This is going to be different. I've enrolled in one of those online colleges (University of Phoenix) for a BS in business management. Before anyone turns their nose up, I wanted to do it in a more traditional way, but my rotating 12-hr/day work schedule would never allow me to finish it in my lifetime, and it's one of my personal goals I want to hit before I'm 50. I don't NEED it, but it's something I want to accomplish for myself. I've amassed 54 transferrable credit hours (actually I had more, but they're only allowing 54) over the years at different institutions, so why not put them all together and get some use out of them, right? Only 66 more to go. One good thing is I don't have to look for work during the summer.
While a degree won't define who I am or what I actually know or can accomplish, it surely won't hurt me to have a 'skin in my corner in the event something happens to my job.
The bonus is, my company is reimbursing up to a certain amount toward tuition per year, minus the book costs as one of our company benefits. I'll take it. At that rate, plus a couple of CLEPs along the way, I'll be able to finish in about 4 years for only the cost of some books. So my plan is on track to finish well before my 50th birthday.
School starts tomorrow, so my "summer vacation" comes to a close today. While I'm not going to advertise for the school, I'll relay my personal experiences about general online learning from time to time in the event anyone else might be interested in "non-traditional" college. Wish me luck!
Posted by vargod (Member # 1116) on :
Good luck. There is nothing wrong with where you're getting your degree from. All that matter is that you're getting it.
[ 01. October 2003, 11:02 AM: Message edited by: vargod ]
Posted by HTWLSS (Member # 117) on :
Very cool....be sure to keep us posted. We could all use a refresher in a few things.
Posted by Hawkeye (Member # 88) on :
Education is never a bad thing - good luck with the studies - and you personal goals! Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
Good luck! Posted by Daves2002SS (Member # 1719) on :
Good luck!! Let us know how it goes, I have heard alot about that program but I have never actually met anyone who went through it. I'm currently working on my MPA and hope to have in done in 3 years while working fulltime.
Posted by JeffY (Member # 120) on :
Good luck - I'm curious to see what you think about the process and how hard it is. What about accreditation? How is a degree like recognized in the business world? I think that is a great way to go in this day and age. Keep us informed.
Posted by DanPazich (Member # 1352) on :
Congrats to you for going back to school! My first 2 years I went to Harrisburg Area Community College, one of the nicest community colleges here on teh east coast. They offered numerous online and video courses and I found that it frees up soo much time! And usually you can work more efficiently if you're an independent worker. In my two years going there, I took 5-6 online classes, and loved them...well...except my Calculus 2 class. Kinda needed a teacher for that, and I later found out there was a 50% drop out rate on that online course, lol. It's unfortunate for me that I'm goign to Penn State now and can't take online courses.
Nevertheless, good luck in your endeavors!
[ 01. October 2003, 11:35 AM: Message edited by: DanPazich ]
Posted by 35TH ED/ed (Member # 1709) on :
quote:Originally posted by el ess1:
While a degree won't define who I am or what I actually know or can accomplish, it surely won't hurt me to have a 'skin in my corner in the event something happens to my job.
With 2 Associates and a Contractors License (None of which are related to the job) in my pocket It dosent hurt. Employers look that you have something to show in life . Good Luck.
On a side note If you ever get a licence (electrical/plumbing ect.) Never ever get rid of it even if its not used. The money spent to keep it up is worth more if it is ever needed later on in life.You wouldnt want to go back to school th renew it.
Posted by mhayman (Member # 146) on :
As others have said, education is never a bad thing. And business education is extremely useful because you can apply it to so many things.
Good luck.
Posted by el ess1 (Member # 1544) on :
quote:Originally posted by JeffY: Good luck - I'm curious to see what you think about the process and how hard it is. What about accreditation? How is a degree like recognized in the business world? I think that is a great way to go in this day and age. Keep us informed.
I'm curious, too. Actually, my company, (dare I say it?) Monsanto -which is a world-wide company, recognizes it. That's the reason they'll be reimbursing me. I've yet to find anyone that doesn't recognize it, although I'm sure there are a few out there that won't. I was also surprised to learn this is a growing trend among working people who are in a similar situation of rotating shiftwork as I am. They have around 60,000 people around the country registered as students, and they've been online since around 1989, so it must be legit. But their online approach is geared toward working students, so it seems tailor-made for my application.
And yes, just like traditional college, you seem to spend an inordinate amount on books that you've never heard of and probably aren't used anywhere else but that institution, and probably will be revised after a short while, making you buy the latest revision....you know how that goes.
After completion of all your undergraduate studies, you get a "real" degree. It's the same degree as if you attended classes there on-campus, and just like traditional college, you can get put on acedemic probation and even kicked out if you suck. You can even travel there for formal graduation ceremonies complete with gown and cap if you desire, the whole bit. Yes, it's accredited, and I am considered a student at the University, ID card and all, deeming me qualified for any and all incentives and discounts offered to college students at various places. Even Dell offers us student discounts on their products. I'll have to log in and check assignments and report progress 5 out of 7 days per week, and they will be monitoring attendance, so it's not going to be a walk in the park, but it is basically the same cirriculum as on-campus, so the lower levels will be geared toward the inexperienced students.
