office have a ton of information. I also think that taking classes at a tradional school versus an online school is better because you have the chance to interact with other students and your instructors in a way that you will never be able to online.

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The Minnesotat State Colleges and Universities system offers online course and programs at most schools...check out www.mnonline.org...these schools are accredited so credits are very transferrable and you will find the price to be a fraction of online schools like cappella or phoenix. These are state colleges that have physical buildings and people to talk to if you have questions or problems.

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I finished my degree online through American Military University. (http://www.amu.apus.edu) This is a very reputable institution.

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I would recommend finding a local college that you know has been around awhile and take online classes through them - check out several and compare costs. I bet most colleges now have online classes.

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Thanks to all of you who responded to C.! I had the exact same question and all these responses have helped me too!

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I C.....I used to work for Concordia University in St Paul and we had online degree completion programs for working adults. Basically, you want whatever college you choose to be nationally accredited, which means that there is some accountability of program offerings/curriculm with the goverment. The actual name of the accrediation varies by area in the country so North Central Association of
Colleges and Schools is the one to look for in schools in North Central United States. Professions also have their own accreditations (NCATE for example is an accreditation for Teacher Education) Thoes are all fine, but the national accreditation is the BIG one. The governement tried really hard to keep ontop of online colleges and crack down on degree mills (the ads you see in magazines, send us $100 and we will send you your BA degree, ect.) But the internet makes it pretty eash to hide. Another "scam" can come up with the accrediation. Colleges are quick to say they are accredited, but by who? Ask a lot of questions...and good luck! Finishing out that degree can be VERY rewarding, I have seen it first hand! Let me know if I can help you in anyway, navigating the system within a college/unversity can be very confusing and frusterating!

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My daughter is looking to pursue her Masters online. It has been interesting looking for a school. She initially decided on Argosy but after some research we decided against it. We were finding out things through review websites and googling for accredidation and scams. Though most are accreditated- it doesnt mean they are not just in it for the money. Argosy is a for profit school. I'm not saying that is bad, however for us, after reading some students and former student reviews, we were not comfortable with spending the money it costs and not getting what you pay for. I suggest doing as much research as you can. Many of the telemarketing type schools, Argosy, Phoenix, etc have people that have a lot of negative to say. The college reps will tell you what you want to here just to get you enrolled. There are also plenty who say good about these types of schools - so you have to go with your instincts.
My daughter is now checking out a state school who offers online courses. While in college she did online summer classes and says they are harder than physical classes. You have to put the time and commuication into it and there definitely are requirements and deadlines. It's just not a do it as you can type of thing. Good luck and I think it is terrific you want to pursue this goal.

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I used to work at Capella University, and they are a reputable, accredited university (all online). There are many reputable online schools out there. I would ask what accredidation they have when you call to get information. The non-legitimate ones won't have any real accredidation, because it is hard to get. Hope this helps!

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I am working on a PhD in I/O Psychology from Walden University. My experience overall has been positive. They are an accredited school. All of my work is online, but I also must attend a certain number of days of "residencies", some of which are held right here in Minneapolis. There are a lot of options out there, and most are legitimate. Check to see what accredidations the school holds, the same as you would with any college you were considering. Your choice will depend mainly on the type of degree you are seeking and which schools offer that, along with cost. Online schools qualify for the same financial aid assistance as other schools.

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I would check with your local college and find out what they offer for online classes as the schools that are stricktly on line (such as Pheonix) charge MUCH higher rates for their classes than does the local community college.

My local college now offers as many online classes as it does classes in the classroom. As more and more people want to attend school but are limited in time and availability, colleges have been adding to their online offerings to keep up with current trends. They also offer not just full semester long classes, but 8 week accelerated classes in both the first and last half of the semester as well.

I have been going to school part time since 2006 and will graduate with my Liberal Arts in Dec. of this year before heading off to the University in Jan. I've taken some of my classes online though for me personally, I prefer the classroom setting as it works best for me. Most of my classmates end up taking at least half, if not more, of their classes online and only come to class for those classes that they don't feel the can do online as well (math for some, english for others). My local community college offers all of their classes online as well as in the classroom.

I would advise for you to check with your local college or University first as they are still the more economical route (much cheaper per credit hour!!) to go and as you are familiar with them, already know their credibility.

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My husband is on his 2nd semester at University of Phoniex online. His sister just also enrolled there. And one of my girlfriends is doing part of it online, part in a class room. So I guess I would recommend them.

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Hi C.,

I just graduated from Park University Online with my four year bachelors degree in Social Psychology.

I completely understand where you are coming from when you say "it's hard to determine which ones are legitimate and reputable". It is hard to make that decision. I first looked into Phoenix online and others like it and I was not happy with them. They were like tellemarketers calling me every week, and not to mention they cost around $10,000 a year! Then one day I heard about Park University from a co-worker who got his bachelors degree from the school (not online) in MO. I checked out the school and it cost around $6000 a year, is a private school, and works alot with the military (which is big reason they do online). I spent over 3 years there and I was very happy with them. I travel around the country with my husband for his job, so in order to finish my degree I had to go online! Here is the website: www.park.edu

Please let me know if you have any questions at all! Also, what are you majoring in, or what do you want to major in?

Take Care,

R.

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