I've done a couple quarters at my current University. I've been really looking into going full time with my job, (make a lil over 1500 a month), and doing an Online College. It's called Axia College, it's the Associate's degree school to Phoenix Online.
I'm majoring in Accounting. I would be able to transfer all my current credits. I would graduate in March of 2007 with my Associates Degree. Followed by this I start on my bachelor's degree and get this 2 years later. I would actually graduate a few months earlier than if I went to an on campus college. I would take 2 courses every 9 weeks. There are 2 semesters in the year, each semester consisitng of two 9 week sessions. This adds up to 8 courses per year. Following there said program/studies I would graduate the times stated above.

Am I nuts for doing this? Or what?

 

Don't take this the wrong way...OK, take it the wrong way. Perhaps I am behind the times. I am a manager and am responsible for hiring and firing. I would never hire anyone with an online degree unless there were special circumstances such as handicap or the person spent 4 years in a concentration camp. Additionaly, I would be shocked if any decent school accepted online credits.

If you can, actually go to school. You will learn a lot more and your education will carry a lot more weight.

Just my $0.02.

 

No, I took a few classes online from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh..... just be prepared to spend 5-6 days per week online for class, it counts as participation.

 

I agree with MT though. If you can, take as many online classes from an actual campus college, but get a "real" degree (not that online degrees aren't real), just try and get more hands-on, in class, social learning and experience.

 

Well the school is Acredited just like any other school out there. Also the degree/diploma you receive no where says it's an Online school. Just Axia College or Phoenix College. The avg. time a week is 8 hours for HW and class time. You have to log into the class 3 times a week any days you choose. It's all built around "adults" who have or seeking full time jobs. After my assoiciates, I could get an internship while seeking my Bachelors.

 

Yes, you are right, your diploma wouldn't say "online degree"... I'm not agreeing with what MT said about hiring someone because they wouldn't no unless you told them (don't ask - don't tell). But, it may be more beneficial to you to take on campus classes. But, you've gotta do what you gotta and any degree is better then no degree at all

 

The main thing is, I just dont want to be on a campus setting. Not where my heart is at all. I'm ready to "move out" and fully live on my own. I found an apartment that I can live at for 600 a month with utilities/rent/phone/internet. I think this is reasonable and would be able to support myself as far as living. For any of those whoes interested, here's the link. Be sure to click more photos, it's gorgeous. http://www.apartments.com/summary.as...rea3=y&prvpg=9

 

Well not to say that online classes are bad, but i tried it once and let me tell you, it sucked. I will never try online classes again. Hell, i have enough trouble trying to stay awake in my classes and staying on task, imagine what i'll do without any teacher around or chicks to talk to.

 

May I ask what was so bad? Was it just hard for you to concentrate on it? It would only be less than 2 hours a day, most of that would be simple reading or writing something.

 

its even harder getting online just do the classwork due to all the chicks outside your apt!

 

its not hard, I got straight A's my first semester, after that i completely slacked off and just kept telling myself "i'll get to it tomorrow". if you are disciplined, then you should do fine. everyone's different

 

If I may ask.....what's the deal with people going to school like "phoenix college or Axia"? Are they easier and cheaper to get into versus State colleges like Florida State or Universities like University of Southern California (USC)?? I think I know the answer to that question, but I'm just trying to understand. I know some of the technical schools give you great training in your specific interest, but some of the others just don't seem like "real" schools to me.....I'm not trying to be a d***, cause I think anytime someone is bettering themselves by furthering their education it's great, but I'm just trying to understand what is so attractive about these schools.

And no, don't take online classes if you can help it.....part of why people like to hire college graduates is because they know they can keep a committment and actually show up for something...not that they would probably every know, but you never know.... also you could meet the girl of your dreams in one of your classes or something.

 

in my case, jjtgiants, it was because the closest art school was in San Francisco (i'm in Chico, CA 4hrs north, graphic design major) and wanted to "test the water" first, so to speak

 

Rule #1: Any diplomma with the word "Phoenix" on it is highly suspect. That is one of the dam biggest on-line schools on the planet. I bet I get 10 emails a year from them.

