posted
As most of you know, I'm enrolled in University of Phoenix's online degree program for obtaining a BS in Business Management. People wanted some feedback on how things are going and after completing two 5-week courses, I'll share my thoughts...
It's far from traditional style of learning I've ever been used to. However, that doesn't mean it's easy. I've never done more writing in my life. At least two papers due per week (APA format), monitored discussions, and what's worse, you're put in teams (but they do that on campus, too, so it's not a big change) which makes it doubly difficult to do the "team" projects because everyone isn't always on line at the same time, plus it's not face to face. The good thing is that you can use what you learned last night on the job the next day. I've opened my eyes to a lot of things that used to float right by me before. It's making a change in my work life so I think it's doing what it's intended.
If you've got SOME work ethic about you, you can pass the courses with the minimal work, although it will be like anything else, if you only do the minimum, you'll probably get a C without much fanfare. So far I'm maintaining a 4.0 GPA but not without a lot, and I mean a LOT, of effort on my part. The last class required reading about 150 pages of class material each week, along with doing two papers and any other activities.
Is it worth it? Educationally speaking, yes. However, I think it's a bit pricey, but since I'm under the tuition reimbursement program, my company refunds me the cost of tuition so my books, materials, etc. are on me. Right now that tuition's approx. $1,320 for a 5-week, 3-credit course. My program has me finishing this thing up in about 4 more years, although I could do it in two but our tuition reimbursement monies at the company got cut in half last year. Luckily, I'm already over 50% done with my degree anyway with transferrable credits and what I've obtained at the school already. I don't think I could do a bunch of these courses online week after week for a long period of time.
One thing to consider if you're thinking of this kind of education, and that is you MUST make a committment to making time every day to do the assignments and you could minimally get by with about two hours per day, or roughly 10-12 hours per week. If you get behind, you'll never catch up. It's kinda fast paced, but I've learned a ton already.
If you work shiftwork like I do, it may be the only way you could get a college degree because it just isn't going to happen for me at the University of South Carolina or Clemson. Of course, I'm probably never going to use it where I work now anyway because I'd have to take at least a temporary pay cut for a few years, but I hope to have it just in case something happens with my current job. It can't hurt regardless.
-------------------- Mike '02 #6906 pewter/M6/leather/hardtop Posts: 577 | From: Aiken, SC | Registered: May 2002
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Education is never a bad thing. Sounded pricey to me, but it sounds like it's been money and time well spent.
-------------------- Hawkeye: SSOA F98-C98
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Wife & Best Friend Mary - copilot. Posts: 5558 | From: Windsor, Ontario. Canada | Registered: Feb 2000
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Thanks for the insight. I was hoping to hear from some othe than people I work with. Thats about on par with what I've heard from my co-workers in the BSIT program. I start Jan 22. Should be an interesting next couple of years.
[ 13. January 2004, 05:17 AM: Message edited by: Thom Mackesy ]
Posts: 1632 | From: Rindge NH, formerly Boylston MA | Registered: Feb 2000
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Keep up the good work, ...Education is never a bad thing, ...especially in the current work environment, it's always good to have something to fall back on. Sounds like it's a lot of work, but also sounds like your committed, ...and putting in a lot of time...
-------------------- Kevin Kolvenbach, 2002 Sunset Orange SS (#3455), Convertible, Black top, Ebony leather, Bilstein, ASR, 6SP w/Hurst, 345HP Dual-Dual Posts: 1046 | From: Pine Bush, NY USA | Registered: Aug 2001
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Dont worry if you can't apply the classes now, you have later to do that. The wife has a degree in Computer Science and right now she is working for GM as an Engineer . Its now always what you know its that you show the commitment to do something and follow it through.
-------------------- SLP#3579 LE#1533 A pair of 35th Anny drinking chairs. Every thing else is just "Fluff" Rio Grande "Swim" Coach Posts: 3091 | From: Canton Mi. | Registered: Oct 2002
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Hey!! Glad to hear it's working for you!! Sounds like it's a challenging curriculum that requires a lot of self-discipline.....good for you for maintaining that 4.0....no easy task!
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EMCC Member #338 SSOA Member #M02-9119 Michigan Mafia Member #666 Posts: 3236 | From: Dallas, Texas | Registered: Nov 2002
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Awesome! and good for you! Like others said, education is NEVER EVER EVER a bad thing. Money WELL spent and pays for ya in the long run. I think i stated before that I've taken numerous online and video courses through college. I'm actually signed up for 2 video courses this semester. Just have to stay focused.
It will be worth it in the end. Education at any level, any age, is a good thing. Someday I'll work further for my MBA and Doctorate. Right now gotta get this last semester or so done for my BS in Finance!
Good luck, keep up the good work, and keep us posted!
-------------------- 2004 Cavalier LS Sport Coupe Manual,Sunroof,16" Chrome, Zaino!!! http://community.webshots.com/user/pazbich3 Used to Drive: 2001 Camaro SS #3220 Posts: 2651 | From: Enola (Harrisburg Area), Pennsylvania | Registered: Jan 2002
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