Trust me, this was my last resort, but with the work schedule I've got, it's really my only option. Still, I'll be spending upwards of 10 hours or more per week on assignments for just one course, which is about what I did when I attended traditional colleges. If I worked days only, the local University of South Carolina campus would take care of night school, and I'd already be finished by now!
Posted by el ess1 (Member # 1544) on :
Where's my manners? Well, spank my a** and call me Sally. I intended this to be in my reply post, but it somehow it didn't make it in there, so here it goes...
Thank you for all your well-wishes.
Posted by JohnS (Member # 1073) on :
Sally:
It's always tough balancing school work and a day job. Best of luck. Posted by Orange 01 SS (Member # 1700) on :
quote:Originally posted by el ess1: Where's my manners? Well, spank my a** and call me Sally. I intended this to be in my reply post, but it somehow it didn't make it in there, so here it goes...
Thank you for all your well-wishes.
... and you plan to get a degree using the computer?
Good luck! It ought to be a pretty good deal. Posted by RagSS (Member # 1127) on :
Best of luck with school, ...no matter how you take the classes, ...working full time and going to school is a big committment. You should be commended for doing it...
Kevin
Posted by Old Coyote (Member # 1343) on :
Good for you .............. I think your decision is commendable ............. we have six people here at the office enrolled at UOP and taking classes online ........... our company recognizes their curriculum and degree standards the same as from major universities.
Best of luck Posted by Brians-SS (Member # 1988) on :
good luck! ooo a BS in business management? funn stuff. im one course away from a minor in that, buuut its Managerial acounting.....bleh! i hated financial, dont wanna see the next level, lol. i have 2 years left in college for a BS in Computer Science and Info Systems with an Info System track.
Keep us posted!
Posted by 01ss87iroc (Member # 1763) on :
Education can never hurt you, especially if it is only going to cost you a couple of books. Watch out though, books are getting pricey. GOOD LUCK!!
Posted by cytruffle (Member # 1733) on :
Good luck, Mr. el ess1!! You are sooo smart....you'll do GREAT!!
I am interested to know how this online stuff works.....I know that some of my students could benefit from something like this.....pls keep us updated!! Posted by ss_rs_z (Member # 1888) on :
You can never get enough of Education el ess1. Go for it, Good Luck and Best Wishes. Posted by Brians-SS (Member # 1988) on :
cytruffle, from what ive heard the online courses are a convience for the students, but some profs make them 10times harder then actually going to class. my best friend is taking an online sociology course, i helped her with the stuff she had to do, i was like woah, this d00d is nuts, lol. was only 3 assignments, but its hard since that class needs an instructor so the kids know what to look for. he gives them paragraphs and questions and says here do this, lol. shes been staying up all night at least 2 times a week to get this work done, and she was still behind, lol. was up till 12 figureing the stuff out, and sending it to her. told her to NEVER take an online course unless she knows the prof is easy, or has notes from someone else. some of the online ones are good, its just the courses that are best for a classroom situation should be avioded from doing online.
Posted by 99 HOSS (Member # 109) on :
... knowledge is power ...
Posted by el ess1 (Member # 1544) on :
quote:Originally posted by 99 HOSS: ... knowledge is power ...
But where is that measured? At the flywheel or rear wheels? Posted by cytruffle (Member # 1733) on :
quote:Originally posted by Brians-SS: the online courses are a convience for the students, but some profs make them 10times harder then actually going to class.
some of the online ones are good, its just the courses that are best for a classroom situation should be avioded from doing online.
That's interesting to know. I had hoped that they were not blow-offs, because it sounds like a really good idea that would save everyone time & hassle -- exactly like Mr. el ess1's deal;
....and sociology??? That's such a relatively easy and fun class with a teacher! I'm amazed that the guy has made it so hard....bummer! Tell your friend good luck!!
Posted by FireChicken (Member # 2067) on :
quote:Originally posted by vargod: Good luck. There is nothing wrong with where you're getting your degree from. All that matter is that you're getting it.
True, true. It doesnt matter how long it takes you to get it, all that matters is that you get it.
Posted by Brians-SS (Member # 1988) on :
quote:Originally posted by cytruffle:
quote:Originally posted by Brians-SS: the online courses are a convience for the students, but some profs make them 10times harder then actually going to class.
some of the online ones are good, its just the courses that are best for a classroom situation should be avioded from doing online.
That's interesting to know. I had hoped that they were not blow-offs, because it sounds like a really good idea that would save everyone time & hassle -- exactly like Mr. el ess1's deal;
....and sociology??? That's such a relatively easy and fun class with a teacher! I'm amazed that the guy has made it so hard....bummer! Tell your friend good luck!!
lol, well if theres no teacher to explain somethings then thats what would make it hard. I dunno, for me its easier to learn with a teacher if the course really needs one.
Posted by 99 HOSS (Member # 109) on :
quote:But where is that measured? At the flywheel or rear wheels?
... I'd have to say the 'rear wheels', since once you've graduated, you'll be on the move, not sitting around as much on your 'flywheel'.
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GOOD LUCK!!
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