Rule #2: All colleges are ranked nationally by such organizations as US New and World Report. There is a HUGE difference between an online degree and a degree from a place like Florida State. There is a huge difference in a degree from Florida State and a place liek University of Chicago. Employeers know these things....I know....I am one.

Rule #3: If a school has to make a point that it is "Accredited" then you don't want to go there. Do you think Notre Dame has that mentioned anywhere in their brochure? Of course not.

Look, not ALL on line programs are bad. In fact, there are a few reputable grad programs that use online programs as part of the total degree. To get an MBA from Penn State you can take classes online, BUT still have to attend a month of classes in the summer and the program costs $50k for two years.

I am just trying to save you some heartache. I fyou are studious and want a degree, then go to a real school. Otherwise, find a trade and be good at school. College is not for everyone and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

 

You are right, MT, I was talking about my experience from The Art Institute, which has the top art/design schools in the nation... they just happen to offer online programs as well (either way the bachelor degrees will cost you about 75k - no matter if they are online or on-campus)

 

they offer an online computer literacy class for all the business majors where u can take it online if oyu think your up too...tell me then why it has a 50 percent fail rate when it's SOOO much easier to just take the class and get an Easy A?...Be ware of the online class...

 

Don't do it. You'll have alot more shots at getting better jobs with a real degree from an actual facility.

 

silverstang2001...I happen to live across the Bay from SF and know that the SF Art Institute is one of the finest art institutes in the nation.....I also know people come from all over the world to attend that school...by the way, I grew up in Redding, which is about an hour from you....oh some good times in Chico were had! ha ha ha....

So what are tuition rates like at the "phoenix" schools and do they require SAT scores or some sort of test to get in or can any joe yahoo that has a little money attend the school? I'm just still trying to understand why someone would attend one of these schools.

 

tuition is about 6,500 dollars a year.
You must have a high school diploma or G.E.D. to be accepted and at least 18 years old
ACT scores required.

 

The Art Institute online was very easy to get into... but its a private school and obtaining a complete bachelor's degree from them would've broke me about $75,000. Each session is about 5.5 weeks long and will run about $2500 (for two courses per session). I've got a buddy who was doing the Pheonix online thing, he didn't give specifics, but said it was damn expensive.

 

That's simliar to the Axia/Phoenix Online. It's two courses per 9 weeks. The Axia is 6,500 a year, I'm not sure i Phoenix is more and goes up since Phoenix comes after Axia. Not that it matters, but Axia/Phoenix is also Private.

 

I was in somewhat the same predicament about 9 months ago. Thomas Edison State College has several BA degrees geared specifically for guys like me with loads of military experience in technical fields. The problem is a lot of grad schools won't accept their 4 year degree for acceptance to grad school. In the end I decided to wait on school and go back to NCSU where I started my degree in the first place.

 

After looking at other options and looking at other "tech" schools in my area, I've found something that never knew was here.

I'm going to be transferring schools and start what they call an "Associate in Applied Science in Automotive Technology." The only downside for me is that it's a 2 year university so it would only be an Associate degree, at least this is something that definately interests me.

I also could do what is called, General Motors Automotive Service Educational Program, this is more of a co-op, so 40 hours in a class room and then 40 at a GM dealership. (No there is no Ford one!)

I'm definately looking more into my first option, at least here I can get an actual degree and maybe start with some sort of a management position at a dealership.

 

I can not comment on the first option, but I can on the second. According to a recent story I read in WSJ, there is a nation-wide shortage of auto technicians. As a result, income is at an all-time high in these fields. The average salary for a Master Technician (not sure how long it takes to become one) is $75k. Starting slaries are over $30k I think it said. Furthermore, the story commented on how good co-op programs are and that they are great ways to jump-start a career.

I believ you can go to WSJ Online and pull up the story. It was early this week.

WSJ = Wall Street Journal

 

Well the co op works like this.
You go 40 weeks in a classroom and 40 weeks at a dealership. When completed you have earned the HIGHEST of GM (or any other makes) technical training.
Supposedly this program is a very succesful program and have been said that the students who have completed this "rival" the employees who have worked there for 5-10 years without the program.
Also the participating dealership splits tuition/books 50/50.
I can choose from GM, Honda, Chrysler/Daimler